Who Should I Start? David Montgomery or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, October 6, 12:33 AM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also converted his lone target into a six-yard reception. Furthermore, the veteran running back was involved in a trick play as he threw a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta. In the end, Montgomery finished the victory with 71 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns. He was the team's leading rusher and also posted a season-high in carries. While we can't necessarily expect Montgomery to replicate this type of performance going forward, he has established himself as a high-end RB3/flex option once again in 2025. He should be started in leagues with at least 10 teams when he takes on the Kansas City Chiefs next week.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt stepped up in Week 5 against the Chargers, taking 14 carries for 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The other running backs were less involved, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. only getting five carries for seven yards and Jeremy McNichols only one carry for six yards. Croskey-Merritt played a season-high 47% of snaps, while McNichols and Rodriguez only played 25% each. The seventh-round pick from Arizona seemed to gel well with returning QB Jayden Daniels and helped the team secure a big road win over the Chargers. This week, Croskey-Merritt and the Commanders are home against the Bears on Monday Night Football, which should be a good matchup for the rookie to continue to assert himself as the leader of the backfield going forward. He's definitely the most dynamic option of the group with the highest fantasy upside.