Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Quinshon Judkins

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, December 6, 12:42 PM

Across 11 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has recorded 758 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 196 carries. While the 22-year-old hasn't always been particularly efficient as a rusher this season, the Browns continue to lean on him in the run game. Over his last four outings, Judkins is averaging 19.5 carries per contest. Judkins also recorded three catches for 18 yards in Week 13. With primary Browns receiving back Dylan Sampson (calf) questionable to play in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Judkins could see more work in the passing game. Tennessee currently ranks 26th among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (4.6) and is tied for 29th in rushing touchdowns allowed (17). Judkins should see a heavy workload on Sunday and profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 14.