Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Thursday, September 4, 6:06 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) was a full participant in practice again on Thursday and was removed from the final injury report for Week 1, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Harris will be active on Friday in Brazil against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, but rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton will reportedely make the "start." The Chargers have said all along this week that they expected the 27-year-old Harris to make his debut with the team despite missing most of training camp and all of the preseason due to a superficial eye injury suffered in a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July. Harris going to have a role against KC, but how much he's used alongside Hampton is anyone's guess. Harris deserves to be rostered in all fantasy leagues, especially as a handcuff to Hampton, but we'd recommend benching him on Friday.

Saturday, September 6, 1:00 AM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt's role in the backfield is still unclear for Week 1 against the Giants. Croskey-Merritt, or who many now refer to as "Bill," was recently listed as RB4 on the team's unofficial depth chart. It becomes a question of whether the Washington coaching staff opts to keep four running backs active on gameday. Austin Ekeler will be in line to see most of the snaps, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols could also be in the mix for touches and play special teams. He is the most explosive and shifty runner in Washington's running back room, which should lead to some touches even if he isn't the starter right away. Croskey-Merritt has been one of the more trendy names of draft season, and he is one of the better upside picks to take. However, the usage is tough to predict for Week 1 and should likely stay on benches.