Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or James Conner

Monday, September 8, 9:47 AM

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro running back Derrick Henry was absolutely dominant on Sunday in the Ravens' 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. Henry rushed for 169 yards on 18 carries and added one reception for 13 yards. His two touchdown scores were from 30 yards out in the second quarter and 46 yards out in the fourth quarter. Henry also suffered the lowlight of Sunday's contest when he coughed up a fumble on Baltimore's second-to-last drive, allowing the Bills to score a touchdown with just under two minutes remaining to close the gap to 40-38. Most importantly for fantasy managers, the 31-year-old showed zero signs of slowing down or falling off because of his age, and he conceded three total carries to fellow running backs Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali. Wide receiver Zay Flowers had a few end-arounds, and Lamar Jackson attempted six rushes, but nothing threatening towards Henry's workload is a positive sign for fantasy managers. Up next is a date with the Cleveland Browns, who looked good defensively in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Henry will remain an RB1 heading into Week 2.

Monday, September 8, 10:21 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner did not have an efficient game, but did score a touchdown in his team's 20-13 Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Conner rushed for 39 yards on 12 attempts and added four catches for five yards and a touchdown as a receiver. Notably, second-year Cardinals running back Trey Benson was much more successful as a rusher, finishing with 69 yards on eight carries. Arizona may feature Benson more heavily in 2025, especially given that Conner is now 30 years old. The veteran still figures to be his team's goal-line back, but the workload split between Conner and Benson is one for fantasy managers to monitor closely in the coming weeks.