Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or James Conner

Saturday, November 29, 3:38 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey enters Week 13 leading the NFL in touches (298) and second in receptions (81). Amid the 49ers' injury-riddled season, McCaffrey has been relied on heavily to keep the offense moving. Another heavy workload is in store for the ninth-year veteran when San Francisco heads to Cleveland to face the Browns. The weather forecast calls for strong winds, rain, and snow, which points to an emphasis on the ground game. The Browns had been one of the stronger run defenses in the league, though they have softened as of late. Since their Week 9 bye, Cleveland has given up top-12 finishes in three consecutive weeks to running backs Breece Hall, Derrick Henry, and Ashton Jeanty. McCaffrey is a strong candidate to make it four in a row and should be locked into fantasy football starting lineups for Week 13.

Monday, September 22, 6:34 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) underwent season-ending surgery on Monday after suffering a significant right ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game. Conner was carted off with his ankle immobilized, and head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed he won't return this season. With Conner sidelined, the Cardinals will turn to second-year back Trey Benson, who has been highly efficient, averaging 6.0 yards per carry (second among RBs). Gannon praised Benson before the season, noting he viewed both Conner and Benson as capable starters. Benson now projects as the lead option in Arizona's backfield, while Emari Demercado is expected to mix in behind him.