Fantasy Upside
James Conner showed himself to be an every-down back in his first year as a starter in 2018, putting up 973 rushing yards and 12 scores in 13 games. He also had nearly 500 receiving yards on 55 receptions, showing himself to be a good receiver out of the backfield, as well. Conner had five games with multiple rushing touchdowns and eight games overall with a score. He is the unquestioned No. 1 back in this offense and should be a guy who gets 20 touches per game, something that is becoming a rarity in today's NFL.
Fantasy Downside
Conner does have something of an injury history, going back to his days at Pitt. And he's missed time in his short NFL career with knee, shoulder and ankle injuries. The Steelers also would like to incorporate Jaylen Samuels more as a receiver, which means Conner could give up some third-down duties.
2019 Bottom Line
At 24, Conner should be heading into his prime as a runner. And he's worked hard to get himself into tip-top shape to handle 250-plus carries. He's currently RB8, which puts him on the cusp of being a first-round pick. His offensive line is good and the Steelers figure to run the ball more in 2019 than they did in 2018, when they had a 2-1 pass-run ratio. That bodes well for Conner, who should have a very nice season provided his injury issues are in the past.
Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
James Conner should be back in the saddle for this game after missing the past three with a high ankle sprain. And that means he also should be back in your lineup. He had 111 yards rushing and two touchdowns against the Bengals earlier this season and should dice up their soft run defense again in this one, even if he does lose a carry or two to Jaylen Samuels.
Week 16 at New Orleans Saints
James Conner could wind up being a game-time decision, but it doesn't appear he's ready to play this week against the Saints after he revealed he's dealing with a high-ankle sprain, not a typical sprained ankle. If he plays, he might even still be somewhat limited. We'll see where the week leads, but he's an RB2 play even if he does return against a tough Saints run defense.
Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
James Conner had 13 carries for 53 yards, and four receptions for 42 yards last week, but failed to score for the second consecutive contest. He has averaged just 17 touches in his past three games, but look for that to change this week as the Steelers will want to get him more involved against a Chargers defense that is vulnerable up the middle. The Chargers are 21st in the league in yards allowed to opposing backfields at 146.9 yards per game. Conner should perform as a solid RB1.
Week 12 at Denver Broncos
James Conner managed just 25 rushing yards on nine carries last week, but did have six receptions, though for only 24 yards. He has followed up his sub-par games this season with strong ones and Denver has allowed some big rushing games this season, but not so much of late. In their past four games, the Broncos are giving up 2.9 yards per carry. But look for the Steelers to get Conner 20-plus touches in this one to slow down Denver's pass rush. He should be a solid RB1 play.
Week 11 at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Steelers' plan for James Conner last week was to rest him a little coming off a tough game against the Ravens. They did that, limiting him to 13 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown and one catch for eight yards in the blowout. Conner did enter concussion protocol after that game, but he's been a full participant in practice all week and will be good to go this week in a juicy matchup -- at least from a rushing standpoint. The Jaguars don't give up much to backs in the passing game, so even though Conner should have success on the ground, his overall value is a little lower in PPR leagues. He's still an RB1, but there are some better matchups.
Week 10 vs. Carolina Panthers
James Conner posted his fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing game last week in Baltimore, gaining 107 yards on 24 carries, while also catching a season-high seven passes for 58 yards and a score. The Panthers are allowing just 94.1 yards rushing per game, but some of that has been matchup driven given they have faced Philadelphia, Baltimore and Tampa Bay the past three weeks -- three teams that can't run the ball. Conner is rolling, so you just keep running him out there as an RB1 until further notice.
Week 9 at Baltimore Ravens
James Conner had 24 carries for 146 yards and two scores, adding five catches for another 66 yards last week against the Browns as he's continued to be the best thing this side of Todd Gurley. This is a tough matchup this week against the Ravens, who limited him to 19 yards on nine carries earlier in the season, but the Steelers have more faith in Conner now than they did then. The Ravens also have given up a rushing TD in each of the past two weeks. Conner is still a strong RB1 play.
Week 8 vs. Browns
James Conner had a monster game against the Browns earlier this season, carrying the ball 31 times for 135 yards and two scores, and adding five receptions for 57 yards. The Browns have continued to struggle with running backs, allowing nine rushing TDs to the position already this season. There's no reason to think Conner won't have a big day this time around, as well. He's a solid RB1 start.
Week 6 at Cincinnati Bengals
James Conner had 21 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns, adding another 75 yards on four receptions last week, his second game this season with 150 or more total yards. The Bengals are allowing opposing running backs to post nearly 160 total yards per game this season, so even though they've only given up two touchdowns on the ground to running backs, they will allow some yardage. Conner is a strong RB1 start this week.
