Jacory Croskey-Merritt Fantasy Outlook 2026: Commanders RB Is Too Touchdown-Dependent to Trust in 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt authored one of the more improbable rookie stories in recent memory, going from the very last running back drafted to a genuine fantasy sensation almost overnight. Those highs, however, came with some very long stretches of nothing in between.
In 2025, Washington Commanders drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the final running back selected in the draft, at the 245th position. The rookie from Alabama State, New Mexico, and Arizona made an impressive debut, rushing for 804 yards and eight touchdowns, setting a league record for first-year backs. However, his fantasy performance has been inconsistent and dependent on individual games.
In Week 5, he achieved 27.0 fantasy points, but from Weeks 6 through 17, his contributions amounted to a mere two usable fantasy weeks. His lack of involvement in the passing game, with a mere 3.0% target share, and his inconsistent ability to generate yards after contact, ranking 35th, further diminish his value. With a crowded backfield at Washington, including potential newcomers Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, Croskey-Merritt's role is uncertain.
Given his high ADP and inconsistent performance, Croskey-Merritt is more likely to be a touchdown-or-bust RB3 rather than a reliable fantasy pick. Dynasty players may find more value in other options due to his age and the unpredictable nature of his performance.
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