Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, November 21, 3:25 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason should be left out of starting lineups in standard formats when his team travels to Green Bay in Week 12. Mason scored a touchdown in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, but has seen his workload lessened since Aaron Jones Sr. returned from injured reserve. With Jones fully healthy the past two weeks, the former San Francisco 49er has played just 25% and 16% of Minnesota's offensive snaps, respectively, which considerably lowers his fantasy ceiling. Additionally, the matchup is not favorable, as Green Bay ranks third in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt allowed. Added to the Vikings' struggles in the passing game -- quarterback J.J. McCarthy is completing just 53% of passing attempts -- Mason's diminished role has him in RB4 territory for this week.

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.