Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Emari Demercado

Wednesday, December 24, 9:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols has had a solid season as the team's primary third-down back, recording 42 carries for 220 yards and a touchdown to go with 21 catches (27 targets) for 176 yards in 15 games. The veteran handled a season-high 10 touches in Week 15 with Chris Rodriguez Jr. inactive, but he had only three touches with Rodriguez back last week against the Eagles. It will likely be a similar situation for McNichols on Christmas Day against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, where the Commanders could be starting journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson with the status of Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) in doubt. McNichols shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 17.

Monday, December 29, 9:59 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had five carries for 11 yards in Sunday's 37-14 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. Demercado also had two catches for nine yards on three targets. The 26-year-old had another quiet performance despite playing in a favorable matchup on Sunday. Heading into Week 17, the Bengals' defense had surrendered the most fantasy points to running backs this season. Demercado has not been the same fantasy running back since returning from his ankle injury and has played a supporting role in the Cardinals' backfield to Michael Carter. Going into Week 18, Demercado and the Cardinals offense will look to end the season on a high note against the Los Angeles Rams.