Who Should I Start? Jahmyr Gibbs or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, October 3, 4:41 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is off to a hot start to the 2025 season with 350 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 78 total touches through his first four games of the season. Gibbs is set up well to continue that success in Week 5, when he gets a favorable matchup on paper against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL through four weeks. Gibbs is a lock to be a significant part of the Lions' offensive game plan, so volume of touches should not be an issue. In Week 5, Gibbs is a must-start fantasy running back across all formats.

Friday, October 3, 9:18 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has weekly upside because he's been so efficient and dynamic on his touches, but the role is still murky as part of a three-man committee in the Washington backfield. Croskey-Merritt is tied with third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in snap share over the past two weeks without Austin Ekeler, each playing 37.4% of the snaps and earning 18 touches apiece. Veteran back Jeremy McNichols has filled in primarily on late downs, playing 11 of 19 third and fourth-down plays over the past two weeks. Croskey-Merritt's role should continue to increase as he gets more experience. The rookie has been one of the most efficient runners in the league over his first month of NFL games. His 5.8 yards per carry ranks second best, while his 58.6% success rate is the best among all running backs. That may not continue in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Chargers, as they have been the stingiest defense against the run. They've allowed just 10.6 PPR points per game on the season. That leaves Croskey-Merritt as a low-end flex play in Week 5.