RB #16 James Conner ARI

James Conner is part of the famed 2017 running back class, which several consider the best of the century. He is a bruiser that has produced for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. He is reliant, and although talks of backup Trey Benson are circulating, the same was true last year. Benson put up a grand total of 45 fantasy points and worrying about him seems foolish.

James Conner put up 247.05 points, finished as a RB 1 in both half-point and full point PPR. Last year he earned 1,094 rushing yards, 47 receptions, 414 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. He has recorded over 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of his four seasons with the Cardinals, despite missing games. Conner’s ADP is currently RB 19, and he does not fall too far down either. If you want him at or ahead of his ADP go for it, anything after is a fantasy football bargain.

LB #16 E.J. Speed HOU

E.J. Speed joined a new team this season, the Houston Texans, and his rankings vary. Some believe he is a great fit in his new team. Others claim he should have continued his success with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have a new defensive coordinator this season, so either way Speed would have been learning a new system. Joining the Texans and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans (a former NFL linebacker) is an advantage for the young linebacker.

He no longer has Zaire Franklin (2024 LB#1) at his side, but will be alongside Azeez Al-Shaair. Speed should increase on his numbers from last year, especially in Houston’s defense with two great edge rushers. He earned 142 combined tackles, 5 passes defended, and 1 interception. He is expected to stop the run for Houston, and has potential to be a three down linebacker this season.

Speed said playing for DeMeco Ryans was a large part of his decision to come to Houston. The meaning behind that is he believes Ryans can take his game to another level. Although he isn’t on several other IDP expert’s list, take a chance on Speed. He is not being drafted as a top 30 linebacker, and has an incredibly high floor for 2025.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #15. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-