Who Should I Start? Zach Charbonnet or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, September 26, 12:37 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet rushed 12 times for 39 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught each of his two targets for a total of five receiving yards. Charbonnet's rushing efficiency has dropped to a pitiful 2.46 yards per carry so far this season, but he has still managed to post double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in two of his three games by vulturing touchdowns from Kenneth Walker III. Going forward, Charbonnet must continue to contribute as a touchdown scorer or pass catcher in order to be a fantasy starter, as he doesn't get enough production from his rushing volume alone. Walker is the running back to own in Seattle, while Charbonnet is a handcuff with RB3/flex appeal in deeper leagues. The Seahawks face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.

Wednesday, October 1, 11:43 AM

ESPN's Dan Graziano reports that the Washington Commanders are "very happy at the moment using a committee" in the backfield, but they "view (rookie running back) Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the most capable one of the three to emerge as an all-around threat." Since veteran running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered an Achilles tear in Week 2, the Commanders have split backfield playing time fairly evenly between Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols. Overall, through his first four NFL games, Croskey-Merritt has recorded 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries to go along with three catches for 15 yards on five targets. As long as all three Washington backs are sharing snaps, none profile as fantasy starters. However, it sounds as though Croskey-Merritt is the most likely Commanders running back to eventually seize a true lead role.