David Johnson: 5 fantasy football replacements
By John Buhler
Duke Johnson
Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Maybe the Cleveland Browns will only be bad this year? Though they lost their Week 1 game to the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, that was largely expected because it’s the Browns versus the Steelers. That being said, Cleveland will win more than one game this year because the offense should be somewhat competent.
Trotting out a rookie quarterback in DeShone Kizer is a bit risky, but the Browns have usually been able to run the ball in recent years. Almost certainly, Isaiah Crowell is on somebody else’s roster in your league, so he’s not available. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to pick up Duke Johnson and see what happens.
While Crowell is the lead back in Cleveland, the Browns will be able to run the ball with conviction this year. This team’s strength is their offensive line and the play in a cold-weather division. Crowell should have his best fantasy season, but that could lead to more opportunities for the former Miami Hurricanes standout in Johnson to get some extra fantasy points.
Though Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson will want to see what Kizer can do in the passing game, using the run to open up the pass is the best course of action in this young signal caller’s development. Crowell cannot carry the rock all the time. Johnson could be in line for a few big fantasy weeks this year, especially if the Browns can find ways to win games.