Who Should I Start? Emari Demercado or Phil Mafah

Sunday, November 9, 7:33 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado posted his best performance of the season during last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado saw a season-high 14 carries for 79 yards in the Week 9 victory. Before that, Demercado saw only a few carries in the backfield, but figures to have earned a larger role in the backfield. It's worth noting the Cardinals are operating a three-back committee with Michael Carter and Bam Knight involved as well. It seems like the team is intent on going with the hot hand in the backfield, which is Demercado right now. Fantasy managers in desperate need of help for Week 10 might want to consider Demercado as a possible flex option.

Sunday, August 31, 4:05 PM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the regular season with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason finale. The seventh-round pick out of Clemson showed flashes in the preseason with 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown, good for a solid 3.9 yards per carry. Standing six-foot and weighing 234 pounds, Mafah's big-bodied, between-the-tackles style was impressive in his final college season, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns. His placement on IR is a setback, but with the Cowboys' current running back situation, a potential revolving door of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue, Mafah remains a potential contributor later in the season. He is worth a roster spot in deeper dynasty leagues. Still, his fantasy value will stay uncertain until he returns to full health and the backfield situation becomes clearer throughout the season.