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


Week 9 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.5 67.9 0.7 3.1 22.5 0.2

Kyren Williams News

Kyren Williams Maintains Steady RB1 Value for Week 9 at Washington

Friday, November 6, 4:56 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams isn't the flashiest name in fantasy football, but his consistent production keeps him in the mid-range RB1 conversation for Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Although he has certainly shared some volume with Blake Corum this year, Williams remains the undisputed No. 1 running back in a very prominent Rams offense. Through eight games, he ranks as the overall RB5; if he keeps it up, that would be the best fantasy finish of his career. He has shown an ability to run the ball and catch passes, and he has continued to demonstrate a nose for the end zone with seven touchdowns total (and at least one touchdown in six of his eight games). Williams should be started regardless of matchup at this point, but it is at least worth pointing out how much the Commanders' run defense has improved in 2026. Through Week 8, Washington has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. With all that being said, Williams still checks in as RotoBaller's RB6 this week, and any matchup concerns should be canceled out by the projected positive game script.


Week 9 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jacory Croskey-Merritt News

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Headed to Injured Reserve with Groin Issue

Monday, October 19, 12:11 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) is being placed on Injured Reserve due to a groin issue, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Croskey-Merritt was already ruled out for Washington's Week 6 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football and will now miss at least through Week 10. Across five games in 2026, the 25-year-old had recorded 67 carries for 239 yards and two touchdowns while splitting backfield work with veteran Commanders back Rachaad White. Croskey-Merritt's lack of pass-game involvement limited his fantasy upside, but he was largely Washington's preferred option on early downs. With Croskey-Merritt sidelined, Washington's backfield now looks like a true committee between White, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols, whom the team activated from the Injured Reserve on Monday.


Kyren Williams vs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Still trying to decide between Williams and Croskey-Merritt? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kyren Williams is projected to score 17.5 points this week while Jacory Croskey-Merritt is projected to score 0.0 points.