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

Saturday, October 18, 11:42 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games and will look to extend his streak against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. The 25-year-old has a firm grasp on the lead-back role in Los Angeles, handling 39 touches over the last two games compared to Blake Corum's six. Williams has been efficient on the ground with 4.4 yards per carry and has also taken on a bigger receiving role with 10 catches and two receiving touchdowns over his last two games. The Jaguars rank near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to running backs, so we don't expect Williams to run into any challenges that he can't handle. He remains a high-end RB2 for Week 7.

Saturday, October 25, 7:26 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke out for 150 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 5 against the Chargers, but he has disappointed in the past two weeks despite favorable matchups. Croskey-Merritt is still the clear No. 1 back in Washington, posting his three highest rushing attempt and route participation rates of the season over the past three weeks. The seventh-round rookie has still been one of the most efficient runners in the league despite the two-week lull, posting the third-highest success rate (60.3%) and eighth-highest explosive rush rate (6.8%) among running backs with at least 50 carries. He's not as involved in the passing game, which lowers his ceiling a tad, but he is still capable of delivering a big fantasy performance. He'll face a Kansas City Chiefs defense that hasn't been great on a down-to-down basis, ranking 22nd in rush success rate (42.6%). Croskey-Merritt ranks as RotoBaller's RB23 in PPR leagues for Week 8.