Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, November 15, 3:36 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) has a "significant" foot injury that will require season-ending surgery, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Dobbins suffered the injury in Week 10 and had already been ruled out for Denver's Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he will now be placed on Injured Reserve. It's an unfortunate development for the oft-injured 26-year-old, who was having a solid season in his first year in Denver. Through 10 games, Dobbins had recorded 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries. With Dobbins sidelined, Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey profiles as the team's RB1 for Week 11 and beyond. Fellow backs Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin could also factor in Denver, but neither profiles as a true threat to surpass Harvey.

Friday, November 21, 9:36 AM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, out of Arizona, has seen his role decrease over the past few weeks. Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw a season-high 15 carries in Week 11 and ran for a very solid 5.27 YPC. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt saw a 27 percent snap share, and although he carried the ball nine times and caught one pass, it all added up to 33 all-purpose yards (3.11 YPC) against the Miami Dolphins in Spain. The Commanders are on a bye in Week 12, and it appears that this running back room is starting to shape out in a way where Rodriguez will get a bulk of the carries, Croskey-Merrritt will be the change of pace back, and Jeremy McNichols will get mixed in as the pass-catching option. Knowing all of this, it makes Rodriguez the clear running back to own in this backfield, and Croskey-Merritt can be dropped to the waiver wire if your team is in a pinch and you need to fill the roster spot with someone that can help you win now. In Week 13, the Commanders get the Denver Broncos, where none of the running backs will be a recommended start, as the Broncos' defense ranks top 5 in points allowed against opposing running backs.