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

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.

Wednesday, September 10, 9:29 AM

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens had a good performance in Week 1 with 41 rushing yards on 12 carries, suitable for a 3.4 YPC. With the Colts up big against the Miami Dolphins, Giddens entered the game to make his NFL debut in the third quarter in place of All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has been a bit injury-riddled in the past, so if Giddens can continue to impress, it's possible the Colts keep him at the No. 2 running back position over Tyler Goodson (elbow) as the season goes on. The fifth-round rookie was excellent in his final season at Kansas State, and had 205 rushing attempts for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns, along with 21 receptions for 258 yards and one touchdown, starting all 12 games for Kansas State and earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. Giddens is a priority stash with leagues carrying a larger bench, especially for those rostering Taylor. In Week 2, the Colts face a tough home matchup against the Denver Broncos.