Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Austin Ekeler

Thursday, March 14, 6:02 PM

New Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon signed a three-year, $27 million contract extension with the team on Thursday that includes $13 million guaranteed, according to a source. The Cincinnati Bengals were set to cut Mixon for salary cap purposes earlier this week but ended up trading him to the Texans instead. Devin Singletary, Houston's primary back last year, signed with the Giants in free agency. The 27-year-old Mixon, a Pro Bowler in 2021, goes from one potent offense to another and will be the Texans' No. 1 back, giving him clear RB1 upside in fantasy. In 17 starts for Cincy in 2023, Mixon had the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career while scoring nine rushing touchdowns on 257 carries. He added 52 receptions (64 targets) for 376 yards and another three TDs.

Monday, March 11, 7:05 PM

Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler is signing with the Washington Commanders on Monday on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, according to sources. Ekeler is headed to the East coast after seven seasons and 69 total touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old was extremely productive in his time with the Bolts, but he's coming off one of his worst statistical seasons in 2023 and is now heading to a Commanders backfield where he'll be expected to split the workload with Brian Robinson. On a side note, former Commanders RB Antonio Gibson agreed to join the New England Patriots. Gone are the days of Ekeler being a no-doubt RB1 for fantasy managers, although he still has the talent to be a highly productive RB3/flex option, especially in PPR leagues. In addition, the Commanders' signing of Ekeler is going to be bad news for B-Rob's fantasy ceiling.