Chris Rodriguez vs Devin Neal: Who Should You Start?
Chris Rodriguez and Devin Neal are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Chris Rodriguez averaged 7.0 PPG across 13 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Devin Neal posted 5.2 PPG in 10 appearances for the New Orleans Saints.
A 1.8-PPG gap gives Chris Rodriguez the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Chris Rodriguez ran for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns; Devin Neal posted 206 and 2. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
