The Arizona Cardinals continue to have a productive rushing offense, despite the numerous injuries at the running back position. But in a choice between Emari Demercado, Keaontay Ingram, and Damien Williams, there appears to be an easy choice to get the start on your fantasy football team for Week 8.
Fantasy Outlook for Emari Demercado This Week
After posting season highs in rush attempts (13), rushing yards (58), and receptions (4) — not to mention appearing in 80 percent of the team’s offensive snaps — Demercado looks like the man going forward in the Cardinals’ plans at running back. Well, at least until James Conner returns.
Considering Week 7 was the rookie’s first career start, is anything etched in stone when it comes to the Cardinals and their running backs?
Demercado is also not a prime candidate to reach the end zone. He’s just found the end zone once on 40 touches this season.
Fantasy Outlook for Keaontay Ingram This Week
After being inactive for two games, Ingram led the Cardinals’ running backs with 10 carries and 40 rushing yards in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. So, it seemed as if the top running back spot would belong to Ingram going forward, right?
Wrong.
MORE: 2023 RB Fantasy Football Rankings
Last week against the Seattle Seahawks, Ingram was active but did not get on the field for a single Arizona offensive snap.
While this running back situation appears to be ever-changing, it’s hard to throw support around a player who last week, were he in the NBA, would have posted a “DNP — Coach’s Decision.”
Fantasy Outlook for Damien Williams This Week
In terms of production in Week 7, Williams probably ranked somewhere between Demercado and Ingram. On one hand, Williams was on the field for nearly as many offensive snaps last week (12) as he had the previous week (13).
However, his production was limited to just one carry for two yards against Seattle — hardly the kind of numbers you’re looking for when you’re trying to decide on which Cardinals running back to start on your fantasy team.
He showed his ability back in Week 6 against the Rams, when he averaged 4.5 yards per carry on eight rush attempts for just 36 yards and one reception for only 8 yards.
But while it’s possible he could be brought in for goal-line situations, the Cardinals and their 24th-ranked scoring offense actually have to get near the goal line for this scenario to play out for Williams.
Which Cardinals RB Should You Start?
PFN’s Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer projects Demercado to compile 7.8 fantasy points in Week 8, which is more than the projected fantasy point totals of Ingram (4.1) and Williams (3.4) combined.
So if you’re looking to the Cardinals for some running back help on your fantasy football team, Dermercado is the logical choice this week.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!