Who is Vikings WR Charles Johnson and What Can He Do For Your Fantasy Team?

By Bruce Matson | Nov 26, 2014

Charles Johnson, a wide reciever for the Minnesota Vikings, may not be a house hold name, but he is a player you should be aware of. For two weeks in a row, Johnson has posted 14 or more fantasy points. Johnson also played a team high at his position 67 of 69 snaps last week against the Packers. The Vikings are starting to use Johnson as one of their primary receivers, which is giving him a lot of opportunities. You might be asking yourself, who is Charles Johnson and is this production just a fluke? There’s a chance that the flash of talent Johnson is showcasing can be permanent.

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Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) celebrates a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Johnson is a 6’2, 215lb athletic freak from Grand Valley State. He ran a 4.39 40 yard dash and tallied a 39 1/2 inch vertical on his pro day. To put his athleticism into perspective, Johnson’s pure athletic ability can be compared to wide receivers like A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Guys that are household names.

Johnson was drafted in the 7th round by the Green Bay Packers in 2013. He was on the Packers practice squad for the beginning of the 2013 season. In the middle of the season, the Browns signed Johnson off of the Packers practice squad. Due to an ACL injury, the Browns had to place Johnson on IR for the rest of the season.

Johnson showed promise during Browns training camp, but never got the opportunity to showcase his skills, and was cut at the end of pre-season. A few weeks ago Johnson was picked up by the Vikings. With the opportunities that the Vikings are providing for him, he is now able to showcase his talents. Can he keep it up or is he just a work out warrior?

Savvy owners may be asking themselves: what can he do for your fantasy team?

Johnson is a raw talent who is going to flash here and there, but he has Teddy Bridgewater throwing to him and Bridgewater is not very accurate. Bridegewater is going to miss Johnson on a lot of his targets, and this is going to make Johnson a risky play every week. If I was in a deep league (14 teams or larger) I could see starting him as a flex option, but for 12 team leagues or less it is risky because we don’t know what we are going to get from Johnson going forward.

Johnson was one of my favorite prospects coming out of the 2013 draft, but I wouldn’t risk playoff eligibility unless I’m desperate at wide receiver. I think he is worth rostering to have at the end of your bench, but I wouldn’t expect him to be the staple of your team.

I love Johnson as a stash in dynasty leagues. He fits perfectly at the end of your bench where you can watch him develop during the offseason. I like having players who are overly athletic at the end of my bench because the odds of them flashing their talent during their career is very good.

Needing help setting your lineups this week? Contact me on Twitter (@bmatz08),and will give you advice and help you make the playoffs!

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