Week 3 Injury Update, Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em Advice, Points Projections, and Weather Impact
As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, it’s time to sift through the latest injury reports, evaluate your fantasy options, predict points projections for key players like James Conner, and consider how the weather may affect gameplay.
Is James Conner Playing in Week 3?
James Conner is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play this week against the 49ers. Having him healthy is a relief for fantasy managers, as Conner has proven to be a valuable asset when on the field. However, it’s still wise to keep an eye on the Cardinals’ injury reports leading up to kickoff.
Additionally, staying updated with a reliable source like our Fantasy News Tracker will ensure you have the latest insights as game day approaches.
Should You Start or Sit James Conner in Week 3?
The decision to start or sit Conner hinges on several factors. While he has scored in the first two games of the season—one receiving touchdown and one rushing—the Cardinals have only attempted a total of 34 rushing plays, placing them 26th in the league for running back attempts. Although the team boasts a 2-0 record, this low rushing volume certainly raises concerns about Conner’s potential ceiling.
Despite these concerns, Conner remains a viable start this week. He should be ranked as a top 15 running back, particularly given his ability to find the end zone. However, the overall lack of rushing attempts in the Cardinals’ game plan could limit his weekly upside. The risk is present, especially considering Conner’s injury history; he has never completed a full NFL season. If the team continues to underutilize the ground game, the margin for error becomes exceedingly thin, which warrants close monitoring of Conner’s performance in the coming weeks.
Conner’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 3
For Week 3, Conner is projected to score approximately 14.2 fantasy points in PPR formats. This projection breaks down as follows:
- Rushing Yards: 57 yards
- Rushing Touchdowns: 0.6 (approximately a 60% chance of scoring a touchdown)
- Receptions: 2 receptions
- Receiving Yards: 19 yards
- Receiving Touchdowns: 0.1 (approximately a 10% chance of scoring a touchdown)
These projections highlight Conner’s potential to be a reliable RB2 in your fantasy lineup this week. However, watch for any late-breaking news or changes leading up to the game.
Week 3 Weather Impact: Cardinals at 49ers
The weather conditions for the Week 3 matchup between the Cardinals and the 49ers are fairly favorable. With a projected kickoff temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit and minimal winds at 6 mph, these conditions are ideal for offensive production. Therefore, players on both teams, including Conner, could potentially have opportunities for big plays and scoring drives.
Additional Considerations for Your Fantasy Lineup
Reflecting on your overall strategy for Week 3, here are some pointers regarding other players you may be considering:
Quarterback Considerations: If you’re using either Kyler Murray or the 49ers’ Brock Purdy, the favorable weather means they could find success through the air. Murray’s ability to scramble adds an extra layer of potential points.
Wide Receivers: Keep an eye on how the 49ers’ receiving corps is performing. Players like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk could rise in value against a potentially vulnerable Cardinals secondary.
Tight Ends: If you have George Kittle in your lineup, his past history of production in games where the weather is favorable could be a deciding factor for your lineup.
- Defense to Start/Sit: The 49ers’ defense, potent against the pass, could pose issues for Murray’s downfield targets. Evaluate wisely who you’re starting to mitigate risk.
Conclusion
As you gear up for Week 3 in fantasy football, it’s crucial to stay informed about injury updates, start/sit decisions, player projections, and external factors like weather conditions. For those considering James Conner in their lineup, he presents solid upside but carries inherent risks due to the Cardinals’ rushing strategies and his health history.
Using tools like the PFSN Free Start/Sit Optimizer can provide valuable insights and help ensure you’re making the most informed choices each week. Remember, maintaining flexibility in your lineup as the week progresses can be key to ending up on the winning side.
