When assessing running backs to start on your fantasy football roster, there is a lot to consider. Oftentimes, the back that is on the better offense seems to be the right way to go. But there is also the chance that the running back playing for an inferior team could be relied on more in a given matchup.

This is the exact scenario we have to break down when deciding between Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner and Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss in Week 3. Is Connor and the opportunity for lots of carries a better option? Or is Moss and the balanced Colts offense more in line with having fantasy success? Let’s dig in and find out!

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James Conner’s Fantasy Outlook This Week

In his seventh year in the NFL, Conner is one of the few running backs in the league that does not have much competition on his team. As far as backfields go, the Cardinals room belongs to Conner.

Through two weeks of the young NFL season, Conner has already carried the ball 37 times. He has turned this into 168 rushing yards and a touchdown.

MORE: RB Fantasy Injury Report Week 3

But Connor has a tough matchup in Week 3. The Dallas Cowboys come to town and boast the ninth-best rushing defense so far in 2023. This does not bode well for Conner’s chances of a breakout game.

But the reality is that Conner will still be involved in this Cardinals’ offense. With very few weapons to go to, Conner will need to be a part of the Cardinals’ game plan. I expect the team to try to slow down the pace of the game to stay in the contest for much longer.

This could mean a heavy dose of Conner on Sunday. While the defensive matchup is not the greatest, Connor will definitely be involved in the Cardinals’ offense. This opportunity has me interested in what his output could be on Sunday.

Zack Moss’ Fantasy Outlook This Week

Moss was unable to play in Week 1 while he recovered from a broken arm he suffered in the preseason. But when the back returned in Week 2, he was quite successful. With 18 carries against the Houston Texans, Moss racked up 88 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He averaged 4.89 yards per carry.

In Week 3, the Colts travel to play the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have the fourth-best run defense in yards surrendered on the season thus far. And the Colts will be without their starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson.

While Richardson’s absence may seem like a detriment to the team, it may actually be an advantage for Moss. Richardson is a mobile quarterback and takes rushing opportunities away from his running backs. With Richardson out and Gardner Minshew starting, Moss may have another opportunity for plenty of carries.

The defensive matchup is not ideal, but there is a chance for Moss to have success this Sunday. If he sees as many opportunities as he did in Week 2, he could total a decent number of fantasy points for his managers. Of course, finding the end zone would also go a long way for Moss in Week 3.

Which of These RBs Should You Start?

Both of these backs have a tough defensive matchup in Week 3. But if I have to choose between the two, my gut says to go with Conner.

While the Cowboys have a very strong defense, Conner is one of the only solid weapons in the Cardinals’ offense. The team will have to rely on him to have any success moving the ball consistently on Sunday.

MORE: Week 3 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

While Richardson is out and Minshew is starting, Moss still has to compete with the likes of Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs in his offense. Historically, Conner has been a stronger back than Moss.

The separation is not that wide, but I like Conner more this week than Moss. I think Conner will have a higher floor than Moss, and I want to make sure I am still getting solid points if I start one of these two in my lineup.

A heavily-anticipated Colorado vs. Oregon matchup turned out to be a non-starter when the Ducks thoroughly outclassed the Buffaloes in a 42-6 drubbing. How did the two early-round 2024 NFL Draft prospects fare in this contest, and what else stood out?

Colorado vs. Oregon Recap: Bo Nix, Shedeur Sanders on Opposite Sides of the Coin

Both the Ducks and the Buffaloes came into Week 4 riding high at 3-0, with emotions running equally high. But in the end, it was Dan Lanning who scored a decisive victory over Deion Sanders, proving that the Buffaloes might not be ready for prime time just yet.

The Ducks outscored the Buffaloes 42-0 in the first three quarters and allowed Colorado’s only points in garbage time. The QB dichotomy was a stark representation of how far apart each team was.

Bo Nix completed 28 of 33 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick and ran for an additional score. Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, completed 23 of 33 passes for 159 yards — averaging just 4.9 yards per attempt — and a garbage-time touchdown.

In truth, the Buffaloes weren’t going to have much of a chance in this game, regardless. Not only was the team missing its top playmaker — Travis Hunter — but the roster was noticeably deficient in the trenches compared to Oregon’s squad.

Lanning’s offensive line kept Nix clean all game, allowing him and explosive, versatile weapon Troy Franklin to connect for eight passes, 126 yards, and two scores. Nix’s interception was a lapse in field vision, but outside of that, he was extremely efficient, accurate, and measured with his decision-making.

The Ducks also paved open lanes for Bucky Irving, Jordan James, and Noah Whittington on the ground. And on the defensive side, Brandon Dorlus, Jordan Burch, and others wreaked constant havoc on Colorado’s ill-equipped offensive line.

Sanders’ uninspiring performance against Oregon isn’t a full indictment on him as a QB or as a prospect. He encountered pressure often and was never able to get into a rhythm or sustain drives, and missing Hunter didn’t help.

But this was the first time Sanders faced this kind of pressure so far this year, and it gave us a glimpse at how much room this Buffaloes team still has to improve before they can truly compete in these environments.

MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

The Ducks stay undefeated and will also keep their slot in the top 10. The Buffaloes, meanwhile, are now 3-1, losing their first game in conference play. They don’t have much time to lick their wounds, either. Next Saturday, they play fifth-ranked USC.

The Trojans’ defense won’t be as smothering as Oregon’s, but keeping up with Caleb Williams in a firefight is never an easy venture. Perhaps the Buffaloes needed this humbling moment to reset ahead of full-fledged Pac-12 play.