Trey Benson Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Benson logged 63 carries for 291 yards and a TD last year. He caught all six of his targets for 59 yards across limited action.

He delivered two top-24 fantasy finishes, showcasing efficiency and playmaking despite limited volume.

While not a weekly contributor, his flashes hinted at bigger things ahead.

Usage & Role

Benson operated behind James Conner for most of the season, serving as a change-of-pace and gap-scheme runner.

He logged 47 carries on gap concepts vs. just 16 zone runs, fitting Arizona’s power-based approach.

Though he wasn’t heavily used in the passing game, he caught every target thrown his way and was effective in space.

Efficiency Metrics

Benson’s underlying metrics stood out, even on a small sample:

• 3.33 yards after contact per attempt (15th among RBs with 60+ carries)
• 91.8 PFF Elusive Rating (8th)
• 70.2 PFF Receiving Grade (14th)
• 1.26 yards per route run (21st)

His breakaway run rate (17.9%) was modest, but his contact balance and agility helped him force missed tackles and maximize limited touches.

Offensive Context

The Cardinals had a productive rushing attack in 2024, ranking 7th in total rush yards, 3rd in yards per carry, and 11th in attempts behind a top-tier run-blocking unit (11th in ESPN’s run block win rate).

The offense shifted from run-heavy early to more balanced after the Week 11 bye, but Benson remained a secondary option behind Conner.

Injury History

Benson stayed healthy throughout his rookie season and didn’t miss time due to injury.

His clean bill of health entering 2025 boosts his chances of expanding his role if given the opportunity.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Benson projects as the No. 2 RB behind James Conner but could be in line for increased touches in early-down and passing situations.

If Conner were to miss time or see a reduced workload, Benson’s efficiency suggests he could step into a high-impact fantasy role.

Veterans Emari Demercado and DeeJay Dallas also return, but are unlikely to be major threats to Benson’s role.

Expect him to begin the year as a high-upside handcuff with potential to put up RB2 numbers if Conner goes down with injury.

Supporting Cast

QB Kyler Murray leads a group of returning skill players looking to take the next step.

Second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. will look to take the next step to becoming an elite receiving option. WRs Michael Wilson and Zay Jones also return.

Trey McBride became the highest-paid TE in the NFL with a new deal this offseason. They also return blocking TE Tip Reiman.

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the OL had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

OC Drew Petzing's system blended horizontal spacing with occasional deep shots and leaned heavily on yards after catch.

The Cardinals ranked 21st in the NFL in total plays and 19th in pace.

Their pass rate was only 22nd in the NFL, but they were 11th in neutral pass rate.

The team continued to focus on running, with Conner ranking 11th in rush attempts and third in yards per carry.