Who Should I Start? James Conner or DeAndre Hopkins

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, October 11, 10:44 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was looking like a sleeper pick in deeper leagues when Lamar Jackson (hamstring) found him for some big plays the first couple of weeks. Since then, however, Hopkins has had a combined three receptions for 59 yards in three games and hasn't had a finish better than WR54. Then, we throw Cooper Rush and a defensive unit like the Los Angeles Rams into the mix, and everything gets a lot more bleak. In half-PPR formats, Hopkins is projected as the WR77, so fantasy managers will want to look elsewhere for an option with a higher ceiling in Week 6.