Aaron Jones vs Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Aaron Jones by 0.3 projected points (6.6 vs 6.3), close enough that either call is defensible.
Aaron Jones faces NO, the 14th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Jacory Croskey-Merritt faces NYG, the 17th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Aaron Jones by 4.8 points of value over replacement (-26.6 vs -31.4), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market agrees: Aaron Jones goes first at ADP 101.6 vs 115.5 for Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Health note: Aaron Jones carries an injury flag of Questionable (Leg), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Aaron JonesMIN | Jacory Croskey-MerrittWAS | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | NO | NYG | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 6.6 | 6.3 | Jones +0.3 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 30) | #14 | #17 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 110.0 | 105.2 | Jones +4.8 pts |
| Points per game | 6.5 | 6.2 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -26.6 | -31.4 | Jones +4.8 |
| Overall rank | #102 | #106 | Jones by 4 |
| Position rank | RB36 | RB37 | |
| Market ADP | 101.6 | 115.5 | Croskey-Merritt +13.9 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 9 | Rd 10 | |
| Bye week | 6 | 7 | |
| Injury flag | Questionable | None |
Should I start Aaron Jones or Jacory Croskey-Merritt in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Aaron Jones by 0.3 projected points (6.6 vs 6.3), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Aaron Jones or Jacory Croskey-Merritt in 2026 fantasy football?
Aaron Jones. He projects 110.0 fantasy points with -26.6 value over replacement, vs 105.2 points and -31.4 for Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.