Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Wednesday, October 29, 9:41 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Kamara played a season-low 51 percent of the offensive snaps during last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's unclear if that was because the game was a blowout or because Kamara was battling this ankle issue. It doesn't sound like something that is going to cause Kamara to sit out in Week 9. However, fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday for more updates. Devin Neal (ankle) would be asked to take over as the lead back if Kamara sits out against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend.

Saturday, October 25, 7:26 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke out for 150 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 5 against the Chargers, but he has disappointed in the past two weeks despite favorable matchups. Croskey-Merritt is still the clear No. 1 back in Washington, posting his three highest rushing attempt and route participation rates of the season over the past three weeks. The seventh-round rookie has still been one of the most efficient runners in the league despite the two-week lull, posting the third-highest success rate (60.3%) and eighth-highest explosive rush rate (6.8%) among running backs with at least 50 carries. He's not as involved in the passing game, which lowers his ceiling a tad, but he is still capable of delivering a big fantasy performance. He'll face a Kansas City Chiefs defense that hasn't been great on a down-to-down basis, ranking 22nd in rush success rate (42.6%). Croskey-Merritt ranks as RotoBaller's RB23 in PPR leagues for Week 8.