Fantasy Football projection for RBs explored for Week 16

The Washington Commanders have three solid options at running back to cause damage to the Philadelphia Eagles: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr and Jeremy McNichols. The capital team has had a tumultuous 2025 season, full of ups and downs, especially regarding quarterback Jayden Daniels’ availability.

The second-year playmaker continues to deal with an elbow injury, opening the door for veteran Marcus Mariota to lead the Commanders on Saturday. One would imagine Croskey-Merritt, Rodriguez and McNichols to have a prominent role against the Eagles, but for fantasy managers, only one should get the start.

Is Jacory Croskey-Merritt a good pick in fantasy football Week 16?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been a pleasant surprise for Commanders fans this season. The seventh-round pick has carried the ball 143 times for 646 yards and five touchdowns. He comes from an 18-carry, 96-yard and one-touchdown performance against the New York Giants in Week 15, which marked his second-best performance this season. He leads the team in carries, yards, touchdowns and yards per game.

Is Chris Rodriguez Jr a good pick in fantasy football Week 16?

Chris Rodriguez Jr has become a solid option for the Commanders and fantasy managers, helping Croskey-Merritt damage opposing defenses. The third-year running back hasn’t played since Dec. 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, so picking him might not be the best option for fantasy managers this week.

The last time he played, he carried the ball 10 times for a 52-yard gain.

Is Jeremy McNichols a good pick in fantasy football Week 16?

Jeremy McNichols has struggled to find consistency this season, alternating between quiet performances and decent outings now and then. He comes off a six-yard game against the Giants, as he saw Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez take all the attention on offense.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Chris Rodriguez Jr or Jeremy McNichols: Who should you start?

According to Sportskeeda’s Who Should I Start tool, Chris Rodriguez Jr is the best option in Week 16. He is projected to score 11.9 fantasy points, nearly two more than Croskey-Merritt (9.5) and over four more than McNichols (7.6).

The Commanders will face a tough Eagles team with their backup quarterback, and their running back trio could offer valuable help to try to take down the defending Super Bowl champions.

It remains to be seen how Kliff Kingsbury approaches this game, but if he can spice things up, the Commanders will have options to shine on the ground.