Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Woody Marks: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Woody Marks is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.7 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Jacory Croskey-Merritt averaged 8.0 PPG with the Washington Commanders across 17 games, and Woody Marks posted 8.7 with the Houston Texans in 16.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Jacory Croskey-Merritt ran for 805 yards and 8 touchdowns; Woody Marks posted 703 and 2. 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.
