Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

James Conner vs Ty JohnsonWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start James Conner over Ty Johnson in 2026.

James Conner averaged 11.0 PPG in 2025 to Ty Johnson's 5.2, a 5.8 point per game edge. Conner posted that edge in only 14 games, so the per-game ceiling is real but watch his availability.

The Bottom Line

The gap here is significant. James Conner outscored Ty Johnson by 5.8 PPG in 2025 with 6 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, James Conner is the clear pick. Ty Johnson profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBArizona Cardinals#99PPG LEADER

James Conner

PPG

11.0

Games

Rush Yds

752

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

218

Bye

Week 11

RBBuffalo Bills#99

Ty Johnson

PPG

5.2

Games

Rush Yds

200

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

263

Bye

Week 12

The Edge Chart

James Conner

Ty Johnson

Head to Head

11.0 PPG5.2 PPG

14 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

James Conner: Unranked RB. Ty Johnson: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, James Conner is producing at 50% of elite pace and Ty Johnson at 24%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

James Conner vs Ty Johnson: The Full Breakdown

If you are choosing between James Conner and Ty Johnson for your lineup, you are not alone. James Conner finished the 2025 season at 11.0 PPG for the Arizona Cardinals (14 games), and Ty Johnson averaged 5.2 for the Buffalo Bills (17 games).

That 5.8-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. James Conner ran for 752 yards and 5 touchdowns; Ty Johnson posted 200 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: James Conner sits Week 11 while Ty Johnson is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

James Conner is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Ty Johnson is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: James Conner (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Ty Johnson (age 28, 7 years) is past the typical RB peak. Redraft value exceeds dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•James Conner outscored Ty Johnson by a projected 99 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Ty Johnson played 17 games in 2025 compared to James Conner's 14. That durability gap means Ty Johnson 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

James Conner vs Ty Johnson: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	James Conner	Ty Johnson
PPG (Half-PPR)	11.0	5.2
Games Played	14	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	154	88
Rushing Yards	752	200
Rush Yds/Game	53.7	11.8
Rushing TDs	5	3
Receptions	28	24
Receiving Yards	218	263
Targets	0	33
Total TDs	6	5
Age	-	28
Experience	-	7 yrs
Bye Week	Week 11	Week 12

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor James Conner at 11.0 PPG, 5.8 points per game above Ty Johnson's 5.2. 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 James Conner or Ty Johnson in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, James Conner has the edge at 11.0 PPG compared to Ty Johnson's 5.2 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 Ty Johnson average in 2025?▾

James Conner averaged 11.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Ty Johnson averaged 5.2 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 5.8 points per game.

When are James Conner and Ty Johnson's bye weeks in 2026?▾

James Conner (ARI) has a bye in Week 11, and Ty Johnson (BUF) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is James Conner or Ty Johnson a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

James Conner outscored Ty Johnson by 5.8 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.