Given how bad the Arizona offense has looked
through two weeks, is it time to sit David Johnson?
Grab a Helmet
Sony
Michel @ DET: So yeah, Michel didn’t exactly light
the world on fire in his first NFL game, but remember, this was
a rookie playing his first meaningful snaps in over a month against
the league’s top defense, and he ran with attitude, even if it
doesn’t show it in the 10 for 34 rushing line. Michel’s return
seemed to instantly make Rex Burkhead an afterthought, and there
is little doubt this offense is in dire need of playmakers. Detroit
has been absolutely gashed by running backs this season, giving
up BY FAR the most rushing yards in the league (353). Both Isaiah
Crowell and Matt Breida eclipsed the century mark, and my gut
says Michel breaks a few big plays in this one. 100+ total yards
and a score puts Michel squarely in RB2 territory for Week 5.
Jordan
Howard @ ARI: Is it just me, or is this Chicago offense
one of the strangest you’ve seen this year. Every formation is
something exotic, there are wildly different personnel groups
on nearly every play, and there have been an inordinate amount
of designed QB runs. Chicago hits the road to play a dead Cardinals
team that has given up the most fantasy points to running backs
this season. Matt Nagy has already said this week that Howard
needs more carries, and with Tarik Cohen’s ankle tweak, Howard
should see his first 20+ carry game of the season in this one.
The Bears should be able to stifle Arizona’s offense easily and
chew the game up on the ground safely. Chicago shouldn’t have
to get cute to win this one, and a simplified approach could be
a huge game for Howard.
Giovani
Bernard @ CAR: Just when the Cincinnati offense seems
to be clicking, they lose their workhorse running back. In steps
the trusty Bernard whose three-down game should help lessen the
blow. In two games filling in for the injured Mixon last year,
Bernard totaled 220 yards and a score, and the Bengals trust him
to be the primary ball carrier with Mixon out. With the passing
game clicking, Bernard should have room to roam, even if he isn’t
as effective as a between-the-tackles runner as Mixon. Bernard
has long proved to be a solid pass receiver, so he makes for an
ever more attractive start in PPR leagues. Don’t expect a lights-out
performance, but Bernard makes for a strong spot start for teams
that have been crushed by an early onslaught of running back injuries.
Grab Some Pine
David
Johnson vs CHI: So I know you can’t sit your likely
top-3 pick, but there are fewer running backs with worse match-ups
this week. DJ is another example of how much a running back’s
fantasy production is tied up in the quality of players around
him (I’m looking at you Saquon Barkley). With a dreadful offensive
line, a quarterback who looks totally washed up, and a very uninspiring
offensive coaching staff, the days of Johnson being a weekly winner
are a long way off. Head Coach Steve Wilks has talked up the need
to get Johnson more receptions, but big plays will be at a premium
in this dogfight against a relentless Chicago defense. Johnson
is basically the only weapon on this offense, so whatever he earns
your squad this week will be incredibly hard fought.
Peyton
Barber vs PIT: The Tampa offense is playing fast and
loose right now, but lost in all the glitz is the fact this running
game has been stuck in reverse. After a 16 carry, 69-yard Week
1, Barber seemed to go backward in Week 2, rushing for a pitiful
22 yards on 16 carries (yes, that’s a “fall forward” 1.5 y.p.c).
Since he offers next to nothing in the passing game (1 reception
on 2 targets so far) Barber has become a touchdown or bust player
in this offense. Maybe there was something to Ronald Jones’ struggles
in the preseason, but right now it’s hard to trust any runner
in this offense as anything more than a hope and a prayer.
Carlos
Hyde vs NYJ (Thu): Another running game plodding along
is that of the Cleveland Browns. Leading the pack is Carlos Hyde,
who’s fantasy value is tied to the touchdowns he’s
had in each of the first two weeks. But dig a little deeper, and
you’ll see a player averaging just over 2.5 yards per carry,
and a supposed dual threat running back who has 2 receptions for
only 10 yards. There has been some early week chatter about Duke
Johnson being more involved in the offense, and it’s only
a matter of time before rookie Nick Chubb starts stealing snaps.
The Jets have a highly athletic defense that can fill running
lanes in a hurry. Hyde’s lack of yardage production gives
him a scary low floor, so tread lightly when decided where to
start Hyde in your lineups.
