Who Should I Start? Connor Heyward or Demond Claiborne


Week 1 Projections

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Pts.
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Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Connor Heyward News

Raiders Sign Fullback Connor Heyward

Thursday, March 12, 3:26 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed fullback Connor Heyward to a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The contract includes $2 million fully guaranteed. Heyward hit free agency earlier this week upon the expiration of his four-year rookie deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's scored a touchdown in three of his four pro seasons, and he posted a respectable 449 scrimmage yards during his time in the black and gold. Of course, handling the football is just a minor component of his role as a fullback. He's far more involved as a blocker, creating opportunities for the quarterback or running backs. He'll now take his talents to Las Vegas, where he'll be tasked with blocking for a young offense that features Ashton Jeanty and will also likely include projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Demond Claiborne News

Demond Claiborne Worthy of a Late-Round Dart Throw in Dynasty Rookie Drafts

Wednesday, June 3, 5:23 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was a 6th-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a historically difficult spot from which to find fantasy success. On the rare occasions when a back with such late draft capital has made a meaningful fantasy impact, the setting is often a backfield without a clear leader. With neither Aaron Jones nor Jordan Mason handling more than 39% of the team's carries or reaching 760 yards on the ground in 2025, the landing spot in Minnesota certainly qualifies as such. Claiborne is only 5'10" and 195 pounds, so he is unlikely to ever find an every-down role in the NFL, but he offers an element of speed unique to the Vikings' running back room. If he can beat out 2023 undrafted free agent Xavier Scott, he could carve out a role in a three-man rotation in an offense projected to get back on track after the worst showing of the Kevin O'Connell era. At RotoBaller's rookie WR8, Claiborne is at least worth a dart throw in the closing rounds of 2026 rookie drafts.


Connor Heyward vs. Demond Claiborne

Still trying to decide between Heyward and Claiborne? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Connor Heyward is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Demond Claiborne is projected to score 0.0 points.