LJ: The Return Of The Forgotten Star?

It wasn’t very long ago when Larry Johnson was a fantasy star and a top three running back.  In fact, only two seasons ago in 2006, LJ totaled 19 TDs and a whopping 2,199 yards from scrimmage.  But this year, you may not even find Johnson ranked in the top 20 on many RB draft lists.  So how has he fallen so far in the minds of many fantasy players?  Well, most owners who draft a player quickly lose faith when that highly drafted player misses chunks of the season.  Johnson was out for four games last year and missed eight games in 2007.

Is Johnson showing the signs of a running back on the decline or is he ready for a resurgence?  I say it’s the latter.  Last season’s 4.5 yards per carry average behind a battered offensive line shows that LJ can still run effectively.  Now healthy and off to a fresh start under a new head coach, Johnson is ready to move back up to the front as a very productive rusher once again.  He is also among a small group of starting running backs who will not be splitting carries with his backfield mates.  Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith are not a threat to take away many carries, nor are they likely to unseat him as a starter this season.

Still only 29 years old when the season starts, (and looking good in camp), Johnson will end up being one of the best draft-day values this year.  Further, don’t be surprised if he ends up finishing the season as a top ten running back.  Thirteen will be his lucky number this season, as I predict that LJ will score 13 TDs and rush for  1,300 yards.

This post was written by TFSF