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

Friday, December 26, 3:54 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) will miss his fifth consecutive game after another week of DNPs at practice. With rookie Devin Neal (hamstring), who had handled New Orleans' bellcow duties in Kamara's stead, hitting Injured Reserve prior to the team's Week 16 matchup with the Jets, fantasy managers were left to debate whether Audric Estime or Evan Hull would step in and benefit from the favorable matchup. Turns out it was tight end Taysom Hill, who saw season highs in snaps, carries, targets, receptions, and both rushing and receiving yards, while adding a 38-yard touchdown pass for good measure. The Saints face another plus matchup in the Titans in Week 17, and with Hill likely in line to again be worked heavily into New Orleans' game plan, he's a near must-start wherever he is tight end eligible.

Monday, December 29, 10:33 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big showing in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. The 24-year-old has played some of his best football of late, logging 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries over his last three games. Croskey-Merritt has benefited from the absence of Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness), who has missed two out of the last three weeks with various ailments. Croskey-Merritt played 64% of Washington's offensive snaps in Week 17 with Rodriguez Jr. sidelined, but just 20% of the snaps in Week 16 with Rodriguez Jr. active. Still, Croskey-Merritt's improved performance of late could lead the team to shift more carries his way even if Rodriguez Jr. returns. Croskey-Merritt may be worth targeting in all fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.