Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or Carson Steele

Saturday, August 17, 11:31 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got a good amount of work in the Cardinals' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Demercado led the running backs with 10 carries but for a paltry 24 yards. He also added one catch on his lone target for nine yards. The battle for the RB3 spot likely comes down to Demercado and Michael Carter, as the two traded third-down snaps with Demercado taking a slight 4-to-3 edge. Carter did take 4-of-5 two-minute drill snaps, however, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. Demercado should go undrafted in fantasy drafts, but he was solidly useful for a spell last season when he was the lead back with James Conner hurt. With Conner and rookie Trey Benson in tow, Demercado becomes depth running back for Arizona who needs multiple injuries to be relevant in fantasy for 2024.

Monday, September 16, 9:27 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele is expected to have an increased role in the offense going forward. This news comes after fellow back Isiah Pacheco (leg) suffered a significant injury during the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs are expected to be without Pacheco for at least a month or two. Head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that Steele needs to step it up in the absence of Pacheco. The rookie back rushed seven times for 24 yards in Week 2. The Chiefs have faith in the long term potential of the 21-year-old back. However, Steele is unlikely to be the only back in the mix as Samaje Perine and Clyde Edwards-Helaire should also be in the mix. It's also worth noting that the Chiefs are reportedly interested in free-agent back Kareem Hunt. Despite that, Steele remains a top waiver wire addition for RB-needy fantasy managers.