Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Saturday, August 16, 11:07 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders rushed for 15 yards on seven attempts during Saturday's preseason loss against the Baltimore Ravens. He was not targeted in the passing game. The veteran earned snaps in both the first and second quarters, but he was largely inefficient. Only two of his rushes went for more than three yards, and he averaged just 2.1 yards per carry. This is a concerning sign as the Cowboys continue to evaluate their running back room prior to officially naming a starter. Sanders is competing with veteran Javonte Williams, the early favorite for the lead-back role after not playing Saturday, and rookie Jaydon Blue (heel), who is dealing with an injury. Sanders is nothing more than a late-round dart throw who can be dropped if he doesn't produce in Week 1.

Sunday, August 31, 7:37 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. worked on shedding weight to improve his speed this offseason. His efforts have seemingly paid off. The third-year professional, who didn't make the initial 53-man roster in 2024, impressed the Washington coaching staff enough that they were comfortable trading starter Brian Robinson Jr. According to The Athletic, Rodriguez went from 235 to 222 pounds and ran faster than 20 miles per hour "more times in training camp than I have in almost my whole life." Rodriguez projects to have a role in a three-man running back committee in Washington. Veteran Austin Ekeler and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt round out the trio. Rodriguez may get the fewest opportunities out of the three, but he is worth a late-round fantasy football draft selection to see how the division of labor plays out.