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.

Thursday, January 15, 11:03 AM

Denver Broncos running back R.J. Harvey finished his rookie season with 896 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, helping the Broncos win their first division title since 2015. Harvey began the season as a backup to starter J.K. Dobbins, but after Dobbins went down with a foot injury in Week 10, Harvey took over. Since the injury, Harvey has ranked as the RB13, averaging 15.2 PPR points per game. He faces a Buffalo Bills run defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points this season. The Jaguars were productive on the ground against the Bills in the Wild Card Round, with Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten totaling 118 rushing yards on just 14 carries. With the Bills boasting one of the NFL's strongest pass defenses, the Broncos will need to rely on Harvey and the run game to advance to the AFC Championship.