Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson was thrust into a starting role after injuries sideline Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington, and the rookie answered the call.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 14: David Johnson
The Cardinals turned backfield duties over to a rookie on Sunday. and had to have been pleased with the results. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Johnson carried the load against the St. Louis Rams, and totaled 120 yards on 24 touches and found the end zone on a pass from quarterback Carson Palmer. Despite limited opportunities prior to Week 13's 27-3 win, Johnson has found the end zone nine times during his rookie season. If Sunday's start was an tryout for Johnson's role in the offense going forward, it would be hard to say he failed, or that the team would benefit more with a healthy Chris Johnson or Andre Ellington having a featured role instead of the impressive rookie.
Fantasy impact: Though even an injured Vikings defense presents a bigger challenge than the Rams do, Johnson will still have plenty of fantasy value regardless of Ellington's availability on Sunday. As long as the Cardinals offense remains explosive, and there's no reason to assume that the NFL's No. 1 ranked offense in points and yardage won't, the rookie will present gobs of upside for his fantasy owners.
Johnson will be a fringe RB1/RB2 for Week 14 at home against the Vikings, and should be started in leagues of all formats.
