Who Should I Start? James Conner or RJ Harvey

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, January 9, 2:38 PM

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey averaged 2.4 yards per carry over his last two games of the regular season, including a 15-carry, 28-yard Week 18 performance against a Chargers defense resting the majority of its starters. His fantasy value has been buoyed by an above-average touchdown rate and extensive work in the passing game, but dating back to Week 9, Harvey has averaged more than 3.5 yards per carry in only two of his last nine games. Five times in that span, he has been held to less than 2.7 yards per carry. The Broncos earned a first-round bye as the top seed in the AFC, but fantasy managers rostering Harvey in any playoff leagues should be rooting for wins by the Patriots and Bills in Wild Card Weekend, ensuring a Divisional Round matchup between the Broncos and Bills. Buffalo is widely regarded as having the softest run defense in the AFC playoff field and represents the clearest path for Harvey to have an impact performance.