Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Zach Charbonnet: Who Should You Start?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Zach Charbonnet 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 Zach Charbonnet posted 10.7 PPG in 16 appearances for the Seattle Seahawks.
A 2.7-PPG gap gives Zach Charbonnet 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; Zach Charbonnet posted 730 and 12. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jacory Croskey-Merritt sits Week 14 while Zach Charbonnet is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
