Who Should I Start? Tyrone Tracy Jr. or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, November 24, 12:55 AM

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. handled 20 carries for 62 yards to go along with three catches (four targets) for 68 yards as a receiver in Sunday's 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. Tracy played a season-high 72% of the snaps in Week 12 and had three of the four running back carries inside the 10-yard line, which is notable because veteran Devin Singletary handled all nine carries near the goal line in the past two weeks. The 26-year-old has now gone over 130 yards from scrimmage in back-to-back games, handling 23 touches in each matchup. Singletary was still involved, carrying the ball 14 times for 47 yards, but Tracy operated as the clear RB1, earning the goal-line touches and receiving work that makes him a much more appealing fantasy asset. Tracy should be viewed as a solid RB2 heading into Week 13 against the New England Patriots.

Friday, November 21, 9:36 AM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, out of Arizona, has seen his role decrease over the past few weeks. Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw a season-high 15 carries in Week 11 and ran for a very solid 5.27 YPC. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt saw a 27 percent snap share, and although he carried the ball nine times and caught one pass, it all added up to 33 all-purpose yards (3.11 YPC) against the Miami Dolphins in Spain. The Commanders are on a bye in Week 12, and it appears that this running back room is starting to shape out in a way where Rodriguez will get a bulk of the carries, Croskey-Merrritt will be the change of pace back, and Jeremy McNichols will get mixed in as the pass-catching option. Knowing all of this, it makes Rodriguez the clear running back to own in this backfield, and Croskey-Merritt can be dropped to the waiver wire if your team is in a pinch and you need to fill the roster spot with someone that can help you win now. In Week 13, the Commanders get the Denver Broncos, where none of the running backs will be a recommended start, as the Broncos' defense ranks top 5 in points allowed against opposing running backs.