In the competitive landscape of fantasy football, assessing player performance and matchup potential is crucial for making informed start-or-sit decisions each week. As we dive into Trey Benson’s prospects for Week 4, especially in the wake of James Conner’s season-ending injury, it’s essential to analyze Benson’s potential as a key player for fantasy managers.
### Who is Trey Benson?
Trey Benson is a sophomore running back for the Arizona Cardinals who, after being selected in the early rounds of the 2024 draft, has shown promise with his standout athleticism. At the NFL Combine, Benson clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, highlighting his speed and agility, traits that make him suitable for an every-down role in the NFL. With Conner sidelined, Benson steps into the spotlight as a primary runner and potentially as a receiving option.
### Week 4 Matchup Overview
The Cardinals will play host to the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal divisional matchup, marking both teams at 2-1. The Seahawks edged out the Cardinals in both encounters last season, but this year, the circumstances have drastically changed—most notably with Conner’s absence.
As Benson prepares for his first start in this new role, he faces a Seahawks defense known for its toughness against the run. Currently, they allow only 3.2 yards per carry, ranking third-best in the league. Their defensive line has stood strong against elite talents, including Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara, further complicating Benson’s debut as the lead back.
### Game Script Considerations
While the Seahawks have been solid against run plays, they’ve presented vulnerabilities in pass coverage. Notably, they have conceded the second-most receptions and the highest receiving yards to running backs. This aspect is promising for Benson, who has proven to be a capable receiver despite sharing duties with Emari Demercado—identified as the team’s passing-down specialist.
The game script, especially given the Cardinals’ subpar offense in recent weeks, may force Benson into the passing game more than expected. If Arizona falls behind, expect them to employ a more pass-centric approach, potentially increasing Benson’s targets and receptions.
### Fantasy Outlook: Start or Sit?
#### For PPR Leagues:
In Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues, the case for starting Trey Benson is stronger. Even though the matchup isn’t ideal, his expected workload could surpass 20 touches, combining both rushing attempts and potential receptions. As a running back in a 12-team league, he becomes a must-start because of the sheer volume he’s likely to receive. In 10-team leagues, he remains a compelling option unless your roster is particularly deep at the position.
#### For Standard Leagues:
The analysis for standard leagues is similar, with a recommendation to start Benson. Although the Seahawks’ formidable front presents challenges for rushing yards, Benson’s projected workload and versatility make him valuable. In the absence of competition for carries—especially from an injured Conner—Benson’s upside remains significant.
### Analyzing Risks and Considerations
It’s important to remember that every fantasy football decision comes with inherent risks. Starting Benson is no exception. The Cardinals’ offensive line will need to create opportunities against a stout Seattle defense, and if they fail to do so, Benson could struggle to achieve his projected yardage.
Additionally, the presence of Demercado complicates his role, particularly on passing downs. While Benson is talented enough to contribute in both areas, fantasy managers need to be aware that his ceiling could be capped due to Demercado’s involvement.
### Conclusion
In summary, Week 4 presents an intriguing opportunity for Trey Benson, one that could define his season as he steps into a lead role in the absence of James Conner. The matchup against the Seattle Seahawks may not scream favorable, yet Benson’s projected volume and his dual-threat capability in both rushing and receiving would warrant starting him, especially in deeper leagues.
Given the uncertainty surrounding his role and the toughness of the Seahawks’ defense, fantasy managers should prepare for any potential pitfalls. However, the risk of sitting him might not outweigh the potential rewards of a breakout performance, making him a strong candidate for your fantasy lineup in Week 4.
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