Should I Pick Up the Cardinals RB This Week?

It was announced on Wednesday that the Arizona Cardinals added RB Michael Carter off of waivers. This looks like a depth add, given the makeup of the Arizona backfield this year.

James Conner made his return to the field for Arizona on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons after a four-week stint on the injured reserve. He finished as the RB35, and it looked like the Cardinals were easing him back in. The rest of the RB room includes Emari Demercado and Keaontay Ingram, who were decent fill-ins while Conner was out.

With multiple options out of the backfield in Arizona, is Carter worth a speculative addition in fantasy football?

Should Michael Carter Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 10?

Carter hadn’t done much this season for the New York Jets, but to be fair, there wasn’t much offense to go around. He is currently RB75 on the season with only 38 rushing yards.

Carter had a much better season as a rookie in New York, playing 14 games and finishing as the RB29. He just wasn’t really able to build on that performance over the past two seasons.

For the Cardinals, Demercado is still considered limited because of his toe, which could partly explain the Carter signing. Demercado has missed the past two games, and it is unclear if he will play in Week 11.

An addition of Carter only needs to happen in deeper leagues; I am talking about those where the waiver wire is picked dry. Carter will be buried on the depth chart, presumably behind Conner, Demarcado, and Ingram, not to mention behind a running QB in Kyler Murray.

MORE: Week 11 RB Waiver Wire Targets

However, although Conner has the ability to win you a fantasy championship — remember last year — he is easily breakable. He needs to be protected with scotch tape and bubble wrap, and Arizona probably views Carter as a strong roll of bubble wrap. Carter could be a speculative add if you are in an extremely deep league with a massive bench.

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