Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Emari Demercado

Saturday, October 4, 9:34 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has held onto his lead-back role despite some fumbling issues so far, and all signs point to him remaining atop the depth chart once again during Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson has been nothing special this season, totaling 125 rushing yards and 141 receiving yards while failing to find the end zone through five weeks. He has managed to hold off rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the top role despite losing two fumbles in Week 3. For now, Stevenson is the best Patriots running back to start in fantasy football, and managers should feel good about him this week. He ranks as a mid-to-low RB3 while taking on a Bills defense that has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year.

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.