Not all running back committees are created equal.
While it’s obviously nice to be able to pick up a “starting” RB on the waiver wire or use one for cheap in DFS, more often than not, it’s not as simple as a listing on a depth chart. You have to account for skill set. You have to account for recent performance. You have to account for matchup.
Thankfully, when it comes to the Cardinals’ running backs on Monday Night Football in Week 9, the latter is not up for debate. The Cowboys have bled fantasy points to opposing RBs all season long, giving up the second-most FPTS per game to opposing rushers. Dallas also happens to rank 30th in the NFL in defensive EPA per opponent rushing attempt. Woof.
With a matchup that amazing, you have to play someone. Let’s break down if Bam Knight or Michael Carter is the better option.
Bam Knight Fantasy Outlook
According to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Knight will be the “first one out there” against the Cowboys. That lines up with the usage we’ve seen from Knight for each of Arizona’s past two games, as the NC State product has seen the majority of the team’s running back snaps and carries since Week 6. Knight saw a 50.7% snap share against the Colts, then followed that up with a 44.7% share versus the Packers. While that’s not representative of a monopoly, Knight has out-snapped Carter 71-to-60 in this span of time, with a 25-to-16 advantage in rushing attempts.
Crucially, Knight’s “lead” back role has been apparent in the red zone, as well, where he’s seen three carries to Carter’s one in this two-game sample. I mean, you don’t get a nickname like “Bam” if you can’t do this, right?
Michael Carter Fantasy Outlook
Carter is coming off a very ineffective performance against the Packers, rushing for only 11 yards on seven carries. Still, Carter has tended to be more impressive than his counterpart in the passing game dating back to the beginning of Week 6, seeing seven targets in his past two contests and averaging 13.8 yards per reception in that span. That could prove to be a useful trait in a setting where Arizona are road underdogs against a powerful Cowboys offensive attack.
However, this is where we have to mention Emari Demercado, who was injured during Week 6’s loss and did not play in Week 7. Demercado had a somewhat consistent third-down role with the Cardinals in 2023 and 2024, amassing a combined 50 targets across those two campaigns. The last time all three of these RBs were available for a full contest was Week 5, when Carter was operating as Arizona’s No. 1 back. But don’t forget, it was Demercado that broke offf what should have been a 71-yard touchdown run in that game — if not for a boneheaded fumble at the goal line. Demercado will be active and he will have a role.
The Bottom Line
This feels like a game where Gannon rides the hot hand, which is annoying, but understandable given the Cardinals’ slew of running back injuries this season. Due to his volume the past two weeks and his nod as the starter, Bam Knight has to be considered the No. 1 option for both season-long and DFS. Heck, his modest $7,000 price tag in an ideal matchup might give more courageous DraftKings users a reason to make Knight a Captain’s Pick.
Meanwhile, Carter and Demercado also have their place in Showdown. Both will see the field and are viable at their reduced salary — particularly Demercado, who is just $3,000 and could really make lineup construction easy.
