Steelers RB James Conner should be a fantasy stud again in 2019
By Tommy Jaggi
Pittsburgh had one of the best fantasy running backs of the 2000’s in Le’Veon Bell. Here’s why James Conner could follow suit for the Steelers.
The Steelers ran the ball a franchise low 32.6 percent of the time in 2018, according to Team Rankings. But despite their refusal to run the football, James Conner was still a standout fantasy running back last year.
That trend should carry into the 2019 season.
Conner missed three games last season, but still managed to turn out a solid fantasy performance with nearly 1,000 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns to go with 55 catches and about 500 yards through the air.
We should be able to expect much of the same from James Conner again this season. Though the Steelers were high on Benny Snell (who they were able to land in the 4th round of the NFL Draft), Conner still stands to be one of the few running backs that doesn’t operate under heavy committee work.
However, with James Conner failing to finish a full season in each of his first two years in the league, the Steelers will no doubt attempt to lighten his workload. Benny Snell should be able to spell Conner of a handful of carries per game, and will likely be the bell-cow back to own in the event of a James Conner injury.
Last year’s 5th round pick, Jaylen Samuels, was also extremely efficient in the pass game in his rookie season – catching 26 of 29 targets for nearly 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Despite these additions to the running back corps, however, Conner still stands to be the lead back in Pittsburgh. The 2018 Pro Bowler was impressive in his second season, and has the makings of a feature back that can do a little bit of everything the Steelers need.
ESPN fantasy projections currently have Conner projected the 9th most fantasy points at the running back position this year. While injuries will always be in the back of fantasy owners minds, Conner would be a solid addition to your fantasy team in 2019.
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I admit that it is often hard not to draft players too early that you really like (or spend too much money on them in an auction league), but Conner will be a RB1 again in 2019. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a top 5 player at his position.