Who Should I Start? James Conner or Blake Corum

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.

Thursday, December 18, 1:41 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has been a very pleasant surprise over the last few weeks. Throughout his last three games, he has 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns, ranking as the overall RB4 in half-PPR leagues over that span. During that three-week window, he has boasted terrific efficiency with an average of 9.3 yards per carry. Corum will remain a fantasy-relevant running back heading into Thursday's Week 16 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who have a strong run defense. The tougher matchup is worth considering, but Corum's touchdown streak and elite efficiency lately should help managers justify deploying him in their lineups. His role is relatively safe, too, as he played a season-high 46% of the snaps last week as the Rams continue their efforts to keep Kyren Williams fresh for the playoffs. Corum should handle double-digit touches again in Week 16, so as long as he maintains his efficiency and stays involved around the goal line, he can be a top-24 fantasy running back. As it stands, he ranks as the overall RB34 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 16.