Chris Rodriguez Reclaims Backfield Lead in Return

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Sun, Dec 21 2025 11:43 PM UTC

Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. returned from a one-game injury to easily lead his backfield in playing time, opportunities, and production in Saturday's loss to the Eagles. Rodriguez played 28 of 54 snaps, vs. 15 for Jeremy McNichols and 11 for Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He logged 63 yards and a TD on 15 carries, nearly doubling his nearest teammate in carries and accounting for 70% of the team's rushing yardage. Croskey-Merritt carried eight times for 25 yards and a TD. McNichols rushed only once for 3 yards.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Rodriguez even led the team in routes (11-9 over McNichols) against Philadelphia. The catch on his lone target marked just his second reception of the season.

Interestingly, JCM led Rodriguez 8-6 in carries at halftime. Croskey-Merritt didn't rush again, though, while Rodriguez garnered nine more second-half rushes.

Rodriguez matched his season high for carries. He looks like a nice play for non-PPR formats in a Week 17 home date with Dallas. There's upside -- but also more risk -- in half- and full-PPR.

Matt Schauf, Editor

Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.