Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Trey Benson

Monday, September 8, 6:06 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team planned to give running back Najee Harris 12 to 15 plays in the Week 1 season opener last Friday in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs and capped him at 12. However, Harbaugh said Harris' workload could change in a Week 2 divisional clash on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders. Harris was only on the field for 12 plays last Friday in the 27-21 win but managed just one carry for five yards while catching his only target for another five-yard pickup. Meanwhile, first-round rookie Omarion Hampton led the Bolts' backfield with 15 carries for 48 yards (3.2 yards per tote) while adding two catches for 13 yards. Harris missed almost all of training camp and the entire preseason with an eye injury, which is why L.A. eased him in. While he could see the field more in Week 2, he still won't be much more than a shaky RB3/flex in fantasy.

Friday, September 12, 11:13 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson had eight carries for 69 yards in the Week 1 win over the Saints. He added one catch for six yards. While the 23-year-old didn't find the end zone, he still played well, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. Of course, James Conner was involved, logging 43 snaps, 21 more than Benson. Still, it was apparent that Benson had a place in the offense, even more than some had anticipated. With the Cards coming off a win, the team will look to keep it going in Week 2 versus the Panthers. Without question, Carolina had issues stopping the Jags on the ground, with Travis Etienne ending the day with 143 yards off 16 attempts. Conner should remain the No. 1 option out of the backfield in Sunday's showdown with the Panthers. However, Benson will likely get plenty of work, especially if the game gets out of hand. With a favorable matchup on the horizon, the 2024 No. 66 overall pick can be viewed as a flex option in deeper fantasy formats.