If you're like me, you're absolutely kicking yourself for dropping Chris Johnson in fantasy football after an unimpressive first two games with the Arizona Cardinals. To be fair, the logic was all there. Johnson rarely made a difference for a struggling New York Jets team last year and managed just 109 yards on 30 carries (3.6 YPC) and zero scores in his first two games for Arizona. But over the last three outings, Johnson has racked up 296 yards on 49 carries (6.0 YPC) and two tuddies. He has apparently found the fountain of youth and is now the running back to own in AZ.
But what about his backups, David Johnson and Andre Ellington? Which one of them is still worth stashing on your fantasy roster?
"Andre Ellington returned to action in Week 5, but it's clear that he's no longer the team's lead back," ESPN Fantasy Insider Mike Clay wrote. "Instead, we appear to be looking at a full-on committee. New lead back Chris Johnson was in the game on 16 of the team's 45 offensive snaps. He carried the ball on 11 of those plays and wasn't targeted. Ellington managed three carries and no targets on 13 snaps. Rookie David Johnson made some noise by scoring twice, but it doesn't get much flukier than two touchdowns on six snaps (and three touches). If you can get one of your fellow league mates to bite on Johnson's unsustainable success, now is the time to sell."
Overall, the third-round rookie has been pretty darn good. He's rushed for 91 yards on 18 carries (5.1 YPC) and three scores while catching nine balls for 137 yards and two additional touchdowns. While his scoring rate is unsustainable, it's clear he's got the playmaking gene. Unfortunately, he's stuck behind two proven veterans with similar skillsets (albeit less size). Barring injury, Johnson just won't get enough work to make him start worthy.
