Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tee Higgins

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, October 25, 11:20 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is coming off his best performance of the 2025 campaign, amassing six catches (10 targets) for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Thursday night win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Ja'Marr Chase played better, Higgins still got things done for fantasy managers. With the Bengals one victory away from a .500 record, the club will take on the winless Jets in Week 8. New York's injury report is loaded heading into the contest. However, regarding the defensive side of the ball, Sauce Gardner (concussion) has already been ruled out. Of course, this is a tough blow for the Jets. Brandon Stephens will try to do most of the heavy lifting in the secondary. Unfortunately, that may not be enough, so it appears Higgins has a strong chance of having another potent fantasy outing on Sunday, making him a starting option in all formats.