Who Should I Start? James Conner or Kenneth Walker


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

James Conner to Begin the Season on Injured Reserve

Sunday, August 30, 3:52 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) has been placed on injured reserve, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7. Conner has been designated to return later in the season, which means he can rejoin the 53-man roster as early as Week 5. Conner was the overall RB11 with nine touchdowns in 2024, and he had 133 scrimmage yards through three games last year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Presumably, when Conner returns from IR, he'll find himself in a significantly smaller role than last year now that the team has added Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier to the backfield. Conner's NFL experience is useful, but it's probably not enough to get him onto the fantasy radar once he returns. He can be avoided in all redraft leagues, and he should be dropped to waivers in shallower dynasty formats.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
14.2 65.8 0.5 2.5 18.2 0.1

Kenneth Walker News

Kenneth Walker Could Be Poised for Monster Year in Kansas City

Saturday, September 5, 7:20 AM

After spending the first four years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, running back Kenneth Walker is entering his first season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, Walker III recorded 1,309 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 252 touches. While the 25-year-old was a productive player, his overall and goal-line usage was limited by the presence of Seahawks back Zach Charbonnet (knee). In Kansas City, Walker III currently projects to be backed up by 2026 fifth-rounder Emmett Johnson and 2025 seventh-rounder Brashard Smith, neither of whom projects to take him off the field in high-value situations. Walker III has also drawn rave reviews for his work in Kansas City this summer, with reporting indicating that he may play a significant role as both a rusher and receiver in 2026. If he stays healthy, Walker III has a chance to reach 300 touches for the first time in his career and could finish as a high-end fantasy RB1.


James Conner vs. Kenneth Walker

Still trying to decide between Conner and Walker? 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 Kenneth Walker is projected to score 14.2 points.