Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or J'Mari Taylor
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | 7.1 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 0.0 |
Emari Demercado News
Monday, August 31, 10:32 AM
The Dallas Cowboys claimed running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. In a surprising move on roster cutdown day on Sunday, the Cowboys waived both running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, leaving them with just Javonte Williams and Malik Davis in their backfield entering Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Demercado, who was with the Chiefs during training camp, will now head to Dallas, where he will serve as the RB3 to open the regular season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU spent his first three NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, averaging a notable 6.5 yards per carry for 819 yards and three rushing scores in 40 games (two starts) while adding 50 receptions on 70 targets for 324 yards and one touchdown as a receiver. Demercado has been efficient when he has gotten opportunities so far, but he will open 2026 as the clear third option out of Dallas' backfield, and he could also face competition from fullback Hunter Luepke.
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 |
J'Mari Taylor News
Sunday, August 16, 10:12 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted rookie running back J'Mari Taylor was a main contributor in a 24-20 win over the New Orleans Saints in the preseason opener on Saturday. He finished with 22 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown, which ended up as the game-winning score for the Jaguars. He also ran in a two-point conversion. Taylor has lots of competition in the running back room, so it's doubtful he is worth consideration in redraft anytime soon, but this promising performance should draw the eyes of dynasty managers. Veteran DeeJay Dallas was also involved in the rushing attack but had a much less efficient 2.6 yards per carry on 10 carries. The clear top three running backs of Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and LeQuint Allen Jr. surely will make the roster, but as of now, it seems Taylor is the favorite if Liam Coen decides to keep four backs on the roster. He is worth taxi consideration in dynasty leagues for now.
Emari Demercado vs. J'Mari Taylor
Still trying to decide between Demercado and Taylor? 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 1.4 points this week while J'Mari Taylor is projected to score 0.0 points.
Latest Fantasy News