Who Should I Start? Israel Abanikanda or Dean Connors
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 3.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Israel Abanikanda News
Friday, August 21, 12:12 PM
Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda has exceeded expectations in training camp so far, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Abanikanda has not appeared in an NFL game since his rookie season in 2023, when he recorded 113 scrimmage yards on 29 touches across six games with the New York Jets. He spent the final portion of the 2025 season on the Cowboys' practice squad and is now competing for a spot on the team's 53-man roster this summer. Dallas has a clear leader in the backfield in running back Javonte Williams. However, the team's RB2 job appears to be an open competition between Jaydon Blue (shoulder), Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah. With all three of those players largely unproven as NFL contributors, Abanikanda may have a chance to work his way into the mix for the Cowboys. In deeper league formats, Abanikanda may be a name for fantasy managers to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the preseason.
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 |
Dean Connors News
Thursday, August 27, 9:07 PM
Los Angeles Rams running back Dean Connors rushed for 69 yards on 18 carries during Thursday's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also caught all three of his targets for 24 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Connors is an undrafted free agent who impressed collegiately at Rice and Houston. He entered the preseason facing an uphill battle to make the team, and while his outlook is still unclear, one obstacle disappeared on Thursday as the Rams traded running back Jarquez Hunter to the Dolphins. There's now a clear roster spot open behind running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, and there's a nonzero chance it goes to Connors, who had 96 rushing yards, 53 receiving yards, and three touchdowns this preseason. With that being said, even if he does make the 53-man roster, it's hard to imagine him achieving any sort of fantasy relevance as long as both Williams and Corum are healthy.
Israel Abanikanda vs. Dean Connors
Still trying to decide between Abanikanda and Connors? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Israel Abanikanda is projected to score 0.4 points this week while Dean Connors is projected to score 0.0 points.
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