Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Raheim Sanders: Who Should You Start?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Raheim Sanders 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 Raheim Sanders posted 4.7 PPG in 4 appearances for the Cleveland Browns.
A 3.3-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. Jacory Croskey-Merritt ran for 805 yards and 8 touchdowns; Raheim Sanders posted 92 and 1. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Jacory Croskey-Merritt is off Week 14 and Raheim Sanders Week 10. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
