Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Chris Rodriguez Jr.: Who should I start for Week 13 Fantasy Football?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. have a goal in mind on Sunday Night Football: beat the Denver Broncos. However, the two Washington Commanders running backs are also competing to win your favor to start on your fantasy football team.

Which one should you go with? Sportskeeda is here to answer that question. Here's a look at both running backs and a decision.

Is Jacory Croskey-Merritt a good fantasy pick in Week 13?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt at Seattle Seahawks v Washington Commanders - NFL 2025 - Source: Getty

Jacory Croskey-Merritt isn't in line for the best production total by any stretch. At least, that is what Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool has projected. The tool expects Croskey-Merritt to earn 38.5 yards on the ground with a 40% chance of scoring a rushing touchdown. He isn't expected to do much in the receiving game, with just a 20% chance of a catch for 0.8 yards.

Croskey should be treated as a desperation flex. While the expectations are low, is Chris Rodriguez Jr. expected to do any better? Let's take a look.

Is Chris Rodriguez Jr a good fantasy pick in Week 13?

Chris Rodriguez Jr. at Detroit Lions v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty

According to Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to rush for 63.5 yards with a 60% chance of a rushing touchdown. He is also not in line for much in the receiving game, like Croskey-Merritt, earning 3.7 yards if he connects on a 40% chance of a reception.

Rodriguez is a decent option in Week 13, but don't expect miracles. Let's take a look at how Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez compare.

Should I start Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Chris Rodriguez Jr in Week 13 fantasy football?

Rodriguez. vs Croskey-Merritt - Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool

In what might surprise some, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to have a much better day against the Denver Broncos. Rodriguez is projected to earn 10.8 points, 4.5 more than Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Croskey-Merritt's carry total took a huge step back to Rodriguez in Week 13, logging just nine carries to Rodriguez's 15 carries. Rodriguez delivered more per rush than Croskey-Merritt, logging 5.3 yards per carry to 3.1. There's no reason for the Washington Commanders to reverse course.

Of course, both running backs will face the stiff Denver Broncos in a contest that doesn't script well for the Washington Commanders' running game in the second half. The contest will take place in prime time, so expect Washington to put their best foot forward, but Denver are coming fresh into the game off a bye week and likely to lead with fresh legs.

However, Rodriguez is still expected to get some work done, doing just enough to be relevant in fantasy football.