Reasons to fear Andre Johnson on Your Fantasy Team

Happy Tuesday, everybody. Out here in Southern California the car flags are changing colors from Los Angeles Lakers Yellow, to Los Angeles Kings Black. But let’s take a look at some of the latest fantasy news.

And in news as shocking as a Kim Kardashian publicity stunt, our man, Dre Johnson is out for the Texans’ OTAs because of knee surgery. If you’ve followed me at all in recent years, you know I love Dre. But it’s come to the point where you can’t trust him in fantasy football. Michael Fabiano had a great column on Monday about guys to be afraid of this year (based on reader’s responses). Dre would be near the top of my list (though he didn’t crack the reader’s top 10).

So let’s mix it up today, as I give you three reasons to fear Dre Day.

The injuries. I’ve had Dre in each of the past two seasons, and I’ve been mighty excited to have him on my squad each year. And each year, he’s been somewhat of a disappointment. Last year in particular was a true punch in the throat. Johnson played in only seven games and scored a career-low two touchdowns. I would be willing to blame his hamstring problems from last year on the lockout (because it’s convenient), but a knee scope combined with his history of injury would make me lean towards a guy like Hakeem Nicks instead.
And yes smarty, Nicks has injury concerns, too. But at least he’s six years younger.

The running game. I can deal with Arian Foster, who rushed for 1,224 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011. Seriously, that’s no big deal. But then you realize Ben Tate nearly rushed for 1,000 yards, too. The Texans have gone the opposite direction in an era of unprecedented passing totals in the NFL. The Texans’ offense is as hip as a Zack Morris mobile phone (though it is kind of cool in an ironic way). But simply put, in a digital world, the Texans’ offense is a telegraph. There is no reason for them to change this year, either. The AFC South could again be a bad division, which means big leads and some late grinding of the clock.

Matt Schaub. The Texans quarterback has his own injury concerns. If there are any problems in his return from Lisfranc surgery, we’re looking T.J. Yates 2.0 (which means I’m mixing my metaphors from above). Not that Yates can’t be a good quarterback — wait, he can’t be a good fantasy quarterback. The Texans would run the ball even more with Yates under center.

And here’s a bonus reason; there are some equal or better options out there. Ask yourself this question, would you rather have Johnson or Greg Jennings? The answer isn’t so simple when you consider one of them plays in the most pass-happy offense in the NFL and his quarterback is Aaron Rodgers.

When you factor in ADP, there is absolutely no question you would be better off waiting for Nicks, Jennings, or even my new favorite guy, Brandon Marshall (who has more receptions and yards over the last three seasons to go along with being reunited with Jay Cutler). I have Dre as my No. 7 receiver currently and you’d be wise to consider other options.

For the record, you can submit your fantasy questions to NFL Fantasy Live, Michael Fabiano or me on Twitter. But realize, NFL Fantasy Live has 40,000 followers, and Fabiano has 50,000. Me? Just 13. See, the odds are better that I will answer your question, so hit me up both via Twitter or via Facebook. Also be sure to catch the latest “Dave Dameshek Football Program.”


(nfl.com)