Who Should I Start? James Conner or Saquon Barkley

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.

Monday, June 16, 6:18 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said he hasn't felt the effects of setting a career-high with 345 carries during the regular season last year while adding 91 more rushing attempts during the team's Super Bowl run. "I feel really good," Barkley said. "I feel like I'm entering my prime." The 28-year-old led the NFL in carries, rushing yards (2,005) and yards per game (125.3) in 16 regular-season starts in 2024 in his first year in Philly. Not much has changed with the Eagles offense, meaning Barkley could have another outstanding campaign in his second year with the team in 2025 if he can stay healthy all year. Barkley's phenomenal 2024 season makes him the consensus No. 1 overall pick in fantasy drafts going into this fall. He also added 33 receptions for 278 yards and two more touchdowns on 43 targets.