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

Friday, November 21, 6:43 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet will be a touchdown-dependent flex option once again when the Seahawks clash with the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. However, despite his touchdown-dependent status, Charbonnet has a great chance to score this week. The Titans are No. 22 in points allowed to opposing running backs in fantasy this season. They have also allowed 12 rushing touchdowns to running backs, which is good for 31st in the league. This team does not have much going for it on the defensive line, and Charbonnet could reap the benefits. Seattle will surely find itself in the red zone numerous times throughout this game. Charbonnet is the clear goal line back for this team, and he will likely receive multiple opportunities inside the five-yard line. If you are desperate for a running back start, Charbonnet could deliver for you in Week 12. It is worth noting that fellow running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) popped up on the injury report on Friday. If Walker were to sit or be limited, Charbonnet would be an automatic start this week.

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.