Arizona’s backfield rotation continues without clear hierarchy as multiple injuries reshape the depth chart weekly. Bam Knight and Michael Carter both head into Sunday’s road trip seeking consistent production. Which Cardinals running back deserves fantasy football consideration for Week 13?
Bam Knight Fantasy Outlook
Knight will continue starting and technically serving as the lead back despite underwhelming recent performances. He saw 15 opportunities last week against Jacksonville, converting them into just 32 total yards. Without a touchdown salvaging his fantasy day, the output would have been catastrophic for managers desperate enough to deploy him.
The rushing efficiency hit rock bottom. Knight carried the ball 10 times for a mere 12 yards, averaging 1.2 yards per attempt. He added four catches on five targets for 20 yards through the air, demonstrating his expanded receiving role in passing situations. The touchdown came on a short plunge that provided his only path to fantasy relevance.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
His snap share has declined precipitously over recent weeks. Knight has failed to reach 50% playing time in three consecutive games. He touches the ball more than his backfield counterparts, but he isn’t on the field as much as his starter designation suggests. This creates a problematic dynamic where volume remains steady but opportunities per snap don’t materialize.
The Cardinals might make a change given his abysmal production. Arizona has shown zero allegiance to either back, preferring whoever performs better on game day. Knight functions as a touchdown-or-bust RB3 whose fantasy value lives and dies with short-yardage scores. His explosive run rate and yards-after-contact metrics remain among the worst qualified runners.
Michael Carter Fantasy Outlook
Carter was completely phased out of the offense before Emari Demercado’s ankle injury forced him into the satellite back role. The veteran has now been thrust into meaningful playing time for consecutive weeks, creating legitimate fantasy intrigue. He played 56% of the snaps last week, though game script likely contributed significantly to that elevated percentage.
Most notably, Carter demonstrated efficiency on his limited rushing attempts. He totaled 28 yards on five carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt while showing burst that Knight hasn’t displayed. This efficiency matters tremendously when the coaching staff evaluates who deserves expanded opportunities moving forward.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 13 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
Predicting how this backfield will shake out remains impossible. Arizona has no attachment to either player beyond weekly production. Whoever performs better stays on the field, and last week that distinction belonged to Carter. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if he emerged as the superior fantasy option this week.
Carter caught five passes on seven targets for 22 yards against the Jaguars two weeks ago. His receiving work creates a defined role in obvious passing situations, though his complete lack of rushing attempts earlier in the season capped his ceiling. The expanded ground involvement over recent weeks suggests the Cardinals trust him in multiple facets.
Should You Start Knight or Carter This Week?
Tampa Bay presents an intriguing matchup for Arizona’s running backs on Sunday. The Buccaneers allow the 13th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs, ranking slightly below average against the position.
The defensive weakness against pass-catching backs creates fascinating dynamics. No team surrenders a higher share of total receiving yards to running backs than Tampa Bay. This vulnerability favors Carter’s skill set dramatically.
Baker Mayfield’s status will also play a significant factor. The Bucs QB suffered a low-grade AC joint sprain in Week 12 but has a real chance to play Sunday.
But if Teddy Bridgewater starts instead, the Cardinals likely control the game throughout with a conservative approach. If Mayfield goes, Arizona likely faces negative game script that forces another pass-heavy plan.
The matchup quality depends heavily on Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation. Bridgewater starting creates conditions where Knight’s touchdown upside matters most in a competitive contest. Mayfield playing pushes Arizona into passing mode, amplifying Carter’s receiving role against a defense that bleeds yards to pass-catching backs.
Knight possesses more touchdown potential given his goal-line access. However, Carter profiles as the superior start this week based on efficiency trends and Tampa Bay’s defensive weaknesses. The Bucs’ inability to defend receiving backs combined with Carter’s recent expanded role creates a sneaky feeling that Arizona will lean more heavily on him, making him the preferred fantasy option for Week 13.