This backfield has entered a new phase of chaos as the Arizona Cardinals navigate a three-way committee approach. Michael Carter and Bam Knight head into Week 10 with uncertainty surrounding their workload distribution. Can fantasy football managers trust either Cardinals runner this week?
Michael Carter Fantasy Outlook
The veteran’s journey this season has been anything but straightforward. Carter initially earned the starting role when Trey Benson went down with his knee injury. Carter didn’t perform poorly enough to lose the job outright, yet the Cardinals turned to Knight for the next two games anyway.
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Following the bye week, Arizona released Carter in what appeared to be the end of his tenure with the franchise. Within days, the organization reversed course and re-signed him to the practice squad. Carter was elevated for Monday Night Football, thrusting him right back into the backfield mix where he started.
Bam Knight Fantasy Outlook
Consistency has defined Knight’s recent stretch despite modest overall production. Over his last three games since activation, Knight has posted 9.4, 12.4, and 9.4 fantasy points. The reliability provides some comfort for desperate fantasy managers, though the ceiling remains capped by committee constraints.
Against Green Bay’s stout defense in Week 7, Knight demonstrated toughness with 14 carries for 57 yards. He also caught three of four targets, showcasing pass-catching ability that wasn’t expected from his profile.
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Demercado’s impending return from injury significantly impacts Knight’s role moving forward. With the third-string back healthy and ready to handle obvious passing situations, Knight will see his snap share reduced from recent weeks. The early-down role becomes his primary value proposition alongside potential goal-line opportunities.
Practice rep distribution this week suggested Carter might reclaim starting duties after going first in running back drills. However, Gannon’s comments confirmed Knight retains the starter designation while acknowledging this remains fluid. Whichever back performs better on game day will earn additional touches through the hot hand approach.
Should You Start Carter or Knight This Week?
The matchup against the Dallas Cowboys presents exceptional scoring opportunities for Arizona’s offense. The Cowboys function as an everything-funnel defense, allowing the most or second-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Even with Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback, the Cardinals should move the ball effectively against Dallas’ porous defense.
Game script concerns temper enthusiasm despite the favorable defensive matchup. Dallas possesses one of the league’s most potent offenses, creating realistic scenarios where Arizona falls behind early. Negative game flow would force the Cardinals into passing mode, benefiting Demercado while marginalizing both Carter and Knight.
The three-way committee structure makes predicting weekly outcomes nearly impossible for fantasy purposes. A 40-40-20 split between the backs is nightmare fuel for fantasy managers. One of these runners has a strong chance of posting RB2 numbers based purely on touchdown luck and hot hand momentum, but it’s anyone’s guess as to which one it is.
Both backs represent avoidable situations for fantasy managers with alternative options. Unless facing severe roster constraints from byes or injuries, deploying either Carter or Knight requires accepting significant risk. The upside exists given Dallas’ defensive vulnerabilities, but the floor remains dangerously low in Arizona’s unpredictable backfield rotation.
Week 9 RB Fantasy Rankings
1) Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers (at NYG)
2) Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts (at PIT)
3) De’Von Achane | Miami Dolphins (vs. BAL)
4) Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit Lions (vs. MIN)
5) Derrick Henry | Baltimore Ravens (at MIA)
6) Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons (at NE)
7) Josh Jacobs | Green Bay Packers (vs. CAR)
8) James Cook | Buffalo Bills (vs. KC)
9) Javonte Williams | Dallas Cowboys (vs. ARI)
10) Chase Brown | Cincinnati Bengals (vs. CHI)
11) Kyren Williams | Los Angeles Rams (vs. NO)
12) Kimani Vidal | Los Angeles Chargers (at TEN)
13) Kyle Monangai | Chicago Bears (at CIN)
14) Ashton Jeanty | Las Vegas Raiders (vs. JAX)
15) Travis Etienne Jr. | Jacksonville Jaguars (at LV)
16) Jaylen Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. IND)
17) TreVeyon Henderson | New England Patriots (vs. ATL)
18) Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants (vs. SF)
19) David Montgomery | Detroit Lions (vs. MIN)
20) Kareem Hunt | Kansas City Chiefs (at BUF)
21) Rico Dowdle | Carolina Panthers (at GB)
22) Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints (at LAR)
23) Woody Marks | Houston Texans (vs. DEN)
24) J.K. Dobbins | Denver Broncos (at HOU)
25) Zach Charbonnet | Seattle Seahawks (at WAS)
26) Tony Pollard | Tennessee Titans (vs. LAC)
27) Tyjae Spears | Tennessee Titans (vs. LAC)
28) Jacory Croskey-Merritt | Washington Commanders (vs. SEA)
29) Aaron Jones Sr. | Minnesota Vikings (at DET)
30) Kenneth Walker III | Seattle Seahawks (at WAS)
31) Jordan Mason | Minnesota Vikings (at DET)
32) Chuba Hubbard | Carolina Panthers (at GB)
33) RJ Harvey | Denver Broncos (at HOU)
34) Tyler Allgeier | Atlanta Falcons (at NE)
35) Brashard Smith | Kansas City Chiefs (at BUF)
36) Nick Chubb | Houston Texans (vs. DEN)
37) Michael Carter | Arizona Cardinals (at DAL)
38) Kenneth Gainwell | Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. IND)
39) Samaje Perine | Cincinnati Bengals (vs. CHI)
40) Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars (at LV)