Aaron Jones vs Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Two running backs fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Clear edge · 68% confident- Experts agree: consensus rank 116 vs 120
- More points per game: 12.6 vs 10.0
- Better scoring rank so far: RB21 vs RB25
Aaron Jones and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are a common 2026 draft-day decision at running back. Jacory Croskey-Merritt holds the edge in expert consensus (RB39 to RB40). Jacory Croskey-Merritt typically comes off the board first, around pick 115 (round 10) to Aaron Jones's pick 127. The 2026 projections are nearly even: Aaron Jones at 137 PPR points (8.1 per game) versus Jacory Croskey-Merritt at 128.
Last season Jacory Croskey-Merritt carried the heavier workload (0% snap share, 17 touches to Aaron Jones's 13), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the solid pick on stronger expert consensus, an earlier ADP and the bigger workload. Aaron Jones carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Jones | Croskey-Merritt |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 137 | 128 |
| Points / game | 10.0 | 12.6 |
| Games played | 1 | 1 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #120 | #116 |
| ADP | 127 | 115 |
| Scoring rank (season) | RB25 | RB21 |
| Snap share | 0% | 0% |
| Red-zone touches | 4 | 1 |
| Age | 31 | 25 |
| Bye week | 6 | 7 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Aaron Jones or Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Aaron Jones or Jacory Croskey-Merritt in 2026?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a solid pick over Aaron Jones for 2026, on stronger expert consensus, an earlier ADP and the bigger workload. Aaron Jones carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, Aaron Jones or Jacory Croskey-Merritt?
Aaron Jones carries the higher 2026 projection at 137 PPR points (8.1 per game), compared with 128 for Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Where are Aaron Jones and Jacory Croskey-Merritt being drafted?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has an ADP around pick 115 (round 10), while Aaron Jones goes closer to pick 127 (round 11).
Who is ranked higher, Aaron Jones or Jacory Croskey-Merritt?
Expert consensus ranks Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB39) ahead of Aaron Jones (RB40) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.