2009 Fantasy Football Player Profile-Chris Johnson

RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

2008 Stats: 1228 rushing yards, 260 receiving yards,  10 total TDs
Projected 2009 Stats: 1412 rushing yards, 355 receiving yards,  14 total TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 1st Round
Running backs to be picked ahead of Chris Johnson: Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you should draft Chris Johnson: Johnson had a terrific rookie year in 2008, gaining 1488 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns.  Despite only having one game with more than 20 carries, Johnson was still able to muster four 100 yard rushing performances.  He also had at least two receptions every week he played. 

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Chris Johnson:  With the Titans losing their defensive stopper in Albert Haynesworth via free agency, that could mean Tennessee might not be ahead in as many games this year.  Consequently, Johnson might not get as many opportunities to rack up the garbage yards that he accumulated often in 2008. 

Bottom Line:  Johnson is a dual threat, and the only thing keeping him from cracking the top five in terms of fantasy running backs is the fact that his teammate, LenDale White steals the majority of his red zone carries.  With that being said, Johnson should still be viewed as an upper tier, No. 1 fantasy back.