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Jacory Croskey-Merritt
RB · WAS

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Position RB
Team WAS
Bye Week 7
PPR Rank #122

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

NFL player. Position: RB. Team: WAS.

Quick Facts

  • Position: RB
  • Team: WAS (Washington Commanders)
  • Bye week (2026): 7
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 122

2026 Outlook

Had some moments as a rookie but inconsistency was a major concern heading into 2026. Faces a crowded Commanders backfield with Rachaad White and Jerome Ford as veterans without starting upside. Sixth-round pick Dallas Allen could emerge as the primary back with an impressive training camp and offers intriguing upside as a former top-100 RB prospect. (per 12 Impact Rookie Running Backs (2026 Fantasy Football))

Matthew Berry characterizes Washington's backfield as "definitely the single-most muddled" in the NFL entering 2026. Croskey-Merritt (nicknamed "Bill") enters as the nominal RB1 after averaging the 12th-most rushing yards over expected per carry as a rookie and ranking eighth in rushing success rate. However, he struggled with ball security in 2025, which hindered his early-season production. Berry projects him at RB37 ADP heading into 2026, noting that one of the committee backs will "skyrocket in ADP come August" once camp clarity emerges. (per How to handle the Washington Commanders running backs for fantasy football)

Relative to Rachaad White (August 3): Against established competition in the backfield, Croskey-Merritt ranks below veteran Rachaad White in fantasy value. White has proven production across four NFL seasons with over 200 receiving yards in each year, while Croskey-Merritt managed just 9 receptions for 68 yards as a rookie. With the Commanders likely to be competitive in 2026, White has a higher probability of becoming the team's preferred back. Analysts recommend avoiding Croskey-Merritt entirely at his projected range and pursuing alternatives like Woody Marks (Texans) or Blake Corum (Rams) instead. (per Fantasy Football Depth Chart Debate: Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs. Rachaad White)

Week 1 breakout performance (Sept 18): Croskey-Merritt emerged as the Commanders' bellcow in Week 1's loss to Philadelphia, earning 16 carries for a 1-yard TD and playing 17 of 30 backfield snaps. Despite a late-game fumble that led to limited snaps in the final minutes, he projects as the primary back heading into Week 2 against Dallas, which allowed 165 rushing yards to the Giants. This Week 1 clarity validates his preseason positioning and positions him as a high-upside RB2 against a vulnerable Cowboys run defense. (per Fantasy Football Usage Report: Jacory Croskey-Merritt rises, Josh Downs raises concerns)

Role / Depth Chart

Emerging bellcow for Washington in 2026, established primary role after Week 1 vs. Philadelphia. Through Week 4, remains the early-down primary back despite Rachaad White's shoulder injury opening opportunity for depth options Austin Ekeler and rookie Kaytron Allen in change-of-pace roles. Receiving opportunities remain minimal; White retained the pass-catching duties before injury.

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Jacory's role

Dan QuinnHead CoachDavid BloughOffensive CoordinatorEric HendersonDefensive Line/Run Game CoordinatorAnthony LynnRunning BacksDarnell StapletonOffensive LineJesse MaddenAssistant Running BacksShane ToubAssistant Offensive Line

What the Experts Are Saying

FantasyProsFantasy Football Experts Answer KEY Week 4 Questions: Start/Sit Lineup Advice (2026)
Fantasy Football Today12 MUST-START or SIT Players in Week 4! | Emeka Egbuka, Braelon Allen, Omarion Hampton & DJ Moore!
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