Duke Johnson faces another defense that
gives up bunches of receiving yards to running backs.
Grab a Helmet
Duke
Johnson v. ATL: The “Free Duke Johnson” movement looked
like a lost cause through eight weeks as Hue Jackson and Todd
Haley, despite pronouncements to the contrary, continued to ignore
the Browns’ most versatile offensive weapon. Then, mercifully,
the Cleveland brain trust (I use the term VERY loosely) pulled
the plug on the Jackson/Haley regime and replaced them with Gregg
Williams and running backs/associate head coach, Freddie Kitchens.
And, wouldn’t ya’ know, Johnson finally busts out to the tune
of nine receptions (on nine targets), 82 yards, and two receiving
touchdowns. Game script definitely favored Johnson as the Browns
chased the juggernaut Chiefs in Week 9, but it should again this
weekend v. Atlanta. It’s worth noting the Falcons have already
surrendered 15-catch and 14-catch performances to Alvin Kamara
and Christian McCaffrey, respectively, this season. Moreover,
conditions could be gusty at FirstEnergy Sunday, making the short
passing game critical.
David
Johnson @ KC: New Arizona OC Byron Leftwich was taking
notes during the Cards’ Week 9 bye and couldn’t have failed to
notice how successful Baker Mayfield was throwing the rock to
his backfield mate v. the Chiefs. Leftwich has an even better
D. Johnson lining up next to HIS rookie signal caller out in the
desert and has to be thrilled by the possibility of unleashing
him on the porous Kansas City defense. The Chiefs have yielded
634 receiving yards and five TD receptions to opposing backs thus
far, both league highs. Game script probably won’t favor Arizona
in this one, but Johnson doesn’t come off the field on passing
downs. In fact, he becomes, arguably, even more utilitarian. Vegas
got killed last week and has installed KC as 16.5 favorites on
the road. Vegas doesn’t get killed very often. Swallow hard, take
the points, and start Johnson.
Aaron
Jones v. MIA: NFL schedule makers didn’t do the Pack
any favors this season, sending them on a zig-zagging, coast-to-coast-to-coast
stretch that included trips to Los Angeles (Rams), Foxboro, and
(next week) Seattle. Sandwiched between these tough roadies is
the only potential gimme, a home date with the downward-trending
Dolphins this coming Sunday. If Aaron Rodgers et al. have any
hope of making a legitimate playoff push, they’ll need to firmly
establish that other Aaron the rest of the way. It took Coach
McCarthy far too long to realize how dangerous Jones makes the
Pack, but an A+ matchup v. the Fish (most rushing yards against
so far) gives him an opportunity to start making amends in a game
the Green and Gold simply must have. I think Jones shakes off
a costly Week 9 fumble, rushes for 100+ yards, and finds the end
zone on Sunday. Start him.
Grab a Gatorade
Peyton
Barber v. WAS: Tampa Bay’s de facto RB1 had a nice
little breakout going with Jameis Winston back at the controls,
tallying 16.6 and then 14.5 points in Weeks 6 and 8, respectively.
Winston’s turnover-marred outing v. the Bengals in Cincy forced
another QB change, however, and Barber was back to being an afterthought
last Sunday in Carolina with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm. I’m
not sure why it matters who’s under center, but there’s no denying
it does. In Winston’s three starts, the Auburn product has averaged
a nifty 11.4 PPG. In Fitzy’s five starts, he’s averaged only 4.0
PPG. A home date with Washington would seem to offer some hope,
but the boys from DC have been pretty stout against the run (89.4
yards/game, fifth best overall) and Tampa doesn’t seem to be able
to avoid digging huge early holes, making Barber a risky play.
Sit him.
Kerryon
Johnson @ CHI: Johnson continues to operate as part
of an RBBC that effectively squeezes him out of precious goal-line
opportunities (LeGarrette Blount) and passing game looks (Theo
Reddick). That means we have to live with his between-the-20s
rushing production and hope for a few big-gainers in the second
half of the season. That could certainly happen as he clearly
has the game-breaking ability to hit some home runs. I’m not convinced
it is likely to happen in Week 10, however, against a Chicago
defense that has allowed just a single rushing touchdown this
season. The author of that rushing touchdown, BTW? It was none
other than Nathan Peterman, the worst quarterback (starting or
otherwise) in several generations and possibly of all time. Johnson
scoring in Chicago would be similarly fluky, so if you can’t live
with 12-15 carries and modest yardage, keep him on your bench
this Sunday.
LeSean
McCoy @ NYJ: You didn’t need a reminder to steer well
clear of the toxic Buffalo “offense” (trying to be
charitable here), but a recap of McCoy’s recent production
should serve that purpose anyway. Since the start of Week 7, Shady
has run the ball a mere 24 times, 5 times fewer than his backup,
Chris Ivory, has. That’s probably because he’s managed
to gain just 24 yards on those limited carries, dropping his season-long
per-carry average to 3.1, lower than all but one of the qualified
running backs. That other back is aforementioned goal-line specialist,
LeGarratte Blount (2.7), and at least HE has three scores to boast
of. McCoy has none. Until Buffalo moves Terrelle Pryor under center
or resorts to the Wildcat, there’s simply no reason to carry
a Bills player on your roster, let alone start one. This has been
a Shot Caller public service announcement.
