Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, September 12, 12:03 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is a flex player with upside in Week 2 when Seattle visits the Pittsburgh Steelers. Walker's 40% Week 1 snap share was concerning. That number figures to rise, given that Walker was working back from injuries throughout the offseason, but he does not appear poised to maintain the workhorse role he once held in this backfield. Walker was the preferred pass-catching running back in Week 1, which gives him a solid base in fantasy. Seattle is facing a Steelers' defense on Sunday that should be solid all-around. However, they just got torched on the ground and through the air by a Jets offense that many considered to be below average coming into the season. With Seattle now having a week to see what their new offense looks like, they should be able to make adjustments and have more success in Week 2. Walker has lost his status as an RB2, but he can be started in your flex.

Friday, September 12, 9:26 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to step in as the Washington Commanders' starter following the devastating Achilles injury to Austin Ekeler in Thursday night's 27-18 loss to Green Bay. Croskey-Merritt has flashed efficiency early, posting 14 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown through two games despite playing fewer than 33% of the snaps. With only Jeremy McNichols currently active alongside him, the rookie should handle the bulk of early-down rushing duties, while McNichols sees work in passing situations. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a healthy scratch in the first two games, is also a candidate to be active moving forward. While Croskey-Merritt entered the season as a deep sleeper, he suddenly finds himself in line for a heavy workload. He's now an important fantasy asset with starting potential for the remainder of the 2025 season.