Week 8 vs. San Francisco 49ers
David Johnson didn’t do much last week, but still managed 70 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches, including three receptions. The struggling Cardinals offense brought down offensive coordinator Mike McCoy this week, and Byron Leftwich will take over. Leftwich should learn quickly that using Johnson in the passing game more than his predecessor is the first step to success in his new role.
This week, Johnson will face a 49ers defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the running back position this year. San Francisco has allowed 45 receptions and three receiving touchdowns to opposing backs, so if Leftwich wants to get Johnson more active in the passing game, this is a good week to do it. Fantasy owners should start him every week, but especially in this excellent matchup.
Week 7 vs. Denver Broncos
David Johnson is trying his hardest to put up solid fantasy lines in a terrible Cardinals offense. He had 18 carries and two receptions last week for a total of 70 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. Johnson hasn’t put up eye-popping numbers, but he quietly has six touchdowns this season and is 11th among running backs in total fantasy points. He remains the primary cog in the Arizona offense and his usage should at least give him a high floor each week.
This week, he’ll face a Broncos team that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the running back position, including eight touchdowns. With a struggling offense led by Case Keenum, this could be a grind-it-out game featuring heavy doses of Johnson. He should be active in all leagues as an RB1.
Week 6 at Minnesota Vikings
David Johnson only gained 55 yards on 18 carries last week against the 49ers, but he added 16 yards on a pair of receptions and scored two touchdowns, turning in a productive day overall. Johnson’s eyes haven’t been eye-popping given his draft position, but he’s scored at least one touchdown in all but one game this year and continues to be the primary cog in the Cardinals offense.
This week, Johnson faces a stout Vikings defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Still, with a lack of depth on the defensive line and Johnson’s role in the offense, he should be active in all leagues as an RB1 option.
Week 5 at San Francisco 49ers
Despite playing in a dismal offense, David Johnson has scored touchdowns in all but one game so far this season, and he gained 112 yards from scrimmage last week on 25 touches, including three receptions. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, his production has been good enough to be encouraged by the potential for things to get better now that rookie quarterback Josh Rosen has taken over.
This week, Johnson faces a 49ers defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 35 receptions and a pair of touchdown passes to the position. Johnson should be featured heavily in what could be a very low-scoring affair, and he should be active in all league formats.
Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Considering how bad the Cardinals offense has been so far this season, David Johnson really hasn’t been that terrible. He’s averaging 59.7 yards, 3.3 receptions and 0.67 touchdowns per game on a team averaging a mere 6.7 points and 190.3 yards per game—last in the league, by far.
This week, Johnson is the only Cardinal worth starting in most leagues. There is risk with him, considering the Cardinals will be starting a rookie quarterback in Josh Rosen, but the Seahawks have allowed 105 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs so far this year, and Johnson should get a full workload. Additionally, Seattle lacks the kind of potent offense that will force the Cardinals to abandon the running game. Johnson is likely more of an RB2 this week, given his recent production, but he should be active in all leagues.
Week 3 vs. Chicago Bears
David Johnson hasn’t had a great start to the season. After a rough Week 1, saved by a late-game touchdown, he gained only 51 total yards on 14 touches—including one reception—against the Rams last week. To be fair, the Rams and the Redskins have both looked solid on defense so far this season, but it’s concerning to see an elite talent like Johnson floundering on such a terrible offense.
While it’s likely Johnson and the Cardinals improve from where they are now, this might not be the week to test it. The Bears have largely bottled up opposing rushers the past two weeks. Their relentless pass rush will likely crush the Cardinals, as they sacked Russell Wilson six times on Monday night. Johnson should stay active in all leagues but temper your expectations against a tough defense.
Week 2 at Los Angeles Rams
David Johnson salvaged limited rushing production with a late touchdown and 30 yards on five receptions against Washington last week, giving him a respectable 67 total yards on 14 touches. If this is what a bad game looks like for Johnson, fantasy owners who selected him with a top-five pick should be feeling pretty good.
Johnson has another tough matchup this week against the Rams, who have an elite defensive line. However, they gave up 95 yards and a touchdown on the ground to the Raiders in Week 1 and allowed the Oakland running backs to catch 13 balls out of the backfield. Johnson should be a workhorse this week. With his ability to help the offense in multiple phases, he should be active in all leagues, regardless of matchup.
Week 1 vs. Washington Redskins
David Johnson missed nearly all of last season after injuring his wrist in the first game. Let’s hope for a better outcome this week against Washington. Johnson is still only 26 years old and he scored 20 touchdowns two seasons ago. He should be a dynamite fantasy option every week, with the ability to contribute on the ground and in the passing game. He caught 80 balls in 2016.
Washington allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season, which should give Johnson a nice matchup for opening day. While an improved and healthy defensive line should help Washington this year, Johnson’s usage and talent should be such that he has a fantastic start to the season. He’s an elite fantasy option and should be active in all leagues.
Fantasy Upside
Johnson—obviously—will be a crucial component in new coordinator Mike McCoy's offense. Indeed, since arriving in Arizona as Bruce Arians' replacement, new head coach Steve Wilks has preached the gospel of the ground attack with Johnson as the focal point. And Johnson is clearly looking forward to that. Remember, entering 2017, the bulk of the Cardinals' offensive plans were built squarely around Johnson and what he brings to the table as a punishing runner and as an elite pass receiver. Those hopes were dashed after his season-ending wrist injury in Week 1, but Johnson's wrist is healed and he's anxious to play again. Beyond that, Johnson's stated goal of compiling 1,000 yards as both a rusher and receiver—while clearly lofty—isn't out of the question.
Operating behind a solid offensive line in 2016, Johnson fell 121 receiving yards shy of the 1,000/1,000 club. As NFL.com notes, transitioning from Arians' offense to new coordinator Mike McCoy's scheme, Johnson will also have to get used to running behind a fullback for the first time in his pro career. Expect him to adjust well.
Fantasy Downside
After injuries ravaged the blocking unit last season, Wilks now believes his revamped front line is the strength of the team. We'll find out about that soon enough and it will be a major factor for Johnson owners.
2018 Bottom Line
Even if there are questions at QB and along the offensive line, it certainly seems safe to assume McCoy is ready to ride Johnson as both a rusher and receiver. Will it be to the same degree that Arians did? As our ranking suggests, we expect that to be the case, especially in PPR formats given McCoy's relatively pass-happy offensive approach.
Week 1 at Detroit Lions
David Johnson once went to a casino. He put 10 dollars on the roulette table and said, “put it on David Johnson.” The dealer spun the wheel and the ball bounced out of the wheel and landed in David Johnson’s hand. The house never beats David Johnson.
Johnson was dynamite last season, catching 80 balls and running the ball 293 times for a combined 2,118 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns. Expect the Cardinals to continue to feature him this year. Johnson is a must-start every week regardless of matchup. Detroit was very average on defense last season, allowing 22.4 points per game to opposing offenses. Johnson might get all of those points.
