Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Michael Carter

Friday, October 31, 9:57 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols led the team in receiving in their Week 8 loss to the Chiefs, catching five of his six targets for 64 yards and adding one carry for four yards. McNichols has arguably been Washington's most effective back recently, consistently making plays when his number is called. The 29-year-old is tied for the eighth most receiving first downs (seven) despite ranking just 31st in routes run (82) among 54 running backs with at least 50 routes. His 4.58 yards after contact per reception is the third best behind only Jaylen Warren and James Cook. McNichols has been one of the best third-down backs in the league this season and should benefit from the return of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. The veteran still plays predominantly on third downs with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt filling the early down role. It'll be tough to move the ball on the ground on Sunday Night Football against a Seahawks defense that has allowed a league-best 3.3 yards per carry and tied for the second fewest rushing touchdowns (two) in the league. However, they are tied for the most receptions allowed to opposing running backs (47), which could play in McNichols' favor. McNichols has flex appeal in PPR formats in deeper leagues for Week 9.

Monday, November 3, 6:09 PM

The Arizona Cardinals announced on Monday that they elevated running back Michael Cater to the active 53-man roster from their practice squad for the Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cardinals cut Carter from the active roster early last week as a procedural move before quickly adding him back to their practice squad. The Cardinals are expected to "start" Bam Knight on Monday against Dallas, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team is going to ride the hot hand in the backfield after that. Emari Demercado is back from an ankle injury that knocked him out before the team's Week 8 bye, but the majority of backfield looks on Monday night should go to Knight and Carter. The 26-year-old will have a good matchup against the Cowboys, but he's averaging only 2.8 yards per carry in four games in 2025 and won't be a recommended DFS option.