Is Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, Or Chris Rodriguez Jr. The Commanders RB1? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Washington Commanders have spent multiple draft picks at the running backs over the past few years. They used a third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft on Antonio Gibson.

Washington didn’t select a running back in 2021. However, the team spent a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Brian Robinson Jr. Last year, the two young running backs controlled the backfield, especially after J.D. McKissic suffered a season-ending injury.

Yet, the Commanders wanted to add another running back this offseason, so they used a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Chris Rodriguez Jr. So, what should fantasy players make out of the Washington backfield?

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What Did The Commanders Running Backs Accomplish Last Year?

Robinson’s rookie season didn’t start well, as he got shot right before the start of the regular season. Thankfully, the former Alabama star running back returned in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. Robinson didn’t have an outstanding rookie season. Yet, he had 205 rushing attempts for 797 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, the rookie led the team in rushing attempts and rushing yards.

Fantasy players loved Gibson a few years ago, but he has struggled with injuries during his NFL career. Last year the young running back missed two games because of injuries. Yet, the former Memphis star had 149 rushing attempts for 546 yards and three touchdowns. Gibson also had 46 receptions on 58 targets for 353 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season, posting a career-high in receptions, targets, and receiving yards.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez only played eight games last season. However, the former Kentucky star had 175 rushing attempts for 904 yards and six touchdowns. Despite missing five games last year, Rodriguez led the team in all three categories.

Who Will Be The Top Running Backs For The Commanders In 2023?

Robinson will likely lead the Commanders' backfield with the highest ADP this year. However, I would rather take the chance of Gibson’s potential upside in Eric Bieniemy’s offense. After spending the past 10 years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington hired Bieniemy this offseason.

Last year Jerick McKinnon was the RB21 in half-point PPR scoring, averaging 9.9 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, Gibson is a pass-catching running back, while Robinson and Rodriguez are power backs. Therefore, their weakness is Gibson’s biggest advantage. Some believe the former Memphis star will have a career year playing the McKinnon role in Bieniemy’s offense.

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