Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Rhamondre Stevenson

Wednesday, September 3, 4:27 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was once again deployed as the team's RB1 during practice on Wednesday. During a QB/RB drill, JP Finaly of NBC4 reported that Ekeler was given the first opportunity, while seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt followed him. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed behind him as the third and fourth running backs. Earlier in the week, Ekeler was listed first on the team's depth chart, and his usage during Wednesday's practice seems to solidify his role as the lead option. During his debut season in Washington, Ekeler served as the primary pass-catching back, but was still very effective on the ground, posting a 4.8 YPC. Given his projected role, Ekeler carries RB2 upside in PPR leagues and strong flex value in standard formats facing the New York Giants in Week 1.

Friday, September 5, 10:11 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson "will likely lead the team in carries" in the opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. In the same article, Graff predicts that it's "only a matter of time" before rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson takes over the team's RB1 role, so Stevenson's lead-rusher role could be short-lived. However, fantasy managers should be aware of the likely early-season split between the two backs. Henderson profiles as a low-end RB2/high-end flex option for Week 1, while Stevenson projects as a low-end RB3/flex.