The Cleveland Browns put together a respectable fantasy rushing offense last year between Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West, finishing fourth in rushing touchdowns (17) for the season. But perhaps those numbers oversold the actual talent on hand. West is no longer with the team and Crowell has done absolutely nothing this year. The Browns are tied for dead last in rushing yards per game (74.5) and have mustered a measly two touchdowns on the ground so far. It's been disappointing to say the least for anyone who invested a mid-round pick into Crowell.
However, rookie running back Duke Johnson has emerged as a solid option in PPR leagues and should be starting ahead of Crowell in ever fantasy league format imaginable.
"Duke Johnson (44) played 20 more snaps than Isaiah Crowell on Monday night, which is the largest gap between the two players this season," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "Crowell has been dreadful this season. He's averaging 2.9 yards per carry, which is worst among running backs with at least 65 carries. He's averaging 1.8 yards after contact per attempt, which is worst among backs with more than 90 carries. Although Johnson hasn't been very productive as a runner, he's been one of the game's top pass-catching backs. A changing of the guard appears to be underway, which will allow fringe RB2 production from Johnson. Crowell should've already been on waivers."
Clay is right to point out Johnson's lack of big plays as a runner. The rookie has carried the ball 70 times for just 216 yards (3.1 YPC) and zero scores. But he's also caught 44 passes for 410 yards and two touchdowns. Through 11 games, Johnson is averaging 4.7 targets per game, more than the likes of DeMarco Murray, Giovani Bernard and Darren McFadden.
Cleveland has lost five games this year by more than one possession, meaning they play from behind quite often. That lends itself to more pass-catching opportunities for Johnson, further cementing him as a solid PPR play.
