Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, October 25, 10:27 AM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry hasn't finished in RB1 territory in half-PPR leagues since Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills. The ground game has struggled mightily, especially while Lamar Jackson (hamstring) has been sidelined, due to playing major catch-up as the defense gives up the most points in the league. In Week 8, Jackson may return, but one of the bigger returning names for the run game is Patrick Ricard. The big fullback has been a huge help with both run blocking and pass protection, and has registered multiple seasons with grades of 80 or above in run blocking. With his return and if Jackson can play, that sets up Henry to return to his ceiling. As of right now, he's projected to be a low-end RB1 in his first game since the bye.

Saturday, October 25, 7:26 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke out for 150 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 5 against the Chargers, but he has disappointed in the past two weeks despite favorable matchups. Croskey-Merritt is still the clear No. 1 back in Washington, posting his three highest rushing attempt and route participation rates of the season over the past three weeks. The seventh-round rookie has still been one of the most efficient runners in the league despite the two-week lull, posting the third-highest success rate (60.3%) and eighth-highest explosive rush rate (6.8%) among running backs with at least 50 carries. He's not as involved in the passing game, which lowers his ceiling a tad, but he is still capable of delivering a big fantasy performance. He'll face a Kansas City Chiefs defense that hasn't been great on a down-to-down basis, ranking 22nd in rush success rate (42.6%). Croskey-Merritt ranks as RotoBaller's RB23 in PPR leagues for Week 8.