Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Avery Williams

Friday, January 3, 5:29 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. remains a desperation play heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Last weekend, Rodriguez found the back of the end zone and added 16 yards on five attempts. For the second straight week, Rodriguez saw more rushing attempts than the presumed No.2 option, Jeremy McNichols. However, Rodriguez may revert to the No.3 role if Austin Ekeler (concussion) returns to action. He was able to practice in full all week and is listed as questionable which suggests he is nearing a return. If Ekeler does not return, Rodriguez would be viewed as a high-risk touchdown-dependent RB3. However, if Ekeler does return, fantasy managers should not view Rodriguez as a viable play facing the Dallas Cowboys as he would only see a handful of snaps.

Friday, March 14, 9:56 PM

Former Atlanta Falcons running back/return man Avery Williams signed an undisclosed deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, according to his agency, the Aura Sports Group. Williams, who was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round (183rd overall) in 2021 out of Boise State, has not put up any numbers as an offensive threat since the 2022 campaign. However, the 26-year-old special-teamer did have 408 kickoff-return yards and 185 punt-return yards in 2024 over 17 games. He will now be an option to return both kickoffs and punts for the reigning Super Bowl champions in 2025 while also providing backfield depth behind Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon and Will Shipley. Williams will be well off the fantasy radar in all formats this fall.