Who Should I Start? James Conner or Christian Kirk


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

James Conner to Begin the Season on Injured Reserve

Sunday, August 30, 3:52 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) has been placed on injured reserve, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7. Conner has been designated to return later in the season, which means he can rejoin the 53-man roster as early as Week 5. Conner was the overall RB11 with nine touchdowns in 2024, and he had 133 scrimmage yards through three games last year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Presumably, when Conner returns from IR, he'll find himself in a significantly smaller role than last year now that the team has added Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier to the backfield. Conner's NFL experience is useful, but it's probably not enough to get him onto the fantasy radar once he returns. He can be avoided in all redraft leagues, and he should be dropped to waivers in shallower dynasty formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.8 0.4 0.0 1.8 21.5 0.1

Christian Kirk News

Christian Kirk to Open Season on Injured Reserve

Sunday, August 30, 8:06 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) was placed on injured reserve ahead of Sunday's 53-man roster deadline, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. Kirk injured his hamstring in late July and wasn't able to play in any of the 49ers' preseason games. Now, he'll also miss at least four regular-season games before being eligible to return starting in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver injuries are nothing new for the Niners, who already placed Ricky Pearsall (knee) on season-ending IR. The injuries to Kirk and Pearsall should pave the way for De'Zhaun Stribling (shoulder) to open the year as the No. 2 wide receiver alongside Mike Evans. Kirk will presumably slot into the second or third receiver spot when he's healthy enough to play again.


James Conner vs. Christian Kirk

Still trying to decide between Conner and Kirk? 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 Christian Kirk is projected to score 4.8 points.