Calvin Johnson gives it a go; fantasy owners shouldn’t have
The star wide receiver was a question mark up until game time Sunday. He played, but was quiet. We break down the fantasy implications.
Matt Sullivan
A week after being a surprise scratch on game day, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson made it onto the field Sunday. He didn't do much, though, held to 25 receiving yards on three receptions, as the Lions beat the Cleveland Browns 31-17.
The 25 yards were Johnson's lowest since Week 9 of 2010, when New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis limited Johnson to 13 yards. Quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted Johnson eight times in the game, but his three receptions tied for his lowest since a one-catch game in 2010.
Fantasy impact: It was progress, at least, to see Johnson go from “out” to “playing but limited” as he recovers from a sprained right knee. In theory at least, that should lead to more health in the next couple games.
Fantasy owners with Johnson don’t have many decisions to make - as long as he’s active in a given game, he’s a must-start. No receiver has more upside. But with the team’s next two games coming against tough defenses Cincinnati and Dallas before the team’s Week 9 bye week, we might not see a full-strength Johnson until Week 10.
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