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

Thursday, September 11, 7:06 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a healthy inactive for the second straight week to open the season in 2025 on Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. There were rumblings at the end of training camp that Rodriguez could have a significant early-down role alongside rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt after the team traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, but that has not been the case. The 24-year-old RB has opened the year as the No. 4 behind Croskey-Merritt, veteran Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols. JCR has the most upside of any back in Washington's offense as the favorite for most of the early down work, while Ekeler has flex appeal in point-per-reception leagues. At least for another week, Rodriguez belongs on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy formats.

Saturday, August 30, 10:55 AM

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal is listed fourth on the team's depth chart, but still made the most of his limited preseason opportunities. The sixth-round pick out of Kansas was sidelined with a hamstring injury for a large chunk of training camp, preventing him from winning the backup job to Alvin Kamara. Kendre Miller earned that role, relegating Neal to fight for touches with converted wide receiver and special teams player Velus Jones Jr. Neal impressed head coach Kellen Moore and backup quarterback Tyler Shough in his lone preseason appearance (seven touches for 30 yards), and the team parted ways with Clyde Edwards-Helaire shortly after. It will take an injury or two for Neal to receive meaningful touches on what could be the league's worst offense. He doesn't need to be drafted in standard-sized redraft leagues this season.