Who Should I Start? Roschon Johnson or Emari Demercado

Friday, September 12, 11:09 PM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has been removed from the injury report and is set to make his 2025 debut in Week 2. Johnson returned to practice late last week after being sidelined with a foot injury since early August. The Bears struggled to establish the run in Week 1, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams leading the team in rushing. D'Andre Swift operated as the clear workhorse, logging 81% of the snaps and handling 22 of Chicago's 23 running back touches. Johnson now enters a brutal matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allowed the second-fewest rushing yards to opposing backs in 2024. With uncertainty surrounding his health, role, and workload, Johnson is best left on fantasy benches for now.

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.