David Johnson, Kerwynn Williams Post-Week 13 Fantasy Advice

The division-leading Arizona Cardinals ran away with a 27-3 over the St. Louis Rams in Week 13 and inched closer to their first NFC West title since 2009.

The Cardinals backfield is as banged up as any—Chris Johnson was placed on injured reserve and Andre Ellington was out Sunday due to turf toe—but they continue to find reliable contributors amid the attrition.

Sunday’s examples were rookie David Johnson and sophomore Kerwynn Williams, who may have emerged as fantasy dark horses with the playoffs looming next week.

Rush Attempts	Rush Yards	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Total TDs	Fantasy Points
22	99	2	21	1	17

Johnson turned in career highs on carries (22) and yards (99), exploiting a Rams defense that entered Sunday ranked 22nd against the run.

In his 11 games prior to Sunday, Johnson averaged just 1.2 carries per game and compiled 40 rushing yards. He’s been a threat in the pass game, though, with three scores through the air, adding another Sunday, and 12.7 yards per catch on 19 receptions.

While his ceiling had been limited for most of the season due to depth, he still joined elite company with his versatile showing, per Randall Liu, director of NFC football communications:

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com shared why Johnson’s ceiling may continue to rise over the final four weeks:

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The Cardinals were facing the league's 22nd-ranked run defense. It won’t get much worse in the coming weeks with Arizona’s next three opponents—Minnesota, Philadelphia and Green Bay—all owning run defenses ranked 21st or worse. That means Johnson will have plenty of time to get used to being an every-down back after coming into Sunday with 35 total carries. It also means he won’t be tested until Seattle comes to Glendale, Arizona, in Week 17.

"

With Chris Johnson out of the picture and the Cardinals en route to a strong finish as arguably the league’s best team, David Johnson should be added immediately—he’s available in nearly 18 percent of leagues—and considered a start as an RB2 or flex option.

Rush Attempts	Rush Yards	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Total TDs	Fantasy Points
6	59	0	0	1	11

Despite a high carry count for Johnson, Williams managed six attempts for 59 yards and a score with a long of 35.

Sunday marked only the second game this season he’s seen action—he had one carry for three yards against the Chicago Bears in Week 3—but his workload may increase if Ellington doesn’t return soon.

He’s still a backup and probably not worthy of a waiver add at the moment, but owners should keep a watchful eye on him over the final weeks.

All stats courtesy ESPN.com standard leagues.