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

Friday, October 3, 12:19 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries during Thursday's overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. He also converted 10 targets into eight catches, 66 yards, and two receiving touchdowns. It was a remarkable showing from the young running back as he delivered massive production as a receiver. After primarily being a ball carrier through his first three seasons, Williams has suddenly taken on a large role in the passing game with 13 catches and three receiving touchdowns over his last three contests. His dual-threat impact has allowed him to hold onto the lead back role over Blake Corum, who had 11 touches last Sunday but just one on Thursday night. While Williams' eight catches and two receiving touchdowns may not be sustainable going forward, managers should expect that he'll continue to make an impact on the ground and through the air. He's back in the low-end RB1 territory for Week 6 against an underwhelming Ravens defense.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt stepped up in Week 5 against the Chargers, taking 14 carries for 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The other running backs were less involved, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. only getting five carries for seven yards and Jeremy McNichols only one carry for six yards. Croskey-Merritt played a season-high 47% of snaps, while McNichols and Rodriguez only played 25% each. The seventh-round pick from Arizona seemed to gel well with returning QB Jayden Daniels and helped the team secure a big road win over the Chargers. This week, Croskey-Merritt and the Commanders are home against the Bears on Monday Night Football, which should be a good matchup for the rookie to continue to assert himself as the leader of the backfield going forward. He's definitely the most dynamic option of the group with the highest fantasy upside.