Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, September 27, 12:01 PM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (hip) is listed as questionable for Week 4 against the Raiders. Swift was limited in practice throughout the week, but early signs suggest he's trending toward suiting up on Sunday. Through three games, he's logged 42 carries for 149 yards and a touchdown, along with nine receptions for 63 yards. While the numbers don't jump off the page, there are some positives point to better days ahead. The Bears' offense has been rolling under new head coach Ben Johnson, ranking ninth in points scored and coming off a statement win over Dallas. Swift has also been the clear lead back, handling 66% of the snaps and dominating backfield touches. Week 4 brings a matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, who have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. In a game that projects to be high scoring, Swift should again see steady usage, and any trip to the end zone would push him into RB2 territory, assuming he's good to go.

Friday, September 26, 9:24 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) practiced in full on Friday after three straight DNPs earlier in the week. Croskey-Merritt should be all good to go for Week 4's matchup in Atlanta with the opportunity to see more work. He led the backfield with a 41% snap share and 23% route share while tying Chris Rodriguez Jr. with two goal-line carries. Rodriguez surprisingly started the game for Washington and led the team with 11 carries, clearly indicating that he will have a role. Croskey-Merritt will need to continue to gain the coaching staff's trust in pass protection before earning a bigger workload. He did, however, have a few positive moments as a pass blocker last week against the Raiders and has been continuously praised by the staff. Atlanta has been tougher on running backs through three weeks, allowing the eighth fewest fantasy points per game at 11.3. That puts Croskey-Merritt in RB3 territory for Week 4.