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, October 31, 6:31 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is not a confident play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are No. 16 against opposing running backs in fantasy, but Charbonnet is an inefficient runner with low volume. However, Charbonnet has scored in four of his six games this season for a total of five touchdowns. When he scores, he generally delivers flex or RB2 value. When he has not scored, he has completely sunk your fantasy week. Touchdowns are a difficult statistic to project, but the Seahawks are as good a bet as anyone to find themselves at the goal line, handing the ball off to Charbonnet. This is especially true against a soft Commanders' defense. It is unlikely that you drafted Charbonnet to be a starter, but you may need his services in a week in which four teams are on a bye. If that is the case, the Charbonnet is a solid dart throw, albeit with a very low floor. Proceed with caution with Charbonnet in Week 9 if you must.