Head to Head

Updated May 14, 2026 from live stats

Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs Joe Mixon

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

The Bottom Line

Joe Mixon is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. Joe Mixon outscored Chris Rodriguez Jr. by 9.0 PPG in 2025 with 12 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Joe Mixon is the clear pick. Chris Rodriguez Jr. profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBWashington Commanders#43

Chris Rodriguez Jr.

PPG

7.5

Games

Rush Yds

500

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

Bye

Week 12

RBHouston Texans#99PPG LEADER

Joe Mixon

PPG

16.5

Games

Rush Yds

1,165

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

240

Bye

Week 14

The Edge Chart

Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Joe Mixon

Head to Head

7.5 PPG16.5 PPG

12 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 12Bye: Week 14

Fantasy Tiers

Chris Rodriguez Jr.: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #43 at the position). Joe Mixon: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is producing at 34% of elite pace and Joe Mixon at 75%. That ranking gap means Chris Rodriguez Jr. carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs Joe Mixon: Who Should You Start?

The numbers tell a clear story here. Joe Mixon put up 16.5 fantasy points per game for the Houston Texans in 2025, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. managed 7.5 across 12 games with the Washington Commanders. A 9.0-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.

That 9.0-point weekly advantage for Joe Mixon is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns; Joe Mixon posted 1165 and 11. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Chris Rodriguez Jr. sits Week 12 while Joe Mixon is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Joe Mixon is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (age 26) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Joe Mixon (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Joe Mixon outscored Chris Rodriguez Jr. by a projected 153 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Joe Mixon played 15 games in 2025 compared to Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s 12. That durability gap means Joe Mixon contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Joe Mixon scored 12 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.8 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Joe Mixon caught 32 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown▾

StatJr.Mixon

PPG (Half-PPR)7.516.5

Games Played1215

Total Fantasy Pts (est.)90248

Rushing Yards5001,165

Rush Yds/Game41.777.7

Rushing TDs611

Receptions332

Receiving Yards30240

Targets40

Total TDs612

Age26-

Experience2 yrs-

Bye WeekWeek 12Week 14

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Joe Mixon at 16.5 PPG, 9.0 points per game above Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s 7.5. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Joe Mixon in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Joe Mixon has the edge at 16.5 PPG compared to Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s 7.5 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Joe Mixon average in 2025?▾

Chris Rodriguez Jr. averaged 7.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 12 games in 2025. Joe Mixon averaged 16.5 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 9.0 points per game.

When are Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Joe Mixon's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) has a bye in Week 12, and Joe Mixon (HOU) has a bye in Week 14. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Joe Mixon a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Joe Mixon outscored Chris Rodriguez Jr. by 9.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.