Who Should I Start? James Conner or Travis Etienne Jr.

Monday, September 8, 10:21 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner did not have an efficient game, but did score a touchdown in his team's 20-13 Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Conner rushed for 39 yards on 12 attempts and added four catches for five yards and a touchdown as a receiver. Notably, second-year Cardinals running back Trey Benson was much more successful as a rusher, finishing with 69 yards on eight carries. Arizona may feature Benson more heavily in 2025, especially given that Conner is now 30 years old. The veteran still figures to be his team's goal-line back, but the workload split between Conner and Benson is one for fantasy managers to monitor closely in the coming weeks.

Sunday, September 7, 9:09 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a monster game in his team's 26-10 Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Etienne Jr. rushed 16 times for 143 yards and added three catches for 13 yards as well. It wasn't clear coming into the season how Jacksonville would split backfield work between running backs Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. However, it was Etienne Jr. who dominated touches in Week 1. His 16 carries were almost double what Jacksonville's other three backs earned combined (nine). Allen Jr. was also the only other Jaguars running back to earn a target, so Etienne Jr. looks like he could be in line for a three-down role. As long as he continues to work in a clear lead role, Etienne Jr. could provide fantasy RB2 production going forward.