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

Tuesday, February 17, 11:21 AM

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has been a key piece of the team's backfield in his four years since he was taken in the fifth round in 2022 out of BYU, rushing for 2,876 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Allgeier had a franchise rookie record of 1,035 rushing yards in 2022 and ranks seventh in the NFL in EPA per carry among RBs with more than 250 carries in that span. He's one of just two RBs in the league with more than 500 carries in that time who have not fumbled. However, The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that "it's hard to imagine how Atlanta will be able to bring him back." The Falcons probably won't offer the 25-year-old starting RB money as the backup to star Bijan Robinson. Allgeier has shown an interest in returning to Atlanta, but it probably isn't in the cards. He had 514 rushing yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 143 carries in 2025 and will be in high regard if he hits the open market. Depending on where he lands, Allgeier's fantasy value could skyrocket in 2026.

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.