Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tony Pollard

Monday, September 22, 12:34 PM

Although Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn't all that efficient (3.5 yards per carry) in his 2025 debut in the team's 41-24 blowout win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, he did lead the team with 11 carries. Rodriguez was a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but he was elevated to the active roster for Week 3 after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. The 24-year-old ran for 39 yards on his 11 carries and was not utilized in the passing game. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt was second on the team with eight carries, and he, too, was inefficient with just 26 yards on the ground. Jeremy McNichols and quarterback Marcus Mariota combined for 10 rushing attempts and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Croskey-Merritt has the most upside in the Commanders' backfield moving forward with Ekeler done for the year, but Rodriguez is worth a waiver-wire pickup if you have JCM rostered or are looking for RB depth. Rodriguez is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Thursday, December 11, 9:44 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has seen his fantasy value rise after piling up 161 yards and two touchdowns against a good Cleveland Browns defense in Week 14. Managers likely haven't been in a rush to add shares from a Titans offense that has struggled for most of the year, but Pollard is the No. 25 overall PPR running back and finished second at his position last week, making him an intriguing, if risky, option for the fantasy playoffs. The Titans take on a San Francisco 49ers defense that ranks 17th against fantasy running backs in Week 15, giving Pollard a decent but not outstanding matchup. He has 27 catches on the season and has maintained some RB3/flex value, but he could bring added value if Tennessee's offense turns a corner during the final month of the season.