The Commanders’ backfield has been all over the place this season.
Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 and it appeared rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt would take over as the team’s top running back.
But the seventh-rounder has struggled, opening the door for Chris Rodriguez Jr. to take the top job.
In two of the last three weeks, Rodriguez has led the Commanders in rushing yards and attempts, and he’s garnering high praise from those around him.
Before Washington’s bye week during Week 12, Rodriguez had his best game of the season, going for a season-high 79 yards on 15 carries against the Dolphins in Madrid.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn raved about him after that game, perhaps setting him up for a bigger role moving forward.
“Chris is consistent. He’s downhill. He’s tough. We know that.” Quinn said.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is expected to start again on Sunday night against the Broncos with Jayden Daniels still sidelined, echoed the same sentiment.
“There were moments where he broke two or three tackles in the backfield and turned it into what people might think is a four-, five-yard run, but really allows us to sustain our drives and keep it going,” Mariota said. “I really think highly of him. I think he’s such a good player and fits this scheme really well. The more that we feed him and give him volume, the more versatile we can be as an offense.”
Betting on the NFL?
Denver’s run defense is tough, so I’m not exactly expecting a big night in the box score for Rodriguez.
But what rush attempts the Commanders do attempt should be handed off his way.
The play: Chris Rodriguez Jr. to have more than 10.5 rushing attempts (-120, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
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