Devin Neal vs Zonovan Knight: Who Should You Start?
Devin Neal and Zonovan Knight are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Devin Neal averaged 5.2 PPG across 10 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Zonovan Knight posted 6.8 PPG in 12 appearances for the Arizona Cardinals.
A 1.6-PPG gap gives Zonovan Knight the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Devin Neal ran for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns; Zonovan Knight posted 269 and 4. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Devin Neal sits Week 12 while Zonovan Knight is off Week 11. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.