Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Emari Demercado

Monday, October 20, 10:33 PM

As the Minnesota Vikings face a short week and a series of injuries in the backfield, running back Cam Akers is likely the next man up if needed on Thursday at the Los Angeles Chargers. Jordan Mason should still be the Vikings' top option, but Zavier Scott (wrist) is now facing an injury and Aaron Jones (hamstring) has not yet been activated off injured reserve. If Jones is not moved onto the active roster, Akers likely would be Minnesota's answer behind Mason. No action is needed just yet, but managers in deeper leagues might want to keep an eye on the Vikings' backfield if facing a bye-week crunch.

Tuesday, November 11, 5:13 PM

Despite increased involvement in the Arizona Cardinals' backfield of late, running back Emari Demercado is listed as the No. 2 RB behind Bam Knight heading into the team's Week 11 divisional clash with the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. Knight made the start in Sunday's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks and led the backfield with 10 carries before leaving late in the game with an ankle injury. Knight's ankle injury doesn't seem to be serious enough to keep him from playing this weekend, which makes the 26-year-old Demercado less attractive as a potential DFS sleeper against San Fran. Trying to predict Arizona's backfield since Trey Benson's knee injury has been a headache for fantasy managers, although as long as he stays healthy, Knight appears to be the guy in more of a committee approach. Dermercado had a season-high 14 carries for 79 yards on Nov. 3 against the Cowboys, but he handled only eight touches in Week 10, going for 67 scrimmage yards. It's hard to recommend any Cardinals RB in fantasy as anything more than a desperation RB3/flex until Benson returns from IR.