Who Should I Start? James Conner or Jordan Mason

Friday, January 30, 3:31 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) had his 2025 season cut short when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3. The veteran running back was a productive player as recently as 2024, when he recorded 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games played. However, he will enter the 2026 season at 31 years old and less than a year removed from significant ankle surgery, bringing his future fantasy viability into question. The Cardinals spent most of the 2025 season without both of their top running backs, as 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson (knee) did not play after Week 4 due to a knee injury. While Benson's injury status clouds his future outlook as well, Arizona appears headed for a backfield split. The team could also bring in additional talent at the position through free agency or the draft heading into 2026. Given his age and unclear health status, Conner's fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty formats is currently trending in the wrong direction.

Sunday, January 4, 8:45 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is set to be the lead back for the Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Mason is set for an increased workload with the Vikings ruling out Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) for the regular-season finale. When Jones missed time early in the season, Mason rushed for over 50 yards in each of those games with three total touchdowns. The Packers are unlikely to play their starters on defense, as their postseason seeding is already determined. Mason is primed for a strong performance, so fantasy managers should strongly consider him for DFS contests or in leagues still playing for a fantasy championship. He offers borderline RB1 value without Jones in the mix and comes in as RotoBaller's RB10 in the latest rankings for Week 18.