Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Zach Charbonnet

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.

Friday, November 14, 5:29 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is running into a tough matchup in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are No. 2 against opposing running backs in fantasy. This defensive front simply does not allow running backs to get loose. Charbonnet has been a more efficient runner of late. He is coming off a game in which he ran for 5.93 yards per carry. However, Charbonnet's lack of passing game usage continues to be concerning. He has just eight targets on the season. Luckily, Charbonnet has scored six touchdowns, resulting in several flex or RB2 weeks. With the Seahawks' offense often at or near the goal line, Charbonnet's chances to score remain high on a weekly basis. In Week 11, it will be difficult to count on a touchdown from Charbonnet. With the Rams likely to keep the Seahawks out of scoring position more often than not, you could end up with a serious dud performance from the third-year pro. As such, Charbonnet should remain on your bench this week.