Conner could be a huge value

Cardinals RB James Conner missed four games and most of two others last season. But he was busy and productive when healthy. In 11 games with a snap rate of 55+%, he averaged 15.2 carries, 63.8 rushing yards, 4.8 targets, 3.9 catches, 24.2 receiving yards, and .73 total TDs. Conner's scoring average in those games would have ranked seventh in PPR and eighth in non-PPR. Arizona made no significant additions to the backfield this offseason and only returns RBs Keaontay Ingram and Corey Clement. So Conner appears poised for more big volume and looks like a prime value in 2023 fantasy football drafts with an ADP of RB25. See exactly where Conner sits in our RB Rankings.

Cardinals RB James Conner tallied 27 carries for 150 rushing yards and a TD in Week 18’s loss vs. the Seahawks. He also added 4 receptions for 54 yards as a pass-catcher in Sunday’s contest. Injuries have marred the veteran throughout his career, though 2023 marks the first time Conner has been able to amass over 1,000 rushing yards in a season, ending the year with 1,040 across 13 games. Though he’ll play in 2024 at age 29, Conner has averaged no fewer than 15.4 PPR points per game over the past three seasons and should be considered a solid low-cost buy for dynasty managers in contending windows. The only item worth being mindful of is that the Cardinals have a potential out in Conner’s contract that would cost a mere $3 million should they choose to move on from him this offseason.

Cardinals RB James Conner dropped 105 rushing yards and 2 scores on Pittsburgh. He handled 25 carries against his former team, the second most of his career. Rainy conditions (Sunday's game was delayed twice) and a surprise 14-point victory helped Conner handle all but 4 team RB carries. He drew 2 targets (0 catches), but it's worth noting that he topped Michael Carter in routes, 15-4. Week 14 turns up a well-earned bye. An elite 49ers defense awaits following the rest.

Cardinals RB James Conner claimed 16 of 19 RB carries Sunday in his return from the knee injury that landed him on IR for four games. Conner took those for 73 yards (4.6 per rush) but watched QBs Kyler Murray and Clayton Tune claim the team's two rushing scores. No Cardinals RB drew a target, but Conner's 13 pass routes led the position and marked a 36% route rate. That last number marks potential trouble once RB Emari Demercado returns to health. But Conner can help fantasy lineups even just as lead rusher and part-time backfield receiver going forward. Arizona gets a solid RB-scoring matchup with Houston in Week 11.

Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) is active for today’s game vs. the Falcons. He’s been out since Week 5 and was limited in practice all week, so it’s possible that Conner is on some type of touch count today. But he projects to see enough work to at least be a low-end fantasy starter. See where Conner sits in the Week 10 RB Rankings.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Cardinals are activating RB James Conner from IR and will play him Sunday against the Falcons. We've been assuming all week this would be the case. We'll watch for any early Sunday reports about Conner's expected playing time and/or touch count. For now, he sits low in RB2 territory in our Week 10 RB rankings.