Who Should I Start? Michael Carter or Malik Davis

Saturday, December 13, 9:14 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter fell under double-digit touches in the Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Carter was quickly phased out of the offense and was only able to garner five touches for 31 scrimmage yards. The 26-year-old's role in the offense will remain up in the air with Emari Demercado (ankle) listed as questionable in Week 15. Demercado has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but was able to be a limited participant in each practice this week. In a murky situation, Carter will face a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans' defense has allowed the fourth-fewest receptions and the fifth-fewest rushing yards this season. It will be tough sliding for Carter on Sunday, even as a pass-catcher, going against a solid Texans' linebacker core. In a difficult Week 15 matchup, Carter will be a risky desperation flex option in deep PPR leagues.

Friday, December 12, 7:41 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has emerged as the primary No. 2 option behind workhorse Javonte Williams in the team's backfield. However, Davis has been unable to carve out a substantial role, which makes him a handcuff with RB4 value heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Since their Week 10 bye, Davis has been the only other running back Williams to log an offensive snap, suggesting he would see a massive workload in the event the former first-round pick misses time with an injury. However, during this four-game stretch, Davis has been unable to log over 20% of the snaps in a single game and has only logged more than three carries once. In Week 13, Davis made the most of his change-of-pace role, tallying 47 yards and a score on three attempts. However, in the other three games, Davis has totaled 50 yards on 10 carries. Given his current usage, managers should continue to view him as a top handcuff that should not be in their starting lineup outside of a cheap flier in a DFS single-game slate.