"Absolutely." That was Cardinals OC Drew Petzing's response when asked Monday whether RB James Conner is still the team's workhorse. "I think James has proven that over the last couple years," Petzing added. "Just the way he carries the ball and what he brings to the offense. I think that’s always gonna be the case.”
Here's what Petzing had to say when asked if RB Trey Benson will have a bigger role this season: "Yes and no. I think a lot of that is gonna be predicated on what we’re doing in a given game, what we’re trying to accomplish, and, again, what we’re seeing on defense.”
It doesn't get much more clear than this as far as a coach breaking down his backfield.
Conner dominated backfield work last year, averaging 15.5 carries and 3.5 targets per game through Week 16. He ranked 15th among RBs in expected PPR points per game and 11th in actual points per game during that stretch.
It sounds like we should expect similar volume in 2025, making Conner a nice value at his late-fourth-round, RB19 ADP.
Benson remains an intriguing handcuff behind a 30-year-old RB who has never made it through a full NFL season. But you can't count on him for fantasy value as long as Conner is healthy.
A quick look at the most important matchup data to consider when making Week 10 start/sit decisions, including implied points, projected plays, WR/CB matchups, and adjusted fantasy points allowed.
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We know Jaelan Phillips can get after the QB, but his new home could supercharge his sack production. Here's why (plus more IDP notes from around the league).
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Let's dig into the impact of the Rashid Shaheed and Jakobi Meyers trades, the Jayden Daniels injury, and backfield ambiguity for the Giants and Bears. Plus ... is Kenneth Walker a BUY?
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