Bhayshul Tuten vs Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Who Should You Start?
Bhayshul Tuten and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Bhayshul Tuten averaged 5.6 PPG across 15 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt posted 8.0 PPG in 17 appearances for the Washington Commanders.
A 2.4-PPG gap gives Jacory Croskey-Merritt the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Bhayshul Tuten ran for 307 yards and 5 touchdowns; Jacory Croskey-Merritt posted 805 and 8. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Bhayshul Tuten sits Week 12 while Jacory Croskey-Merritt is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
