Emari Demercado is Must-Add in Fantasy Leagues

ARIZONA -- Though the Arizona Cardinals themselves aren't performing very well, a handful of individual talent is making waves in the desert. 

Tight end Trey McBride nearly hit 100 receiving yards on Sunday while receiver Michael Wilson continues to see a rise in volume, though the latest waiver wire craze is centered around running back Emari Demercado. 

With James Conner out at least one more week and the Cardinals making a switch at quarterback, numerous fantasy football sites have Demercado pegged as a guy you should add to your squad:

Bleacher Report

"The 24-year-old has been involved as a pass-catcher as well, snagging five of the six targets that have come his way during that two-game stretch for 18 yards," wrote Alex Kay. 

"Even if Conner does return to action after Week 9, Demercado seems to have done enough to force a more even timeshare going forward. If not, he still has some value as a handcuff who is ready to step right back into a feature role should the starter go down with injury again.

"Conner has never played a full NFL season since entering the league in 2017 and is showing signs of wear-and-tear in his age-28 campaign, so it's far from guaranteed he'll be available down the stretch.

"With the free-agent pickings looking rather slim at running back right now, placing a waiver claim on Demercado should be a top priority for anyone in need of help at the position for Week 9 and potentially beyond."

Pro Football Network

"If you shelled out FAAB for Emari Demercado three weeks ago, you probably dropped him after he played behind Keaontay Ingram the week after. Then, you were probably kicking yourself after he resumed control of this backfield in Week 7," wrote Jason Katz.

"In Week 8, Demercado operated as the clear lead back, carrying the ball 20 times for 78 yards. Playing in a weak offense, he’s unlikely to ever do much, but that volume is useful.

"Every starting running back in the NFL should be on fantasy rosters. Demercado is not moving the needle in any matchup, but he provides a decent floor. Managers struggling at running back can certainly do worse."

FantasyPros

"Dare I say Demercado is the bell-cow RB for Arizona? After his 17 touches in Week 7, the undrafted rookie had 20 rushing attempts vs. Baltimore on Sunday. Unfortunately, he did not reprise his role in the passing game in Week 8, with only one target and reception. James Conner still has no timetable to return from IR, so this is likely our last chance to gobble up solid volume on a team that is very good at running the football."

The Cardinals play the Cleveland Browns this week.