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Head to Head

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James Conner vs Rhamondre StevensonWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Rhamondre Stevenson is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 11.6 PPG to James Conner's 11.0 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Rhamondre Stevenson is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Rhamondre Stevenson edges James Conner by 0.6 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Rhamondre Stevenson goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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RBArizona Cardinals#99
James Conner
PPG
11.0
Games
14
Rush Yds
752
Rush TDs
5
Rec
28
Rec Yds
218
Bye
Week 11
RBNew England Patriots#22PPG LEADER
Rhamondre Stevenson
PPG
11.6
Games
14
Rush Yds
603
Rush TDs
7
Rec
32
Rec Yds
345
Bye
Week 11

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
James Conner
Rhamondre Stevenson

Head to Head

11.0 PPG11.6 PPG
14 GP14 GP
Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

James Conner: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Rhamondre Stevenson: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) RB (ranked #22 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, James Conner is producing at 50% of elite pace and Rhamondre Stevenson at 53%. That ranking gap means Rhamondre Stevenson carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

James Conner vs Rhamondre Stevenson: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. James Conner finished the 2025 season at 11.0 PPG over 14 games with the Arizona Cardinals, while Rhamondre Stevenson clocked in at 11.6 across 14 appearances for the New England Patriots. A 0.6-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. James Conner ran for 752 yards and 5 touchdowns; Rhamondre Stevenson posted 603 and 7. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 11 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: James Conner (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Rhamondre Stevenson (age 28, 4 years) is past the typical RB peak. Redraft value exceeds dynasty value.

Did You Know?

  • Rhamondre Stevenson outscored James Conner by a projected 10 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Rhamondre Stevenson scored 9 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.6 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
  • Rhamondre Stevenson caught 32 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.
  • Both players share a Week 11 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

James Conner vs Rhamondre Stevenson: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatJames ConnerRhamondre Stevenson
PPG (Half-PPR)11.011.6
Games Played1414
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)154162
Rushing Yards752603
Rush Yds/Game53.743.1
Rushing TDs57
Receptions2832
Receiving Yards218345
Targets037
Total TDs69
Age-28
Experience-4 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 11Week 11

Summary

Rhamondre Stevenson outscored James Conner by 0.6 PPG in 2025 (11.6 to 11.0). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start James Conner or Rhamondre Stevenson in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Rhamondre Stevenson has the edge at 11.6 PPG compared to James Conner's 11.0 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did James Conner and Rhamondre Stevenson average in 2025?

James Conner averaged 11.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Rhamondre Stevenson averaged 11.6 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.6 points per game.

Do James Conner and Rhamondre Stevenson share a bye week?

Yes, both James Conner and Rhamondre Stevenson share a Week 11 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at running back for that week.

Is James Conner or Rhamondre Stevenson a better fantasy running back in 2026?

Rhamondre Stevenson outscored James Conner by 0.6 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.