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

Tuesday, November 25, 7:12 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II could see a larger role in this rushing attack coming out of the bye week. In Week 11, Gordon rushed the ball nine times for 45 yards and scored a touchdown in the win over the Washington Commanders. The rookie back saw a season-high 39 percent of the offensive snaps during that contest. His nine touches on the ground also tied for the second-most Gordon has seen this season. The rookie back has proven to be a viable option when given the chances in this offense. He could see an expanded role in the offense when the Dolphins take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. The 21-year-old could be worth a stash in deep leagues heading into this matchup.

Friday, November 21, 9:36 AM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, out of Arizona, has seen his role decrease over the past few weeks. Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw a season-high 15 carries in Week 11 and ran for a very solid 5.27 YPC. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt saw a 27 percent snap share, and although he carried the ball nine times and caught one pass, it all added up to 33 all-purpose yards (3.11 YPC) against the Miami Dolphins in Spain. The Commanders are on a bye in Week 12, and it appears that this running back room is starting to shape out in a way where Rodriguez will get a bulk of the carries, Croskey-Merrritt will be the change of pace back, and Jeremy McNichols will get mixed in as the pass-catching option. Knowing all of this, it makes Rodriguez the clear running back to own in this backfield, and Croskey-Merritt can be dropped to the waiver wire if your team is in a pinch and you need to fill the roster spot with someone that can help you win now. In Week 13, the Commanders get the Denver Broncos, where none of the running backs will be a recommended start, as the Broncos' defense ranks top 5 in points allowed against opposing running backs.