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Should I start Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, Rachaad White for Week 5? Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks and recommendations for the 2025 NFL season.
The running back position has been hit hard by injuries over the past two weeks. In this piece, we will spotlight three running backs who are poised to take on larger roles as a result in Week 5.
With Trey Benson (knee) hitting the IR, both Michael Carter and Emari Demercado could emerge as potential FLEX options, while Rachaad White could push for RB2 upside, with Bucky Irving (foot) sidelined.
So, should fantasy managers start Carter, Demercado, and White in Week 5? Let's dive in and find out.
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Should I Start Michael Carter for Fantasy Football?
With Benson sidelined, Carter has the best opportunity to emerge as the team's starting running back. Following Benson's shift to the IR, several reports have suggested that the Cardinals view Carter as their "new" RB1, given his experience in this role last season. In 2024, Carter averaged a solid 13.0 PPR points over the two games in which he took control of the backfield.
While Demercado had a prominent role last weekend, he was used primarily in passing situations, where Carter figures to lead the team in carries, especially near the goal line.
On Wednesday, Carter himself even expressed that he named the team's starter when speaking to the media.
“It’s been a lot. … You go from Pat Tillman (Scout Player of the Week) one week to starting the next.”
Cardinals RB Michael Carter on the roller coaster this year has been and what this week’s opportunity means to him ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/EvQx0K8Snu
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) October 1, 2025
In addition, during Wednesday's practice, Carter was seen taking RB1 snaps while Demercado was slotting behind him. Given this recent update, managers should expect Carter to lead the backfield on Sunday with Demercado serving as the change-of-pace option.
He has a prime matchup to claim this role, facing the Titans, who have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season. With the Cardinals sitting as the heavy favorite, Carter could see up to 15 carries in this contest.
Should I Start Emari Demercado for Fantasy Football?
While Carter figures to lead the team in carries, Demercado could still carve out a role in this backfield. Last weekend, Demercado had a role operating as the two-minute drill running back behind Benson. He caught both of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown. However, on the ground, he was given just two carries for eight yards.
Prior to Week 4, Demercado logged two carries for 0 yards and saw just one target. As a result, managers should not expect Demercado to be given a prominent role out of the backfield. However, he should still maintain a presence on passing downs.
This weekend, given that the Cardinals sit as heavy favorites facing the Titans, they will likely not need to rely on pushing the ball downfield. As a result, Demercado will likely take the backseat to Carter in this match, given the expected game script.
While Demercado should have opportunities to see more snaps than Carter in high-scoring affairs or games in which they are trailing, this weekend will likely not be one of them. As a result, Demercado is only worth starting as a desperation FLEX play in deeper PPR leagues.
However, Demercado is still worth adding prior to this game, as he could take the starting role from Carter if he struggles in this matchup.
Michael Carter or Emari Demercado?
Which Cardinal RB should you pick up and start in Week 5?
(via @A_Smith_FS)https://t.co/n1ZfzH2O7I
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 1, 2025
Should I Start Rachaad White for Fantasy Football?
The final running back who could see a larger role than expected this weekend is Rachaad White. White is slated to serve as the RB1 in Tampa Bay with Irving sidelined. On Wednesday, Irving was seen with crutches and was unable to practice. On Thursday, Irving was also sidelined during practice, further suggesting White will lead this backfield on Sunday.
Lots of updates from Bucs practice:
Not practicing: Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Jamel Dean, Benjamin Morrison, Christian Izien.
Practicing: Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Lavonte David, Chris Godwin, Zyon McCollum, Haason Reddick, Tykee Smith, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Charlie…
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 2, 2025
Through the first four games, White has operated as the clear RB2 behind Irving. Additionally, he is on pace to have his most efficient season as a runner. On 23 attempts, she is averaging a strong 4.7 YPC. He has also caught eight targets for 38 yards.
Last season, White posted an average of 4.3 YPC and struggled even more in 2023, posting a 3.6 YPC mark. However, seeing his improved efficiency this season, White could be in a prime position to enjoy a strong showing on Sunday afternoon.
This weekend, the Buccaneers will travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks, who have allowed the 16th most points to opposing RBs this season. If Irving sits out, White could see three-down work and up to 15+ attempts and five or more targets in the passing game.
Given his projected volume, White carries high-floor RB2 upside in this matchup. While Sean Tucker could also see a role, given White's experience in the offense, he is the clear favorite to take on most of Irving's workload.
Who Should I Start Tool
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Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 5 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, Rachaad White. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 5. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
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Popular Week 5 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 5 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, Rachaad White compared to others:
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