Who Should I Start? Rachaad White or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Friday, January 9, 12:24 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March, appears ready to move on. White said back in May that 2025 would be his "last ride" in Tampa Bay, and he said, "Thank yaw forever for da past four years," on a social-media post following the regular season. Ironically, the 2025 campaign was White's most efficient with the Bucs, as he finished with 132 carries for 572 rushing yards and four touchdowns, just 16 rushing yards behind Bucky Irving despite having 41 fewer carries. The 26-year-old also added 40 receptions for 218 yards through the air. White's usage sharply declined after Irving returned from an early-season injury. White's ability as a runner and receiver should make him pretty attractive on the open market this offseason, but his 2026 fantasy value will depend on where he lands and what role he's in.

Friday, January 2, 10:50 AM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been a productive player across 12 games this season, recording 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. However, the 25-year-old has been in-and-out of his team's lineup in recent weeks, missing Week 15 with a groin injury and Week 17 with an illness. In his absence, Rodriguez Jr. may have had his role in the Washington backfield usurped by rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Over the last three weeks, Croskey-Merritt has racked up 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries. Rodriguez Jr. is expected to return for Washington's Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he'll likely still see some touches. However, the Commanders may opt to split touches between Rodriguez Jr. and Croskey-Merritt evenly, or ride the hot hand with the rookie.