Who Should I Start? TreVeyon Henderson or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Saturday, October 4, 10:24 AM

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has not yet emerged as the team's lead back, and therefore, he's tough to trust as a fantasy starter heading into Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Henderson is the future lead back in New England, but through the first four games of his career, the backfield has belonged to Rhamondre Stevenson. During that span, Henderson has a modest 36.6 percent snap share, 97 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He's averaging just 3.7 yards per carry but still works his way onto the field thanks to his draft capital, his pass-blocking skills, and Stevenson's fumbling issues. With that said, Stevenson projects as the lead running back once again in Week 5, leaving Henderson in the backup role and therefore largely dependent on finding the end zone. The Bills have allowed the ninth-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, leaving Henderson as a low-end RB3/flex who can be benched in leagues with 10 or fewer teams.

Sunday, October 5, 9:11 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had the best game of his young career in his team's 27-10 Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Croskey-Merritt recorded 14 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns, adding two catches for 39 yards as well. The 24-year-old has now recorded 43 carries for 283 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Perhaps most encouragingly, Croskey-Merritt earned more than double the touches in Week 5 (16) of fellow Commanders running backs Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols combined (seven). If Croskey-Merritt can fully seize the lead rushing role in Washington, he could become a must-start fantasy running back sooner than later.