Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Rachaad White

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, November 9, 8:14 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White will remain as the lead back for at least one more week. White is set to make his fifth straight start with Bucky Irving (shoulder, toe) ruled out for this Week 10 matchup against the New England Patriots. During that time, White has seen a significant increase in playing time which has resulted in increased fantasy value. The downside is, White really hasn't found much success on the ground with 41 rushing yards or fewer in three of those four games. He comes into a tough matchup against a Pats defense that has done well against the run. The 26-year-old will likely need to get involved through the air in order to offer RB2 value this weekend.