Kerryon Johnson, RB, Detroit Lions
With 16 carries for 101 yards against the New England Patriots Sunday night, Johnson ended the Lions’ drought without a 100-yard that dated back to 2013. His carry total is trending up, from five (Week 1 to eight (Week 2) to 16 in Week 3, though it’s worth noting LeGarrette Blount also had 16 carries on Sunday night as the Lions nursed a second half lead.
Theo Riddick is still theoretically Detroit’s primary passing down back, but Johnson has also intruded on that a bit with 11 catches over three games. A backfield committee is probably still coming to some degree, but Johnson looks like the proverbial cream that is rising to the top.
Johnson stretches the criteria for this list, and there aren’t any outstanding matchups coming on his schedule. But with a growing role, and production to back it up, it’s worth checking to see if the rookie out of Auburn is available in your league.
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