In recent weeks, the name "Roschon Johnson" has been trending, especially within the fantasy football community and NFL circles. The interest around Johnson stems largely from his performance on the field and the opportunities he's gaining as the 2023 NFL season progresses. Let's dive into why this young running back is generating buzz, and what experts are predicting about his role moving forward.
Who is Roschon Johnson?
Roschon Johnson is a rookie running back for the Chicago Bears, having been selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 220 pounds, Johnson is known for his versatility, physicality, and ability to contribute in both the running and passing games. Prior to entering the NFL, he played for the University of Texas, where he was often overshadowed by Bijan Robinson, a top prospect in the 2023 draft. However, Johnson's talent was never in question, and now he’s beginning to make a name for himself in the professional ranks.
Why Is Roschon Johnson Trending?
Johnson is trending largely due to his increasing role in the Bears' offense and his rising stock in fantasy football leagues. With injuries affecting key players and some underperformances plaguing the Bears' backfield, Johnson has been given more opportunities to prove himself. Fantasy football managers are also taking notice, with many suggesting that he could be an emerging gem in the coming weeks.
Roschon Johnson and Fantasy Football: Week 4 Outlook
Johnson's name has been highlighted by several fantasy football analysts as a potential breakout player in Week 4 of the NFL season. In ESPN's Week 4 streaming pickups, Matt Bowen points out that Johnson is one of the running backs to keep an eye on, especially if you're looking for a replacement due to injury or underperformance in your lineup. Bowen emphasizes Johnson's favorable setup for the upcoming matchups, noting that he could be a valuable asset, particularly in PPR (points per reception) leagues.
Similarly, in The Athletic's analysis of Week 4 sleepers, Jake Ciely ranks Johnson as a sleeper pick, highlighting his increasing snap count and involvement in the Bears' passing game. Ciely points out that Johnson's ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him an intriguing option, especially if you're looking for a flex player with upside.
Another key resource for fantasy managers, Establish The Run's Waiver Wire Analysis, also lists Johnson as a player to consider picking up. The analysis notes that while Johnson may not be the lead back yet, the Bears' running back rotation is fluid, and he has a clear path to carving out a larger role. His physical running style combined with his pass-catching ability makes him a dual-threat, which is always appealing in fantasy football formats.
What’s Next for Roschon Johnson?
As the season unfolds, Johnson's role will be closely monitored by both Bears fans and fantasy football managers alike. The Bears' backfield situation is currently somewhat unclear, with veteran Khalil Herbert leading the depth chart, but Johnson has been steadily earning more snaps. If Herbert or other key players miss time due to injury, Johnson could see a significant increase in touches, which would further boost his value.
Additionally, Johnson’s ability to contribute in various phases of the game—whether it's rushing, receiving, or even blocking—makes him a valuable asset to the Bears. It's this versatility that could eventually propel him into a more prominent role in the offense, regardless of injuries or lineup changes.
Conclusion
Roschon Johnson is trending for good reason. As a rookie running back with a versatile skill set and an increasing role in the Chicago Bears' offense, he's become a player to watch, both in real life and in fantasy football leagues. If you're a fantasy football manager dealing with injuries or underperforming players, Johnson might just be the spark your team needs heading into Week 4 and beyond.
With endorsements from analysts like Matt Bowen, Jake Ciely, and the team at Establish The Run, it’s clear that the excitement surrounding Johnson isn’t just hype. He has the potential to emerge as a key contributor for the Bears and a valuable asset for fantasy football managers. If you haven't already, you might want to consider adding him to your waiver wire priority list before his stock rises even further.