Fantasy Football Alert: Bam Knight Just Became a Must-Watch Waiver Wire Pickup—But Is He Worth the Hype?
The Arizona Cardinals are shaking things up at running back, and fantasy managers need to pay attention. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bam Knight is leapfrogging Michael Carter on the depth chart ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. This sudden shift could be a golden opportunity for fantasy players scrambling for a last-minute replacement due to injuries or bye weeks. But here’s where it gets tricky: Knight’s workload—and long-term value—is far from guaranteed.
Why You Should Consider Knight (And Why You Shouldn’t)
Let’s be real: Any starting running back in the NFL is worth a roster spot this deep into the season, especially with bye weeks wreaking havoc on lineups. Knight’s newfound role gives him immediate short-term upside, making him a tempting waiver-wire grab. But before you plug him into your starting lineup, pump the brakes. So far this year, Knight has just four carries for 11 yards—hardly the stuff of fantasy legend. Even with Carter’s struggles (a measly 2.8 yards per carry last week), Arizona’s backfield is a messy three-way committee that includes Emari Demercado.
The Chaos in Arizona’s Backfield
The Cardinals’ running game wasn’t supposed to look like this. James Conner, their workhorse back, is done for the year with an ankle injury, and backup Trey Benson is on IR with a knee issue. That left Carter, Demercado, and Knight to split carries last week—and let’s just say it didn’t go well. Carter got the bulk of the work (18 carries) but was painfully inefficient. Demercado briefly electrified fans with what looked like a long touchdown… until replay showed he fumbled before crossing the goal line. Oh, and head coach Jonathan Gannon got fined $100K for screaming at him on the sidelines. Talk about drama.
The Big Question: Can Knight Seize the Moment?
Here’s the controversial take: Knight might not be the savior fantasy managers are hoping for. Even if Arizona leans heavier on the run with Kyler Murray sidelined, those carries could be split three ways. Thirty total rushing attempts sound nice, but if Knight only gets 8-10 of them, is that really enough to trust him in your lineup? And let’s not forget—Demercado’s explosiveness and Carter’s lingering role could keep this backfield in flux all game.
The Verdict: What Should Fantasy Managers Do?
If you’re desperate, Knight is worth a speculative bench stash. There’s a chance he impresses with more touches and carves out a larger role. But if you’re expecting a league-winning breakout, temper those expectations. This backfield is a high-risk, moderate-reward situation.
Let’s debate: Are you buying the Bam Knight hype, or do you think this backfield is a fantasy minefield? Drop your thoughts below—we’re curious where you stand!
.jpg?w=3800&h=2000)
