DiontaeJohnson

News: 5 months agoJohnson (ankle) finished with six receptions (10 targets) for 78 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Falcons.

Spin: Johnson suited up as expected following a bout with a minor ankle injury leading up to Sunday's contest. The veteran wideout served his usual role as the Carolina's No. 1 receiving option, leading the club in every receiving category while cashing in his third touchdown of the season. The longtime Pittsburgh Steeler has not skipped a beat since changing squads this past offseason, generating 340 yards off of 29 receptions (55 targets) through six games. Johnson makes for a fine fantasy play against a soft Washington defense next Sunday.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Johnson was traded to Carolina during the offseason after spending his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. Johnson has seen his production dip over the last two seasons (40th in fantasy PPG both years), but showed he could deliver high-end numbers with good quarterback play (22nd and ninth with Ben Roethlisberger in 2020 and 2021, respectively). Johnson is an elite route runner who has managed a target share of at least 23% in four consecutive seasons. He's a good bet to lead an improved Carolina offense in targets and, especially if Bryce Young makes a Year 2 leap, he's likely to return to fantasy relevance. Target Johnson as a WR3/flex with WR2 upside.