Chris Johnson Fantasy Football Week 7 Projection

By Brad Berreman @bradberreman24 on October 15, 2014

The New York Jets added some name recognition to their running back mix this offseason by signing Chris Johnson, but through six games he has not produced at a high level. After a solid Week 1, with 91 total yards (68 rushing, 23 receiving) and a receiving touchdown, Johnson has not topped 50 rushing yards in a game since and his carry totals have gone 12, 10, 6, 7 and 3 over the last five games.

Johnson’s lack of involvement in the Jets’ offense was substantial last Sunday against the Denver Broncos, as he played just 21 of 63 snaps and had just 11 yards on four touches. That does not lend great hope for a rebound in Week 7, even in a Thursday night matchup against a New England Patriots‘ defense that is in the bottom half of the league against running backs (18.3 fantasy points per game; ESPN scoring) entering the week.

The ineptitude of the Jets’ offense has hampered the fantasy value of all involved, but quarterback Geno Smith is in line to make another start after a reasonably solid performance against the Broncos (23-for-43 for 190 yards with two touchdowns and an interception). Johnson’s decreasing role, even with his clear shortcomings, does not make a lot of sense overall as he and fellow running back Chris Ivory should be the centerpieces of a run-oriented, ball control offense.

Johnson is not even close to starter material for his fantasy owners right now, and in some scenarios barely roster-worthy, which probably means he’ll have a big game against the Patriots with everyone jumping off his bandwagon. Week 6 looks like the low-point for him this season, at least until further notice, but don’t look for a re-emergence of “CJ2K” this week.

Chris Johnson Week 7 Fantasy Projection: Eight carries for 30 yards and three receptions for 20 yards

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Connect with him on Google +.