Who Should I Start? James Conner or Emari Demercado
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 10.9 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 0.0 |
James Conner News
Monday, August 24, 5:37 PM
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) did not participate in Monday's practice. Conner is recovering from a dislocated ankle/foot that required season-ending surgery last season. The veteran running back has yet to take part in 11-on-11 drills at training camp, though he has been seen in individual drills throughout camp. With the team signing former Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier and drafting Jeremiyah Love with the fourth-overall pick, Conner is likely to be in a reserve role during the 2026 season. If Love (ankle) misses time early in the season due to his high-ankle sprain, Conner could see action if he's healthy and ready to go against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 | 16.9 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 5.4 | 0.0 |
Emari Demercado News
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.
James Conner vs. Emari Demercado
Still trying to decide between Conner and Demercado? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Conner is projected to score 3.4 points this week while Emari Demercado is projected to score 3.6 points.
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