Washington’s backfield enters Week 15 in flux with Chris Rodriguez inactive due to a groin injury. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols must shoulder the workload against the Giants. Which Commanders running back, if either, deserves fantasy football consideration?
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Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s Fantasy Outlook
Conventional wisdom suggests Croskey-Merritt would step into the early-down and goal-line role with Rodriguez sidelined. He is the likeliest to benefit in the Commanders backfield due to his previous experience in the role. Rodriguez’s 55 touches from the last five games are up for grabs, and Croskey-Merritt figures to claim the majority.
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JCM had 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown the last time the Commanders played the New York Giants. He’s shown some flashes throughout the season, demonstrating he can produce when given opportunities. However, he was ultimately relegated to mop-up duty only because, quite frankly, he’s not very good.
But the Commanders have to give the ball to someone, and this is a contest where game script probably won’t get away from them. The Giants are favored by just 2.5 points in a game with a 46.5-point total. Washington should have plenty of opportunities to run the football in a competitive divisional matchup.
Jeremy McNichols’ Fantasy Outlook
McNichols has had usable games before, but he did not see a carry last week against Minnesota. Despite his status as a decent pass catcher, McNichols hasn’t caught more than two passes in a game in any of his last five contests. There is a very low floor here for fantasy purposes.
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McNichols serves as the change-of-pace option in this backfield. He has totaled just 22 touches over the last five games compared to Rodriguez’s 55 and Croskey-Merritt’s 45. His role remains limited even when the lead back is unavailable.
Should You Start Croskey-Merritt or McNichols This Week?
Ultimately, we have no idea how the Commanders will divide the workload. Given where they are in the season, it would make sense for JCM to get the start, as they might as well see what he can do. Perhaps the time in which he was relegated to pure backup has helped him develop.
McNichols is a total wild card. It is impossible to trust him in lineups despite Rodriguez’s absence. He will undoubtedly play more snaps than usual, but there’s no guarantee he touches the ball more than his recent limited usage. We could see Deebo Samuel Sr. spend more time in the backfield as Washington explores creative solutions.
This is a very tricky situation for fantasy managers navigating playoff matchups. The Giants allow the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, making this one of the league’s best matchups for the position. That favorable defensive environment provides upside for whoever emerges as the lead back.
Croskey-Merritt is a desperation flex play with some touchdown upside. McNichols should not be in lineups given his limited role and lack of guaranteed touches. But it is worth adding both of them if they are available and you have the roster spot just to see what happens, especially for those looking ahead to next week’s matchups.