Who Should I Start? James Cook or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sunday, September 14, 7:27 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 21 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 2 win over the New York Jets. He also converted his lone target into a three-yard reception. Cook has picked up right where he left off last year, racking up yardage and scoring touchdowns within a high-powered Buffalo offense. He now has 237 yards and three touchdowns through just two games. The recently paid running back shows no signs of slowing down, either, as he motors on toward a very favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. He has firmly established himself as a low-end RB1 once again.

Friday, September 12, 9:26 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to step in as the Washington Commanders' starter following the devastating Achilles injury to Austin Ekeler in Thursday night's 27-18 loss to Green Bay. Croskey-Merritt has flashed efficiency early, posting 14 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown through two games despite playing fewer than 33% of the snaps. With only Jeremy McNichols currently active alongside him, the rookie should handle the bulk of early-down rushing duties, while McNichols sees work in passing situations. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a healthy scratch in the first two games, is also a candidate to be active moving forward. While Croskey-Merritt entered the season as a deep sleeper, he suddenly finds himself in line for a heavy workload. He's now an important fantasy asset with starting potential for the remainder of the 2025 season.