Week 5 vs. Atlanta Falcons
James Conner got just nine carries for 19 yards last week and had a season-low three catches for 25 yards. But no team has allowed more catches to opposing running backs this season than Atlanta. And the Falcons also have allowed four rushing TDs to running backs. Conner has been slow since his big Week 1 effort, but this is a game in which every skill player from both teams should be in your lineup somewhere.
Week 4 vs. Baltimore Ravens
James Conner had just 13 yards rushing on nine carries entering the fourth quarter last week in Tampa, then finished with 61 yards on 15 carries. He also posted his third consecutive game with five receptions, picking up another 34 yards. Conner failed to score a TD for the first time this season but the Ravens do figure to be preoccupied with slowing Pittsburgh's passing attack, which could provide some running lanes for the AFC's leading rusher. He's a solid RB1 play.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
James Conner got only 13 touches last week as the Steelers fell behind early and abandoned their running game. Despite gaining just 13 yards on eight carries, he scored his third rushing touchdown of the season and also caught five passes for 48 yards. He's going to continue to be a factor in the passing game and get the majority of the snaps. Tampa Bay has allowed at least one rushing touchdown in each of its last eight games. Conner is an RB1 start.
Week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
James Conner did his best LeVeon Bell impersonation last week against the Browns, gaining 135 yards and two scores on the ground on 31 carries. He also caught five passes for 57 yards. The Steelers plan on continuing to feed him the ball and employ him the same way they would use Bell—great news for those who drafted him or picked him up. Conner is a top-five fantasy start in all formats this week.
Week 1 at Cleveland Browns
With LeVeon Bell most likely out, James Conner takes over as the primary ball-carrier for the foreseeable future. While he won't necessarily give you Bell's production in the passing game, he has improved that facet of his game and the Steelers will split him out at times—like Bell. Cleveland's run defense was pretty solid last season, but Stevan Ridley did gain 80 yards on 17 carries against Cleveland when Bell was rested at the end of last season. A similar effort from Conner is certainly possible. He's a sneaky good start as a No. 2 back in all formats this week.
Fantasy Upside
James Conner is all but written in stone as LeVeon Bell's backup. In a top-five offense, that means plenty if he gets serious playing time.
Fantasy Downside
Bell rarely comes off the field, meaning Conner's touches are always going to be limited unless Bell gets hurt.
2018 Bottom Line
Conner is handcuff-worthy if you draft Bell. He came to camp in better shape this season than his rookie campaign and he will be eager to prove he can be the guy if Bell walks after this season.
