Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

Antonio Gibson vs James ConnerWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start James Conner over Antonio Gibson in 2026.

James Conner averaged 11.0 PPG in 2025 to Antonio Gibson's 7.9, a 3.1 point per game edge. Both play running backs, so that per-game gap is the cleanest tiebreaker for a 2026 start or sit.

The Bottom Line

James Conner is the better play on a neutral week. 11.0 PPG with 970 yards gives a reliable baseline. Antonio Gibson at 7.9 PPG is not far behind and could win specific weeks where matchup and game script align. Draft James Conner higher, but do not fade Antonio Gibson entirely.

Moderate confidence: stats favor the leader, but matchup variance could flip this weekly.

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RBNew England Patriots#99

Antonio Gibson

PPG

7.9

Games

Rush Yds

548

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

195

Bye

Week 14

RBArizona Cardinals#99PPG LEADER

James Conner

PPG

11.0

Games

Rush Yds

752

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

218

Bye

Week 11

The Edge Chart

Antonio Gibson

James Conner

Head to Head

7.9 PPG11.0 PPG

15 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

Antonio Gibson: Unranked RB. James Conner: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, Antonio Gibson is producing at 36% of elite pace and James Conner at 50%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Antonio Gibson vs James Conner: The Full Breakdown

If you are choosing between Antonio Gibson and James Conner for your lineup, you are not alone. Antonio Gibson finished the 2025 season at 7.9 PPG for the New England Patriots (15 games), and James Conner averaged 11.0 for the Arizona Cardinals (14 games).

That 3.1-point weekly advantage for James Conner is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Antonio Gibson ran for 548 yards and 3 touchdowns; James Conner posted 752 and 5. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

One scheduling note: Antonio Gibson is off Week 14 and James Conner Week 11. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

James Conner is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Antonio Gibson is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Antonio Gibson (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. James Conner (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•James Conner outscored Antonio Gibson by a projected 53 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Antonio Gibson played 15 games in 2025 compared to James Conner's 14. That durability gap means Antonio Gibson contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•James Conner scored 6 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Antonio Gibson vs James Conner: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Antonio Gibson	James Conner
PPG (Half-PPR)	7.9	11.0
Games Played	15	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	119	154
Rushing Yards	548	752
Rush Yds/Game	36.5	53.7
Rushing TDs	3	5
Receptions	24	28
Receiving Yards	195	218
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	4	6
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 11

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor James Conner at 11.0 PPG, 3.1 points per game above Antonio Gibson's 7.9. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Antonio Gibson or James Conner in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, James Conner has the edge at 11.0 PPG compared to Antonio Gibson's 7.9 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 Antonio Gibson and James Conner average in 2025?▾

Antonio Gibson averaged 7.9 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. James Conner averaged 11.0 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 3.1 points per game.

When are Antonio Gibson and James Conner's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Antonio Gibson (NE) has a bye in Week 14, and James Conner (ARI) has a bye in Week 11. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Antonio Gibson or James Conner a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

James Conner outscored Antonio Gibson by 3.1 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.