Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Tyjae Spears: Who Should You Start?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (8.0 PPG) and Tyjae Spears (6.9 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two running backs are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Jacory Croskey-Merritt played 17 games for the Washington Commanders; Tyjae Spears suited up 13 times for the Tennessee Titans.
A 1.1-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
Tyjae Spears is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 264 yards, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt profiles as a more traditional rusher with 805 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Tyjae Spears 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 Tyjae Spears is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
