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.

Saturday, October 25, 9:23 AM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb played his smallest share of snaps of the season in Week 7 in the Texans' loss, but he still has the potential to bounce back this week against San Francisco. Chubb played 25% of snaps and had five carries for 16 rushing yards, while also hauling in one of his three targets for a loss of five yards. Before the game, head coach DeMeco Ryans made a big deal of needing to establish the run against, but the game plan didn't turn out that way. Chubb still seems to have a hold on early-down work with Woody Marks and Dare Obunbowale taking over on passing downs. Before the bye week, Chubb had a pair of busy games against the Titans and Ravens when the Texans played from ahead. He could be more in the mix, depending on the game flow this week against San Francisco. He is the RB31 in RotoBaller's rankings, making him a high-risk option in a flex or RB3 spot this week, especially since his role in the passing game is limited. In his favor, though, the 49ers have allowed five running back touchdowns in their last three games.