Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Emari Demercado

Friday, September 12, 9:29 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take on the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 2. Ford is looking to shake off a slow start in Week 1 as he gained just eight yards on six carries while losing three yards on his lone catch in a one-point loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran's role as the team's starter could be coming to an end soon as rookie Quinshon Judkins is expected to make his pro debut against the Ravens, which could push Ford to a bench role, assuming the Browns keep rookie Dylan Sampson in the third-down spot. Ford is an extremely risky fantasy option in Week 2 and should be left on benches with his backfield role up in the air.

Sunday, October 5, 12:26 PM

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado "will stay in the same role" on third downs. Meanwhile, Michael Carter will take over on first and second downs with Trey Benson (knee) out four to six weeks after having surgery on his meniscus. James Conner (ankle) has already been lost for the year, so the Cardinals' backfield depth is being tested early on. Arizona could plan more designed runs for slippery quarterback Kyler Murray, too. Demercado had two carries for eight yards and caught both of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. While the 26-year-old will be more involved with Benson out, it's Carter that should see more volume, and thus be a better flex play in fantasy lineups, starting this Sunday against the winless Tennessee Titans. Demercado is a better flex option in PPR formats.