Sticking with the Lions, one of the most fascinating RB battles--at least in fantasy--is Kerryon Johnson vs. D'Andre Swift. Johnson (RB-36 ADP) often looked like a franchise back in his 2018 rookie campaign. But back-to-back injury-plagued seasons forced Detroit's hand.
So now Swift (RB-24 ADP) is the favorite to lead this backfield fantasy-wise. And Johnson reportedly is wearing a knee brace in camp, though maybe he's just taking things cautiously. Still, it's interesting Johnson carries such low expectations. That rookie year he was on pace for nearly 1,400 total yards along with 51 receptions. A healthy Johnson should outperform expectations in what should be an upper-third offense.
But if Johnson misses time (probably more likely than not), Swift becomes a steal at his price. Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson, and Wes Hills pose almost no threat. I can see Swift as a weekly RB1/2 if he's "the guy," with a decent shot at cracking the top 14 given his versatility and NFL-ready intangibles.
Maybe I'm alone on this, but I'm comfortable hedging this backfield and drafting both at their current values--and maybe reaching a few spots early for Swift. Worst case, one of them becomes an RB2/3. Best case, one runs away with the job and becomes an RB1/2.
What do you think? Is this a stay-away backfield? Or is one of these guys a near-automatic bargain--even if only a slight one?
So now Swift (RB-24 ADP) is the favorite to lead this backfield fantasy-wise. And Johnson reportedly is wearing a knee brace in camp, though maybe he's just taking things cautiously. Still, it's interesting Johnson carries such low expectations. That rookie year he was on pace for nearly 1,400 total yards along with 51 receptions. A healthy Johnson should outperform expectations in what should be an upper-third offense.
But if Johnson misses time (probably more likely than not), Swift becomes a steal at his price. Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson, and Wes Hills pose almost no threat. I can see Swift as a weekly RB1/2 if he's "the guy," with a decent shot at cracking the top 14 given his versatility and NFL-ready intangibles.
Maybe I'm alone on this, but I'm comfortable hedging this backfield and drafting both at their current values--and maybe reaching a few spots early for Swift. Worst case, one of them becomes an RB2/3. Best case, one runs away with the job and becomes an RB1/2.
What do you think? Is this a stay-away backfield? Or is one of these guys a near-automatic bargain--even if only a slight one?