Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Ollie Gordon II

Friday, January 2, 10:50 AM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been a productive player across 12 games this season, recording 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. However, the 25-year-old has been in-and-out of his team's lineup in recent weeks, missing Week 15 with a groin injury and Week 17 with an illness. In his absence, Rodriguez Jr. may have had his role in the Washington backfield usurped by rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Over the last three weeks, Croskey-Merritt has racked up 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries. Rodriguez Jr. is expected to return for Washington's Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he'll likely still see some touches. However, the Commanders may opt to split touches between Rodriguez Jr. and Croskey-Merritt evenly, or ride the hot hand with the rookie.

Saturday, December 27, 7:29 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has flashed touchdown-dependent upside in his rookie season, but he's battled an ankle injury and fallen down the depth chart in the last few weeks, playing behind Jaylen Wright. Gordon only played three snaps last week against the Bengals, compared to 18 for Wright. He also lost a yard on his only carry. The sixth-round pick has four touchdowns on the season, but in his limited role, he's not a great option to start in Week 17, when his Dolphins host the Buccaneers. In RotoBaller's rankings, Gordon is only the No. 66 RB, making him an option best left on the bench or waiver wire in almost all formats.