Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1
James Conner

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: 19 RB

Clermont Crushers
Great Falls Grizzlies

2024 RTSports Outlook

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.

FreeDraftGuide.com

RotoBaller's Outlook

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 WeekPts
Scoring
Week 112.00James Conner 62 rushing yds (6.20 pts)
James Conner 8 receiving yds (0.80 pts)
James Conner 5 receptions (5.00 pts)
Week 216.60James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 4 yd TD rush
James Conner 106 rushing yds (10.60 pts)
Week 319.60James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 5 yd TD rush
James Conner 98 rushing yds (9.80 pts)
James Conner 18 receiving yds (1.80 pts)
James Conner 2 receptions (2.00 pts)
Week 46.60James Conner 52 rushing yds (5.20 pts)
James Conner 4 receiving yds (0.40 pts)
James Conner 1 reception (1.00 pts)
Week 54.60James Conner 46 rushing yds (4.60 pts)
Week 60.00
Week 70.00
Week 80.00
Week 90.00
Week 107.30James Conner 73 rushing yds (7.30 pts)
Week 118.30James Conner 62 rushing yds (6.20 pts)
James Conner 1 receiving yd (0.10 pts)
James Conner 2 receptions (2.00 pts)
Week 127.20James Conner 27 rushing yds (2.70 pts)
James Conner 5 receiving yds (0.50 pts)
James Conner 4 receptions (4.00 pts)
Week 1322.50James Conner 2 rushing TDs (12.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 1 yd TD rush
. . . James Conner 9 yd TD rush
James Conner 105 rushing yds (10.50 pts)
Week 14
Playoff Week 117.90James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 2 yd TD rush
James Conner 86 rushing yds (8.60 pts)
James Conner 3 receiving yds (0.30 pts)
James Conner 3 receptions (3.00 pts)
Playoff Week 222.20James Conner 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 16 yd TD pass from Kyler Murray
James Conner 45 rushing yds (4.50 pts)
James Conner 67 receiving yds (6.70 pts)
James Conner 5 receptions (5.00 pts)
Playoff Week 326.30James Conner 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 2 yd TD rush
James Conner 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts)
. . . James Conner 5 yd TD pass from Kyler Murray
James Conner 128 rushing yds (12.80 pts)
James Conner 5 receiving yds (0.50 pts)
James Conner 1 reception (1.00 pts)
Player Notes
Jul 12 4:20pm ET

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

Jun 2 1:30pm ET

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

Jun 2 11:53am ET

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

Apr 27 12:13am ET

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.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Apr 27 12:13am ET

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.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jan 27 10:23pm ET

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner ranked third among running backs with 60 forced missed tackles in 2023, and his 3.9 yards after contact per carry led the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

From TheHuddle

Jan 24 10:53pm ET

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in 2023, and he ranked fourth in the NFL with 80.0 rushing yards per game.

From TheHuddle

Player Transactions
  • 11-Nov-2023: James Conner - ACT - The Arizona Cardinals activated RB James Conner from the IRD list.
  • 07-Nov-2023: James Conner - IRDR - The Arizona Cardinals designated RB James Conner for return from injured reserve.
  • 10-Oct-2023: James Conner - IR - The Arizona Cardinals placed RB James Conner on the IR.
  • 14-Mar-2022: ARI James Conner - Re-signed - Three-year contract (through 2024)
  • 16-Aug-2021: ARI James Conner - Reinstated
  • 12-Aug-2021: ARI James Conner - Reserve, Non-Football Injury - COVID-19
  • 13-Apr-2021: ARI James Conner - Signed, Unrestricted FA - One-year contract (through 2021)
  • 17-Mar-2021: PIT James Conner - Declared Free Agent
  • 09-Dec-2020: PIT James Conner - Reinstated
  • 28-Nov-2020: PIT James Conner - Reserve, Non-Football Injury - COVID-19
NFL Week
OppPtsRush
Att
Rush
Yds
Rush
TDs
100
Yds
RecRec
Yds
Rec
TDs
Rec
Tgt
Fum
Lost
2023 Season201.50208104074271652330
Week 1@WAS12.0014620058050
Week 2NYG16.60231061000010
Week 3DAL19.60149810218020
Week 4@SF6.6011520014020
Week 5CIN4.606460000000
Week 6@LAR0.00000000000
Week 7@SEA0.00000000000
Week 8BAL0.00000000000
Week 9@CLE0.00000000000
Week 10ATL7.3016730000000
Week 11@HOU8.3014620021030
Week 12LAR7.206270045050
Week 13@PIT22.50251052000020
Week 14bye
Week 15SF17.9014861033030
Week 16@CHI22.20124500567150
Week 17@PHI26.30261281015110
Week 18SEA30.402715010454040