Who Should I Start? James Conner or Rhamondre Stevenson

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.

Sunday, December 28, 5:33 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson registered eight carries, 47 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New York Jets. He also caught all five of his targets for an additional 55 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Stevenson delivered an enormous fantasy performance for the second week in a row. Unlike last Sunday, his high-scoring outing this week came while he was sharing volume with TreVeyon Henderson, who logged 19 touches. Despite the split backfield, Stevenson exploded as a top fantasy running back. He exceeded expectations after entering this week ranked as an RB3/flex. Managers should continue to view him as a top-30 fantasy running back heading into Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards, sixth-most receiving yards, and 11th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.