Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or Braelon Allen


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.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.1 23.2 0.2 0.7 5.7 0.0

Braelon Allen News

A "Faster, More Explosive" Braelon Allen Could Now Be in Line for Extra Touches

Tuesday, August 18, 6:36 AM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen missed most of the 2025 season with a sprained MCL, but after an offseason of intensive rehab, he told the media on Monday that he is faster and more explosive than ever. With starting running back Breece Hall (groin) exiting practice with a groin injury, the third-year back could be in line for an expanded workload, and head coach Aaron Glenn shared on Monday his belief that Allen could handle the role. "I know that most people think that once you lose a starter, there's a huge drop-off," he said. "I like to look at it as all our guys are starters and there shouldn't be a drop-off. So, anytime we lose a player, I expect the next guy to come in and operate just as good." Allen is currently being drafted as the RB60, but he is built to handle an every-down role should Hall miss time in the regular season, making him an important insurance back to roster in deeper leagues.


Emari Demercado vs. Braelon Allen

Still trying to decide between Demercado and Allen? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Emari Demercado is projected to score 3.6 points this week while Braelon Allen is projected to score 5.1 points.