The Washington Commanders are on a hot streak, and the running back duo of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler has played a vital role in that.
Yet Robinson is questionable to play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns, while Ekeler is returning from a concussion.
Given Robinson’s uncertain status against the Browns, which one of Washington’s running backs should you start in your fantasy football lineup in Week 5?
Should You Start Brian Robinson Jr. or Austin Ekeler in Week 5?
The Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer projects Robinson to score 13.3 points, while Ekeler is projected to score 9.9 points.
Robinson’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
While rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has helped bring Washington’s offense to an unexpected level with his dual-threat ability, Robinson is still the team’s leading rusher. In just four games, Robinson has totaled 307 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.
Although he’s been the clear workhorse RB in Washington’s backfield, he was listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report for Week 5 due to a knee issue. Robinson was asked about his game status during his appearance on NFL Network’s “The Insiders.”
.@BrianR_4 is eager to get back to the field and continue to showcase the @Commanders run game. 👏 pic.twitter.com/vEeIhYDf9L
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork)
“I feel good, man,” Robinson replied. “I made great progress this week.”
“I really can’t answer that question until Sunday. I feel great, so that should be enough to answer, but I’m just looking forward to it.”
It’s also worth noting that Robinson tweeted a thumbs-up emoji on Monday afternoon on X. After putting together all of the clues, Robinson surely sounds like he is going to play against the Browns on Sunday.
According to TruMedia, the Browns have allowed the third-most rushing yards after contact per rushing attempt (3.53) in the NFL this season. Robinson has averaged the fourth-most rushing yards after contact per rushing attempt (3.92.) among all RBs in the NFL this season.
Therefore, he is clearly the best option in Washington’s backfield for your fantasy lineup in Week 5.
Ekeler’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
While Robinson has flourished after contact this season, Ekeler is one of the NFL’s best running backs before contact. Ekeler ranks first with 3.62 rushing yards per rushing attempt before contact this season among running backs with 10 or more rushing attempts in 2024, according to TruMedia.
The Commanders have truly found their “thunder and lightning” duo in the backfield with Robinson and Ekeler this season. After missing Week 4 due to a concussion, Ekeler practiced in full on Thursday and Friday.
KEEP READING: PFN’s Consensus Fantasy Football Rankings
Ekeler does not have a game status designation on the team’s final injury report, signaling that he will play against the Browns on Sunday.
While the Browns have struggled to stop running backs after initial contact, they have limited yards before contact in 2024. According to TruMedia, Cleveland currently ranks fourth in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt before contact (1.08).
These numbers suggest this could be a strong matchup for Robinson, who thrives after contact. While it could be a tough matchup for Ekeler, who normally gains most of his yardage before first contact.
