Fantasy football managers are constantly searching for that next breakout performer or valuable handcuff who could save their season. The waiver wire becomes a weekly battleground where smart pickups can make the difference between playoff contention and an early exit.
Running back depth is particularly crucial given the position’s injury-prone nature and unpredictable workload distributions. Week 5 presents another opportunity to add depth and potential upside to your roster.
Should Emari Demercado Be a Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Add in Week 5?
Rostered: 4%
Don’t let the fantasy numbers fool you. This is Trey Benson’s backfield. Emari Demercado was exclusively the third-down back and did not see any meaningful snaps until hurry-up mode in the fourth quarter. He just happened to be the one on the field who caught the late touchdown, which was only his fourth touch of the game.
Demercado’s touchdown is immaterial to his appearing on this list. The simple fact is he’s now the clear handcuff to Benson.
With James Conner done for the year, this isn’t a situation where Demercado’s handcuff value has an expiration date. If Benson were to go down, he would be presumptive lead back. In deeper leagues, that’s worth a stash.
Update:Â With Benson now out 4-6 weeks, Demercado is set form a committee with Michael Carter. At this point, we do not know who the lead back will be. What we do know for sure is that Demercado will be involved. He is worth a speculative add while we wait and see how things play out.
Aggressiveness Rating: 5.0
Strategic Fantasy Football Adds: Maximizing Waiver Wire Success in Deeper Leagues
The waiver wire remains a critical component of fantasy football success, particularly as the season progresses and roster construction becomes increasingly important. Smart managers understand that depth at running back can often determine championship aspirations.
Demercado represents the type of speculative add that separates championship teams from the rest of the field. While his current role may not necessarily change, Benson’s 4-6 week knee injury puts Demercado into a more prominent position on the depth chart.
Fantasy managers should prioritize adding Demercado before his roster percentage climbs. His low rostership creates an opportunity to secure a potentially startable asset at minimal cost. The Cardinals’ offensive system has historically supported fantasy-relevant running back production, making Demercado’s upside particularly appealing.
Week 5 waiver wire decisions often prove pivotal as teams begin separating themselves in standings. While flashier pickups might generate more immediate excitement, Demercado offers the type of insurance policy that championship teams require. His situation lacks the uncertainty that plagues many handcuff scenarios, as the injuries to Benson and Conner have opened up the door for Demercado to play a lot more.
Smart roster construction demands balancing immediate needs with long-term upside. Demercado clearly falls into the latter category, making him an ideal candidate for managers with available roster spots. His current role may seem limited, but his potential impact justifies the speculative investment in competitive leagues.
