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

Braelon Allen Offers Handcuff Potential

Tuesday, July 21, 5:48 PM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Due to injuries, Allen was limited to four games this past season. The 22-year-old has worked hard this offseason to get his body right and get himself ready for a bounce-back campaign in 2026. Even if he's in great shape, Allen isn't going to be the No. 1 option on this team. Breece Hall signed a new extension and remains the workhorse back on this roster. At best, Allen can surpass Isaiah Davis on the depth chart and become a useful change-of-pace back. Fantasy managers should consider stashing Allen as a handcuff.


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.