The Washington Commanders’ backfield has gained clarity after Week 1 performances, though new questions emerge as fantasy football managers evaluate Austin Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt for Thursday night’s contest. In a potentially difficult matchup agaisnt the Green Bay Packers, should managers start either of Washington’s running backs?
Austin Ekeler Fantasy Outlook
Ekeler produced exactly what fantasy managers expected in Week 1, recording 6 carries for 26 yards and 3 receptions for 31 yards in Washington’s 21-6 victory over the Giants. His 8.7 fantasy points represented a solid floor performance that validated his role as the primary pass-catching back in the Commanders’ system.
The veteran’s receiving work remains his most valuable fantasy asset, as his 3 targets on limited snaps demonstrate his continued importance in the passing game. His ability to contribute through the air provides a reliable floor that has helped him maintain fantasy relevance despite entering his age-30 season.
However, Ekeler’s lack of explosive plays and touchdown upside became apparent in the opener. His longest gain was just 15 yards, and he failed to find the end zone.
The matchup against Green Bay presents significant concerns for Ekeler’s fantasy outlook. After one week, the Packers are making a compelling case for having the league’s best defense. Their systematic dismantling of Detroit’s offense in Week 1 demonstrated the challenge facing opposing running backs.
The Packers completely shut down Jahmyr Gibbs, limiting one of the NFL’s most dynamic players to just 9 carries for 19 yards and 10 receptions for 31 yards. Gibbs managed only 50 total yards on 19 touches, highlighting the Packers’ defensive dominance against elite talent.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Fantasy Outlook
Croskey-Merritt delivered a historic debut performance, becoming the first player in NFL history drafted outside the top 200 picks to rush for 75-plus yards and a touchdown in his first game. His 10 carries for 82 yards and one touchdown resulted in 14.2 fantasy points and exceeded all reasonable expectations.
The rookie’s performance showcased remarkable versatility, with ESPN’s Bill Barnwell noting that his five explosive plays came from five different running concepts. This adaptability suggests he possesses the skill set to succeed in various offensive packages and situations.
Croskey-Merritt appeared comfortable operating from both pistol and shotgun formations, demonstrating better versatility than Brian Robinson Jr. had shown during his three-year tenure in Washington. His 8.2 yards per carry average and 42-yard long run highlighted his big-play ability and vision.
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However, his Week 1 success came against a New York Giants defense that struggled throughout the contest. The rookie contributed nothing in the passing game, faililng to catch his lone target. Against a stronger opponent that forces the Commanders into more neutral or negative game scripts, JCM may cede more snaps to Ekeler.
The Packers defense represents a massive step up in competition from New York’s struggling unit. Green Bay’s ability to completely neutralize Gibbs, who possesses superior athleticism and experience, raises serious questions about Croskey-Merritt’s ability to replicate his debut performance.
Should You Start Ekeler or Croskey-Merritt This Week?
The key statistic from Green Bay’s Week 1 performance is Gibbs’ inability to generate explosive plays despite 19 total touches. If one of the most explosive and dynamic players to ever step foot on an NFL field managed just 50 total yards, it raises serious concerns about what Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt can accomplish.
Both Commanders running backs fall on the Flex radar for Week 2, but neither qualifies as a must-start option given the matchup difficulty. Ekeler’s receiving floor provides slightly more security than Croskey-Merritt’s touchdown-dependent profile, though both face significant challenges.
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If Croskey-Merritt fails to score against Green Bay’s stingy defense, he appears unlikely to reach double-digit fantasy points given his limited receiving involvement. His big-play ability represents his primary path to production, but the Packers’ disciplined defense may not be on that allows explosive gains much this season.
Ekeler possesses decent receiving floor potential even against elite defenses, but his touchdown prospects appear minimal against a Packers unit that allowed just 13 points to a Lions offense featuring multiple elite weapons. His role as a complementary piece limits his ceiling significantly in difficult matchups.
The ideal approach involves starting either back only if they represent your best available option while acknowledging the challenging circumstances. Thursday night games often produce lower-scoring affairs, and Green Bay’s early-season defensive dominance suggests both Commanders backs face an uphill battle for meaningful production.
