Who Should I Start? Rachaad White or James Cook

Saturday, April 18, 7:55 AM

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is trending up in dynasty leagues after his recent change of scenery. Following four seasons in Tampa Bay, White left for the Commanders in free agency. It was an understandable move, as White went from tallying 1,500+ yards in 2023 (RB4 in PPR leagues) to operating as the Bucs' backup running back in 2024 (RB22) and 2025 (RB32). White won't have the backfield all to himself in Washington, but he also won't face the same level of competition that Bucky Irving presented in Tampa Bay. White will use this summer to try to win the lead-back role over Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was promising in his own regard with 4.6 YPC and eight touchdowns as a rookie last year. Croskey-Merritt was essentially a non-factor in the receiving game last year. That's where White thrives, so at the very least, he should be the primary passing-down back. He'll need to earn the rushing attempts, but that's not such an extreme ask given that he has 4.3 YPC and 13 total touchdowns over the last two seasons. White can be a low-end RB1 in an every-down role. In all likelihood, though, he'll end up as a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 while sharing some of his volume with Croskey-Merritt. Still, that's a nice boost from his RB32 finish in 2025, so dynasty managers would be wise to send out trade offers for White in anticipation of his bounce-back campaign.