James Conner

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.

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 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.