Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Kenneth Gainwell: Who Should You Start?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Kenneth Gainwell 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 Kenneth Gainwell posted 10.9 PPG in 17 appearances for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A 2.9-PPG gap gives Kenneth Gainwell 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.
Kenneth Gainwell is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 73 targets into 486 yards, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt profiles as a more traditional rusher with 805 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Kenneth Gainwell carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jacory Croskey-Merritt sits Week 14 while Kenneth Gainwell is off Week 11. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
