Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Ollie Gordon II

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, October 17, 8:35 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II continues to serve as the primary backup for De'Von Achane, but hasn't been involved enough to make him a good fantasy play this week against the Browns. Gordon played 24% of snaps last week against the Chargers but only had two carries for one yard and one catch on one target for one more yard. He has played 14 or 15 snaps in each of the last four weeks, but he hasn't produced over 10 yards in any of those contests. He's only the RB55 in RotoBaller's rankings this week since the Browns have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. The rookie's role looks like it will remain minimal for as long as Achane is healthy.