Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs J.K. Dobbins: Who Should You Start?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and J.K. Dobbins are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Jacory Croskey-Merritt averaged 8.0 PPG across 17 games with the Washington Commanders, while J.K. Dobbins posted 11.0 PPG in 10 appearances for the Denver Broncos.
A 3.0-PPG gap gives J.K. Dobbins 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. Jacory Croskey-Merritt ran for 805 yards and 8 touchdowns; J.K. Dobbins posted 772 and 4. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 14 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
