7 months agoJames 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.--Phil Clark - RotoBaller