Week 4 kicks off with a bang, as the Seahawks travel to Glendale for a date with the Cardinals. Both teams are 2-1, making this a pivotal NFC West matchup. In this primetime showdown, which lesser-known names will step up? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s Seahawks-Cardinals showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (SEA @ ARI)
RB Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals ($3,800)
James Conner’s season-ending ankle injury is a massive blow to Arizona’s offense. Not only did the team lose a lead rusher, but also a veteran leader. In his absence, backup Trey Benson ($8,800) is expected to handle most of the work at running back. Still, the second-year pro isn’t a lock to emerge as a top-ten fantasy option. Head coach Jonathan Gannon will likely utilize his entire backfield going forward, including former third-stringer Emari Demercado. Last season, the TCU alum recorded 327 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
There’s no guarantee that Demercado gets enough touches to become fantasy viable. Still, for DFS purposes, there’s far worse players to take a flier on. It helps that this matchup will take place on a short week. The Cardinals would be foolish to give Benson a boatload of carries this early in the season. Seattle has also surrendered the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. As a rookie, the 26-year-old did record 11.5 fantasy points against the Seahawks. Anything close to that would make Demercado worth rostering tonight.
TE AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks ($2,800)
Finding a sleeper for the Seahawks is a bit more difficult. Through three weeks, this offense appears to revolve around wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($11,000). Other than the Pro Bowler, there aren’t many impact pass catchers on Seattle’s roster. AJ Barner hasn’t made much of an impact in 2025. Through three games, he’s hauled in four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Still, we’ve seen the tight end produce before. Last season, he enjoyed five different outings with at least 9.0 fantasy points.
Arizona has coughed up 264.3 passing yards to opponents, the third-highest mark in football. In addition, the defense has allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to tight ends. To make things more enticing, rookie Elijah Arroyo (groin) is questionable to play on Thursday. If he does sit, Barner should see a boost in his overall workload. The Michigan alum garnered over 87% of Seattle’s snaps prior to last week’s blowout win over the Saints. If the Cardinals double-team Smith-Njigba, there should be room to operate over the middle of the field. For those looking to save at tight end, Barner makes plenty of sense.
