Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions

Kerryon Johnson will head into the 2020 NFL Season with the cards stacked against him.

While Johnson’s Lions aren’t necessarily a “run-averse” offense, they aren’t particularly good at running the ball either. Maybe their team rushing efficiency is due for an increase with Johnson set to come back from injury, but the fact that he was injured in the first place should be a red flag for anyone looking to draft him.

Johnson has shown flashes of being a quality starting running back when he’s been healthy. The issue is– Johnson seems like he rarely ever is playing at 100%, if playing at all. Injuries held Johnson out of nine games last season, and five games his rookie season. And even when Johnson is healthy and serving as the starting running back, he’s never been the bell cow guy you can feel comfortable with on a fantasy roster, and that’s not looking to change anytime soon.

The Lions depth chart is deep with talented players who will all be vying for their share of carries. Joining that skilled backfield will be second-round rookie D’Andre Swift, who might not start right away, but absolutely has the talent needed to take the starting job away from Johnson. 

Picking one figure for the Lions backfield was tough, and you could easily project either Johnson or Swift in the top spot. But the bottom line is this. If you’re looking for starters for your fantasy teams’ running back spot, stay away from the Lions backfield.