Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Saquon Barkley

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.

Wednesday, October 8, 6:33 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley tallied his lowest rushing yards count of the season against the Broncos, carrying the ball just six times for 30 yards. On the other hand, Barkley has the 10th-most receptions among RBs this year with 17, and added to that count by hauling in three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown versus Denver. In Week 6 he matches up with the Giants on Thursday Night Football, and New York allows the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs this season. When Barkley met the G-Men last year, he bulldozed them for 176 yards. Whether he has a good game running or a good game receiving, you can bet on #26 to have a good game. Barkley is a high-end RB1 against his division rival.