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In fantasy football, the unpredictability of this is maybe the best part. With that in mind, who had Duke Johnson Jr. finishing as the #1 running back in Week 15? Did you even know that Duke Johnson Jr. was on the Dolphins?
After an elite performance, there is speculation from the fantasy community that Johnson Jr. could be the starting running back of the Dolphins, which would make him someone to potentially pick up on the waiver wire. Is this speculation valid, and what does it mean for the Dolphins running backs?
Is Duke Johnson worth picking up and starting this week? Should I start Myles Gaskin if I've been rolling with him all season ling? Let us break it down!
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Is Duke Johnson Starting in Week 16 Against the Saints?
It's safe to say that Johnson Jr. played well this past Sunday. Overall, Johnson had 22 carries for 107 yards, in addition to two rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, he averaged an absurd 3.68 yards after contact/attempt, and earned an impressive 80.8 PFF grade. It was honestly the best performance by a Dolphins running back this season:
However, do keep in mind that Johnson was facing the Jets, who are allowing by far the most fantasy points to running backs this year. Heck, even Myles Gaskin, the normal starting running back, had 54 rushing yards on just ten carries.
Also, Johnson may not have the same role again. Gaskin was just a few days removed from the COVID-19 list, and the CBS broadcast of the Jets/Dolphins game mentioned that head coach Brian Flores stated that Gaskin's workload would be limited. With a full week to get back up to speed, we could see Gaskin take back his role as the lead back in this offense, which is pass-heavy with a poor run-blocking offensive line to begin with.
Johnson played well, but being in a timeshare in a pass-heavy offense with a very poor run-blocking offensive line isn't a desirable spot, and his upcoming matchups: Saints and Titans. If you have the extra spot, he isn't the worst waiver wire add, but I wouldn't make him a priority.
Should I Start Myles Gaskin in Week 16 Against the Saints?
After Johnson's breakout performance in Week 16, starting Myles Gaskin is a much tougher call. Even though he was the lead back, it's not as though Gaskin has been particularly impressive. He only has a 63.2 PFF rushing grade this year, while he's averaging just 3.5 yards/attempt and 2.16 yards after contact/attempt. Based on talent, Johnson Jr. may be the better option.
However, volume wins, and when Gaskin is the lead back, that's what he's getting. He's had double-digit PFF expected fantasy points in eight straight games, and is a featured part of the passing game. I'm confident that his limited role last week was due to him being conditioned back in, and we'll see him see a similar role to weeks past.
With that in mind, I have some confidence in him as a low-end RB2, but the Saints run defense is no joke. With that in mind, if you have a similar option, you may want to avoid Gaskin if possible. It's really a tough situation to be in during the fantasy playoffs.
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