Two weeks ago, I tried to trade James Starks to the Eddie Lacy owner while Lacy was very questionable for his Monday Night matchup with the Chiefs. In return I asked for Duke Johnson. A fair trade price in my opinion, considering this teams RB situation. They shot me down and I didn't up my offer, which is looking more and more like a mistake.
Johnson is a pass catching back and the Browns have finally figured that out. After not catching a pass through the first two weeks, Johnson has grabbed 15 receptions in the past two, including his 9-85-1 line this past weekend against the San Diego Chargers.
He'll continue to split time with the less talented bruiser back, Isaiah Crowell, but it looks like Johnson is starting to take over as the lead back in what I anticipate will eventually be a 65-35 split in touches as we get into the second half of the season. That's good enough to make Johnson my number one pickup this week and label him as a potential difference maker for the rest of the season.