Who Should I Start? James Conner or RJ Harvey

Thursday, May 29, 1:04 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) took part in voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. "I'm ready," Conner said. "We ain't doing this forever." Conner injured his right knee in Week 16 of last year and had six touches before being pulled in Week 17. The Cardinals placed him on Injured Reserve for the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the 30-year-old veteran appears to be fine now and ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall. He racked up a career-high 1,518 scrimmage yards on 236 carries while catching 47 of 55 targets in 2024. It was the healthiest Conner had been in his career, so fantasy managers definitely should expect some more missed time given his age and physical running style. For now, he's still being considered a workhorse back in Arizona, but more injuries could give Trey Benson more of a role eventually.

Wednesday, June 25, 2:54 PM

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which was a surprise to many. Most draft analysts projected Harvey to be a third or fourth-round pick, so Sean Payton's conviction to select him early immediately increased his fantasy football value. However, the recent signing of veteran ball carrier J.K. Dobbins brought a new factor to Harvey's perceived value. Broncos reporter Nick Kosmider said that should not be the case. [Dobbins] signing had nothing to do with a souring outlook on Harvey." Kosmider wrote. "If anything, Harvey has exceeded expectations during his early days in Denver. He's in tremendous shape and has shown a natural feel as a receiver. Truer tests of his progress and his immediate readiness to contribute will come in training camp and the preseason, but the Broncos have been pleased with his progress to this point and plan to have him be a significant part of the offense." Kosmider said the Broncos targeted Dobbins well before April's draft, and Payton prefers a 1-2 punch approach. While Dobbins' presence somewhat lowers Harvey's ceiling, he should retain his RB2 upside in 2025. Dobbins is entering his age-26 season and has dealt with a multitude of significant injuries. If he gets banged up again, Harvey could be an RB1 with league-winning upside.