Who Should I Start? Jaydon Blue or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, January 5, 9:56 AM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue was a non-factor for the Cowboys during the 2026 season. Still, with them missing the playoffs and having nothing to play for in Week 17, they decided to rest a handful of starters, such as running back Javonte Williams, which allowed Blue to get the start. He made the most out of it, rushing 16 times for 64 yards (4.0 YPC) and scoring his first career touchdown. He out-touched rookie Phil Mafah 16 to five in this contest. Blue was not involved at all in the passing game and finished his rookie campaign with 38 rush attempts for 129 yards (3.39 YPC) and one touchdown. Cowboys lead running back, Williams, was on a one-year deal, meaning his return to the team will certainly impact Blue's 2026 outlook. The former fifth-round pick in 2025, Blue, remains a dynasty stash at best.

Tuesday, January 27, 6:49 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a fantasy darling during draft season last fall when the team's RB picture was unsettled. His fantasy stock rose even further after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder ended up leading the team in carries (175), rushing yards (805), and rushing touchdowns (eight), but he was the RB29 in half-PPR scoring, and he averaged just 8.2 half-PPR points per game in his 17 contests. It didn't help JCM's cause that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels missed most of the season with various injuries. Croskey-Merritt had two 100-yard games in his rookie season, but he also failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards in a game 12 times. The Commanders will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026, and it's hard to say how they'll attack the RB position in free agency and the draft. Croskey-Merritt will have a role next year, but there's a good chance he'll be more of a committee back than a workhorse.