Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Travis Etienne Jr.

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, December 14, 9:34 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a huge game in his team's 48-20 Week 15 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. Although the 26-year-old struggled to just 32 rushing yards on 12 carries, he more than made up for it by hauling in three receptions for 73 yards and three touchdowns on four targets. Etienne Jr. has now recorded 1,203 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns on 242 touches across 14 games this season. He's established himself as the clear RB1 in a Jacksonville offense that is hitting its stride down the stretch of the season. Etienne Jr. remains a must-start fantasy running back heading into his Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos.