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


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.9 43.6 0.5 1.9 14.1 0.1

James Conner News

How Far Will James Conner Fall on Depth Chart?

Friday, March 13, 5:37 AM

Two-time Pro-Bowl running back James Conner and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a restructured contract that would keep him in the desert for the 2026 season. One day later, the team agreed to a two-year deal with Tyler Allgeier, adding depth to a running back room that already featured 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson. None of the three backs has a guaranteed salary above $2.1 million in 2026, and with a new coaching staff, this committee situation profiles as one of the murkiest in the league. Allgeier has the most experience in the type of wide-zone scheme expected to be implemented by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, while Benson offers the most explosiveness, and Conner still boasts the best hands and receiving ability. With the Cardinals coming off a 3-14 season and expected to return Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback, this backfield may not find itself in a position to deliver much overall value, regardless of the division of labor.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
14.5 64.4 0.7 2.1 15.3 0.1

Travis Etienne Jr. News

Saints Signing Travis Etienne Jr.

Monday, March 9, 10:14 AM

The New Orleans Saints are signing former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million deal on Monday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. It's a major addition for the Saints' offense, as Etienne had over 1,000 rushing yards in 2025 and contributes in both the run and pass game. The addition of the former Clemson star is a sign that the Saints could be releasing veteran Alvin Kamara this week after he ended last season with a knee injury. New Orleans also has Kendre Miller (knee) and Devin Neal (hamstring) at RB on the roster, but Etienne will be the clear lead back going into next season. The 27-year-old has gone over 1,000 rushing yards in three of the last four seasons and will join a New Orleans offense that was scrappy with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough running things to close out the year. Etienne's speed and three-down skill set will give him clear RB1 upside in 2026 in the Big Easy.


James Conner vs. Travis Etienne Jr.

Still trying to decide between Conner and Etienne Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Conner is projected to score 10.9 points this week while Travis Etienne Jr. is projected to score 14.5 points.