Fantasy Football Week 8 Picks: Start or Sit Croskey-Merritt vs. Pacheco
In the upcoming Monday Night Football matchup, the Washington Commanders will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams feature strong offensive units, with important Fantasy Football implications. The focus of this article is on two key running backs: Jacory Croskey-Merritt for the Commanders and Isiah Pacheco for the Chiefs.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Start Him
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is currently the primary running back for the Washington Commanders. He boasts approximately 35% of the team’s rushing yards and handles nearly 40% of the rushing attempts. Croskey-Merritt averages 4.2 yards per carry, accumulating a total of 377 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns this season.
- Team Run Rate: Washington ranks 7th in the NFL with a run rate of 54%.
- Snap Share: Croskey-Merritt typically sees 50-60% of the snaps.
- Touchdowns: Despite competition in the red zone from Chris Rodriguez Jr., Croskey-Merritt has outperformed him with four touchdowns.
Against the Chiefs, who offer the 7th best defense against running backs in terms of fantasy points, Croskey-Merritt remains a solid pick. Despite the matchup, he should continue to see a high volume of carries as the Commanders aim for a balanced attack.
Isiah Pacheco: A Risky Sit
On the flipside, Isiah Pacheco leads the Kansas City backfield but is part of a more complicated rushing scheme. He has a little over 30% of the team’s rushing yards and has scored one touchdown this season. His red zone opportunities are split with Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith, raising concerns regarding his reliability.
- Touchdowns: Pacheco has scored once, while Hunt has three touchdowns.
- Snap Share: He consistently receives about 50-60% of the snaps.
- Red Zone Efficiency: The Chiefs have not maximized their rushing game in the red zone.
The Commanders’ defense against the run is average, which could somewhat favor Pacheco. However, the potential for added competition in his snap count makes him a risky play for this week. Fans are cautious, as rumors of the Chiefs potentially trading for another running back loom over his performance.
Conclusion: Croskey-Merritt vs. Pacheco
Considering the analysis, Jacory Croskey-Merritt has a more secure role with a solid foundation for rushing attempts and scoring opportunities. Conversely, Isiah Pacheco presents uncertainty due to his limited red zone opportunities and increased competition. Based on current performances, Croskey-Merritt emerges as the favored option for Week 8.
