Arizona's Week 5 collapse reshapes the fantasy landscape: Emari Demercado's 72-yard touchdown was wiped out by review, sparking a Titans rally to a 22-21 win. Demercado carried the load in the absence of Conner and Benson, but a costly fumble and a heated sideline moment with coach Jonathan Gannon cast a cloud over Arizona's backfield plan. The Cardinals' defense also faltered late, amplifying uncertainty for fantasy schedulers heading into next week.

Arizona's season hit a rough stretch, slipping to 1-4 after a late loss to Tennessee. Harrison Jr. flashed with 98 receiving yards, but the Cardinals’ WR room remains thin beyond him and Trey McBride. Demercado’s 76-yard TD was wasted by a late fumble, underscoring costly self-inflicted mistakes.

Injuries gutted the backfield—James Conner out for the year and Trey Benson sidelined—deepening depth concerns. With trade chatter heating up around a back like Breece Hall and secondary upgrades needed beyond Will Johnson and Max Melton, the Cardinals may rethink coaching adjustments as they chase cohesion and wins.

Trey Benson lands on IR with a knee meniscus tear, forcing him to miss at least four games. Emari Demercado steps into ARI’s lead-back duties, while Michael Carter handles early-down and red-zone work. Benson should be stashed on IR, with Demercado and Carter offering immediate backfield value as the Cardinals adjust.

Bucky Irving is sidelined in Week 5, elevating Rachaad White to an RB2 role with Sean Tucker in deeper leagues. Chuba Hubbard sits Week 5 with a minor calf issue, pushing Rico Dowdle into must-add territory and Trevor Etienne as a stash. Lamar Jackson is out Week 5, triggering Cooper Rush to start and dampening Ravens’ pass-game upside, with Derrick Henry as the steadying back and Rush’s rushing usage in play.

Targets shift across the board: hold Benson on IR, grab Demercado and Carter for Week 5, and stash White or Tucker for Week 5 and beyond. Dowdle steps in for Carolina, and Hubbard’s return window tightens the Panthers’ backfield plans. Week-to-week management and smart waivers become essential as injuries reshape lineups and upside in fantasy.

Week 5 adds depth options for managers chasing under-roster players. Jaxson Dart and Sam Darnold emerge as mobile QB streamers with appealing matchups; Malik Washington, Troy Franklin and Darius Slayton offer deeper WR routes with Nabers out. In Arizona, Emari Demercado, Michael Carter and Kendre Miller provide backfield depth behind Trey Benson, while Brenton Strange and Darren Waller trend as reliable tight ends. A defensive option that can pressure the QB closes the slate.