Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season features an intriguing matchup this afternoon as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Arizona Cardinals at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX. The Cardinals, who faced a tough loss last Sunday, are looking to turn around their fortunes. They dropped their sixth game in the last seven outings, suffering a 44-22 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the defeat, running back Emari Demercado had a standout performance, recording 64 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards, which will be crucial for the Cardinals as they strive to remain in the NFC playoff race.
Demercado has emerged as a key player in the Cardinals’ backfield, especially following a challenging moment last month during a game against the Titans. As the third-year running back works on redeeming his earlier mistake, he has become a dependable option for the offense, particularly now that Jacoby Brissett is running the quarterback position.
However, it’s worth noting that Demercado is still sharing snaps with fellow backup Bam Knight, so how the coaching staff evaluates their usage moving forward will be pivotal after Demercado’s recent performance. As fantasy football participants weigh their options, the question remains: should Demercado be a starter or a bench player this week?
With an NFC West rivalry on the line and a chance for the Cardinals to regain some momentum, the stakes are high for both teams in this matchup.
