Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or TreVeyon Henderson

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 30, 7:34 AM

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson cemented himself as the team's lead back while fending off Rhamondre Stevenson last Sunday, and in doing so, he also strengthened his position as a low-end RB1 in fantasy football. Henderson continues to find himself in the must-start range ahead of Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 13. The rookie played 65% of the snaps last week, holding Stevenson to just seven touches for 10 yards. Meanwhile, Henderson had 18 carries for 66 rushing yards, plus three catches for an additional 15 receiving yards. The Ohio State product didn't find the end zone, but he did have five touchdowns over his previous two games. In four games since taking over as the Patriots' primary ball carrier, he is the third-highest-scoring running back in PPR leagues. He'll have a great chance to strengthen his fantasy value this week against the Giants, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Henderson ranks as the overall RB9 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.