Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Austin Ekeler

Saturday, January 11, 7:57 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon overcame a rare fumble by helping his team secure victory with a 100-yard rushing effort and a game-clinching touchdown in the Texans' 32-12 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in a Wild Card playoff game. In total, the first-year Texan finished with 106 rushing yards on 25 carries and caught one of two targets for 13 yards. The veteran back's best work came after fumbling earlier in the game, breaking a streak of more than 1,000 touches without losing a fumble. Mixon rushed for 58 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown that iced the game, on Houston's final scoring drive. He and the Texans will advance to play a to-be-determined opponent in the Divisional Round.

Sunday, January 12, 11:28 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied 27 yards on eight attempts during their victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday evening. Ekeler also brought in three of his four targets for 26 yards. While Brian Robinson Jr. was deployed as the top option early on, Ekeler saw his role increase during the final quarter. On the final offensive drive of the game, Ekeler played the hero as he brought in a 19-yard reception, which set up Zane Gonzalez's game-winning field goal. Given Robinson's struggles in this game, fantasy managers should expect Ekeler to have an even more significant role in next weekend's game against the high-flying Detroit Lions. Ekeler should carry high upside in a projected high-scoring affair next weekend, given his skills as a pass catcher.