Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, November 22, 2:42 PM

Across 10 games this season, Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has recorded 809 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 161 carries. The 25-year-old has dominated backfield touches in Dallas all year long and should continue to do so even after the Cowboys signed running back Malik Davis to the active roster on Saturday. Dallas has a difficult matchup in Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have not allowed an opposing offense to score 10 points since Week 8. Still, Philadelphia's biggest strength is against the pass, as they rank 18th in yards per carry allowed (4.3) and 21st in rushing touchdowns allowed (11) among NFL defenses. In his first matchup of the season against the Eagles in Week 1, Williams recorded 64 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 17 touches. He profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 12.

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.