Fantasy Football Today — Episode Summary

🚨Trey Benson on IR; Bucky Irving in a Walking Boot ... Who to Pick Up? (10/01 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Date: October 1, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Heath Cummings, Dave Richard

Overview

This bonus episode reacts to breaking injury news impacting key fantasy football backfields, focusing on Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals) being placed on IR (out 4–6 weeks) and Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) being in a walking boot (timeline unclear). The team analyzes which RBs are priority waiver adds, how to allocate Free Agent Budget (FAB), and how the backfield responsibilities might shake out for both teams. The discussion is a practical, strategy-focused run-through designed to help fantasy managers navigate a critical waiver week.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Benson’s Absence: Cardinals RB Waiver Strategy

Main Candidates: Michael Carter, Amari Demercado
Other RBs Mentioned: Rashad White, Sean Tucker

1. Ranking the Main Waiver Options (02:28, 03:49)

• Rashad White (Tampa Bay):
  • Consensus top option, though usually rostered already.
• Arizona RBs (Carter vs. Demercado):
  • Heath (02:51): "I would prioritize Rashad White ... Probably right now. I would lean D. Mercado in full PPR leagues."
  • Dave (03:49): "Rashad White belongs at the top ... I would lean toward Carter over D. Mercado."
• Sean Tucker:
  • Both hosts less enthusiastic unless Bucky Irving’s injury drags out.

2. How Cardinals RB Usage Might Shake Out (04:43–07:05)

• Dave (04:43): Goes deep on previous seasons and games, arguing Carter is most likely to get “running downs” work, Demercado passing downs.

  • Suggests a split similar to previous Connor/Benson situations.
  • Highlights how Demercado has rarely flourished as a feature back despite opportunities.
  • Key Stat (06:54): "The Titans run defense is ... bottom five in defensive total rush EPA ... bottom three in explosive rush rate allowed."
  • Takeaway: Carter is the likely early-down back, but volume and fantasy output could be limited by Arizona's offensive struggles overall.

• Heath counters (07:05, 08:12): Arizona’s offense is so bad, even a “starting” RB could have trouble producing—James Conner had poor games against weak defenses. Demercado might get more work in two-minute drills or if Arizona is trailing.

3. How Much FAB to Spend? (08:54–13:00)

• Adam (08:59): Willing to spend aggressively—"I'm in the 20ish% range [of FAB] for Carter."
• Heath (09:32, 12:50): Far less committed—"I'm not probably giving more than $3 for Sean Tucker ... double digits could make sense if you have a need at running back."
• Adam (13:00): Acknowledges this could easily be a waste—no guarantee Carter or Demercado produces real RB2 value.
• Dave (10:47): Reminds group, "Michael Carter can catch"—not just a pure runner.

4. Arizona RB Usage Trends (10:47, 11:12)

• 6 targets to RBs on 3rd down for Arizona all year (vs. 10 on 1st down, 12 on 2nd; D. Mercado not guaranteed big PPR upside).
• Heath (11:52): Skeptical that Carter will ever get enough volume/efficiency for serious impact.
• Realistic expectation for a "Benson/Connor" type output: about 12 PPR points/game in best case matchups.

5. Bucky Irving Injury: What to Expect from Sean Tucker? (13:58–14:33)

• No definitive timeline—could be week-to-week or day-to-day.
• Heath (13:58): "Could signal something worse" … "could be with, with Sean Tucker that we're paying for one week as the number two running back in this offense."
• Dave (14:33): Rashad White remains a lock to play, especially in passing situations, as Tampa’s line is bad and pass protection is critical.
• Short version: Only minimal upside for Tucker unless Irving is out several games.

6. Critical Waiver Timing Advice (15:15)

• Heath (15:15): "We've still got 12 hours before a lot of fab is going to run ... keep refreshing for news from beat writers ... could be the most valuable thing we get in the next eight hours."
• Don’t submit waiver bids too early—injury reports or insider tips could swing the situation.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Dave (04:43): “If they had had Carter in those 2023 games ... he would have played ahead of Demercado. Carter, I’m guessing, is going to be their running downs guy. Demercado, their passing downs back.”
• Heath (07:56): “The Arizona rush offense is also terrible ... one rushing touchdown on the season.”
• Adam (09:40): "I'm gonna be aggressive here. I—I'm finding that almost all of the handcuffs in my leagues are rostered. ... I don't know how many opportunities we're going to get throughout the year to pick up starting running backs. So that's why I'm trying to get Carter here."
• Heath (13:58): “Todd Bowles said day to day on Bucky Irving. Other reports have been week to week. He’s using crutches and in a walking boot, which I think is smart if you’re trying to recover from a foot injury, but could signal something worse.”
• Heath (15:15): "Keep refreshing for news from beat writers ... that speculation in Arizona ... might be the most valuable thing we get in the next eight hours."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:28 — Initial RB rankings and Bucky Irving situation
• 03:49 — Dave's case for Carter over Demercado
• 04:43–07:05 — Deep dive: Arizona’s past RB usage and context
• 08:54 — FAB spending strategy discussion
• 10:47–11:12 — Stats on RB targets by down for Arizona
• 11:52 — Will Carter or Demercado even be useful for fantasy?
• 13:58–14:33 — Bucky Irving’s injury update and what it means for Tucker/White
• 15:15 — Advice: Check for late-breaking news before waivers lock

Takeaways: Who Should You Add? How Much Should You Spend?

• Rashad White (if available): Top add by far, but nearly always rostered.
• Arizona RBs:
  • Michael Carter is a slight favorite for early downs, Demercado for passing downs, but neither has massive upside—Arizona is not producing on the ground.
  • Full PPR: Consider Demercado more.
• Sean Tucker: Only if Irving is confirmed out for multiple weeks.
• FAB strategy:
  • Adam: >20%, especially desperate RB teams.
  • Heath: Low double digits unless desperate.
  • Dave: Cautious; don’t spend big unless confirmed starter in decent offense.
• Monitor news up to waiver run: Arizona beat reporters may leak info on how the split will look.

Final Advice and Tone

This episode is brisk, data-driven, and practical, emphasizing the uncertain and fluid nature of fantasy RB pickups in injury situations. The tone is casual, competitive, and sometimes self-deprecating—these analysts are trying to win leagues themselves, and their candor about risk vs. reward will resonate with listeners.

"I dropped Pacheco for Michael Carter in a league." —Adam (15:52)
"That could very easily be a waste." —Dave (12:57)

*Don’t lock in your waiver claims too early, and be ready to pivot as insider reports break in the hours before your league’s FAB runs!