Who Should I Start? Quinshon Judkins or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, December 6, 12:42 PM

Across 11 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has recorded 758 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 196 carries. While the 22-year-old hasn't always been particularly efficient as a rusher this season, the Browns continue to lean on him in the run game. Over his last four outings, Judkins is averaging 19.5 carries per contest. Judkins also recorded three catches for 18 yards in Week 13. With primary Browns receiving back Dylan Sampson (calf) questionable to play in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Judkins could see more work in the passing game. Tennessee currently ranks 26th among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (4.6) and is tied for 29th in rushing touchdowns allowed (17). Judkins should see a heavy workload on Sunday and profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 14.

Friday, December 5, 7:45 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a trendy late-round upside pick in fantasy drafts in the fall, with Washington's backfield plans unsettled. He became even more popular off the waiver wire early in the season after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder out of Arizona had double-digit rushing attempts in five of six games from Weeks 5-10, accumulating 298 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries (3.9 yards per attempt). Bill has since fallen out of favor and has lost lead-back duties to Chris Rodriguez Jr. In the Sunday night overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Croskey-Merritt played a season-low 14% of the snaps and had a season-low four carries for only 20 yards. He was also out-snapped by pass-catching back Jeremy McNichols. JCM is still rostered in just under 50% of Yahoo leagues, but in a three-back committee in Washington, he should be on benches entering Sunday's road matchup against Minnesota.