Both James Conner and Aaron Jones have the potential to be valuable fantasy assets in Week 4, but the decision ultimately comes down to the specific circumstances of your team and league format
If you’re looking for a high-floor option who will get plenty of touches and has a solid chance of scoring, James Conner is the safer play.
His role in the Cardinals’ offense is secure, and even though he faces a tough matchup against the 49ers, his workload should allow him to provide a steady fantasy output.
However, if you’re willing to take a bit more risk for a higher reward, Aaron Jones could be the player to start, assuming he’s fully healthy. His big-play ability and favorable matchup against the Lions make him a high-upside option, particularly in PPR formats.
Ultimately, both players are capable of delivering strong performances in Week 4, and your decision should be based on your league format, roster construction, and risk tolerance.
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Fantasy Football Dilemma: James Conner vs. Aaron Jones
Fantasy football is filled with tough decisions, especially when it comes to selecting the right running back for your team each week.1
James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals and Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers have both shown flashes of brilliance this season, making it a challenging choice for managers to determine which player will deliver the most points in Week 4.
With both players performing at high levels, it’s essential to break down their strengths, recent performances, team dynamics, and matchups to determine the best option.
The Case for James Conner: Arizona’s Workhorse
James Conner has become the backbone of the Arizona Cardinals’ offense this season. With the team going through a transition phase under a new coaching regime, Conner has been relied upon heavily in both the rushing and passing game.
He brings a tough, physical running style that suits Arizona’s desire to control the game through the ground.
Conner has excelled in the early part of the season, showcasing both his durability and consistency. Through the first three weeks, he has emerged as one of the top fantasy producers at the running back position, rushing for over 100 yards in multiple games and scoring touchdowns.
His involvement in the passing game has also increased, providing additional value in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats.
James Conner: Usage and Workload
A significant part of Conner’s appeal in fantasy football is his workload. He is the undisputed lead back in Arizona, meaning he gets the majority of the carries and is often used in short-yardage and goal-line situations.2
This makes him a reliable touchdown scorer, which can provide a major boost to fantasy lineups.
In Week 3, Conner carried the ball 16 times for 98 yards and a touchdown, while also catching two passes. His role in the offense appears to be stable, and the Cardinals’ reliance on him only seems to be growing.
As a result, Conner is a player that can be counted on for volume, which is always a valuable asset in fantasy football.
Week 4 Matchup: Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
One of the biggest concerns for fantasy owners regarding Conner in Week 4 is the matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, one of the best defenses in the NFL.
The 49ers are known for their tough run defense, making it difficult for even the best running backs to gain yardage against them.
San Francisco ranks among the top five teams in rushing defense through the first three weeks of the season. They have consistently shut down opposing running backs, holding some of the league’s best players to minimal production. Conner, while talented, will face a tough task in trying to break through their defensive line.
That said, Conner’s heavy workload means that even if his efficiency takes a hit, he may still rack up enough carries and short-yardage plays to make a decent fantasy impact.
Additionally, Arizona may look to involve him in the passing game more to counter the 49ers’ aggressive front seven, potentially increasing his receiving yards and PPR value.
The Case for Aaron Jones: Green Bay’s Dynamic Weapon
On the other side of the debate is Aaron Jones, the Green Bay Packers’ versatile and explosive running back.
Jones has been a focal point of the Packers’ offense for several seasons, and when healthy, he has the ability to take over games with his dual-threat capability as both a rusher and receiver.
Jones started the 2023 season with a bang, racking up 127 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. However, he has been dealing with a hamstring injury, which sidelined him in Weeks 2 and 3. Despite this setback, Jones remains a high-upside option, particularly in an offense that relies on his big-play ability.
Jones’ Explosive Playmaking
One of Jones’ most appealing traits is his ability to break off big plays. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in yards per touch, and his explosiveness allows him to score from anywhere on the field. Whether it’s a long run or a catch out of the backfield, Jones is a threat to rack up fantasy points in a hurry.
In Week 1, Jones showcased this explosiveness with a 51-yard touchdown reception, reminding fantasy owners of his game-changing ability. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing games makes him particularly valuable in PPR formats, where he can rack up additional points for receptions.
The only question mark with Jones is his health. Hamstring injuries can be tricky, and while he returned to practice in limited fashion leading up to Week 4, there is always a risk of re-injury. Fantasy owners will need to monitor his status closely leading up to game time.
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James Conner: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
Aaron Jones’ Week 4 matchup is against the Detroit Lions, a team that has struggled defensively at times this season.3
The Lions’ run defense has been inconsistent, allowing several running backs to find success on the ground. While they’ve improved from previous seasons, they are still vulnerable, particularly to backs with Jones’ playmaking ability.
Detroit has given up several explosive plays to opposing running backs, which bodes well for Jones’ chances of finding the end zone or breaking off a big gain. If he is fully healthy, Jones could exploit the Lions’ defense and put up significant fantasy numbers.
Green Bay may also look to get him involved early in the passing game, where he can take advantage of mismatches against Detroit’s linebackers.
Comparing Their Roles and Fantasy Impact
When comparing James Conner and Aaron Jones for Week 4, it’s important to take a deeper look at their roles within their respective offenses.
Conner is more of a workhorse back for Arizona, receiving a steady dose of carries and touches in every game. He is the focal point of the Cardinals’ rushing attack and is consistently involved near the goal line, making him a reliable option for fantasy owners seeking volume.
Jones, on the other hand, brings more explosiveness and upside, but his role can sometimes be limited by game flow and the presence of other playmakers in Green Bay’s offense. The Packers have used a committee approach at times, with AJ Dillon taking some of the early-down and goal-line work.
However, when Jones is healthy, he is clearly the most dangerous weapon in the Packers’ backfield, capable of delivering massive fantasy performances.
PPR vs. Standard Leagues
In PPR leagues, Aaron Jones might have the edge due to his involvement in the passing game. He has a track record of catching passes out of the backfield, and his big-play potential through the air adds an extra layer of upside.
Jones’ ability to score fantasy points both on the ground and through receptions makes him a dynamic asset in formats that reward points for catches.
Conversely, in standard scoring leagues where receptions don’t carry as much value, Conner’s steady volume and touchdown potential may make him a safer bet. He’s more likely to see consistent carries and goal-line opportunities, which can lead to reliable, if unspectacular, fantasy production.
Is James Conner a Good Pick in Week 4?
James Conner has consistently proven himself to be a solid option in fantasy football, and the upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Washington Commanders looks especially favorable.
With a combination of skill, opportunity, and a vulnerable opposing defense, Conner could be poised for a breakout performance.
Washington’s Struggling Defense
The Washington Commanders have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL so far, particularly in their ability to stop the run.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Washington’s defense has given up substantial yardage on the ground. In Week 3 alone, they allowed 168 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns to the Buffalo Bills, an offensive team that doesn’t heavily rely on the run game.
This weak performance highlights Washington’s susceptibility to strong running backs, making them an ideal opponent for someone like James Conner.
Even more telling, the Commanders almost lost a game in Week 2, where they scored 38 points, narrowly beating the Denver Broncos in a shootout. This emphasizes how exploitable their defense is, even in high-scoring games where they’ve had the advantage.
Teams that have faced Washington have frequently exploited gaps in their run defense, and it’s unlikely that they’ll fix these issues overnight.
James Conner’s Role in Arizona’s Offense
James Conner has established himself as the primary running back for the Arizona Cardinals, playing a critical role in both their rushing and passing games.
Even though Arizona’s 1-2 record reflects a team that has struggled overall, it is not because of poor offensive performances. Conner has been one of the bright spots on the Cardinals’ roster in 2023, consistently putting up solid numbers in both standard and PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues.
In his first three games of the season, Conner has shown he can contribute both on the ground and through the air.
In Week 2, he rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants, displaying his ability to break through tough defensive lines.
Even though the Cardinals lost that game, Conner’s performance showed that he is still more than capable of being a fantasy star when given the opportunity.
James Conner: Autobiography
James Conner shared his story with everyone on his autobiography “Fear is a Choice”, also linked it on his instagram account.
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Kyler Murray’s Check Down Option
- In addition to his prowess as a runner, Conner’s value in PPR leagues cannot be overlooked.
- Quarterback Kyler Murray, who is playing well in 2023, frequently relies on Conner as a check-down option in passing situations.
- This dual-threat capability increases Conner’s upside in fantasy football, as he not only racks up rushing yards but also contributes in the receiving game.
- With Murray facing defenses that are keyed in on stopping the pass, Conner has been able to carve out a role as a reliable safety valve in the Cardinals’ passing attack.
- In Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, Conner was targeted multiple times in passing situations, further demonstrating his versatility and value in PPR formats.
- The Cowboys boast one of the toughest defenses in the league, but Conner still managed to accumulate over 50 rushing yards and catch several passes.
- Facing a much weaker Washington defense, Conner could see even more involvement in both phases of the game.
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