Who Should I Start? Cam Skattebo or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, October 4, 1:11 AM

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is set up for another high-volume workload against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. still sidelined, Skattebo has cemented his role as the team's workhorse, commanding a 70.8% timeshare last week and ranking as the RB20 on the season with an average of 11.97 fantasy points per game. He faces a Saints defense that allows the 24th-most fantasy points to running backs but has significant vulnerabilities that a high-volume back can exploit. New Orleans ranks 30th in the NFL in both points allowed per game (30.3) and red zone touchdown percentage (76.9%), setting the stage for Skattebo to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Friday, October 3, 9:18 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has weekly upside because he's been so efficient and dynamic on his touches, but the role is still murky as part of a three-man committee in the Washington backfield. Croskey-Merritt is tied with third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in snap share over the past two weeks without Austin Ekeler, each playing 37.4% of the snaps and earning 18 touches apiece. Veteran back Jeremy McNichols has filled in primarily on late downs, playing 11 of 19 third and fourth-down plays over the past two weeks. Croskey-Merritt's role should continue to increase as he gets more experience. The rookie has been one of the most efficient runners in the league over his first month of NFL games. His 5.8 yards per carry ranks second best, while his 58.6% success rate is the best among all running backs. That may not continue in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Chargers, as they have been the stingiest defense against the run. They've allowed just 10.6 PPR points per game on the season. That leaves Croskey-Merritt as a low-end flex play in Week 5.