Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Sunday, January 4, 8:08 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson had seven carries for 131 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins. He also caught two passes for an additional 22 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. All in all, Stevenson had 153 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots officially locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture. It was very encouraging to see both Stevenson and Tre'Veyon Henderson co-exist in New England's backfield for the second week in a row. The 27-year-old running back has six touchdowns over his last three games, and he ranks as a top-five running back in full-PPR leagues since the team's bye week. He should remain heavily involved as a short-yardage and receiving threat when the Patriots play in the Wild Card Round against the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.

Thursday, January 1, 4:37 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (illness) was able to practice in full on Thursday after he was held out due to illness on Wednesday. Croskey-Merritt had his second 100-yard game and two rushing touchdowns in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. out due to illness. Rodriguez is back in the fold for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, though, so fantasy managers will want to lower expectations for Croskey-Merritt in the final game of his rookie season. The 24-year-old JCM could be Washington's lead back against the Eagles, but Rodriguez's presence will definitely cap the rookie's upside this weekend.