Duke Johnson had the best game of his young career on Sunday. The rookie running back was heavily involved in the passing game, managing nine receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. He complimented his day with eight carries for 31 yards.
Duke Johnson breaks out in Week 4, Browns RB becomes a hot waiver grab
Duke Johnson cracked 100 yards from the line of scrimmage on Sunday. We take a look at the fantasy implications.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Fellow running back Isaiah Crowell was able to coexist with Johnson's production well. Crowell rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries. Crowell also caught three passes for 62 yards.
It seems as though the Cleveland Brown have finally figured out how to utilize both running backs’ strengths in their game plan, with Crowell as a between-the-tackles workhorse and Johnson as the specialty back on third downs and passing situations.
Fantasy impact: Sunday’s game is what fantasy owners of both Crowell and Johnson would like to see each week. Both running backs had productive days, shedding any issues of the backfield feeling crowded.
It remains to be seen if the Browns' coaching staff can control the backfield this well on a consistent basis. Regardless, Johnson's ownership is relatively low in fantasy leagues at roughly 30 percent (Yahoo!). He is a must-own running back especially in PPR formats.
Johnson will remain a flex option moving forward. Johnson and Crowell will look to continue their success against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.
