Is James Conner Playing in Week 8? Should I Start Eno Benjamin in Fantasy Football?

The Arizona Cardinals’ top tailback has spent as much time on the sidelines this season as he has in the backfield.

Fantasy footballers knew that it might not be easy for James Conner to stay healthy two years in a row. He has a penchant for getting banged up due to his hard-charging running style. His body has broken down on him before, and he even missed two games last season during his career year when he scored an amazing 18 touchdowns.

Now, Conner has missed the past two games with a rib injury and was listed as questionable heading into the tail end of this week. So will Conner suit up Sunday when his Cardinals visit the Minnesota Vikings? And if not, should you put his understudy, Eno Benjamin, in your fantasy lineup? Here are the answers!

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Is James Conner Playing in Week 8?

No, Conner has been officially ruled out for Week 8 due to his rib problem. He had practiced a bit during the week, which gave fantasy managers a glimmer of hope that he could put on the pads this weekend, but ultimately it was decided to give his body another week before he returns. This now opens the door for backup Eno Benjamin to be the top tailback, and it should allow No. 3 RB Darrel Williams to get some touches if he can overcome his own injury and get on the field on Sunday afternoon.

Should I Start Eno Benjamin in Fantasy Football in Week 8?

Yes, Benjamin should be started in all fantasy formats this week. Minnesota is 5-1 and atop the NFC North, but the Vikings' run defense is ranked 14^th and has allowed five rushing touchdowns over their last three home contests. This is a matchup that Benjamin’s fantasy managers should not shy away from.

Meanwhile, Benjamin has done well filling in for Conner the past two weeks, rushing 27 times for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding seven catches for 49 yards on pass plays. Now that stalwart wideout DeAndre Hopkins is back in the fold after serving his suspension, Benjamin should not have the Minnesota defense focused on him as much as if this were a couple of weeks ago.

Benjamin should be a solid RB2 in all fantasy formats this weekend and provide 55-75 rushing yards, 25-45 receiving yards, and a possible TD. Unless you have tons of talent at the running back position on your fantasy roster, Benjamin should be started this week.

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