Week 2 of the NFL season poses a critical question for fantasy football owners: Which running back should get the Thursday Night Football nod? This article examines the debate between Jacory Croskey-Merrit and Austin Ekeler as fantasy players strive to make the smartest pick.
Jacory Croskey-Merrit vs. Austin Ekeler fantasy Week 2: Which WAS RB is the better TNF start?

Key Takeaways:
- This article centers on choosing between Jacory Croskey-Merrit and Austin Ekeler.
- Week 2 of the NFL season underscores the urgency of making the right pick.
- Thursday Night Football (TNF) deadlines pressure fantasy owners to finalize lineups.
- The piece comes from Sporting News on September 11, 2025.
- Readers are encouraged to consider each running back’s perceived role before the game.
The Decision at Hand
Fantasy football owners are constantly navigating start-or-sit dilemmas, and Week 2 brings one of the more intriguing matchups: Jacory Croskey-Merrit versus Austin Ekeler. With Thursday Night Football looming, teams must lock in critical roster choices early in the week.
The TNF Factor
Thursday games compress decision-making and give fantasy owners less time to analyze performance trends or wait for late-week updates. According to the original report, “Decision time to start Week 2,” meaning owners need to finalize lineups sooner rather than later.
A Tale of Two Running Backs
It’s unclear how each player’s role will evolve over the season, but the article title, “Jacory Croskey-Merrit vs. Austin Ekeler fantasy Week 2: Which WAS RB is the better TNF start?” reveals precisely the question on everyone’s mind. Jacory Croskey-Merrit may represent an emerging option, while Austin Ekeler has established name recognition among fantasy managers.
Challenging Lineup Calls
As the article suggests, picking the right back can be the difference between early success and disappointment. With so many factors in play—health, opponent defenses, and game plans—players need to weigh every angle before kickoff.
Final Word
With Thursday Night Football approaching, fantasy owners must make their crucial lineup decisions swiftly. Whether the better start is Jacory Croskey-Merrit or Austin Ekeler remains a personal call, but this Week 2 dilemma underscores one of fantasy football’s timeless truths: every move counts in the quest for victory.