Fantasy Football Start or Sit: New York Jets RB Chris Johnson
By Greg Sulik
@GregSulik
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Before the season, the New York Jets running back situation was a murky one, as Chris Johnson was signed to pair with incumbent starter Chris Ivory. Most fantasy drafts saw Johnson come off the board before Ivory, as many owners believed he would eventually take control. After four games, we have some clarity, but it isn’t what Johnson owners want. Ivory is the clear lead back in New York, and that makes Johnson’s fantasy prospects very iffy.
The Jets have the NFL‘s 2nd rank rushing attack, and they are committed to moving the ball on the ground. The Jets had also made a concerted effort to keep the carries even until last week, when Ivory received 17 rushing attempts compared to just six for Johnson. Johnson was able to break a 35 yard touchdown run in his first explosive play for the Jets, but he only averaged 1.8 yards per carry on his other five attempts. Making matters worse, the Jets aren’t even that committed to using Johnson as a receiver anymore, as Ivory has posted equal or better receiving numbers the last two weeks.
On the season, Ivory has 50 carries for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns to go with 7 catches for 71 yards, as compared to Johnson’s 41 carries for 167 yards and 1 touchdown with 8 catches for 40 yards and 1 score. With Ivory emerging as the dominant force in the Jets’ backfield, Johnson is no longer a back that owners can rely on.
This week, the Jets face the San Diego Chargers and their 9th ranked run defense. The Jets will absolutely be committed to running the ball early and often against the Chargers, and they have been able to be effective against solid defenses. However, that running will focus on Ivory, not Johnson. Unless you are very short on options at your flex spot or in a deep league, you don’t want to be relying on Johnson this week, and probably not any other unless the split of carries starts to move back towards Johnson.
Verdict: Sit
Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter@GregSulik or add him to your network on Google
