Who Should I Start? James Conner or Jonathan Taylor

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.

Sunday, October 12, 8:51 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 21 times for 123 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Sunday's Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 14 receiving yards. Taylor has been one of the most productive running backs this season, scoring eight touchdowns over his last five games and ranking as the overall RB1 in standard and half-PPR scoring. (He is the RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey in PPR leagues.) As long as Indianapolis continues to consistently operate from a neutral or positive game script, there will be plenty of opportunities for Taylor to produce. This is far from the last 20-carry, 100-yard game we'll see from the 26-year-old in 2025. He remains a high-end RB1 option heading into Week 7 against the Chargers.