Who Should I Start? James Conner or Kimani Vidal


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
3.3 13.5 0.1 0.7 5.9 0.0

Kimani Vidal News

Kimani Vidal Viewed as a Better Pass Protector Over Omarion Hampton

Saturday, August 29, 12:24 PM

Bolt Beat's Alexander Insdorf noted that Kimani Vidal is probably the best pass protector in the Los Angeles Chargers backfield. Omarion Hampton still has to prove he is the better pass blocker until he takes that title away from Vidal. The Chargers running back room remains one of the most monitored situations by fantasy managers heading into draft weekend. The team is expected to roster Hampton, Vidal, and Keaton Mitchell (knee) this season. All three backs offer fantasy appeal and will have a role in the Chargers' offense under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has said all three backs will be used and he will use a "hot hand" approach. With three backs fighting for snaps, Vidal could find his way onto the field on obvious passing downs if he is viewed as the best pass protector out of the three. If this happens, Vidal could be fantasy relevant this season outside of being a handcuff to Hampton.


James Conner vs. Kimani Vidal

Still trying to decide between Conner and Vidal? 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 Kimani Vidal is projected to score 3.3 points.