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.

Saturday, November 8, 3:05 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has been wildly inefficient and ineffective this season. However, he remains fantasy relevant because his role at the goal line is netting touchdowns. Charbonnet will face a solid Cardinals defensive front in Week 10 as he continues to split time with fellow running back Kenneth Walker III. Either way, Charbonnet's inefficiencies make him difficult to trust as a legitimate starter for fantasy this week. Fortunately, Seattle's offense should have no issue moving the ball up and down the field against the Cardinals. Charbonnet already scored on this team in Week 4, and he should have had a second score in that game. With another four teams on bye in Week 10, you could throw Charbonnet in your flex and hope for a touchdown. He is a better bet than what you are likely able to scrape together on the waiver wire this week.