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

Saturday, November 1, 4:38 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has been phenomenal this season and continues to deliver consistent fantasy production. While he was held in check on the ground last week against the Denver Broncos, rushing for just 41 yards on 3.2 yards per carry, he still found the end zone twice and salvaged a strong fantasy outing. Williams has shown impressive consistency near the goal line and remains a key part of the Cowboys' offensive success. Williams draws a great matchup in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, who have struggled to stop opposing running backs, allowing seven rushing touchdowns through eight weeks. With this game carrying one of the highest projected totals of the week at 54.5 points, Williams should have plenty of scoring opportunities once again. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB10 for Week 9, and he remains a reliable fantasy option with RB1 upside in this matchup.

Tuesday, November 4, 4:40 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled over the past month after a hot start to the season. The rookie has recorded 51 carries for 151 yards, no touchdowns, and a lost fumble while adding just three receptions (five targets) for nine yards in his past four games. Croskey-Merritt was outproduced by third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in Washington's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night. Rodriguez could be earning his way back into a more prominent role on early downs while veteran Jeremy McNichols handles the pass-down responsibilities. Croskey-Merritt has been held below four yards per carry in each of the last four games and has a longest run of just 11 yards in that time. Now, with star quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) out for an extended period of time, the Washington offense as a whole takes a significant hit. Croskey-Merritt doesn't catch passes, and now that the explosive runs have dried up, it's left fantasy managers with a disappointing result. After a promising start to his career, Croskey-Merritt looks more like an RB3/RB4 option than the potential league winner he appeared to be earlier in the year.