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.

Sunday, October 5, 1:31 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was his team's star of the show Sunday in a loss to Minnesota, compiling 128 total yards with a feature back's workload. The rookie from Ohio State drew 23 carries for 110 yards, caught one of two targets for another 18, and was by far his team's top choice out of the backfield. Judkins has now surpassed 90 total yards in all three games in which he played 50% of his team's snaps, which is a highly encouraging sign for managers who drafted him. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel earning a trial run as the starter, Cleveland is likely to continue riding two-tight end sets and its running game, making Judkins an excellent fantasy commodity going forward.