Who Should I Start? James Conner or Emmett Johnson
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
Wednesday, August 12, 6:25 PM
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) still has not participated in 11-on-11 drills in practice as he recovers from a significant ankle injury in 2025. Conner suffered an ankle dislocation that required surgery in Week 3 of last season, marking just shy of 11 months since the surgery. With the veteran back still not participating in team drills, it's unclear whether Conner will be ready for Week 1's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency and drafted rookie Jeremiyah Love with the third-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the former workhorse for Arizona could be a factor in the latter part of 2026, fantasy managers should probably pivot to another option in this season's drafts.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | 10.3 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 0.0 |
Emmett Johnson News
Friday, August 7, 7:00 PM
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has yet to emerge in training camp and has been working with the second- and third-team offenses. Johnson was drafted with the Chiefs' fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Nebraska. He totaled 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. Now behind Kenneth Walker III and Brashard Smith and competing with veteran Emari Demercado, Johnson appears likely to be a non-factor early in the season. Fantasy managers who draft the rookie running back should expect a slow start and a potentially increased role if injuries occur to backs above him on the depth chart.
James Conner vs. Emmett Johnson
Still trying to decide between Conner and Johnson? 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 Emmett Johnson is projected to score 2.3 points.
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