Who Should I Start? James Conner or Bijan Robinson

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.

Tuesday, November 11, 10:57 AM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson rushed 17 times for 84 yards in Sunday's 31-25 overtime loss to the Colts, adding two catches for four yards in the contest. It was the third straight week without a touchdown, though, currently sitting with two rushing and two receiving scores on the season. Fellow running back Tyler Allgeier scored twice, however, and now has six rushing touchdowns on the season, despite totaling 79 touches for 290 yards from scrimmage compared to Robinson's 178 touches for 1,146 yards. The problem for fantasy managers was glaring in Sunday's game, which was that Allgeier received five red zone attempts while Robinson saw only one. Allgeier doesn't get much work, especially if the Falcons are playing from behind, but he's getting a lot of the carries that matter when games are close, and Atlanta's next few games should be competitive (CAR, @NO, @NYJ). Although Robinson drew only two targets on Sunday, his work in the passing attack typically provides a solid floor for fantasy, but the lack of touchdowns is concerning. Nevertheless, he should be a top-five option at the position in Week 11 against Carolina, a defense that gave up 146 yards from scrimmage to running backs this past week.