Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Nick Chubb

Monday, September 22, 12:34 PM

Although Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn't all that efficient (3.5 yards per carry) in his 2025 debut in the team's 41-24 blowout win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, he did lead the team with 11 carries. Rodriguez was a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but he was elevated to the active roster for Week 3 after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. The 24-year-old ran for 39 yards on his 11 carries and was not utilized in the passing game. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt was second on the team with eight carries, and he, too, was inefficient with just 26 yards on the ground. Jeremy McNichols and quarterback Marcus Mariota combined for 10 rushing attempts and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Croskey-Merritt has the most upside in the Commanders' backfield moving forward with Ekeler done for the year, but Rodriguez is worth a waiver-wire pickup if you have JCM rostered or are looking for RB depth. Rodriguez is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Friday, December 26, 8:44 AM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb has been a regular part of the team's running back rotation this season, but his role in Week 17 against the Chargers is a little murky. Woody Marks is ready to return from an ankle injury after missing Week 16, and Jawhar Jordan had a nice breakout while Marks was injured. With both Marks and Jordan in the mix this week, carries could be hard to come by for Chubb. He could still be utilized as a short-yardage specialist since he is an effective between-the-tackles option, but he doesn't have the explosiveness he showcased earlier in his career. He'll be a touchdown-dependent flex long shot this week in a tough matchup, and he's only the No. 53 RB in RotoBaller's rankings, making him best left on the bench or waiver wire if possible this week.