Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Michael Carter

Saturday, October 11, 1:42 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had only 52 yards off nine carries in the first five games of the 2025 campaign, adding four receptions for eight yards. While most assumed Chase Brown would lead the way out of the backfield this season, fantasy managers are still disappointed with Perine's lack of involvement and production. The 30-year-old logged 29 snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions, suggesting more involvement could be on the horizon for the Week 6 meeting with the Green Bay Packers. However, until Perine does something meaningful to benefit managers, it's best to leave him out of any fantasy lineup versus the Packers. That outlook likely won't change in the weeks ahead unless Brown goes down with an injury.

Sunday, October 12, 11:52 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is not expected to lead the team's backfield during Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Instead, Bam Knight will handle lead-back duties for Arizona. The Cardinals have been experimenting with personnel after losing James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee). Third-string running back Emari Demercado has remained in a third-down role, and it was Carter who led the unit with 18 carries last Sunday. However, he was relatively inefficient with just 2.8 yards per carry, which could be the reason why he's now in the backup role and Knight is getting an opportunity to lead the way. Knight, who had four rushes for 11 yards and a touchdown last week, hasn't started an NFL game since his rookie campaign with the New York Jets in 2022. The Colts represent a tough matchup, so Carter's reduced volume takes him off the fantasy radar in most formats.