Who Should I Start? James Conner or Brashard Smith
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 10.9 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 0.0 |
James Conner News
Monday, August 24, 5:37 PM
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) did not participate in Monday's practice. Conner is recovering from a dislocated ankle/foot that required season-ending surgery last season. The veteran running back has yet to take part in 11-on-11 drills at training camp, though he has been seen in individual drills throughout camp. With the team signing former Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier and drafting Jeremiyah Love with the fourth-overall pick, Conner is likely to be in a reserve role during the 2026 season. If Love (ankle) misses time early in the season due to his high-ankle sprain, Conner could see action if he's healthy and ready to go against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 | 5.1 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 6.2 | 0.0 |
Brashard Smith News
Sunday, August 16, 6:02 AM
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith drew the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, but in his battle to earn the primary backup role behind Kenneth Walker III, the points in his favor end right about there. Smith carried the ball eight times for 21 yards and brought in both of his targets for an additional 12 yards, but he was outshined by rookie Emmett Johnson, who looked explosive in gaining 59 yards on his 12 carries. Johnson also added three catches for ten yards and ran in a four-yard touchdown that was nullified by a holding penalty. As a rookie in 2025, Smith was unable to carve out a meaningful role in a backfield led by Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, finishing the year with 323 yards and one touchdown on 79 total opportunities. With a significantly higher talent level in the room for 2026, he could struggle to find regular work and is not likely to make any fantasy impact without a notable injury ahead of him.
James Conner vs. Brashard Smith
Still trying to decide between Conner and Smith? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Conner is projected to score 3.4 points this week while Brashard Smith is projected to score 2.4 points.
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