Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Jacory Croskey-Merritt


Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
13.4 0.1 0.0 4.5 65.6 0.4

George Pickens News

George Pickens Still Seeking Breakout Game In Week 5 vs Buccaneers

Wednesday, October 7, 1:30 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has yet to score a touchdown or eclipse 20 PPR fantasy points in any of his games this season after scoring seven times and logging five such productive games in 2025. It's clear now that fellow Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb never returned to full health last season after his high-ankle sprain early in the year, and Pickens was able to capitalize by becoming Dallas' most productive receiver. That script has flipped this season. Pickens was disconcertingly only targeted three times in the Cowboys' Week 4 win over the Houston Texans despite the game featuring almost 800 yards of total offense. Pickens has not been living up to his second-round ADP in fantasy football, and looks more like an auxiliary piece than a WR1B to Lamb. A game against such a weak defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 is a great chance for him to get back on track, though. Fantasy managers should exercise patience with Pickens and leave him in starting lineups for now. He showed fantastic upside last season, and could be on the verge of a huge game on Thursday Night Football.


Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
9.2 51.2 0.4 1.0 6.9 0.0

Jacory Croskey-Merritt News

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Logs Limited Practice Session on Wednesday

Wednesday, October 7, 7:12 PM

Washington Commanders Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) logged a limited practice session on Wednesday due to a groin issue, per the team's official injury report. Croskey-Merritt recorded 2026 season lows in Week 4 in carries (nine), rushing yards (15) and rushing yards per attempt (1.7). He also had two receptions for 35 yards. Austin Ekeler, who recently signed back with the Commanders, outperformed Croskey-Merritt on the ground on fewer carries with 29 yards on four rushes (7.3 yards per carry). Ultimately, the Commanders were defeated 30-13 against the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4. Of note, fellow running back Rachaad White (shoulder) returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing the game against the Colts in Week 4. Croskey-Merritt leads the Commanders with 56 rushing attempts for 157 yards and a touchdown, but he has been inefficient with an average of just 2.8 yards per carry. Croskey-Merritt's participation throughout the rest of the practice week will be telling, but he does not appear to be in danger of missing a Week 5 matchup with the New York Giants as of now.


George Pickens vs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Still trying to decide between Pickens and Croskey-Merritt? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that George Pickens is projected to score 13.4 points this week while Jacory Croskey-Merritt is projected to score 9.2 points.