Who Should I Start? James Conner or Christian Kirk

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.

Saturday, November 29, 5:31 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk has started to carve out a role for himself after being sidelined twice earlier in the season with hamstring issues. Kirk snagged his first touchdown of the season in Week 12's big win over Buffalo, and he snagged five of his six targets for 54 yards, his second-best total of the season. Kirk will look to build on that momentum this week in a big AFC South showdown against the Colts, who have been a top-10 matchup for wide receivers this season. Kirk's ceiling also gets a boost from the return of C.J. Stroud, after missing three games with a concussion. Kirk does have upside, but he has only caught 21 passes for 198 yards in his seven games this season, so he also has a low floor. The veteran slot receiver checks in as the WR77 in RotoBaller's Week 13 rankings, meaning he can be left on the bench or waiver wires in most standard-sized formats this week.