Who Should I Start? Chase Brown or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, October 4, 1:26 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has been one of fantasy football's biggest disappointments to start the 2025 season. Through four weeks, Brown has 57 carries for just 133 yards and one touchdown, along with 11 catches for 74 yards, ranking as the RB35 in half-PPR formats on a per-game basis. He's struggled badly behind Cincinnati's offensive line, sitting dead last in the league in both yards per carry (2.3) and yards before contact (1.0). Week 5 doesn't offer much relief, as the Bengals face the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Detroit's run defense has been one of the best in football over the past two seasons, making running lanes nearly nonexistent. Given the tough matchup and Brown's inefficiency, he should be considered no more than a low-end FLEX option in Week 5 lineups.

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.