Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Raheem Mostert

Tuesday, December 24, 2:57 PM

According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) is trending the right way for a potential Week 18 return. The veteran running back has been sidelined since suffering a concussion during their Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. While he has been on the injured reserve, Brian Robinson Jr. has seen the vast majority of the snaps with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. operating as change-of-pace options. Before his injury, Ekeler was deployed as the top third down running back and averaged a solid 11.6 PPR points across his first 11 games in the DMV. He saw 3.5 targets per game and found the back of the end zone four times. Fantasy managers should continue to expect Brian Robinson Jr. to operate in his workhorse role during their Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Monday, December 23, 11:49 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert carried the ball eight times for 31 yards and caught both of his targets for 15 yards in their 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The 32-year-old has started seeing more carries in the last several games, but fellow backfield mate De'Von Achane will continue to see most of the work. Ever since he fumbled against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, Mostert seems to be in the doghouse with head coach Mike McDaniel. He has not seen 10 carries in a game since then. His next opportunity will come next Sunday at the Cleveland Browns in a game where the offense might need to lean on the running game in the cold weather.