Who Should I Start? Tyler Allgeier or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Saturday, December 27, 4:51 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier tied a season high with 16 rush attempts last week, totaling 79 yards on the ground (4.9 yards per rush). Without recording a touchdown, though, and recording one catch for negative six yards left him with a disappointing line for fantasy. Although the 25-year-old has eight touchdowns on the season, he's very susceptible to quiet outings and has not scored in three consecutive games now. It could be tough sledding in Week 17's Monday night home matchup against the Rams, a defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and just 92.7 rush yards per game over the last three weeks (fifth-fewest). As 7.5-point underdogs, the Falcons may need to take to the air, which could limit Allgeier's potential involvement, so he'll once again be a risky Flex play in what is likely the championship round for season-long fantasy managers.

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.