Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or James Conner

Wednesday, May 14, 1:50 PM

Running back Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on Wednesday on a two-year, $30 million contract extension that includes $25 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, according to Todd France of Athletes First. It is the largest deal in NFL history for a RB over 30 years old. The Ravens have rewarded the 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Player of the Year after he recorded 1,921 rushing yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 carries in 17 regular-season games in 2024 in his first year in Baltimore. He added 19 catches for 193 yards and two more TDs. While some were expecting physical decline from King Henry last year, he was as dominant as ever in the Ravens' run-first offense, finishing as the RB1 in fantasy. Henry has limitations as a pass-catcher, but until he proves otherwise, he's a high-end RB1 target in fantasy.

Thursday, May 29, 1:04 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) took part in voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. "I'm ready," Conner said. "We ain't doing this forever." Conner injured his right knee in Week 16 of last year and had six touches before being pulled in Week 17. The Cardinals placed him on Injured Reserve for the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the 30-year-old veteran appears to be fine now and ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall. He racked up a career-high 1,518 scrimmage yards on 236 carries while catching 47 of 55 targets in 2024. It was the healthiest Conner had been in his career, so fantasy managers definitely should expect some more missed time given his age and physical running style. For now, he's still being considered a workhorse back in Arizona, but more injuries could give Trey Benson more of a role eventually.