Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Jarquez Hunter

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.

Sunday, September 7, 3:11 PM

Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Although the rookie has fourth-round draft capital, it appears that the coaching staff wasn't ready to include him as a member of their gameday backfield. Hunter's absence is not necessarily a surprise, though. Yesterday, we noted that Hunter's position on the depth chart may be falling after the Rams elevated Cody Schrader from the practice squad. Indeed, Schrader will operate behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, while Hunter watches from the sideline. He's a fine dynasty stash but should be dropped in all redraft leagues.