Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Dylan Sampson

Wednesday, December 3, 10:50 AM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken over the RB1 duties in Washington. Despite the preseason hype that surrounded seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rodriguez has been the RB1 as of late, totaling 201 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his last four games. Rodriguez played 44% of the snaps in their past two games, with receiving back Jeremy McNichols playing 35%, while Croskey-Merritt played just 20%. With the return of Jayden Daniels imminent, the Commanders' offense could be explosive down the stretch, which means good things are coming for the third-year back from Kentucky. In 2024, Daniels led the Commanders to the fifth-ranked scoring offense and an NFC Championship appearance. If Daniels returns, Rodriguez should have more scoring opportunities and can make an impact in the fantasy playoffs.

Sunday, December 7, 11:36 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (calf) is officially active for Sunday's Week 14 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He had been listed as questionable after upgrading to a limited participant in practice on Friday. Sampson has consistently operated as the Browns' No. 2 running back behind fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, but he has started to carve out more of a role for himself lately. He had 82 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown in Shedeur Sanders' first career start two weeks ago, and he added 5.8 yards per carry on four rushing attempts last Sunday. Judkins plays too much to justify starting Sampson in fantasy lineups, but the Tennessee product is still a solid handcuff worth stashing in all dynasty formats, as well as redraft leagues with at least 12 teams.