Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Jordan Mason
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 Jacory Croskey-Merritt by 0.7 projected points (6.3 vs 5.6), close enough that either call is defensible.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt faces NYG, the 17th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Jordan Mason faces NO, the 14th-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
The model takes Jacory Croskey-Merritt: a clear but modest edge of 11.8 points of value over replacement (-31.4 vs -43.2).
The room sees it the other way: drafters take Jordan Mason first (ADP 111.6 vs 115.5). If the model is right, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the value pick, since the later cost buys the better 2026 projection.
Health note: Jordan Mason carries an injury flag of IR (Thumb), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Jacory Croskey-MerrittWAS | Jordan MasonMIN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | NYG | NO | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 6.3 | 5.6 | Croskey-Merritt +0.7 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 30) | #17 | #14 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 105.2 | 93.4 | Croskey-Merritt +11.8 pts |
| Points per game | 6.2 | 5.5 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -31.4 | -43.2 | Croskey-Merritt +11.8 |
| Overall rank | #106 | #121 | Croskey-Merritt by 15 |
| Position rank | RB37 | RB39 | |
| Market ADP | 115.5 | 111.6 | Croskey-Merritt +3.9 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 10 | Rd 10 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 6 | |
| Injury flag | None | IR |
Should I start Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Jordan Mason in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Jacory Croskey-Merritt by 0.7 projected points (6.3 vs 5.6), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Jordan Mason in 2026 fantasy football?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He projects 105.2 fantasy points with -31.4 value over replacement, vs 93.4 points and -43.2 for Jordan Mason (RB, PPR).