Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Emari Demercado

Sunday, September 28, 10:06 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle could continue to have low-end fantasy value even if teammate Chuba Hubbard (calf) suits up against the New England Patriots in Week 4. The veteran had 38 scrimmage yards on 11 touches last week, and he also vultured a touchdown from Hubbard to score double-digit fantasy points for the first time this season. In order to get back to the double-digit range, Dowdle would likely need to find the end zone again this week. That's certainly possible, of course, as New England has surrendered three running back touchdowns through three games so far. With that said, Dowdle was +170 to score a touchdown on Saturday, but his odds have shifted to +350 on DraftKings as of Sunday morning.

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.