Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Devin Neal

Friday, January 2, 10:50 AM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been a productive player across 12 games this season, recording 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. However, the 25-year-old has been in-and-out of his team's lineup in recent weeks, missing Week 15 with a groin injury and Week 17 with an illness. In his absence, Rodriguez Jr. may have had his role in the Washington backfield usurped by rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Over the last three weeks, Croskey-Merritt has racked up 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries. Rodriguez Jr. is expected to return for Washington's Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he'll likely still see some touches. However, the Commanders may opt to split touches between Rodriguez Jr. and Croskey-Merritt evenly, or ride the hot hand with the rookie.

Friday, February 13, 8:34 AM

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (hamstring) was taking on a large role as a rookie before being placed on injured reserve for the final three weeks of the 2025 regular season. Neal had 246 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over his final four games, ranking as the overall RB23 in full-PPR leagues during that span. The dynamic in New Orleans right now is very interesting. On one hand, the Saints have a somewhat crowded backfield with Neal, Alvin Kamara, and Kendre Miller (knee). On the other hand, the competition for the lead-back role is wide open. Neal, of course, peaked at 20 touches in a single game last year and is coming back from injury. Miller is also returning from an injury and has struggled to break out through three years in the league. Finally, Kamara is a former superstar but is likely in the final stages of his career after posting new career lows in yards per carry (3.6) and receptions (33). As a result, it seems like there's a real path for Neal to produce in 2026, assuming the Saints don't bring in top-tier running back talent via free agency, trade, or the draft. He's a very appealing "buy" in dynasty leagues this offseason.