Who Should I Start? Tyler Allgeier or Emari Demercado

Saturday, September 27, 12:16 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier disappeared from the offense last week, with the Falcons playing from behind the entire game, and the running backs finally giving way to Nathan Carter (hamstring) in the fourth quarter of the 30-0 blowout loss to the Panthers. This week's game should be more competitive, with a relatively low over/under (43.5) and the Falcons as only slight favorites (-2.5). That should give Allgeier a chance to get back on track after recording double-digit carries the first two weeks, and even finding the end zone once. Still, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry will limit his upside, and the 25-year-old is not typically involved in the passing attack (two catches for four yards in '25), so view him as nothing more than a middling RB4 or a speculative Flex play, as well as a handcuff for Bijan Robinson managers.

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.