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.

Friday, October 24, 5:07 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is coming off a lackluster performance against the Detroit Lions last week. White rushed 10 times for 38 yards, while hauling in four receptions for an additional six yards through the air. The Bucs were playing from behind for basically the entire game, so they were exactly committed to the rushing attack. White will remain the lead back for at least one more week with Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) still sidelined. The assumption is that White will bounce back against the shaky New Orleans Saints defense. White should be able to offer high-end RB2 value for this weekend.