Who Should I Start? James Conner or Kenneth Walker III

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.

Friday, October 17, 8:55 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is in for more of the same flex-level production in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. Walker continues to play in a timeshare with fellow running back Zach Charbonnet. He is running relatively well, but his passing game work has been nearly nonexistent. He has scored single-digit fantasy points in two straight weeks in tough matchups. The Texans are No. 5 against opposing running backs in fantasy. This is not a week that Walker should be expected to get back to his usual production. He is always a threat for a big play, but even those have come few and far between in 2025. As long as both of Seattle's running backs are healthy, Walker will remain in the flex conversation. His RB2 upside does not even seem very achievable at this point. You can start Walker this week, but expect a low ceiling and a potentially single-digit floor.