Fantasy Football Week 10 Sleepers: Tua Tagovailoa could have a big game against the Rams in a shootout, more

Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) was ruled out Friday, which means Austin Ekeler should be the lead running back for the Commanders in Week 10 against Pittsburgh. Ekeler is worth using as a low-end starter in all leagues and is one of my favorite sleepers for this week.

In Week 9 at the Giants, Ekeler did well with Robinson out. He had 11 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 41 yards on four targets. He also has scored at least 10.2 PPR points in six of eight games this season, which gives him a relatively safe floor.

The Steelers aren’t an easy matchup, but they have struggled with pass-catching running backs. Pittsburgh has allowed four running backs to catch at least five passes in a game this season, and hopefully, that’s where Ekeler has a chance to win.

In deeper leagues, if you’re looking for help at running back, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. could once again help Ekeler in Washington’s backfield. But it’s a toss-up who will be the better of the two, and it’s probably a situation to avoid, given the matchup.

Against the Giants, Rodriguez had the better game with 11 carries for 52 yards, but he played fewer snaps than McNichols (24-20), who had eight carries for 20 yards. Neither one had a target, and the Commanders would have to sign Rodriguez for the rest of the season if they make him active Sunday.

I’d give a slight lean toward McNichols, given his body of work for the season. He has four games with at least seven carries, and he scored at least 10.4 PPR points in two of them.

But given the matchup, you’re better off avoiding both guys. Ekeler is the only running back for the Commanders I would recommend trusting with Robinson out in Week 10.

More Week 10 content:

Week 10 Sleepers

Defense/Special Teams

Bears (vs. NE)
Lions (at HOU)
Giants (at CAR