Week 9 vs. Seattle Seahawks
James Conner was a late-ish scratch last week and misses his third straight contest with a rib injury. He practiced in a limited capacity last week, so there’s a chance he suits up against Seattle in Week 9. The Seahawks rank 23rd in aFPA to opposing running backs, so if Conner starts, he has RB2 potential in a good matchup. Just make sure you have a good backup option in case he sits again.
Week 8 at Minnesota Vikings
James Conner missed the last couple of weeks with injury and he’s questionable heading into this weekend’s tilt against Minnesota. Until his injury, he wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire, though he is averaging 13.6 touches per game and has 19 targets in five outings. The touchdowns have been a letdown, however, as Conner hasn’t scored since his lone touchdown in Week 1.
This week, if Conner returns to action, he’ll do so against a Vikings defense that ranks 17th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Take a measured approach to Conner this week, and make sure you have a backup plan in case he’s a late scratch. We have him ranked conservatively as a low-end RB2 option, but be sure to watch the inactives list carefully for his injury status.
Update: Conner is out, so be sure to get him out of your lineups. Eno Benjamin becomes a sneaky RB2 option.
Week 5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
James Conner had 15 carries and three receptions for a total of 77 yards from scrimmage last week against the Panthers. The Cardinals are letting him touch the ball an average of 14.5 times per game so far this season, giving him a high floor every week in fantasy. While he hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1, he’s still a threat to score in any week given his usage and his role last season, so expect the touchdowns to come.
This week, Conner faces an Eagles defense that ranks fourth in aFPA to opposing running backs. Conner is always a threat for a touchdown, so he’s worth considering in all fantasy leagues. However, in the tough matchup, temper expectations for Conner. We have him ranked as a low-end RB2 option, instead of in his usual fringe-RB1 range.
Week 4 at Carolina Panthers
James Conner came back from a Week 2 injury last week to play against the Rams, but the entire Arizona offense struggled. Conner ended up with just 39 yards on 13 carries to go with 18 yards on three receptions. Conner needs to find the end zone to be super productive and the Cardinals have just sputtered offensively throughout the first part of the season.
This week, Conner faces a Panthers defense that have allowed touchdowns to the running back position in two out of three games so far, but has been better than expected considering their 1-2 record. Opponents are averaging just 19.7 points per game against this team, which is pretty low with how much the offense has struggled. Still, here’s to thinking talent wins out in this one and Conner has a better shot at the end zone. Start him as a RB2 this week.
Week 2 at Las Vegas Raiders
James Conner was held to just 2.6 yards per carry against the Chiefs last week, rushing for 26 yards on 10 carries in a lopsided loss. He did find the end zone, and was active in the passing game, catching five balls for 29 yards. Conner’s role in the offense appears to be secure and the Cardinals love to use him especially around the goal line. In a more competitive game, he’d likely get more work.
This week, Conner faces a Raiders defense that held Austin Ekeler to 2.6 yards per carry last week, so it may not be super easy for him to thrive. That being said, Conner’s touchdown upside and workload role in the offense should still land him in fringe RB1 territory. Start him.
Week 1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
James Conner was third in the league with 18 touchdowns last season and led the team with 1,127 yards from scrimmage, despite missing two games and sharing time with Chase Edmonds. With Edmonds now in Miami, the stage is set for Conner to get a full workload and put up legit RB1 numbers.
To start the season, Conner faces a Chiefs defense that ranked 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs last season. This game should feature plenty of passing fireworks, but Conner is still a must-start in all formats based on workload and touchdown potential. We have him ranked just outside our top-five at the position.
2022 Fantasy Upside
The Cardinals made James Conner's return a priority and proved it the first day of free agency, when the veteran agreed to a new three-year contract. Conner's deal is worth $21 million and includes $16 million over the first two years. After struggling through injury near the end of his run in Pittsburgh, Conner proved to be a force as a runner and a difference-maker near the goal line in his first season with the Cardinals. In addition to running for 752 yards and 15 TDs on 202 carries, Conner improved as a pass-catcher hauling in 37 of 39 targets for 375 yards and three more TDs. Expecting an even greater role this year is reasonable. The Cardinals were only able to keep half of their running back tandem, as Chase Edmonds signed with the Dolphins, leaving an opening for Eno Benjamin or incoming rookie Keaontay Ingram to step into a larger role with newly-signed former Chief Darrel Williams providing depth. Still, it's hard to imagine Conner not dominating the touches.
2022 Fantasy Downside
Of course, the risk with any primary ball carrier is durability and that's no different with Conner. Add in his role as a receiver and the risk increases. But his body type gives Conner an advantage when it comes to taking hits and lasting an entire season as an integral piece of the Cardinals' offense.
2022 Bottom Line
In the five games Edmonds missed last season, Conner averaged 20.8 touches (including 5.0 catches) for 20.7 fantasy points per game. With a clear path to workload, a healthy Conner has top-10 potential at his position, but his current ADP has him falling outside our current ranking (RB12). Reap the value and the rewards.
Week 17 at Dallas Cowboys
James Conner was a true game-time decision last week against the Colts and ended up being a late scratch with a heel injury. If he comes back to play against the Cowboys this week, he’s worth considering based on his red-zone usage this year, but it’s risky to bank on him. Chase Edmonds will get plenty of touches, the Cowboys have been solid on defense this year and the Cardinals are really struggling offensively. Consider him a risky fringe-RB2 option, but be sure to have a backup option at the ready in case he’s a late scratch again.
Week 16 vs. Indianapolis Colts
James Conner had 70 total yards on eight carries and two targets. He was held out of the end zone in a disappointing offensive output against the lowly Lions. Ten total touches are concerning, especially since it was the first game back for Chase Edmonds, but that could’ve been partially game script, since the Cardinals spent the game trailing.
This week, Conner faces a Colts defense that ranks 22nd in aFPA to opposing running backs. Expect a timeshare again, but Conner should get more looks in what will hopefully be a more competitive game. With Edmonds back in the mix though, we’ll be looking at Conner as a touchdown-dependent RB2 option though, rather than the borderline RB1 he was with Edmonds out. Start him, but temper expectations.
Week 15 at Detroit Lions
James Conner scored his 15th and 16th touchdowns on the season Monday night against the Rams and had 125 yards on 13 carries and nine receptions. It was a season-high for him in the passing game, and a great sign for fantasy managers looking at him as a viable RB1/RB2 option during the playoffs.
This week, Conner faces a Lions defense that ranks 27th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Conner is dealing with an ankle, so monitor his status carefully leading up to game time. However, if he starts, he’s got a great matchup and should benefit from a positive game script. Watch the injury report, but if he’s active, he’s a must-start in all leagues as an RB1.
