Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or RJ Harvey

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.

Sunday, November 16, 8:47 AM

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey is set to be the lead back for the foreseeable future. Fellow back J.K. Dobbins (foot) was placed on the injured reserve earlier this week. That means, Harvey figures to be the lead back for at least the next four games. Fantasy managers can finally unleash Harvey after watching him be stuck in a committee for the first 10 games of the season. Given the Broncos lack of viable options, Harvey figures to have a significant role during the Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers should be able to plug him in as a RB2 this weekend.