Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Blake Corum

Saturday, August 23, 11:19 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 34 yards on five carries in the final preseason game against the Ravens. Rodriguez started the game and consistently picked up big chunks of yards. The 24-year-old finished the preseason averaging nearly seven yards per carry, with 17 rushes for 118 yards. Rodriguez fits the role of a hammer and short-yardage back that can get the tough yards, but also had gaudy production in the SEC at Kentucky. He averaged over 100 rushing yards per game in both of his last two seasons. Additionally, he's showing improved burst and explosiveness in camp this year, saying that he's already hit 20 MPH more times this year than all of last year, according to Hayley Salvatore of Commanders.com. Brian Robinson is now officially dealt to San Francisco, and Rodriguez is set to be in the mix for early down touches in the Washington backfield. Touchdowns will be the path to fantasy value for Rodriguez in what could be a murky backfield.

Sunday, August 10, 8:42 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum rushed nine times for 32 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. He also converted two targets into one reception for four yards. Although Corum was relatively inefficient in terms of yards, averaging just 3.6 per carry, his ability to find the end zone on two of nine carries is impressive. That rate isn't sustainable, but perhaps it offers a glimpse into his role for the upcoming season. At the very least, Corum is a candidate to carve out a short-yardage or goal-line role in a backfield that also features Pro Bowler Kyren Williams and rookie Jarquez Hunter. Heading into his second pro season, Corum isn't a reliable redraft option, but he's worth stashing at the end of your roster in deep dynasty formats.