Who Should I Start? Velus Jones Jr. or Emari Demercado


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.4 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Velus Jones Jr. News

Velus Jones Jr. Signs With Saints

Sunday, March 16, 9:25 AM

The New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. to a one-year deal. Jones is a former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears from 2022. He was never able to make much of an impact in Chicago and was waived by the team in October. Jones finished out last season with the Carolina Panthers, but he didn't see much of the field over there. He'll compete for a spot on the 53-man roster in training camp and could serve as a depth option or kick returner if he's able to make the team.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.7 29.0 0.3 0.5 4.0 0.0

Emari Demercado News

Chiefs Sign Emari Demercado to One-Year Deal

Thursday, March 12, 5:58 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Demercado had over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns (three rushing) in his three years with the team, and he'll now join Kenneth Walker III in KC's new-look backfield going into the 2026 season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU had a career-high 312 rushing yards on 44 carries in 13 games in Arizona in 2025, but he didn't find the end zone on the ground. Demercado added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in an expanded role after both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries. He never held a big role in Arizona's backfield, but he was productive when he touched the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt on 126 carries. Demercado should have more upside as a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues while competing for backup duties with Brashard Smith.


Velus Jones Jr. vs. Emari Demercado

Still trying to decide between Jones Jr. and Demercado? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Velus Jones Jr. is projected to score 0.4 points this week while Emari Demercado is projected to score 5.7 points.