In his first game as a New York Jet after a career with the Tennessee Titans, running back Chris Johnson inspired confidence Sunday, scoring a touchdown as part of a 91-yard performance in the Jets' 19-14 win over the Oakland Raiders.
Chris Johnson scores TD for fantasy owners in Jets debut
The running back scored and had nearly 100 yards from scrimmage as the Jets won their season opener Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jeff Zelevansky
Johnson had 13 rushes for 68 yards, added five catches for 23 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season in the game. The score came on a five-yard pass late in the second quarter, bringing the score to 10-7 and giving the Jets a lead they never relinquished. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry, a reassuring number for a running back who only averaged more than that in one game all of last season.
Fantasy impact: Johnson actually didn't lead the Jets in rushing in Sunday's game, as No. 2 running back Chris Ivory had 102 yards on 10 carries. Most of Ivory's yards came on a single carry, though, as Ivory had a 71-yard touchdown in the game. Anyone looking at the box score and thinking Johnson might not be the Jets' leading rusher is likely to be mistaken.
All told, it was an encouraging game for Johnson. He’s no longer likely to be a top-tier running back like he was earlier in his career, but if he can produce like he did Sunday, he’ll be a fine fantasy option.
