2016 Fantasy Football Breakout Candidate: Duke Johnson

RB Duke Johnson| Cleveland Browns| 2nd Year

2015 Stats: 104 car 379 yds 0 TD| 61 receptions 534 yds 2 TDs

The overall dysfunction of the Cleveland Browns in 2015 made it hard to find fantasy contributors on the roster. Running back Duke Johnson did not rush for a touchdown as a rookie last season, and he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, but the Miami product’s 61 receptions was good for fourth among running backs.

With Hue Jackson now in place as Browns’ head coach, the team’s offense could improve dramatically in 2016. Johnson compares favorably to Giovani Bernard, who Jackson had at his disposal as Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator, so a similar role could be in store this year.

Jackson has heaped praise on Johnson, with a suggestion he can be an every-down back. Isaiah Crowell may take some short yardage and goal line work, the latter of which is particularly not ideal, but Johnson only had double-digit carries in two games last year and that should absolutely change dramatically this year.

Johnson was an asset in PPR leagues as a rookie, and that won’t change this year. But the likelihood he will at least double his 2015 carry load is what drives his breakout potential in all scoring formats, and being on the Browns stands to make Johnson a draft day steal in line to pay off big.

2016 Projection

240 carries, 1,120 yards, 6 TDs, 60 receptions, 520 yards, 3 TDs

Potential Breakout Percentage

75%

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