Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 15: Stevie Johnson’s upside hurt by poor QB play
Normally one of the more reliable fantasy receivers, Stevie Johnson’s numbers are way down this year, through no fault of his own.
Al Messerschmidt
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is normally a model of consistency in fantasy. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 79 catches, 1,041 yards and eight touchdowns a year, while playing in all 16 games.
Johnson is unlikely to reach those numbers this season. Through 11 games, he has just 51 catches for 593 yards and three touchdowns, on pace for a 65/755/4 line. The biggest culprit has been the play of quarterback E.J. Manuel, who is going through severe growing pains in his rookie year. Johnson actually had one of his better games against the Buccaneers last week, recording 67 yards on five catches.
Fantasy impact: The Bills' passing game is a wreck right now, and coach Doug Marrone has indicated that he wants to take some pressure off Manuel. That could mean more touches for C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, and less chances for Johnson to help fantasy owners in the playoffs. Once a reliable WR2, he'll just be a middling WR4 option against the Jaguars this week. Not a recommended start in 10-team leagues.
• Week 15 fantasy football position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
