Diontae Johnson Fantasy: How Andy Dalton Impacts His Value
Can Andy Dalton be the quarterback to unlock Diontae Johnson's fantasy potential? The answer is a bit complex, but there's reason to be optimistic for the 2023 season.
Editor's Note: The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback change has sent shockwaves through the fantasy football community, with many wondering how Diontae Johnson will fare under Andy Dalton. This is a critical topic for fantasy owners, as Johnson's value hinges heavily on the quarterback's ability to get him the ball.
Why This Matters
Diontae Johnson is a proven wide receiver, consistently drawing targets in the Steelers' offense. However, his fantasy output has been erratic due to inconsistent quarterback play. The departure of Mitch Trubisky and the arrival of Andy Dalton raises the question of how Dalton's skillset might affect Johnson's value.
Analysis
We analyzed Dalton's career stats, focusing on his accuracy, playmaking ability, and tendency to target wide receivers. We also compared his metrics to Trubisky's and looked at how other Steelers receivers have performed under Dalton in the past. This deep dive aimed to understand the potential impact of this quarterback change on Johnson's fantasy value.
Key Takeaways for Diontae Johnson's 2023 Fantasy Outlook
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Share | Dalton has a history of targeting his top receivers consistently. |
| Accuracy | Dalton's accuracy is considered above average, potentially benefiting Johnson. |
| Red Zone Targets | Dalton is known for getting the ball to his receivers in the red zone. |
Transition to Main Article Topics
Now, let's delve deeper into the specific factors that will influence Diontae Johnson's fantasy value under Andy Dalton.
Diontae Johnson's Role
Introduction: Johnson is established as the Steelers' primary receiving threat. He possesses reliable hands and exceptional route-running, making him a reliable target for quarterbacks.
Key Aspects:
- High Target Volume: Johnson consistently commands a significant share of the Steelers' targets.
- Red Zone Presence: He is a consistent presence in the end zone, boasting a solid touchdown rate.
- Yards After Catch (YAC): Johnson isn't known for explosive YAC, but he's effective in gaining yards after the catch.
Discussion:
Johnson's established role in the Steelers' offense remains a crucial factor. Dalton's history of favoring his top receivers suggests that Johnson should continue to see a high target volume. This consistency in target share is vital for Johnson's fantasy success.
Andy Dalton's Impact
Introduction: The type of quarterback Johnson has under center is crucial for his fantasy value.
Facets:
- Accuracy and Consistency: Dalton is known for his accurate throws and consistency.
- Red Zone Ability: Dalton's experience and skillset make him a good option for delivering red zone targets.
- Playmaking Potential: Dalton's ability to extend plays and create opportunities could be a benefit for Johnson.
Summary:
Dalton's strengths could translate into a more efficient and potentially more explosive offense for Johnson. However, the key will be Dalton's comfort with the Steelers' offense and his ability to build a rapport with Johnson.
The Steelers' Offense
Introduction: The overall offensive scheme and supporting players around Johnson will influence his fantasy output.
Further Analysis:
- Offensive Line: The Steelers' offensive line will be key to creating time for Dalton and protecting Johnson.
- Running Game: A strong running game can open up passing opportunities for Johnson.
- Other Receivers: The presence of other talented receivers, such as George Pickens and Allen Robinson, will influence Johnson's target share.
Closing:
The Steelers' offensive landscape could either bolster or hinder Johnson's fantasy potential. Dalton's experience and playmaking ability could be valuable, but the performance of the offensive line and running game will be crucial for Johnson's success.
Information Table:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Dalton's Accuracy | Considered above average, potentially leading to increased completions for Johnson. |
| Red Zone Targets | Dalton is known for targeting his receivers in the red zone, potentially boosting Johnson's touchdown numbers. |
| Offensive Line Performance | A strong offensive line will protect Dalton and create opportunities for Johnson. |
| Running Game Effectiveness | A strong running game can force defenses to respect the run, opening up more passing opportunities for Johnson. |
FAQ
Introduction: Let's address some common questions about Diontae Johnson and Andy Dalton.
Questions:
- Will Diontae Johnson be a top-10 fantasy wide receiver? It's possible, but it depends on how Dalton performs and the effectiveness of the Steelers' offense.
- Should I draft Diontae Johnson in the first round of fantasy drafts? Johnson's draft position will depend on your league's format and draft strategy, but consider his potential as a WR2 or flex option.
- How will Andy Dalton's play style affect Diontae Johnson's fantasy value? Dalton's accuracy, red zone targeting, and playmaking ability could significantly impact Johnson's production.
- Is there a risk that Diontae Johnson's fantasy value could decline? There is always risk in fantasy football. The offensive line's performance, the running game's effectiveness, and the Steelers' overall offensive scheme could play a role in Johnson's success.
- What are the best and worst-case scenarios for Diontae Johnson's fantasy season? The best-case scenario is a strong offensive line, a healthy running game, and a Dalton who consistently delivers to Johnson. The worst-case scenario would be a struggling offense, a poor offensive line, and Dalton struggling to establish a rapport with Johnson.
- How should I approach Diontae Johnson in my fantasy draft? Consider Johnson's potential as a high-floor, moderate-ceiling WR2 or flex option.
Summary:
There are both optimistic and cautious perspectives on Diontae Johnson's fantasy value under Dalton. While Dalton's skillset offers potential for a good season, the Steelers' offensive performance overall will be a key factor.
Tips for Drafting Diontae Johnson
Introduction: Here are some tips for drafting Diontae Johnson in your fantasy league.
Tips:
- Target Johnson as a WR2 or Flex: Consider Johnson as a potential high-floor WR2 or a flex option based on his consistency and target share.
- Draft him based on your league's scoring format: Adjust your draft strategy based on the specific scoring system used in your league.
- Pay attention to the Steelers' offensive line and running game: Monitor the Steelers' offensive line's performance and the effectiveness of the running game to gauge Johnson's potential.
- Monitor Dalton's performance: Keep an eye on how Dalton performs in the preseason and early games to evaluate his chemistry with Johnson.
- Don't overpay: Don't overspend on Johnson in the draft, especially if you have other strong wide receiver options.
Summary:
Drafting Diontae Johnson involves a bit of calculated risk, but his proven talent and the potential for a successful partnership with Andy Dalton make him an intriguing fantasy asset.
Closing Remarks
Summary:
The impact of Andy Dalton on Diontae Johnson's fantasy value is a complex subject. While Dalton possesses the potential to unlock Johnson's full fantasy potential, the Steelers' offensive performance and the overall team's success will ultimately dictate his success.
Closing Message:
Ultimately, Diontae Johnson's fantasy value hinges on the performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers as a whole. Keep an eye on Dalton's progress, the offensive line's performance, and the running game's effectiveness to make informed decisions about Johnson in your fantasy drafts.
