Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or DJ Giddens

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 24, 7:40 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens carried the ball six times for 22 yards in a 41-14 preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Giddens got the start and played throughout the first quarter before calling it a day in the blowout win. The rookie running back has been competing to be the primary backup to Jonathan Taylor throughout camp and has a good chance at earning that role after Tyler Goodson and Khalil Herbert have both been sidelined by injuries. If Giddens does earn that role, he would be a strong late-round choice in fantasy drafts as a handcuff to Taylor, who has dealt with multiple injuries over the years.