Week 17 at Philadelphia Eagles
James Conner had a great game against the Bears last week. He only gained 45 yards on 12 carries, but he added 67 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. It was the most receptions he’s had in a game since Week 1 and he looked healthy and more explosive than usual. He also has four total touchdowns over his last three games.
This week, Conner faces a Philadelphia defense that ranks sixth in aFPA to opposing running backs. In a tough matchup, where the Cardinals are likely to be trailing again, it’s hard to trust Conner. Still, he’s been getting touches the past few weeks, even when the Cardinals have been trailing, making him a viable low-end RB2 option in most leagues.
Week 16 at Chicago Bears
James Conner had 86 yards and a touchdown last week against the 49ers. It was a lopsided loss for the Cardinals, but it was Conner’s third touchdown in the last two games. The Cardinals have given him double-digit touches in nearly every healthy game so far this year, so expect them to continue to give him opportunities down the home stretch of the season.
This week, Conner faces a Chicago defense that ranks third in aFPA to opposing running backs. The Bears have been really good and the Cardinals seem to be headed in the wrong direction to close out the season, so start Conner at your own risk. If the Cardinals can keep the score close, Conner should get enough work to be relevant, but consider him a RB3/Flex option, rather than the RB2 status he might have in a more competitive year.
Week 15 vs. San Francisco 49ers
James Conner had a great game against the Steelers before the bye last week, gaining 105 yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns on 25 carries. It was a throwback game for Connor, who had been held under 100 yards rushing in all but one previous game this season. The team has shown a willingness to lean on the veteran, so fantasy managers should note when the Cardinals are playing a vulnerable opponent.
This might not be that opponent. The 49ers rank sixth in aFPA to opposing running backs, but more importantly, the San Francisco offense has been a behemoth. This could be a lopsided victory for San Francisco, and if so, it could limit the rushing attempts available for Conner. Tread carefully with Conner, but he should still be considered a quality RB2 option due to his workload potential.
Week 13 at Pittsburgh Steelers
James Conner struggled along with the rest of the team last week in a lopsided loss to the Rams. He finished with just 27 yards on six carries, as the Cardinals fell behind early and never really recovered. Conner did catch four balls, even though he only gained five receiving yards in the process, so a little big of production was salvaged in PPR formats.
This week, Conner faces a Pittsburgh defense that ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs. In a tougher matchup and with Michael Carter being worked into the passing game, Conner should be considered a low-end RB2 option this week.
Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Rams
James Conner had 63 yards on 14 carries and a pair of receptions last week in a loss to the Texans. Conner may not be putting up big numbers the last couple of weeks, but he’s had 16 touches in each outing, giving him a nice floor in fantasy leagues. Conner is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season, so he has the talent to produce.
This week, Conner faces a Rams defense that ranks 11th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Conner isn’t a sure thing, but he’s a high-floor option and worth starting - especially in standard scoring formats - as a safe RB2. Conner has a decent shot at the end zone, and should be busy in this one.
Week 11 at Houston Texans
James Conner returned to action last week and gained 73 yards on 16 carries in a victory over the Falcons. It was good to see Conner get a full workload in his first game back from injury and there’s potential to mine fantasy gold in this offense with Kyler Murray also back on the field.
This week, Conner has a nice matchup against a Houston defense that ranks 22nd in aFPA to opposing running backs. Conner should continue to see a heavy workload and is always a threat to find the end zone, making him a solid RB1 option in all fantasy formats. Start him.
Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons
After four weeks off, James Conner is expected to return this week. He was averaging 17.5 touches per game before his injury in Week 5, so fantasy managers should be excited about his potential workload.
Conner returns to a tough matchup against a Falcons defense that ranks sixth in aFPA to opposing running backs. With the optimism from the team regarding his return, and his potential for a significant workload, he’s worth considering as a low-end RB2 option, but be sure to monitor his status as much as possible as the game gets closer.
Week 5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
James Conner struggled in a lopsided loss to the 49ers last week, rushing just 11 times for 52 yards. He added one catch for four yards receiving. Conner has been a quality fantasy option overall this season, with two touchdowns and 348 yards from scrimmage in four games. He’s also averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry, and he’s the clear bellcow in the Arizona backfield.
This week, Conner faces a Cincinnati defense that ranks 12th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Expect a busy day for Conner, as the game script should be better than it was against the 49ers. The Bengals are struggling in every aspect of the game right now, and Conner should once again be heavily used. Start him as a solid RB2.
Week 4 at San Francisco 49ers
James Conner has been quietly productive so far this year. He has two straight games with a touchdown and managed 116 yards on 14 carries and a pair of receptions against the Cowboys last week. Conner is currently the RB8 in half-PPR leagues and his status as the primary back in Arizona is unquestioned, as he’s seeing 73% of the team’s offensive snaps.
The 49ers actually rank 20th in aFPA to opposing running backs and gave up a touchdown to Matt Breida last Thursday night, so the matchup isn’t quite as bad as it seems. Conner’s only downside is if the Cardinals get behind early and have to abandon the run, but if the game stays reasonably close, he should get enough touches to be productive. Start him as a RB2 option this week.
Week 3 vs. Dallas Cowboys
James Conner had a nice game last week against the Giants, gaining 106 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. The Cardinals got out to a nice lead early in the game, although they crumbled in the second half and wound up with their second loss of the young season. Conner’s usage is encouraging, however, with 37 carries through two games. He also caught five balls in Week 1, albeit for a mere eight yards.
This week, Conner faces a tough Dallas defense that just held the Jets’ trio of running backs to a total of 24 yards on 10 carries in a blowout. Expect a rough day for the Cardinals if they can’t keep it close against the surging Cowboys. Conner’s potential for a full workload makes him worth considering in fantasy, but we have him ranked as a low-end RB2 because of the matchup.
