Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
James Conner had another nice game against the Bears last week, rushing for 75 yards on 20 carries, and adding 36 yards and a touchdown on a pair of receptions. It was discouraging to see Kyler Murray run two touchdowns in after Conner has been the short-yardage back for much of the season, but it was still good to see him get 22 total touches. Conner has at least 20 touches in three out of his last four games and has scored 14 touchdowns on the year.
This week, Conner faces a Rams defense that ranks 18th in aFPA to opposing running backs. There’s a chance Chase Edmonds returns this week. If he doesn’t, expect another heavy workload for Conner with more activity in the passing game and an RB1 performance. If Edmonds is back, Conner is more like a RB2 option, who still has upside based on his touchdown potential. Either way, start him.
Week 13 at Chicago Bears
James Conner had 21 carries and five receptions for a total of 99 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks before the bye last week. Conner has been excellent in recent weeks, especially with Chase Edmonds out. He’s the number six running back in fantasy points this season and is second over his past three games.
This week, Conner faces a Bears defense that ranks 12th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Expect another busy day for Conner in what should be a positive game script for the Cardinals. With his touchdown numbers and workload this year, we have him ranked as an RB1 this week.
Week 11 at Seattle Seahawks
James Conner only had 39 yards on 10 carries in a lopsided loss to the Panthers last week, but he found the end zone for the 11th time this season and added 25 yards on three receptions. The best news for fantasy managers who roster Conner is that he led the running back room in targets with four, and has nine targets over his past two games. That kind of usage should help him flirt with RB1 numbers moving forward.
This week, Conner faces a Seahawks defense that ranks 30th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Cardinals, Conner should get plenty of touches against a vulnerable defense. We have him ranked as a fringe RB1 option this week and I like his chances at finding his 12th touchdown. Start him.
Week 10 vs. Carolina Panthers
James Conner looked great against the 49ers last week, rushing for 96 yards and two touchdowns, and adding 77 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. It was a lopsided victory for the Cardinals and Conner got more work based on both game script and an injury to Chase Edmonds.
With Edmonds dealing with a high ankle sprain, Conner could continue to see extra work this week against the Panthers, who rank fifth in aFPA to opposing running backs. It’s not a great matchup for him, but with his workload and luck finding the end zone this season, he’s still a must-start in all formats. We have him ranked just inside our top-10 running backs this week.
Week 9 at San Francisco 49ers
James Conner only had five carries and 22 yards last week against the Packers, but he scored two touchdowns, bringing his total to eight on the season. If Conner keeps getting this kind of short-yard usage – he’s scored in five of his last six games – then he’ll be worth considering as a viable RB2 option. However, he’s very touchdown-dependent, with 71 yards his season-high.
This week, Conner faces a 49ers defense that ranks 12th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Conner has some upside in a game where the Cardinals should be leading, but his dependence on finding the end zone makes him inherently risky. We have him ranked just outside of RB2 territory this week.
Week 8 vs. Green Bay Packers
James Conner only had 10 carries against the Texans last week, but he still managed 64 yards and a touchdown. Conner has been able to score regularly in this offense, with at least one touchdown in four of his last five games. He’s also had double-digit touches in all but one outing this season, making him a solid fill-in option for fantasy managers.
This week, he’ll face a Packers defense that should keep the Cardinals throwing the ball, so Conner may struggle to get his usual usage. As such, view Conner as a low-end RB3 or flex option. We have him ranked outside our top-30 running backs this week, so it’s a good time to sit him.
Week 7 vs. Houston Texans
James Conner didn’t find the end zone last week in a lopsided victory over the Browns, but he did get 16 carries and rush for 71 yards. It was his highest rushing average of the season and he seems to be heating up in this offense. Conner’s 14 touches per game make him an intriguing under-the-radar option for teams with a need at the position.
This week, Conner has a great matchup against a Texans defense that ranks 21st in aFPA to opposing running backs. Not only is it a vulnerable defense, but the Cardinals should also win this game handily, so another 16 carries seem likely. Conner has high touchdown upside too, with five touchdowns from Week 3-5, and the workload and opponent make him a viable RB2 option this week. Start him.
Week 6 at Cleveland Browns
James Conner had only 29 yards on 10 carries last week against the 49ers, but he found the end zone for the fifth time in three games. Conner’s short-yardage usage continues, despite the presence of Kyler Murray, but it’s hard to trust it to continue. He’s averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and his fantasy value appears to be very touchdown dependent. He has value, but be wary of any kind of touchdown regression. We have him ranked outside of starter territory this week, and fantasy managers should look elsewhere if possible.
Week 5 vs. San Francisco 49ers
James Conner had 18 carries for 50 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Rams last week, adding a couple of receptions for 16 yards through the air. That’s exciting, but the Cardinals were leading through most of the second half, and Chase Edmonds also received 12 carries and five targets. With Kyler Murray soaking up most of the goal line runs up until last week, it’s hard to expect that kind of touchdown production week-to-week. If he starts getting 18 carries every week, fantasy managers can perk up a bit, but blowouts resulting in 30 rushing attempts for the team don’t seem sustainable either. Keep him rostered, but keep him on the bench for now.
Week 4 at Los Angeles Rams
James Conner had 11 carries for just 43 yards last week against the Jaguars, but he found the end zone twice. He also added a 10-yard reception to his totals. While it’s hard to bank on Conner getting consistent touchdowns with Kyler Murray at the helm – Murray ran in his third of the season as well – it’s good to see Conner getting some red zone work. He’s splitting snaps with Chase Edmonds at about a 40/60 clip so far this season but is getting similar carries on the ground, giving him some value in standard leagues.
This week, Conner faces a Rams defense that ranks 22nd in aFPA to opposing running backs. The Rams will likely keep the Cardinals throwing the ball to keep up, which sounds like a tough day for the two-down role of Conner, making him a risky option for fantasy managers. Sit him this week.
