Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Emari Demercado

Monday, September 22, 7:06 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (healthy scratch) has been ruled out for Monday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions. Mitchell has yet to appear in a regular-season game this year, sitting as a healthy scratch each week. The second-year back flashed explosiveness as a rookie before tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season, and he has yet to carve out a role in Baltimore's crowded backfield. With Mitchell sidelined, Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali will continue to operate as the primary backups behind starter Derrick Henry. Hill has logged over 40% of the snaps in the first two games and should maintain a steady role, though the matchup against Detroit's stout run defense remains difficult. Mitchell's next chance to be active will come in Week 4, when the Ravens travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

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.