Deciding Between Aaron Jones & James Conner in Fantasy Football
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
As the 2024 NFL fantasy football season approaches, managers find themselves debating the merits of veteran running backs like Aaron Jones and James Conner. Both players have had their share of success, but each comes with question marks that make this decision anything but straightforward. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice for your fantasy team.
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Aaron Jones: The Aging Star in a Shifting Offense
Aaron Jones has been a reliable fantasy performer over the years, often delivering RB1 production when healthy. However, last season he played only 11 games, raising concerns about his durability. Joining a new offensive scheme with the Minnesota Vikings, the dynamics of Minnesota’s offense could significantly shift Jones’ usage.
Jones’ history of outperforming expectations makes him a tempting option, but the uncertainty surrounding his role with the Vikings could impact his value. Betting on Jones to deliver RB1 numbers again might be risky, especially with potential workload concerns and a possibly less efficient offense. If you’re considering bets on total rushing yards or touchdowns, it’s essential to weigh the risks associated with his age and health.
James Conner: The Risky but High-Upside Choice
James Conner enters 2024 with a lot of question marks, particularly around his durability and the Arizona Cardinals‘ overall offensive situation. However, what makes Conner intriguing is his clear role as the lead back in Arizona. Despite the team’s struggles, Conner has shown the ability to produce solid fantasy numbers when healthy. Additionally, the potential emergence of Trey Benson as a valuable handcuff adds an extra layer of security to drafting Conner.
Conner’s situation might be less stable, but the upside is there, especially if you’re able to secure Trey Benson as a handcuff. Betting on Conner to exceed expectations could pay off, particularly if he stays healthy and remains the focal point of the Cardinals’ offense. Benson’s potential to take over the backfield in case of injury also makes this a more attractive bet.
Draft Strategy: Balancing Risk and Reward
When deciding between Aaron Jones and James Conner, it’s crucial to consider the broader context of your draft. Both players are likely to be drafted in the same range, along with other risky options like David Montgomery and Rhamondre Stevenson. Each of these backs carries some level of risk, whether due to age, injury history, or team situation.
If you’re looking for a safer option with a clearer track record, Jones might be your guy, but the risk of decline is real. On the other hand, Conner presents a higher-risk, higher-reward scenario, especially if you can secure Benson as an insurance policy. Betting on Conner, particularly in deeper leagues or formats where handcuffing is encouraged, might offer the potential for a greater payoff.
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Conclusion: Jones or Conner?
In the end, the choice between Aaron Jones and James Conner comes down to your risk tolerance and draft strategy. Jones offers the experience and past performance, but questions about his health and the Vikings’ offense make him a risky pick. Conner, while also risky, comes with the added bonus of a strong handcuff in Trey Benson, which could make him the better choice if you’re willing to take a gamble.
When considering prop bets on total rushing yards, touchdowns, or fantasy points, evaluate the potential risks and rewards of each player. Jones might offer a safer floor, but Conner’s upside—especially with Benson as a backup—could lead to a higher ceiling. Depending on your league format and draft strategy, either running back could be the key to a successful fantasy season in 2024.
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