Chris Johnson: Breaking Down Titans RB's Fantasy Trade Value

Chris Johnson is off to a dreadful start to the 2012 NFL season for the Tennessee Titans and his trade value in fantasy leagues is diminishing by the day.

The Titans' running back isn't exactly racking up the points this year and that is a disappointing fact for fantasy football owners around the globe.

In 33 carries, Johnson has accumulated an abysmal 45 yards, making it difficult to say he is a must-start on a weekly basis.

As a result, Johnson's trade stock is in the dumps at this point in the season and trading him will depend on certain factors.

Johnson's depressing numbers this season means that he can no longer be the focal point of a trade. If fantasy owners are looking for something in return for Johnson, they will certainly have to add another solid player to sweeten the deal.

Of course, that would make it a complete waste to make such a deal in the first place.

Fantasy football owners will have to get lucky in order to move Johnson.

The best bet would be looking for another team that has zero assets at the running back position and is willing to take a chance on CJ2K stepping his game up in the weeks to come. But a trade like that would require the team needing a running back to be deep at another position.

Teams in desperate need of a running back would be wise to make a move for Johnson as soon as possible while his stock is at rock bottom.

Fantasy owners must realize that a talented back like Johnson won't play this poorly all season, especially when the Titans are moving the ball through the air with success.

It's just a matter of time before opposing defenses cheat on the pass against Tennessee, opening up the door for Johnson to regain his past success. If that happens, fantasy owners could have potentially landed a top back for next to nothing.

If you have Johnson, he certainly won't be easy to move unless you're willing to give him up for little in return. But if you are desperate for a back and nothing else is working, taking a shot on Johnson could pay huge dividends down the road.