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Cards RB Emari Demercado (ankle) likely out vs. Jaguars

Tue Nov 18 10:55am ET
Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain and is unlikely to play against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Demercado sustained the injury in Arizona's 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.

Fellow running back Trey Benson likely will return from injured reserve for the Cardinals (3-7), who also have Bam Knight and Michael Carter in the backfield.

Demercado, 26, has rushed 31 times for 241 yards (7.8 yards per carry) in nine games this season to go along with eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Benson was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 1 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus. He sustained a knee injury toward the end of Arizona's 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 25.

The Cardinals' rushing game has taken considerable hits this season, notably the loss of two-time Pro Bowl running back James Conner to a campaign-ending foot injury on Sept. 21.

Benson, 23, has rushed for 160 yards and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry He also has 13 receptions for 64 yards.

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Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 11

Player Notes
Davis Mills Nov 18 10:30am CT
Davis Mills

With starting quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) battling a concussion, Houston Texans backup QB Davis Mills has been pressed into action over the past three weeks. Stroud was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report ahead of Houston's Week 12 Thursday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills, which means Mills could be in line to make his third straight start against Buffalo. Mills has performed admirably in his two starts to this point, completing 61.6% of his pass attempts for 566 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while leading Houston to two wins. Perhaps most importantly, he is averaging 43 pass attempts per game, which gives him plenty of chances to put up fantasy production. Mills has limited upside, but he could be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in two-quarterback formats leading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Nov 18 10:20am CT
Mason Rudolph

With Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) dealing with a fracture in his left wrist, backup quarterback Mason Rudolph may be in line to make the start in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Rudolph finished Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and played well, completing 12 of 16 pass attempts for 127 yards and a touchdown. Across 32 career games (18 starts), Rudolph has completed 64.1% of his pass attempts for 4,754 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. At 30 years old, Rudolph is an established NFL quarterback with limited upside. However, he could be a decent streaming option off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in two-quarterback formats. Rodgers has not yet been ruled out for Week 12, so managers will need to monitor his progress throughout the week before moving to Rudolph.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 18 10:20am CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) had one of the best games of his career in Week 11, completing 31 of 45 pass attempts for 448 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in a win over the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately for Young, he also suffered an ankle injury that may affect his status for Week 12. Young was able to finish the game against Atlanta, but Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team won't have an update on Young's ankle until Thursday. The Panthers play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. If Young can play, he could be in a position to build upon his Week 11 breakout against the shorthanded San Francisco defense. However, Young has topped 200 passing yards just twice in 10 games this season, so expectations should be at least somewhat limited. Young profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 heading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Nov 18 10:10am CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his long-awaited NFL debut on Sunday against the Ravens, but the rookie struggled mightily, completing only four of his 16 pass attempts for 47 yards with an interception and adding three rushing attempts for 16 yards. With starter Dillon Gabriel working through the concussion protocol, Sanders should get most of the first-team work in practice this week, and he does bring a high ceiling with his dual-threat abilities in a favorable matchup against the Raiders in Week 12. He looked very rough in his first taste of the NFL, so he's extremely high-risk to play this week, but he does have intriguing potential if you need a desperation play in two-QB formats in what is expected to be his first NFL start.

From RotoBaller

Brock Wright Nov 18 9:50am CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright was targeted seven times on Sunday night against the Eagles, but he only hauled in two catches for eight yards. It was a new career-high for the veteran in his fifth season out of Notre Dame. Wright was in a bigger role with SamLaPorta (back) on IR, and he should remain the team's top tight end for at least the next three games. The Lions will look to get back on track against the Giants this week in a favorable matchup for Wright. His targets could indicate that he'll be more involved in the next few weeks, making him a deep-league sleeper, but he'll need to convert more of them to catches before becoming a reliable starter in standard formats. If you are desperate for depth or a bye-week replacement, he has upside, but he hasn't delivered on it yet, so he is a high-risk waiver wire pickup.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Nov 18 9:40am CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum continues to get significant opportunities in the team's rushing game, and he can be a deep-league addition if you're looking for running back options on the waiver wire. Corum only had 10 rushing yards in Week 11 against the Seahawks, but he still did get eight carries while playing 16 snaps (31% of the offensive total). He's still working behind Kyren Williams, but he has averaged 11.5 carries per game over his last four contests, and he continues to play about one-third of the Rams' snaps. He and the Rams have a favorable schedule the rest of the season, with the Buccaneers this Sunday night and then matchups against the Panthers and Cardinals, who have been good running back matchups this season.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Nov 18 9:40am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is over a year removed from his injury and should be nearing a return based on the team's expectations coming into the season. However, he still hasn't had his 21-day practice window opened, and that won't happen this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. While he's eligible to return at any point, the fact that he hasn't returned to practice at all yet indicates he's still multiple weeks away from making a significant fantasy impact. If you can stash him in an IR spot, he still could make a difference down the road, but for now, there are probably better options to have on your bench in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Nov 18 9:30am CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin should be in a key timeshare for the surging Broncos for the next several weeks after the significant injury to J.K. Dobbins (foot). McLaughlin had only been active for one game and had just one carry all season until last week against the Chiefs, when he took six carries for 19 yards and scored a touchdown while also catching the one pass thrown his direction. McLaughlin played just eight snaps (13%) while rookie RJ Harvey played 38 snaps (61%), but McLaughlin had almost as many carries, a better average, and the only rushing score of the game for Denver. The Broncos are on a bye this week, but when they return, McLaughlin and Harvey will have a favorable Week 13 matchup against the Commanders. He should remain in enough of a role to be worth owning in standard-sized leagues, and he also has more upside if he claims more of the available work after the bye.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Nov 18 9:20am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson could be set up for a few weeks as the team's top pass-catcher before the potential return of Jayden Reed (collarbone/foot) from IR. In his growing role, he makes a nice addition if he's on the waiver wire in your leagues. The fourth-year receiver from North Dakota State missed the first seven weeks of the season but has played four straight games, logging multiple receptions and over 40 yards in each contest. On Sunday, he scored his first two touchdowns of the year to help power the Packers past the Giants. Watson and the Packers have tough receiver matchups against the Vikings and Lions in the next two weeks, but then he has three favorable matchups in the last four weeks of the fantasy season against the Bears twice and the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Nov 18 9:10am CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and is considered unlikely to play in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Demercado left the game in the second quarter after recording five carries for eight yards and two catches (three targets) for 12 tards. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for the 26-year-old as he was beginning to establish himself as the preferred option in Arizona's backfield, but he will now be sidelined for at least one week and possibly longer as ankle injuries tend to linger. Bam Knight handled most of the backfield duties in his absence and would be expected to take on an even larger role if Trey Benson (knee) is still unable to return in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Nov 18 9:00am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas caught three of his four targets for 20 yards in a 34-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. Iosivas had his best game of the season in Week 9 versus the Bears, with five receptions (seven targets) for 66 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The 26-year-old has been a more consistent piece of the offense, albeit in a limited role, drawing at least three targets in six straight games. However, he's not involved enough behind Cincinnati's two-star wideouts to be viable in 12-team leagues. Iosivas is best left on the waiver wire in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Nov 18 9:00am CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson scored in back-to-back games before the team's Week 11 bye, establishing a good connection with former college teammate Tyler Shough. It's been a strong four-game stretch for the 29-year-old, totaling 17 receptions for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets. With Rashid Shaheed dealt to the Seattle Seahawks at the trade deadline, Johnson has the opportunity to establish himself as the No. 2 target earner behind top wideout Chris Olave. Johnson was the TE2 in PPR points per game (14.2) in the first three weeks of the season before cooling off in the following three contests. However, the Saints' offense is trending up with Shough playing decently well, and Johnson is back on the map as a potential low-end TE1 moving forward. Owned in 35% of ESPN leagues, he is worth adding in 12-team leagues if he is still available.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Nov 18 9:00am CT
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed an NFL record 47 passes in their 41-22 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. Brissett's 452 passing yards trail only Joe Flacco's 470-yard performance in Week 9 for the most passing yards in a game this season. His passing volume has been among the highest in the league since taking over as the starter in Week 11. The 32-year-old signal caller has 212 pass attempts in that span, behind only Flacco, and is the QB4 in points per game (22.5). The Cardinals have often found themselves in negative game scripts, which has led to Brissett slinging it at a high rate. For fantasy managers looking for a viable quarterback with the slew of injuries at the position this year, Brissett is one of the better adds off the waiver wire this week and is only rostered in 23.6% of ESPN leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Nov 18 8:50am CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has now scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks as he's earned more work behind starter D'Andre Swift. Monangai was still the clear No.2 back in Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, handling 13 touches for 37 yards compared to Swift with 21 for 90, but the rookie is getting valuable touches on the goal line. The 23-year-old has outcarried Swift three to two inside the 10-yard line in the past two weeks. While Monangai doesn't have the explosiveness to break off long runs, he has standalone value as long as he maintains the work down near the goal line and mixes in with Swift occasionally. Monangai is one of the top handcuffs in fantasy and should be added off the waiver wire in most leagues if available.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 18 1:03am CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders WR Tyler Lockett had three catches for 33 yards versus the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.

Fantasy Spin: After leading the Raiders in receiving in his debut, Lockett finished third on the team in Week 11, trailing only Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker. The veteran has built-in chemistry with Geno Smith and is trusted by Pete Carroll, but his best days are behind him, and unless we see an unexpected resurrection it's hard to envision Lockett offering playable value outside of the deepest leagues.

From TheHuddle

Raheem Mostert Nov 18 12:33am CT
Raheem Mostert

Las Vegas Raiders RB Raheem Mostert had two carries for six yards and two receptions for seven yards against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.

From TheHuddle

Geno Smith Nov 18 12:13am CT
Geno Smith

Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during the team's Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Smith, who was sacked four times, also had 14 yards on four rushing attempts.

Fantasy Spin: It was a tough night for Smith, who had a good matchup against a Cowboys secondary that has been routinely exploited throughout the season. As ever, you can't lay all of the Las Vegas' struggles on the veteran QB, as the offensive line had issues in protection while also effectively abandoning the run, and the team lacks difference makers in the receiving game outside of Brock Bowers. While Smith has had a couple of big games this season, he's a fringe QB2 candidate at best, and you'd be forgiven for targeting a higher upside reserve in standard leagues if one is available.

From TheHuddle

Tre Tucker Nov 18 12:10am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker found the end zone in Monday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, scoring his first touchdown since his breakout eight catch, 145-yard, three touchdown performance in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. Tucker caught four of his eight targets for 47 yards and the score in the loss. With Jakobi Meyers traded to the Jaguars at the deadline, Tucker is thrust into the No. 1 wide receiver role and second pass-catching option behind star tight end Brock Bowers. The 24-year-old wideout finished second on the team in targets behind Bowers (12), and should continue to be involved as the Raiders play catch-up in most of their games.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Nov 18 12:00am CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal carried the ball five times for 13 yards and caught two passes for -1 yards in the team's worst offensive showing of the year with a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He briefly left the game with a thigh injury before returning, but the offense never found its rhythm, running only 45 plays and maintaining possession for just 22 minutes. Vidal's roller-coaster season continued, fluctuating between productive games and complete duds. His workload might decrease after the Bolts' much-needed Week 12 bye, as rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) appears close to returning from IR after shedding his walking boot and resuming side work in practice. If Hampton is activated in Week 13, Vidal could shift back into a secondary role. The bye week arrives at the perfect time for his recovery and for fantasy managers looking for clarity.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 18 12:00am CT
Geno Smith

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding 14 yards on 4 carries on the ground in Monday night's 33-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Raiders came out with a pass-heavy game plan with only eight designed running back carries all game, but Smith couldn't take advantage of a poor Dallas defense. His 42 pass attempts were the most since Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 35-year-old has mostly struggled in his first season in Las Vegas, throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) and exceeding 300 yards passing just once, which came all the way back in Week 1. It doesn't get any easier for Smith in Week 12 against a tough Cleveland Browns defense.

From RotoBaller