The Arizona Cardinals rank seventh in the NFL in rushing attempts (439), sixth in rushing yards per game (126.0), fourth in rushing touchdowns (16) and 12th in yards per carry (4.3). However, much of that came from the early season surge of the rejuvenated Chris Johnson and his compliment Andre Ellington. For the majority of the season, third-round rookie runner David Johnson has been buried on the depth chart, unable to get consistent playing time.
Yet injuries to veterans have opened up the door of opportunity for Johnson and he has taken full advantage of it. Over his last four games, Johnson is averaging 104.3 rushing yards, 3.5 receptions and 45.5 receiving yards per week while scoring five total touchdowns in that span. Along with head coach Bruce Arians, fantasy football owners want to know if Johnson is the real deal or just a flash in the pan.
"No player showed up on more ESPN Fantasy playoff rosters than Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Eric Karabell wrote. "...Johnson is among my top 10 running backs for 2016, assuming his team doesn't do what it did for much of this successful season, and block him with veterans. Johnson's workload was held in check Sunday, as the Cardinals rolled over [Aaron] Rodgers' Packers and could keep him fresh, but this is someone in that Le'Veon Bell mold, capable of large rushing outputs and many receptions."
On the season, Johnson has rushed for 556 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He has also caught 33 passes for 423 yards and four additional scores on top of his 108 yard kickoff return for a tuddie. His playmaking skills have been impressive across the board, but will he get the opportunity to be the lead back next year?
Chris Johnson, 30, noticeably slowed in the second half of the season. He failed to top 3.6 yards per carry in his final four outings. It is unknown whether or not the Cardinals will re-sign him this offseason. Ellington is under contract for another year but has missed time due to injury in each of his first three seasons. When healthy, he's best suited as a change-of-pace back.
All in all, the rookie may win the job by default next year, but that doesn't mean he won't produce. Keep him on your fantasy radars during the offseason.
