Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or DJ Giddens

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Week 1 Projections

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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.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

DJ Giddens News

DJ Giddens an Easily Replaceable Insurance Back

Friday, April 10, 6:03 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens was a fifth-round pick in a 2025 NFL Draft teeming with running back talent, and he quickly became a popular dynasty stash as the primary backup to one of fantasy's elite in Jonathan Taylor. As a rookie, Giddens dealt with minor injuries and was held out of several games as a healthy scratch, with Taylor leaned on as a workhorse, and the team favoring veteran Ameer Abdullah for his contributions in the passing game. Limited to nine games in total, Giddens finished his first season with only 96 yards on a 3.7 per carry average, and failed to record a single reception. Even with a notably weaker incoming class of rookie running backs, Giddens is no lock to even make the roster after a disappointing 2025 and would be unlikely to handle a full workload should Taylor miss time.

Emari Demercado vs. DJ Giddens

Still trying to decide between Demercado and Giddens? 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 0.0 points this week while DJ Giddens is projected to score 0.0 points.