Chris Johnson

Week 3 vs. San Francisco

Chris Johnson got a full workload last week against the Bears, carrying the ball 20 times for the first time since his final game as a Titan in 2013. Johnson only managed 72 yards though, with a 3.8 yards per carry average, which has come to be what we expect from the veteran in recent years.

This week, Johnson will face a 49ers defense that has been pretty good against the run so far this season. While DeAngelo Williams scored three touchdowns on Sunday against them, the 49ers did hold him to 2.8 yards per carry on the day, and they crushed the Vikings running game in Week 1. Johnson has value as a low end RB2 or Flex option because he’s likely to get double-digit touches again, but he has limited upside and shouldn’t be counted on if possible.

Fantasy Upside
The Cardinals tossed a bit of a monkey wrench into our fantasy expectations by adding Chris Johnson to their backfield on August 17. After an offseason that saw the Jets pass on his contract option and Johnson get shot in the shoulder, CJ2K doesn't agree with those who believe that his performance with the Jets was a sign his best days playing football are in the past. “Losing a step, I don’t see it,” Johnson said. “I actually felt I was more explosive last year.” Johnson averaged 4.3 yards per carry for the Jets in a rotational role last season, which was an improvement over his final year with Tennessee and more than a yard above what Andre Ellington averaged while leading the Cardinals in rushing last season. He does offer a bit more between-the-tackles juice than Ellington.

Fantasy Downside
Johnson could make up to $2 million this year total, but that would require him to make the Pro Bowl and rush for 1,300 yards. Of course, if he hits those numbers, the Cardinals will be happy to pay him. Johnson hasn’t hit 1,300 yards since 2010 and had a career-low 663 yards last year in a part-time role. If he can't double that while sharing the load with Ellington, he’ll at least be an affordable part of the rotation (assuming he makes Arizona's final roster). Remember, the Cardinals are only on the hook for the entire veteran minimum if Johnson is on the Week 1 roster.

Bottom Line
HC Bruce Arians has talked about giving Ellington 20 touches a game. Rookie David Johnson is back to work after missing time with an injured hamstring and reports upon his return characterized him as uncoverable as a receiver out of the backfield. So where does Johnson fit in? From a fantasy perspective, Chris Johnson's spot on your final roster should be conditional on him making the Cardinals' final 53. Until then, nobody should get too excited about his prospects.

Week 16: Johnson vs Patriots

Chris Johnson was only on the field for 21 snaps last week against the Titans despite the fact he has been playing very well the past couple games. He did still split the carries with Chris Ivory, but could see his playing time limited this week as Ivory has a good track record against New England including a 100-yard effort earlier this season.

The Pats are 7th in aFPA to running backs, so don't expect a big day from anyone in the Jets backfield. Johnson's value is not good this week, but if you are desperate for an RB3 or flex, you could slip him into a lineup and expect a few points.