Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Emari Demercado

Thursday, October 9, 10:45 AM

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been one of the NFL's most efficient passers through the first five weeks of the season. The veteran has completed 73% of his passes (third-best in the NFL) while ranking seventh in both passing yards and touchdowns. After a breakout 2024 campaign in Minnesota, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, some questioned whether Darnold could replicate that success in Seattle. So far, he's answered emphatically. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as a true No. 1 receiver, Darnold is producing like a top-10 fantasy quarterback. The Seahawks face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, who lead the NFL in interceptions, making Darnold a slightly risky start. Still, he remains a strong high-end QB2 with weekly upside in fantasy leagues moving forward.

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.