Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or TreVeyon Henderson

Sunday, January 26, 6:46 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied just 32 all-purpose yards during their loss in the NFC Championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ekeler also lost a fumble. The Commanders were playing from behind throughout most of the contest, putting their rushing attack out of the game plan. However, even when Ekeler was given the ball through the air, he could not perform. He caught five of his seven targets but tallied just 17 yards. His seven targets tied him the second-most on the team, only behind tight end Zach Ertz. Throughout the season, the 29-year-old operated primarily as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield. Entering Sunday, Ekeler posted a strong 10.3 yards per catch and a 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler will likely remain in this role next season as he enters the final year of his contract.

Monday, April 28, 11:28 PM

The New England Patriots view rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson as "a three-down back and a really good complement," according to general manager Eliot Wolf. "He's a threat with the ball in his hands, speed to take at the distance anytime he touches it." The Patriots selected the former Ohio State product with the 38th overall pick in the second round of last week's NFL draft as the fourth RB off the board. The 22-year-old will most likely split backfield touches with Rhamondre Stevenson to begin his first year in the NFL, similar to what he did with the Buckeyes last year with Quinshon Judkins. The 5-foot-10, 202-pound 22-year-old has the ability to do damage with long plays anytime the ball is in his hands, giving New England another dynamic playmaker behind young quarterback Drake Maye. At the very least, Henderson will be a handcuff option for fantasy managers that take the chance on Stevenson.