Emanuel Wilson vs Trey Benson: Who Should You Start?
Emanuel Wilson and Trey Benson are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Emanuel Wilson averaged 5.1 PPG across 17 games with the Seattle Seahawks, while Trey Benson posted 7.2 PPG in 4 appearances for the Arizona Cardinals.
A 2.1-PPG gap gives Trey Benson 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. Emanuel Wilson ran for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns; Trey Benson posted 160 and undefined. 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: Emanuel Wilson sits Week 10 while Trey Benson 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.