Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Raheem Mostert

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 27, 11:00 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) was able to log a limited practice on Friday after missing two previous sessions ahead of the team's Week 17 matchup at home against the New York Giants. The veteran running back has been playing behind rookie Ashton Jeanty all season and has yet to score double-digit fantasy points or reach the end zone this year. In Weeks 14 and 15, Mostert did see a spike in his third-down usage, much to the chagrin of Jeanty managers, but he only saw two opportunities from his six snaps in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. If he suits up on Sunday, he will be lining up against a Giants' run defense that is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. There is an unlikely scenario that head coach Pete Carroll could bring in Mostert or running back Dylan Laube to ice the game and protect Jeanty from injury if the Raiders were to gain a decisive, early lead. However, the Raiders are currently home underdogs, and the Las Vegas offense is likely to rely heavily on Jeanty throughout its Week 17 matchup. Fantasy managers interested in starting Mostert in Week 17 are hoping the veteran back can make a big play when subbing in for Jeanty, since volume and goal-line opportunities have been going to the workhorse rookie.