Week 15 – Calvin Johnson vs. Minnesota Vikings
Just go ahead and ink Calvin Johnson into your starting lineup now that he’s healthy. Against the Bucs last Sunday, he caught eight passes for 158 yards and a TD. In the five games since he returned from the ankle injury, Megatron has 35 grabs and been over the century mark three times with four scores. He should continue to put up big numbers at home this week.
Week 14 – Calvin Johnson vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After two tough games, Calvin Johnson had a huge outing on Thanksgiving versus the Bears, finishing with 11 receptions for 146 yards and two TDs. He totaled just 117 yards the previous two contests against better defenses, but led the comeback win with two second quarter scores. The Bucs have had trouble stopping the pass, so expect Megatron to post big numbers again. Keep starting.
Week 13 – Calvin Johnson vs. Chicago Bears
In the past couple weeks the Cardinals and Patriots have grounded the Lions offensive attack, keeping it out of the end zone in both losses. Last week in New England, Calvin Johnson was held to 58 yards on four receptions. After registering 113 yards in his first game back in Week 10, Megatron has totaled just 117 yards on nine grabs in the past two. Chicago’s defense is giving up over 260 yards per game through the air, so keep on starting Johnson, as he should have a solid outing on Turkey Day. Calvin has scored in his last five Thanksgiving Day matchups.
Week 12 – Calvin Johnson vs. New England Patriots
Things didn’t go well for the Lions offense last week in Arizona, as they were held to just six points. On 12 targets from Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson collected five receptions for 59 yards. Megatron should post better numbers this Sunday against a New England defense that yields 242 passing yards per game. Even if he’s facing Darrelle Revis for much of the afternoon, Megatron is a must start. However, it seems likely the Patriots would put Brandon Browner on Johnson with help.
Week 11 – Calvin Johnson vs. Arizona Cardinals
Welcome back to the field Calvin Johnson. After missing three games in a row, Megatron went to work early in the win over Miami last Sunday, catching a 49 yard TD pass from Matthew Stafford in the first quarter. On 15 targets, Calvin registered seven receptions for a team-high 113 yards. The Cardinals are the third worst in the NFL at stopping the pass, so starting the now healthy Johnson is a no brainer.
Week 10 – Calvin Johnson vs. Miami Dolphins
After missing the last three games with a high ankle sprain, Calvin Johnson will finally be back on the field on Sunday. When healthy during the first three games, Megatron registered 19 receptions for 329 yards, but his only two TDs of the season came way back in the first quarter of Week 1. The Dolphins are allowing just 201 yards per game through the air, but that doesn’t matter. Those who have held on to Johnson without any productivity for so long will be rewarded. Be sure to insert Johnson back into your starting lineup.
Week 8 – Calvin Johnson vs. Atlanta Falcons
Calvin Johnson continues to recover from a high ankle sprain and is listed as questionable. He made the trip to London and practiced some this week, but looks like a long-shot to actually play. At least it's an early game so you'll know his status and can adjust your lineup accordingly. If he can't go, Megatron should be back in Week 10 after Detroit’s bye.
Week 7 – Calvin Johnson vs. New Orleans Saints
After being more of a decoy for the two previous games, the Lions decided to hold Calvin Johnson out of last week’s contest at the Vikings with a high ankle sprain. When he’s healthy, Megatron is a fantasy beast, but so far owners haven’t received much from him outside of the opening game. Expect him to likely miss two more contests and return in Week 10.
Week 5 – Calvin Johnson vs. Buffalo Bills
Playing with a sore ankle last week versus the Jets, Calvin Johnson finished with only two catches for 12 yards. He will be limited in practice all week, but you can bet he’ll do everything possible to be on the field on Sunday. The Bills are allowing 266 passing yards per contest, so if Megatron is active he should have a bounce-back performance, but temper expectations as the ankle will be far from 100 percent.
Week 4 – Calvin Johnson vs. New York Jets
For the second straight game Calvin Johnson was held out of the end zone, as he caught six passes for 82 yards against the Pack last Sunday. After registering 164 yards in the opener, Megatron has totaled 165 yards the past two contests. Matthew Stafford is struggling a bit, with just one TD toss the past two games. New York is allowing just 213 passing yards a game this season, but you’re definitely going to start Johnson no matter who the opponent.
