Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Tahj Brooks

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.

Sunday, August 24, 5:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals' sixth round rookie running back has done enough through camp to earn the top backup spot on the latest 53-man projection. Chase Brown showed down the stretch last season that he can thrive in a workhorse role, and projects that the team will keep only three running backs on their initial roster, with Brooks and Perine splitting backup duty. Brooks had an extremely productive college career, and he is built for hard yardage and goal-line work. At 230 pounds, he outweighs Brown by about 15 pounds. His pass-blocking skills have also reportedly carried over as he transitions to the pro game, which is usually one of the most difficult hurdles to clear for a rookie trying to make his way onto the field. Brooks could have standalone value if he's able to vulture goal-line carries, and his upside is as high as any backup in the league should Brown miss time to injury.