Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Jonathan Taylor: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Jonathan Taylor put up 20.0 fantasy points per game for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt managed 8.0 across 17 games with the Washington Commanders. A 12.0-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
A 12.0-PPG gap gives Jonathan Taylor 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.
Jonathan Taylor is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 46 targets into 378 yards, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt profiles as a more traditional rusher with 805 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jonathan Taylor carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
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.
