Fantasy Football Profile: Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson had an amazing rookie season in '08. He rushed for 1,228 yards and nine touchdown while grabbing 43 receptions for 260 yards and a score.  

He was having a great game against Baltimore in the playoffs before hurting his ankle, an injury that may have cost the Titans a Super Bowl.  

Johnson returns to a timeshare with LenDale White, who had 773 yards and 15 scores last year. The Titans want to get Johnson more involved this year because of his explosiveness, but White will continue to handle the goal line duties. His physical style will be used to finish off games.

White has focused on his conditioning this offseason as he auditions for a new contract; Johnson will have to avoid a "sophomore slump" in order to maintain the bulk of the carries.

Johnson will likely be the first running back taken that yields the ball at the stripe; if you are expecting a double-digit touchdown campaign from Johnson, you could be let down. Plus, Tennessee’s defense will likely take a step back with the departure of Albert Haynesworth, which could effect the run-pass ratio. 

Tennessee faces Pittsburgh in Week 1, but the schedule gets easier from there. They face Indianapolis—who was 24th against the run last year—and Houston (23rd) twice each, and Buffalo (22nd) in Week 10. Their fantasy playoff schedule consists of St. Louis, Miami, and San Diego. Miami and San Diego were solid against the run, but St. Louis, 29th last season, was dreadful.

Chris Johnson will likely be selected in the middle of the first round. I just worry about a guy who shares so many carries and touchdowns. His receiving skills help, especially in PPR leagues, but there is a chance Johnson doesn’t meet fantasy owners expectations this year.

I think he has a slight increase in total yards to around 1,550, but his touchdown numbers goes down to around seven.