Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Kyle Monangai

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.

Friday, August 22, 12:40 PM

Chicago Bears rookie Kyle Monangai is carving out a meaningful role in the backfield behind starter D'Andre Swift. The seventh-round pick out of Rutgers has impressed with his compact 5'8", 207-pound frame, showcasing the physicality to grind out tough yards between the tackles. His hard-nosed running style complements Swift's shiftiness and should help ease pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams. Monangai's power makes him a candidate for short-yardage and goal-line work, boosting his fantasy value as a late-round handcuff. He's a name to monitor in deeper formats with the potential to see red-zone touches early in his career.