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Should I pickup Emari Demercado or Michael Carter as fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 5 of 2025? Read our fantasy football waiver wire outlooks.
The Arizona Cardinals backfield has been hit hard by injuries. In their Week 3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, top running back James Conner (foot) suffered a season-ending injury.
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, the Cardinals opted to place their new starter, Trey Benson, on the injured reserve list due to a knee injury. As a result, their depth options are now primed to step into a larger role.
Should you pick up Emari Demercado or Michael Carter ahead of Week 5? Let's dive in.
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Emari Demercado Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
Last week, Demercado operated as the team's clear No. 2 behind Benson. While Benson dominated the early-down work, Demercado typically relieved him of his duties in passing situations, especially in the two-minute drills. In this contest, Demercado caught both of his targets for 13 yards and a score.
On the ground, he took just two carries for a modest eight yards. Before this game, he logged only two rushing attempts in the first three weeks and did not catch a pass over this stretch.
With Benson now sidelined, Demercado is the clear favorite to serve as the primary pass-catching option. However, his role in primary downs and even at the goal line is still in question.
Michael Carter Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
While Demercado figures to slide into the third-down role, Carter projects to be the primary running back. As reported by Theo Mackie on Tuesday evening, sources noted that the Cardinals "could" turn to Carter to lead their backfield in the event that Benson misses time. With Benson now slated to miss at least four games, Carter could be primed to take over the lead role.
During Wednesday's practice, these reports already began to ring true. In team drills, Carter was seen operating as the team's RB1 while Demercado was behind him as the RB2.
Arizona Cardinals RB drills order:
1) Michael Carter
2) Emari Demercado
3) Bam Knight
4) Jermar Jefferson📹 @AZSportspic.twitter.com/gleMPi23mK https://t.co/bcCMoEACuy
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 1, 2025
Should I Pickup Emari Demercado or Michael Carter For Fantasy Football?
Given this recent update, fantasy managers should look to pick up Carter on the waiver wire. While Demercado is still expected to have a role as a pass catcher, he will not get the workload that is suitable for fantasy.
Demercado is best left for deep PPR formats. He only began to carve into Benson's role when the Cardinals were trailing by multiple scores to the Seahawks. Expect the Cardinals to lean on Carter as he will be their primary running back, while Demercado is no more than a change-of-pace option in passing situations.
Carter should be targeted in all standard leagues after Week 5 as he could be the team's starting running back for at least a month while Benson is sidelined. However, Benson also remains a must-stash, as he should return to his clear workhorse role when he comes off the IR.
Michael Carter Next in Line in Cardinals' Backfield? https://t.co/Ua3qcoIwui
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 1, 2025
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
Who Should I Pickup? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver wire decisions are regarding players like Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, Rachaad White, Kendre Miller, Ollie Gordon II, Sean Tucker. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pick up... all free! Make the right decisions.
2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Rachaad White, Michael Carter, and Ollie Gordon II. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, Rachaad White, Kendre Miller, Ollie Gordon II, Sean Tucker.:
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