Michael Carter DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers. With running backs James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) inactive for the season finale, Michael Carter stepped in as the starting running back and toted 17 carries for 43 yards. Carter was also active in the passing game, catching four passes for 16 yards. Carter showed some burst last season but struggled to get elevated off the practice squad in 2024. However, due to injuries at the top of the Cardinals' running back depth chart, Carter was elevated toward the end of the season and played with a lot of effort. The Cardinals' running game had another strong season in 2024, and Carter's contributions were a key part of that success.

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is expected to start in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers after James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve. Conner had a minimal role last weekend due to injury, allowing Carter to handle an impressive 72 percent snap share. He thrived with the increased opportunities, rushing 13 times for 70 yards on the ground while adding two catches for another 11 yards through the air. He now has seven targets, seven catches, and 41 receiving yards over his last two contests. Not only is Carter's role favorable but so is his matchup. The 25-year-old is set to face off against the 49ers, who have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. Carter ranks as a decent RB2 option heading into fantasy football for Week 18.

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter recorded 70 rushing yards on 13 attempts in the 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Carter stepped in for starting running back James Conner (knee), who went down with a knee injury in the first quarter. Carter rushed the ball well and made a few plays in the passing game that helped keep the Cardinals' offense afloat. With Conner's absence, it looks like Carter will be the featured back moving forward, with the statuses of Conner and rookie Trey Benson still unknown. The Cardinals will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, and given that they are eliminated from playoff contention, it is reasonable to expect Carter to see more playing time next week, especially if Conner doesn't suit up.

With injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter has a huge range of possibilities in Week 17 against the L.A. Rams that varies from remaining on the practice squad to being the team's starter. Both James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) are questionable to play in the game, and with Arizona officially eliminated from playoff contention, the team doesn't have much incentive to rush two players under contract next year back into action now. Last week, Carter earned 10 touches after Conner's injury, five of which were catches. He holds some streaming appeal, particularly for managers relying upon Conner, but they'll have to check in before game time Saturday to see who is active for Arizona.

New York Jets defensive back Michael Carter III (ankle) was upgraded to a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. That is good news after Carter opened the week with a limited session, but he seems to be fine now. The 25-year-old has reportedly been playing through this ankle issue during the first two games of the season. If he suffers a setback, Brandin Echols is next on the depth chart, but Carter appears to be fine for now. The Jets secondary is a bit banged up with both Carter and D.J. Reed (knee) on the injury report heading into Thursday's game against the division-rival New England Patriots.