James Conner: A Fantasy Football Sleeping Giant

Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of one of the most underrated and slept-on players in the fantasy football scene: James Conner. So, grab your helmets and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and james conner fantasy.

Who is James Conner?

If you're new to the game or haven't been paying attention, James Conner is a running back for the Arizona Cardinals. But he's no ordinary running back. This guy's got a story that'll make you root for him, and a game that'll make you want him on your fantasy team.

Conner started his NFL journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, and despite facing numerous injuries and challenges, he's proven time and time again that he's a force to be reckoned with. Now, let's talk about why you should have your eyes on James Conner for the upcoming fantasy football season.

The Injury Prone Narrative: Fact or Fiction?

Before we dive into Conner's fantasy potential, we need to address the elephant in the room: injuries. Conner has had his fair share of them, with a laundry list that includes a sprained ankle, a knee injury, and a torn ACL. But here's the thing, guys: injuries happen. It's part of the game. And while it's true that Conner has missed some time due to injuries, it's not fair to label him as injury-prone.

In his four seasons in the NFL, Conner has played in at least 12 games in three of them. That's not the resume of an injury-prone player. Moreover, he's shown an ability to bounce back from injuries and perform at a high level. So, let's not write him off just yet.

Conner's Fantasy Football Resume

Now that we've addressed the injury elephant, let's talk about what Conner brings to the table in fantasy football. In his best season, 2018, Conner rushed for 973 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He also chipped in with 49 receptions for 509 yards and another two scores. That's RB1 territory, folks!

Even in his injury-riddled 2019 season, Conner still managed to score six touchdowns in just eight games. And in 2020, despite sharing the backfield with Chase Edmonds, Conner still managed to rush for 750 yards and score six touchdowns.

The Cardinals' Offense: A New Opportunity

Conner's move to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 could be just the opportunity he needs to return to RB1 form. The Cardinals have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, led by the electric Kyler Murray. With DeAndre Hopkins drawing attention from defenses, Conner could have plenty of opportunities to make plays in the Cardinals' new-look offense.

Moreover, the Cardinals' offensive line has been beefed up with the addition of veteran guard Rodney Hudson. A formidable offensive line combined with a potent passing game could spell big things for Conner in 2021.

Conner's Fantasy Football Outlook for 2021

So, what can we expect from James Conner in 2021? Well, if he can stay healthy, the sky's the limit. With the Cardinals' potent offense and a favorable schedule, Conner could be in line for a monster season.

In PPR leagues, Conner's receiving ability makes him a valuable asset. And in non-PPR leagues, his touchdown-scoring ability could make him a weekly contributor. Plus, with the Cardinals' offense expected to take a step forward, Conner could find himself in plenty of favorable game scripts.

Draft Strategy: When to Target Conner

Given his injury history and the presence of Chase Edmonds, Conner is likely to be a mid-to-late round pick in most drafts. That's great news for you, as it means you can wait until the later rounds to snag a potential RB1.

Our advice? Don't reach for Conner. Let him come to you. If you can grab him in the 7th or 8th round, you've got yourself a steal. And if he goes earlier, don't stress. There are plenty of other diamonds in the rough to be found in the later rounds.

Final Thoughts on James Conner

James Conner might not be the sexiest name in fantasy football. He might not be the first running back off the board in your draft. But he's a guy who's proven time and time again that he can produce when given the opportunity.

So, guys, don't sleep on James Conner this year. He's got the talent, he's got the opportunity, and he's got the motivation. If he can stay healthy, there's no reason why he can't return to RB1 form in 2021.

And remember, the best fantasy football teams are built in the later rounds. So, keep an eye on Conner, and when the time is right, pull the trigger. You just might be drafting a fantasy football champion.

Stay tuned, fantasy football fans, and happy drafting!