Diontae Johnson Fantasy Outlook: Andy Dalton Impact
Can Andy Dalton unlock Diontae Johnson's full potential? The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver has a lot to prove in 2023, and a new quarterback might be the key. This is a critical season for Johnson, and his fantasy value hinges on the success of the Steelers' passing game.
Editor Note: Diontae Johnson's fantasy outlook for the 2023 season with Andy Dalton at quarterback is a hot topic for fantasy football fans.
This is a crucial topic for fantasy owners, as Johnson's target share, red zone usage, and overall efficiency could be impacted by Dalton's arrival. To gain insights into Johnson's potential and how his performance could be influenced by the new quarterback, this article will delve into several key aspects.
Our analysis involved researching and evaluating:
- Andy Dalton's career statistics and playing style
- Diontae Johnson's performance in previous seasons
- The Steelers' offensive scheme and potential changes under Mike Tomlin
This comprehensive guide will provide a clear understanding of Diontae Johnson's fantasy outlook with Andy Dalton as his quarterback.
Key Takeaways of Diontae Johnson's 2023 Fantasy Outlook
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Share | Dalton's preference for shorter routes could affect Johnson's targets. |
| Red Zone Usage | Will Dalton target Johnson more in the red zone? |
| Overall Efficiency | How will Dalton's accuracy impact Johnson's production? |
Diontae Johnson and Andy Dalton
The impact of Andy Dalton on Diontae Johnson's fantasy outlook is a key focus. Understanding how Dalton might affect Johnson's production is crucial for fantasy owners considering him in their drafts.
Andy Dalton:
- Strengths: Solid decision-maker, good accuracy on short and intermediate passes, capable of leading a balanced offense.
- Weaknesses: Limited arm strength for deep throws, lacks the dynamism of a younger quarterback, could struggle against strong defenses.
Diontae Johnson:
- Strengths: Excellent route runner, strong hands, high target share, a red zone threat.
- Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent with dropped passes, lack of big-play ability, limited impact outside the slot.
Potential Impact:
Dalton's playing style could impact Johnson's role in the offense:
- Increased Short-to-Intermediate Routes: Dalton's accuracy on shorter passes could translate to a higher volume of targets for Johnson in the slot.
- Reduced Deep Targets: Johnson might see fewer opportunities on deep passes as Dalton's arm strength might not be as conducive to that style of offense.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Dalton's tendency for shorter passes could hinder Johnson's red zone targets and scoring potential.
The Steelers' Offense
Understanding the Steelers' offensive scheme is essential to assess Diontae Johnson's fantasy value. Mike Tomlin's coaching style and the team's personnel will influence Johnson's role and overall productivity.
Key Aspects:
- Run-First Philosophy: The Steelers historically favor a run-first offense. This could limit pass attempts and overall target share for Johnson.
- Offensive Line: The Steelers have a solid offensive line that can protect Dalton. However, the offensive line's performance could impact the passing game's efficiency.
- Supporting Cast: The emergence of George Pickens and the addition of Allen Robinson provide competition for targets, potentially impacting Johnson's fantasy value.
Diontae Johnson: A Fantasy Outlook
Diontae Johnson is a talented receiver, but his fantasy value in 2023 will depend heavily on the performance of Andy Dalton and the Steelers' offense.
- High Target Share: Johnson is likely to continue commanding a significant share of targets, especially with Dalton's preference for short and intermediate passes.
- Red Zone Uncertainties: The red zone remains a concern, as Dalton's accuracy on shorter passes may limit Johnson's touchdown potential.
- Potential for Regression: Johnson's WR1 status in fantasy could be threatened by the Steelers' offense and Dalton's limitations.
FAQ
Q: Is Diontae Johnson still a WR1 in fantasy? A: While Johnson remains a top target for the Steelers, his WR1 status in fantasy is uncertain due to Dalton's playing style and the Steelers' run-heavy offense.
Q: What are the risks associated with drafting Diontae Johnson? A: Risks include Dalton's inability to consistently deliver deep passes, the Steelers' potential to limit the passing game, and competition for targets from other receivers.
Q: Should I draft Diontae Johnson in the early rounds of my fantasy draft? A: Johnson's fantasy value is highly dependent on his performance with Dalton. Drafting him in the early rounds comes with significant risk and requires careful evaluation.
Tips for Drafting Diontae Johnson
- Late-Round Value: Consider drafting Diontae Johnson in later rounds as a potential WR2 with upside.
- Avoid Early Rounds: Don't overpay for Johnson in the early rounds based on his past performance.
- Monitor the Steelers' Offense: Pay close attention to the Steelers' offensive performance during the preseason and early regular season games to determine Johnson's true value.
Summary of Diontae Johnson's Fantasy Outlook
Diontae Johnson's fantasy outlook in 2023 is a mixed bag. He will likely continue to see a high volume of targets but may face limitations due to Andy Dalton's playing style and the Steelers' offensive scheme. His fantasy value will depend on his ability to overcome these challenges and consistently produce at a high level. Fantasy owners must carefully assess Johnson's potential and consider the risks associated with drafting him.
Closing Message: While Diontae Johnson's fantasy value remains in flux, his talent and potential for a breakout season can't be ignored. Careful monitoring of his progress throughout the season is essential for fantasy owners seeking a dynamic wide receiver.
