Who Should I Start? Jaylen Wright or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sunday, October 12, 12:19 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright is a healthy scratch for the second straight week on Sunday against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium. Wright got off on the wrong foot in 2025 due to an injury and just hasn't been able to establish himself in Miami's backfield behind starter De'Von Achane. Although rookie Ollie Gordon II hasn't had much of a role behind Achane through five weeks, he has been the preferred chance-of-pace option over Wright, even though Wright is now healthy. The 22-year-old Wright has not played in a game yet in 2025 after carrying the ball 68 times for 249 yards in 15 games (one start) in his rookie campaign in 2024. He also caught three passes for eight yards. Fantasy managers can continue to leave Wright on the waiver wire in redraft leagues.

Friday, October 10, 7:32 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke out with his best game of the season in Week 5 against the Chargers, totaling 150 yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches. The Croskey-Merritt takeover finally happened in Week 5, posting a season-high 50.9% snap share, handling 50% of the team's rush attempts, and running 31.3% of the team's routes. All marks were the highest of any Washington back in Week 5, and he delivered with a remarkable performance. For the season, he's rushed 283 yards and four touchdowns on 43 carries, averaging a league-best 6.6 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury provided some reason to keep the optimism in check, saying that the rookie still has "ways to go" in terms of playing without the ball in his hands. His work in pass protection has improved, but that is still an area where veteran Jeremy McNichols is most trusted. Third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw his lowest snap count and fewest carries in a game since becoming active in Week 5, suggesting he may be slipping back into a depth role. Croskey-Merritt should be expected to handle the bulk of the touches again in Week 6 against a Bears defense that is allowing an absurd 6.1 yards per carry and the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs. He should be fired up as a high-upside RB2 on Monday night.