Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Rhamondre Stevenson

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, 9:27 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has maintained a significant role in the team's backfield despite the emergence of rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson should remain involved during Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Jets. Several factors point in his favor this week, starting with his role. Henderson (concussion) is questionable, and if he doesn't clear concussion protocol in time, Stevenson would handle the lead-back role, likely playing more than 80% of the snaps. Additionally, Stevenson's managers should be excited about the game script. The Patriots are favored by 13.5 points, and this spread suggests that New England could frequently run the ball or throw it short to minimize turnovers and run out the clock. That works in Stevenson's favor because he has 26 carries and eight catches over his last three games. Furthermore, there will be more opportunities to go around with Kayshon Boutte (concussion) and Mack Hollins (abdomen) ruled out. These injuries could lead to more carries and targets for members of the backfield, including Stevenson. Finally, the 27-year-old gets a very favorable matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the most touchdowns and the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. If Henderson is inactive, Stevenson can be a high-end RB2 in fantasy football. However, even if Henderson plays, Stevenson is an appealing RB3/flex option.