Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

James Conner vs Zonovan KnightWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start James Conner over Zonovan Knight in 2026.

James Conner averaged 11.0 PPG in 2025 to Zonovan Knight's 6.8, a 4.2 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. Zonovan Knight at 6.8 PPG is not far behind and could win specific weeks where matchup and game script align. Draft James Conner higher, but do not fade Zonovan Knight entirely.

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

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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

RBArizona Cardinals#99

Zonovan Knight

PPG

6.8

Games

Rush Yds

269

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

160

Bye

Week 11

The Edge Chart

James Conner

Zonovan Knight

Head to Head

11.0 PPG6.8 PPG

14 GP12 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

James Conner: Unranked RB. Zonovan Knight: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, James Conner is producing at 50% of elite pace and Zonovan Knight at 31%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

James Conner vs Zonovan Knight: The Full Breakdown

Deciding between James Conner and Zonovan Knight is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Arizona Cardinals running back put up 11.0 PPG in 2025 over 14 games; Zonovan Knight of the Arizona Cardinals averaged 6.8 in 12. A 4.2-point margin that could shift on any given week.

The per-game difference of 4.2 points favors James Conner, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. James Conner ran for 752 yards and 5 touchdowns; Zonovan Knight posted 269 and 4. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

Both share a Week 11 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking running backs this deep on your bench, plan your replacement running back early.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

James Conner is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Zonovan Knight 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. Zonovan Knight (age 25) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds.

Did You Know?

•James Conner outscored Zonovan Knight by a projected 71 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•James Conner played 14 games in 2025 compared to Zonovan Knight's 12. That durability gap means James Conner 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.
•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 Zonovan Knight: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	James Conner	Zonovan Knight
PPG (Half-PPR)	11.0	6.8
Games Played	14	12
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	154	82
Rushing Yards	752	269
Rush Yds/Game	53.7	22.4
Rushing TDs	5	4
Receptions	28	22
Receiving Yards	218	160
Targets	0	31
Total TDs	6	5
Age	-	25
Experience	-	4 yrs
Bye Week	Week 11	Week 11

Summary

11.0 PPG for James Conner versus 6.8 for Zonovan Knight in 2025. The baseline favors James Conner, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start James Conner or Zonovan Knight in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, James Conner has the edge at 11.0 PPG compared to Zonovan Knight's 6.8 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 Zonovan Knight average in 2025?▾

James Conner averaged 11.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Zonovan Knight averaged 6.8 PPG over 12 games. That is a difference of 4.2 points per game.

Do James Conner and Zonovan Knight share a bye week?▾

Yes, both James Conner and Zonovan Knight 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 Zonovan Knight a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

James Conner outscored Zonovan Knight by 4.2 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.