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Head to Head

Updated September 9, 2026 from live stats

James Conner or Najee HarrisWho should you draft or start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Najee Harris over James Conner in 2026.

Najee Harris averaged 12.8 PPG in 2025 to James Conner's 11.0, a 1.8 point per game edge. Harris also stayed healthier, playing 17 games to 14, which steadies his weekly floor.

The Bottom Line

Najee Harris is the better play on a neutral week. 12.8 PPG with 1,235 yards gives a reliable baseline. James Conner at 11.0 PPG is not far behind and could win specific weeks where matchup and game script align. Draft Najee Harris higher, but do not fade James Conner entirely.

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

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RBArizona Cardinals

James Conner

PPG

11.0

Games

Rush Yds

752

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

218

Bye

Week 11

RBPittsburgh SteelersPPG LEADER

Najee Harris

PPG

12.8

Games

Rush Yds

1,010

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

225

Bye

Week 9

The Edge Chart

James Conner

Najee Harris

Head to Head

11.0 PPG12.8 PPG

14 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 9

Fantasy Tiers

James Conner: Unranked RB. Najee Harris: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, James Conner is producing at 50% of elite pace and Najee Harris at 58%. That per-game gap means Najee Harris carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

James Conner vs Najee Harris: The Full Breakdown

If you are choosing between James Conner and Najee Harris for your lineup, you are not alone. James Conner finished the 2025 season at 11.0 PPG for the Arizona Cardinals (14 games), and Najee Harris averaged 12.8 for the Pittsburgh Steelers (17 games).

That 1.8-point weekly advantage for Najee Harris 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; Najee Harris posted 1010 and 6. 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 Najee Harris is off Week 9. 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

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. Najee Harris (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Najee Harris outscored James Conner by a projected 31 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Najee Harris played 17 games in 2025 compared to James Conner's 14. That durability gap means Najee Harris contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Najee Harris scored 7 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 Najee Harris: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	James Conner	Najee Harris
PPG (Half-PPR)	11.0	12.8
Games Played	14	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	154	218
Rushing Yards	752	1,010
Rush Yds/Game	53.7	59.4
Rushing TDs	5	6
Receptions	28	30
Receiving Yards	218	225
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	6	7
Bye Week	Week 11	Week 9

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Najee Harris at 12.8 PPG, 1.8 points per game above James Conner's 11.0. 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 Najee Harris in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Najee Harris has the edge at 12.8 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.

Should I draft James Conner or Najee Harris in 2026 fantasy football?▾

Najee Harris is the earlier pick. He averaged 12.8 fantasy points per game in 2025 to James Conner's 11.0, a 1.8 point per game edge over a full season. Positional rank, fantasy tier, and bye week are broken down below.

How many fantasy points did James Conner and Najee Harris average in 2025?▾

James Conner averaged 11.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Najee Harris averaged 12.8 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 1.8 points per game.

When are James Conner and Najee Harris's bye weeks in 2026?▾

James Conner (ARI) has a bye in Week 11, and Najee Harris (PIT) has a bye in Week 9. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is James Conner or Najee Harris a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Najee Harris outscored James Conner by 1.8 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.