Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Woody Marks

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 4, 9:54 AM

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks had a breakout week last week in his team's victory over the Titans, and he looks to further establish himself as a regular fantasy option to count on in this week's favorable matchup against the Ravens. Marks stepped into a larger role with his snapshare climbing to 56% in Week 4, and he delivered 69 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while adding a second touchdown and 50 receiving yards on four catches out of the backfield as well. He has the potential to emerge as the clear No. 1 option in the backfield ahead of Nick Chubb, and his third-down abilities give him both a high ceiling and a high floor. Marks is in a great matchup against the Ravens this week, who have been the best matchup of the season for running backs. He is the No. 18 RB in RotoBaller's rankings and is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside this Sunday.