Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Emari Demercado

Saturday, September 27, 12:13 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut is not a reliable fantasy option heading into Week 4, despite his role as the direct backup to Tony Pollard. There are several reasons why fantasy managers should leave Chestnut on waivers. First of all, the Titans' offense is one of the worst in the league, so rushing opportunities aren't exactly easy to come by. Even when Tennessee does run the ball, it's difficult to carve out major yardage in this uninspiring offense. Additionally, they are facing the Houston Texans, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2025. Finally, he's stuck behind Tony Pollard, whose 90 percent snap share is the most among all running backs in the NFL. In other words, nobody hogs running back snaps as much as Pollard, so it's hard to envision Chestnut getting on the field very often. For now, he's off the fantasy radar and would only become relevant if Pollard misses time. However, the veteran could slip even further down the depth chart if Tyjae Spears (ankle) is activated soon.

Friday, September 26, 9:44 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had four touches for 21 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals' Thursday night loss to the Seahawks. His score came by a seven-yard reception to tie the score at 20 with 28 seconds to go before eventually falling to the Seattle Seahawks 23-20. Demarcado had two rush attempts and two receptions, and Trey Benson operated as the team's primary running back on Thursday with James Conner (foot) out for the season. Demercado mostly found himself in the game on third downs and in the two-minute offense. With the Cardinals down by a few scores in the fourth quarter, he played a decent amount late in the game, which ultimately led to a touchdown. Demercado is expected to remain involved, but not to the extent that it can provide standalone PPR value. Fantasy managers will want to look elsewhere for production, as Demarcado's looking like a handcuff to Benson, at best.