Who Should I Start? James Conner or David Montgomery

Monday, September 8, 10:21 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner did not have an efficient game, but did score a touchdown in his team's 20-13 Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Conner rushed for 39 yards on 12 attempts and added four catches for five yards and a touchdown as a receiver. Notably, second-year Cardinals running back Trey Benson was much more successful as a rusher, finishing with 69 yards on eight carries. Arizona may feature Benson more heavily in 2025, especially given that Conner is now 30 years old. The veteran still figures to be his team's goal-line back, but the workload split between Conner and Benson is one for fantasy managers to monitor closely in the coming weeks.

Friday, September 5, 4:38 PM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is expected to cede touches this year to some degree to his superstar backfield mate, Jahmyr Gibbs. However, history suggests that Montgomery could see a workhorse role in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. In four games against the Packers since joining the Lions in 2022, Montgomery has averaged 22 touches, 98 yards from scrimmage, and 1.25 touchdowns per game. Those numbers are even better at Lambeau Field, where he's logged 49 carries for 194 yards and three scores in his last two games. The Packers recently made their pass-rush significantly better by acquiring star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but expected to play. If the Lions want to win the physical battle in the trenches and run the ball between the tackles, they will likely rely on Montgomery. The 28-year-old projects as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex in Week 1.