Who Should I Start? James Conner or Kenneth Walker III


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.9 43.6 0.5 1.9 14.1 0.1

James Conner News

James Conner to be a Salary Cap Casualty?

Monday, February 16, 7:27 AM

The Athletic's Doug Haller believes that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) could be a salary cap casualty this offseason. Conner has been a major asset to Arizona's offense during his five years with the team and is among the most respected players in the locker room, but he's also coming off a severe foot injury that limited him to just three games in 2025. He'll turn 31 years old in May and is under contract through the 2026 season, and cutting him would save the Cardinals around $8 million. Cutting Conner would allow the team to use the extra money to find a younger replacement in the backfield. The Cardinals would face a $2.25 million dead-cap hit by releasing Conner if he's a pre-June 1 cut. Even though Conner had two 1,000-yard seasons before his injury last year, he will most likely struggle to find a prominent role as a lead back in either Arizona or somewhere else next season while coming off a serious injury.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.4 54.1 0.6 1.2 8.8 0.1

Kenneth Walker III News

Kenneth Walker III Won't Get the Franchise Tag

Tuesday, March 3, 7:19 AM

Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III will not get the franchise tag on Tuesday, sources told Peter Schrager of ESPN. Walker will become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year and will be one of the top options at the position on the open market after his strong finish to the 2025 season in the playoffs. It doesn't mean that Seattle won't bring Walker back, but they'll have plenty of competition for his services. The 25-year-old was finally able to play a full season last year, which resulted in his second career 1,000-yard season while adding five rushing touchdowns on 221 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season games. He was even better in three postseason games, rushing for 313 yards and four TDs on 65 carries. Walker has proven to be an efficient ball-carrier in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have plagued him, which will make him a risk/reward fantasy selection in a potential timeshare in 2026.


James Conner vs. Kenneth Walker III

Still trying to decide between Conner and Walker III? 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 10.9 points this week while Kenneth Walker III is projected to score 11.4 points.