Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or Jarquez Hunter

Thursday, September 25, 9:26 AM

Things have changed in a major way for the Arizona Cardinals' backfield, but backup running back Emari Demercado should be viewed as a major streaming risk with his team playing the Seattle Seahawks on short rest. Arizona lost starting running back James Conner (ankle) for the season, which will likely thrust Trey Benson into a feature back role and give Demercado some touches, too. The third-year pro drew two rushing attempts and a target after Conner departed last week, which is nowhere near enough to be fantasy relevant. It's possible Demercado develops into a Justice-Hill-like role as a pass catcher this season, but managers should exercise caution until we've seen how the Cardinals move forward without Conner.

Wednesday, September 17, 11:40 AM

Los Angeles Rams rookie running back Jarquez Hunter has not been a factor in his team's offense through the first two games of the season. After being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Hunter was active for Week 2 but did not record a carry. The 22-year-old appears to be firmly behind Blake Corum in the Rams backfield pecking order after RB1 Kyren Williams. Corum logged five carries for 44 yards and a score on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, which likely only solidified his hold on the RB2 role. Hunter would have some fantasy relevance if either Williams or Corum were to go down with an injury, but for now, he should be off the radar of managers in redraft leagues.