Who Should I Start? Chris Brooks or Emari Demercado


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
3.5 14.8 0.1 0.9 6.3 0.0

Chris Brooks News

Chris Brooks Still in the Mix for Packers' RB2 Role

Friday, August 21, 9:19 AM

Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks is back where he needs to be after losing the first week and a half of camp to a hamstring strain. Green Bay's Aug. 10 unofficial depth chart had Brooks directly behind Josh Jacobs, with MarShawn Lloyd next, but there is still a competition here. Brooks didn't play in the preseason opener, while Lloyd got his chance after Jacobs went down with a groin injury. Brooks has since returned to team work, and the Packers trust the 6-foot-1, 219-pound back in pass protection and the passing game. His 2025 numbers weren't much, just 27 carries for 106 yards and 13 catches for 91 yards. He did get 13 carries in Week 18 and turned them into 61 yards. Jacobs is back at practice and remains the clear lead back, so this is strictly about the spot behind him. Brooks has a real chance to win it. Until somebody separates, though, he's more insurance-back watch than a late-round redraft target.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
3.6 16.9 0.1 0.8 5.4 0.0

Emari Demercado News

Chiefs Sign Emari Demercado to One-Year Deal

Thursday, March 12, 5:58 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Demercado had over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns (three rushing) in his three years with the team, and he'll now join Kenneth Walker III in KC's new-look backfield going into the 2026 season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU had a career-high 312 rushing yards on 44 carries in 13 games in Arizona in 2025, but he didn't find the end zone on the ground. Demercado added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in an expanded role after both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries. He never held a big role in Arizona's backfield, but he was productive when he touched the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt on 126 carries. Demercado should have more upside as a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues while competing for backup duties with Brashard Smith.


Chris Brooks vs. Emari Demercado

Still trying to decide between Brooks and Demercado? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Chris Brooks is projected to score 3.5 points this week while Emari Demercado is projected to score 3.6 points.