Who Should I Start? Ollie Gordon II or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sunday, February 15, 10:05 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II saw his name linked to fantasy waiver wires throughout the year, but he ultimately spent most of his rookie season playing second, or even third fiddle to De'Von Achane. With a new head coach and offensive coordinator set to take over in Miami, many have speculated whether the sub-190-pound Achane will continue to handle bell-cow duties. Unfortunately for Gordon, even if Jeff Hafley and Bobby Slowik choose to preserve Achane by moving to a more committee-based approach, 23-year-old Jaylen Wright could stand in his way. After missing the first six weeks of the season as a result of injury and performance, Wright took over as the team's primary change-of-pace back behind Achane, out-touching Gordon 75 to 50. And when given work, Gordon's 2.8 yards per carry ranked among the league's worst. With Gordon's Doak Walker Award-winning season in 2023 now feeling a lifetime away, there were very few signs in 2025 that a sophomore breakout could be on its way.

Tuesday, January 27, 6:49 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a fantasy darling during draft season last fall when the team's RB picture was unsettled. His fantasy stock rose even further after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder ended up leading the team in carries (175), rushing yards (805), and rushing touchdowns (eight), but he was the RB29 in half-PPR scoring, and he averaged just 8.2 half-PPR points per game in his 17 contests. It didn't help JCM's cause that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels missed most of the season with various injuries. Croskey-Merritt had two 100-yard games in his rookie season, but he also failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards in a game 12 times. The Commanders will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026, and it's hard to say how they'll attack the RB position in free agency and the draft. Croskey-Merritt will have a role next year, but there's a good chance he'll be more of a committee back than a workhorse.