Who Should I Start? Ladd McConkey or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, December 1, 6:06 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught four passes for 39 yards and one touchdown, leading the team with six targets during their 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. With Justin Herbert managing a fractured non-throwing hand sustained early in the game, the Chargers relied heavily on the run game. They kept most throws short behind PFF's league-worst offensive line, limiting big-play opportunities for all Bolts' receivers. Still, McConkey's continued involvement in the red zone is encouraging. Next Monday night, a top-10 secondary from the Philadelphia Eagles awaits, and Herbert's status remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all pass catchers could see reduced production. However, Philly's defense has been notably vulnerable to slot receivers, giving McConkey a potential upside as the most natural fit to exploit their weakness.

Friday, November 28, 7:38 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has lost his lead role in the team's backfield over the past few weeks. Third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken over as the lead back for the Commanders, with Croskey-Merritt rotating in on early downs and veteran Jeremy McNichols holding down the pass-down responsibilities. The rookie seventh-rounder's production dropped off a cliff after the first five games of the season. After recording 43 carries for 283 yards (6.6 YPC) and four touchdowns to go with five receptions (seven targets) for 54 yards in Weeks 1 through 5, Croskey-Merritt has 71 carries for 215 yards and zero touchdowns with four receptions (six targets) for 14 yards in Weeks 6 through 11. That leaves him off fantasy radars for Sunday Night Football against a strong Denver Broncos defense that has allowed the 10th fewest PPR points per game to opposing running backs.