Le'Veon Bell is nothing but a handcuff to James Conner at this point. Assuming he even returns this season. There's no guarantees.
Indeed, it would benefit both the Steelers and Bell if they worked out some kind of wink-wink, nod-nod agreement where the All-Pro doesn't report at all this year and the team agrees to not franchise tag him in 2019.
Regardless, I wouldn't be concerned with Bell taking a significant amount of touches away from Conner. Through seven games, Conner has been better than Bell was last season. He is averaging 131.7 total yards per game, 5.8 yards per touch and nine touchdowns against Bell's 128.3 total yards per game, 4.4 yards per touch and four touchdowns. All of this while receiving six fewer touches per game.
In fact, the last three games, Conner has mirrored fantasy demigod Todd Gurley.
_Conner's stats: 64 carries, 367 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 13 receptions (17 targets), 159 receiving yards.
_Gurley's stats: 68 carries, 385 rushing yards, four touchdowns, 12 receptions (17 targets), 121 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns.
If Bell does return, there might be flex potential, but I can't imagine it will be on a consistent basis.
Here's my best bets for Week 9:
