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.

Tuesday, January 20, 6:47 PM

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson emerged as an electric playmaker during the 2025 regular season. However, the 23-year-old has struggled so far across his first two playoff appearances, recording just 39 scrimmage yards on 23 touches. Henderson has clearly been outplayed so far by fellow Patriots back Rhamondre Stevenson, who has racked up 209 scrimmage yards on 26 touches so far this postseason. New England has also moved away from Henderson from a playing time perspective, as he's played at least 14 fewer snaps than Stevenson in each of the team's last two contests. Both Patriots backs will face a tough matchup in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, who finished the regular season ranked second among NFL defenses in total rushing yards allowed (1,548) and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns allowed (11). Based on both the matchup and recent usage trends, Henderson profiles as a tough running back for fantasy managers to trust against Denver.