Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, November 3, 12:17 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold torched the Washington Commanders' defense in a 38-14 blowout win on Sunday night, completing 21 of 24 pass attempts for 330 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Darnold was on fire to start the game, posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating while completing all 16 passes and throwing four touchdowns in the first half. His receivers were running open all night, and he consistently delivered on time and on target. The 28-year-old has continued to excel in his first season in Seattle under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Darnold's connection with superstar wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the most potent in the league, adding another 129 yards on eight catches on Sunday night against Washington. Darnold will head back home for a divisional matchup against the Cardinals in Week 10.

Friday, October 31, 5:53 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled since his Week 5 breakout against the Chargers, where he racked up 150 total yards and two touchdowns, finishing as the RB5 in PPR points for the week. Croskey-Merritt has recorded 39 carries for 119 yards to go with only two receptions for six yards on four targets and no touchdowns in the last three games. The rookie seventh-rounder has maintained a healthy snap share at 57.3%, but No. 2 running back Jeremy McNichols has served as the pass-down back and performed well in his opportunities. Croskey-Merritt is clearly the preferred option on early downs, but the lack of receiving is a hit to the ways he can produce for fantasy. The return of star quarterback Jayden Daniels will certainly help open up some rushing lanes, but Croskey-Merritt has a tough matchup against a Seahawks defense that is allowing the fewest yards per carry (3.3) and tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns (two) in the league through seven games. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB30 in PPR formats for Sunday Night Football.