Jacory Croskey-Merritt start or sit: Week 1 fantasy football advice

The Washington Commanders take on the New York Giants at FedEx Field this Sunday to kickoff the season. The Commanders are 5.5-point favorites and the point total is currently 45.5. Washington overachieved a bit last season and look to prove that it wasn’t a fluke in Jayden Daniels second year at quarterback.

One big change is the release of last year’s starting running back Brian Robinson late this preseason. That move left a void to be filled, but by who? Last season, even with Robinson as the starter, Austin Ekeler led the team in total snaps played, as the team was often playing up tempo. On the season, Robinson only average 13 rushing attempts per game, but did find the end zone eight times. The most-likely players to fill that early down and goal line work are Chris Rodriguez and Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt. Croskey-Merritt was taken in the seventh round of this year’s draft, but likely would have been taken earlier if not for an eligibility problem that cut his season short last year. The rookie showed well in preseason and was touted by many tape watchers. And when Robinson was traded, most were sure it was Bill’s job. Of course, nothing is ever easy and Bill is fourth on the unofficial depth chart, while his OC Kliff Kingsbury says he has a lot of backs who will get touches.

Below, we’ll go over Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s outlook in fantasy football for Week 1.

I do believe Croskey-Merritt will take over the lead role this season and that it could even happen on Sunday. Unfortunately, there are just too many moving parts here to feel any kind of safety starting him. Sure, if you are in a deep league with multiple flex spots, he makes for a good speculative play, but if you have steadier starters, I’m leaning away from our man Bill for this week against what looks to be an improved defensive line for New York.

Sit.

Sit.