Who Should I Start? James Conner or J.K. Dobbins

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, 9:59 AM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins is the starter on the team's first depth chart ahead of rookie second-rounder RJ Harvey heading into Sunday's Week 1 regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans. While many expect Harvey to eventually take over lead-back duties in 2025, head coach Sean Payton has a soft spot for veterans, and Dobbins will play a key role in Denver's backfield. Dobbins played in only nine games from 2021-23 with Baltimore due to injuries, but he had a career-best 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with the Chargers last year. Facing a Titans team that was very vulnerable on the ground a year ago, Dobbins will have RB3/flex value in Week 1 for fantasy managers, although the presence of Harvey definitely will lower his ceiling. With Harvey struggling in pass protection in camp, Dobbins should be Denver's go-to back on third downs as well.