James Conner Expects Trey Benson to Split Cardinals RB1 Job amid Fantasy Projections

Fantasy football players might not be fine with the Arizona Cardinals splitting carries in the backfield, but James Conner appears to be good with it heading into the 2025 season.

"It's the situation we are in and we can't shy away from it," he said Saturday when discussing splitting time with Trey Benson, per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website. "We've got to talk about it and understand what's expected. We want to be the best rushing team in football. We need that from (Benson). And the rest of the backs. We can't shy away from those conversations."

He also explained why he is fine with being considered co-starters.

"Just with the talent that he has and what he is capable of doing. It's not always like that, but in this situation it is."

Arizona selected Benson out of Florida State with a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and he flashed his potential at times during his rookie season. However, an ankle sprain undercut some of that momentum, and he was limited to 13 games.

Benson posted 291 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries as a rookie, which was a far cry from Conner's 1,094 rushing yards, 414 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns. The two-time Pro Bowler surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the second straight year and further established himself as a fantasy football weapon.

However, Benson receiving more than 63 carries could end that streak even if it keeps the veteran fresher down the stretch.

And having him fresher down the stretch could help the NFC West team reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 campaign. After all, an aerial attack with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride could be a dangerous one if quarterback Kyler Murray plays well in 2025, which will force opposing defenses to move fewer people into the box to account for the run.

A one-two punch of Conner and Benson could then be in an ideal position to take advantage of that, especially since the latter is ready to make a leap in his second season.

"My confidence is through the roof right now," Benson said.

It seems like he will have more opportunity to turn that confidence into production in 2025.