RB ARI
College: Pittsburgh | 7 years
Height: 6'1" | Weight: 233 lbs
Birth Date: 1995-05-05
2024 Bye Week: 11
Total Pts: 201.5
Avg Pts: 11.85
Rank: 18 RB
CA Scout 03
Conner missed four gams because of injury but still managed to finish 18th overall in fantasy running back scoring. He had a great finish to his season, topping 20 fantasy points four of his last five games while getting at least 17 points all five games. Conner had a 1,000-yard rushing season while playing just 13 games. This was his first 1,000-yard season as a pro and his 5.0 yards per carry also was a career high. Conner should remain the lead back for the Cardinals, a role he has served well. His issue is staying healthy, battling nagging injuries much of his career. He has never played a full season in seven years. Conner can be an explosive player. He does well between the tackles but also has enough speed to make plays on the outside. He also will run through defenders and make a lot of plays after contact. Conner is a solid pass catcher, showing three-down ability.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Conner is a tough player to gauge this season. He has a very high ceiling, but injuries are always a concern for him. He is hard to trust. But if he can get in a full season, Conner can be a top-15 fantasy back. Look for around 1,400 total yards, double-digit scores and 40 receptions.
James Conner reaffirmed his ability to perform proficiently as a lead back in 2023, while also supplying a reminder that he can deliver RB2 output to fantasy managers. Conner accumulated career-highs in multiple categories while progressing through his third season as the Cardinals' primary back. He eclipsed 1,000+ rushing yards (1,040) for the first time in his career, despite missing four matchups with a knee injury. Conner also attained career-bests in yards per game (80.0), yards per attempt (5.0), and yards before contact per attempt (2.8), while generating a league-high 11 rushes of 20+ yards, and finishing third in rush yards over expected (211) according to Next Gen Stats. Conner also vaulted to 13th in points per game (15.5) from Weeks 1-18, averaging a league-best 23.9 per game from Weeks 13-18. However, Conner's favorable numbers will not prevent him from contending with an emerging threat to confiscate touches. Arizona's selection of Trey Benson during the NFL draft has shifted the outlook for the Cardinals' backfield. Conner should continue to operate as Arizona's RB1 but Benson's workload should gradually increase during the season. The 29-year-old Conner is also entering the final year of his contract which positions Benson to ascend into lead-back duties during 2025. That should compel managers to delay the selection of Conner until Round 10 in dynasty startup drafts and Round 6 in best-ball drafts.
James Conner reaffirmed his ability to perform proficiently as a lead back in 2023, while also supplying a reminder that he can deliver RB2 output to fantasy managers. Conner accumulated career-highs in multiple categories while progressing through his third season as the Cardinals' primary back. He eclipsed 1,000+ rushing yards (1,040) for the first time in his career, despite missing four matchups with a knee injury. Conner also attained career-bests in yards per game (80.0), yards per attempt (5.0), and yards before contact per attempt (2.8), while generating a league-high 11 rushes of 20+ yards, and finishing third in rush yards over expected (211) according to Next Gen Stats. Conner also vaulted to 13th in points per game (15.5) from Weeks 1-18, averaging a league-best 23.9 per game from Weeks 13-18. However, Conner's favorable numbers will not prevent him from contending with an emerging threat to confiscate touches. Arizona's selection of Trey Benson during the NFL draft has shifted the outlook for the Cardinals' backfield. Conner should continue to operate as Arizona's RB1 but Benson's workload should gradually increase during the season. The 29-year-old Conner is also entering the final year of his contract which positions Benson to ascend into lead-back duties during 2025. That should compel managers to delay the selection of Conner until Round 10 in dynasty startup drafts and Round 6 in best-ball drafts.
Fantasy Week | Pts | Scoring |
---|---|---|
Week 1 | 12.00 | James Conner 62 rushing yds (6.20 pts) James Conner 8 receiving yds (0.80 pts) James Conner 5 receptions (5.00 pts) |
Week 2 | 16.60 | James Conner 106 rushing yds (10.60 pts) James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts) . . . James Conner 4 yd TD rush |
Week 3 | 19.60 | James Conner 98 rushing yds (9.80 pts) James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts) . . . James Conner 5 yd TD rush James Conner 18 receiving yds (1.80 pts) James Conner 2 receptions (2.00 pts) |
Week 4 | 6.60 | James Conner 52 rushing yds (5.20 pts) James Conner 4 receiving yds (0.40 pts) James Conner 1 reception (1.00 pts) |
Week 5 | 4.60 | James Conner 46 rushing yds (4.60 pts) |
Week 6 | 0.00 | |
Week 7 | 0.00 | |
Week 8 | 0.00 | |
Week 9 | 0.00 | |
Week 10 | 7.30 | James Conner 73 rushing yds (7.30 pts) |
Week 11 | 8.30 | James Conner 62 rushing yds (6.20 pts) James Conner 1 receiving yd (0.10 pts) James Conner 2 receptions (2.00 pts) |
Week 12 | 7.20 | James Conner 27 rushing yds (2.70 pts) James Conner 5 receiving yds (0.50 pts) James Conner 4 receptions (4.00 pts) |
Week 13 | 22.50 | James Conner 105 rushing yds (10.50 pts) James Conner 2 rushing TDs (12.00 pts) . . . James Conner 1 yd TD rush . . . James Conner 9 yd TD rush |
Week 14 | 0.00 | |
Week 15 | 17.90 | James Conner 86 rushing yds (8.60 pts) James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts) . . . James Conner 2 yd TD rush James Conner 3 receiving yds (0.30 pts) James Conner 3 receptions (3.00 pts) |
Week 16 | 22.20 | James Conner 45 rushing yds (4.50 pts) James Conner 67 receiving yds (6.70 pts) James Conner 5 receptions (5.00 pts) James Conner 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts) . . . James Conner 16 yd TD pass from Kyler Murray |
Week 17 | 26.30 | James Conner 128 rushing yds (12.80 pts) James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts) . . . James Conner 2 yd TD rush James Conner 5 receiving yds (0.50 pts) James Conner 1 reception (1.00 pts) James Conner 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts) . . . James Conner 5 yd TD pass from Kyler Murray |
Dynasty | Cardinals rookie Trey Benson ran for 43 yards on nine carries in the Cardinals preseason loss to the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: it's been a relatively quiet preseason for Benson, though he looked a bit better in this one. Still, he's done little to unseat James Conner and is looking like a clear handcuff and backup at the moment. A solid second round rookie pick, Benson is going to need an injury or some ineffectiveness from Conner to carve out a meaningful role early it seems.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, who is in a contract year, will very much remain the focal point for the team's backfield for the foreseeable future. Fowler thinks Conner still has untapped potential as an RB2 for fantasy managers after coming off a career-best 5.0 yards per carry and his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign in 2023. The only thing that could hold him back from a volume standpoint is durability. The 29-year-old has never played a full season in the NFL, so the Cardinals might manage his workload accordingly. But if his health cooperates, another 200-plus-carry season should be in the cards for Conner. Fantasy managers that roll with Conner as their RB2 would be wise to handcuff him later in drafts with rookie third-rounder Trey Benson, who should eventually leapfrog Emari Demercado as the primary backup in Arizona.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner may have recorded a career-high 1,040 rushing yards in 2023, but he hopes that was his floor and he can build on that total in 2024. "That's the floor," Conner told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward. Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that's the floor, not the ceiling." Now 29 years old, Conner still has a solid grasp on the Cardinals' No. 1 running back role even after Arizona added Trey Benson in the draft. He has continued to show that he can make an impact on the ground and through the air, entering 2024 as a solid RB2 option in most fantasy football leagues.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner said his career-high 1,040 rushing yards last year are his floor for the 2024 season. 'Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that's the floor, not the ceiling.'
Fantasy Spin: Conner topped 1,000 yards on the ground despite missing the final four games with a knee injury. He enters this season as the lead back in Arizona, and while he isn't the most explosive option at the position, he should have the volume to finish as a reliable RB2.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been one of the most underrated ball carriers in fantasy football over the last few years. The former Pittsburgh Steeler remained productive in his age-28 season last year, rushing 208 times for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He finished as the RB18 in PPR formats despite missing four games due to injury. Heading into 2024, Conner expects more of the same. "That's the floor," Conner said (speaking of a 1,000-yard rushing season), "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward." While Arizona selected Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Conner is expected to maintain his workhorse role, at least early in the season. The Cardinals have an ascending offense, so Conner could be a tremendous value pick at RB25 cost in preseason drafts. That said, Conner has never played a full season, so be sure to stash high-upside backs behind him if you roster him.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals veteran running back and team captain James Conner is heading into his eighth NFL season in 2024 and his fourth with the Cardinals. He's coming off his first 1,000-yard season as a professional and said he wouldn't mind finishing his NFL career in the desert. Conner has grown close to quarterback Kyler Murray, spending time together on numerous outings. The 29-year-old veteran is entering the last year of the three-year deal he signed in 2022, which has ended up being a bargain for the Cardinals. "It would be awesome to finish my career here, but nothing changes," Conner said. Rookie third-rounder Trey Benson could eventually take over Conner's spot as the team's lead back, but as far as 2024 in concerned, Conner should remain the team's lead back in what should be an improved offense.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner is entering the final year of his current contract and said that he would be interested in remaining with the team beyond the 2024 season.
Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old Conner topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in 2023 and was fourth in the NFL in average rushing yards per game (80). However, he could wind up sharing offensive snaps this year with RB Trey Benson if the rookie gets off to a strong start. For now, Conner can be viewed as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 fantasy option, while Benson is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | The Arizona Cardinals drafted Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Benson was snapped up with the 66th overall selection. It's a solid landing spot for the former Seminole who will presumably pair with James Conner in a new-look backfield in the desert in the short-term. However, Conner's injury history and age is going to likely pave a quick path to a true starting job for Benson sooner rather than later. While he may not reach his potential for a year or two, Benson looks like a very solid pick right around the round 1/2 turn in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | With the early third round selection of RB Trey Benson, the Cardinals prepare for life after James Conner. Dynasty Analysis: Benson was widely regarded as a top two RB in the rookie class, and could prove to be a steal in the third round. But it isn't the type of draft capital that commands an immediate workload. Dynasty managers can expect a dip in Conner's dynasty value long-term; a dip that was coming for the 28 year-old anyways. But the short term value should get a bump as Conner takes on a full workload with Benson's fresh legs waiting patiently until the wheels fall off for Conner.
NFL Week | Opp | Pts | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | 100 Yds | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | Rec Tgt | Fum Lost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Season | 201.50 | 1040 | 7 | 27 | |||||||
Week 1 | @WAS | 12.00 | 62 | 0 | 5 | ||||||
Week 2 | NYG | 16.60 | 106 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
Week 3 | DAL | 19.60 | 98 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
Week 4 | @SF | 6.60 | 52 | 0 | 1 | ||||||
Week 5 | CIN | 4.60 | 46 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 6 | @LAR | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 7 | @SEA | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 8 | BAL | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 9 | @CLE | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 10 | ATL | 7.30 | 73 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 11 | @HOU | 8.30 | 62 | 0 | 2 | ||||||
Week 12 | LAR | 7.20 | 27 | 0 | 4 | ||||||
Week 13 | @PIT | 22.50 | 105 | 2 | 0 | ||||||
Week 14 | bye | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 15 | SF | 17.90 | 86 | 1 | 3 | ||||||
Week 16 | @CHI | 22.20 | 45 | 0 | 5 | ||||||
Week 17 | @PHI | 26.30 | 128 | 1 | 1 | ||||||
Week 18 | SEA | 30.40 | 150 | 1 | 4 |