Fantasy Football: 4 Things We Learned From Week 2

We Should Be Worried About David Johnson

It's sad that it's come to this, but we need to start worrying about David Johnson. It may have been two seasons ago, but in 2016 Johnson was the number-one player in fantasy football. In that incredible season, Johnson averaged 132.38 yards from scrimmage, 1.25 touchdowns and 5 receptions per game.

Those receptions were vital to Johnson's dominance in fantasy football. They ensured that even when the Cardinals fell behind, Johnson's fantasy production was still safe. He averaged 11.0 yards per reception that year, running actual routes like a wide receiver, not just routes from the backfield.

Things have unfortunately changed since then; quarterback Carson Palmer and coach Bruce Arians retired after the 2017 season, leaving Johnson with a new coaching staff and new quarterback. These new elements have stranded Johnson on an island in fantasy football.

Johnson has logged only 22 rushes through the first two weeks of this season. Of more concern is the fact that he only has 6 receptions, and that those 6 receptions have gone for 33 yards. The incredible pass-catching skill we believed made him situation-proof has been neutralized by the new play-callers in Arizona.

To make matters worse, the Cardinals might actually be the worst offense in the league. Despite rostering stars like Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, they have accrued a league-bottom 350 yards on offense (pending Week 2's Monday night game).

An offense this weak can destroy a running back's fantasy production on the ground, and the new coaching staff and quarterback have clipped Johnson's wings in the passing game. We should be worried about David Johnson.