For fantasy football owners, it would be tempting to believe the hype and go hard after Larry Johnson. But once you look at the situation closely, you’ll realize that Johnson shouldn’t hold much value right now.

First of all, Cedric Benson has been great for Cincinnati this season. As long as he’s healthy, he’ll get the vast majority of the carries. The Bengals also have Bernard Scott, a rookie running back who the team will want to keep in the mix.

Then, just look at what LJ did while on the Chiefs. When he was causing drama off the field, he was playing poorly on the field. He couldn’t fine the end zone and was averaging less than three yards per rush.

All in all, unless you want to handcuff Benson, Larry Johnson shouldn’t be on your fantasy football team. There are players out there with higher upsides who you can roster instead.

Larry Johnson - Kansas City Chiefs (Image: Zuma Press)

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As is usually the case, we have to wait to see where Johnson lands. If a team signs him and makes him a starter, he’s at the very least someone worthy of a roster spot. He’s still young enough that he may be able to rekindle some of his past magic in a new system. With the Chiefs, he was trying to carry a sub par offensive unit on his back. On a better team, Johnson may be able to thrive.

That said, if he doesn’t end up on a team that will start him, it’s difficult to imagine Johnson having any value the rest of the way. His stats are poor and there’s a very real possibility that his best football is far behind him.

In Kansas City, the best fantasy football running back on their roster is Jamaal Charles. Charles is a big play speedster who is putting up good stats this season. If he gets 15-20 touches a game, he could turn into a top 15 fantasy running back.

Where will Larry Johnson end up? (Image: Zuma Press)

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QB Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins
At the end of the Redskins game in Week 1, Jason Campbell seemed to find his groove. Going against the St. Louis Rams, he should find a healthy amount of success.

RB Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson didn’t look good in Week 1 but he’s going against the Oakland Raiders in Week 2. LJ knows that his time at starter may be running out so expect him to give a maximum effort.

WR Isaac Bruce, San Francisco 49ers
Even though Isaac Bruce is arguably the top offensive option in the Niners offensive unit, he rarely gets respect in the fantasy world. If you need a fantasy football sleeper, pick up Bruce and start him this week.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings
In Week 1, Visanthe Shiancoe was almost silent. But Week 2 will be different. He’s going against the Detroit Lions and as we saw with Jeremy Shockey’s two touchdowns against the last week, the Lions are a tight end’s best friend.

Larry Johnson - Kansas City Chiefs (Image: Zuma Press)

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Last season, Johnson had his second consecutive disappointing fantasy season. In 2006, Johnson had 1789 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, over the last two season, Johnson has only been able to total less than 1400 yards and eight touchdowns.

Part of the problem for Johnson is that the Chiefs simply aren’t that good. They’ve gone through a youth movement and have lost most of their talented players on both sides of the ball. Their offensive line, specifically, has regressed drastically in the last two season.

Another possible reason for Johnson’s drop in production is the huge amount of carries he got in 2005 and 2006. In 2005, Johnson had 336 carries and then followed that up with 416 carries the next season. That is enough carries to make run down any level of running back.

At 29, Johnson could possibly have a year or two left of elite football, though it will depend on what team he ends up with. If he stays with the Chiefs, it’d be safe to expect at third consecutive underwhelming campaign.

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QB Brett Favre, New York Jets
In Week 4 of the fantasy football season, Brett Favre had one of the best games of his life. The soon to be 39-year-old quarterback had six touchdown passes to go along with 289 yards.

RB Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
Once upon a time Larry Johnson was a fantasy phenom. Those days might be coming back again if Johnson’s Week 4 production of 198 yards and two touchdowns is any indication.

WR Laveranues Coles, New York Jets
Favre’s favorite target on his historic day was Laveranues Coles. Coles finished the game with three touchdown receptions and 105 yards. All three of his TD’s were in the first half.

TE Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders
We named Zach Miller a Week 4 waiver wire starter and Miller didn’t disappoint. He finished the game against the San Diego Chargers with 95 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Photo: Newscom

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1. LaDainian Tomlinson – Tomlinson should be a stud once again.
2. Adrian Peterson – AP has the high ceiling of anyone in fantasy football.
3. Brian Westbrook – Westbrook is an all-around producer on the field.
4. Steven Jackson – Somewhat of a risk but should be very solid.
5. Marion Barber III – Likely to be a touchdown machine this year.
6. Joseph Addai – If he gets enough carries, he could finish top five.
7. Marshawn Lynch – Second year pro with very good potential.
8. Frank Gore – Look for him to bounce back off of a sub par year.
9. Clinton Portis – Always seems to do better than projected.
10. Larry Johnson – Injury risk but was a fantasy stud not too long ago.

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After studying drafts I have been in and other fantasy football draft information available throughout the internet, I’ve calculated that this is how the average fantasy football draft first round looks so far in 2008:

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
3. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
5. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
6. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
7. Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
8. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
9. Randy Moss, New England Patriots
10. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
11. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
12. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

Will Randy Moss climb higher in 2008 fantasy football drafts?

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A total of ten running backs are being drafted within the top twelve overall picks in typical 2008 fantasy football drafts. Who are those ten running backs and in which order are they being drafted?

1. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
3. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
5. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
6. Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
8. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
9. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
10. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

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Frank Gore – With Mike Martz at the helm, Frank Gore’s numbers will likely take another hit in 2008. His numbers in 2006 may end up being an anomaly.

Larry Johnson – The Kansas City Chiefs are just a bad team and Larry Johnson won’t have much running room to do anything.

Ryan Grant – Inspiring breakout performance last season but expecting lightning to strike twice is wishful thinking.

Jamal Lewis – Last season, Jamal Lewis wanted revenge. This season Lewis’ age will likely catch up to him.

Ronnie Brown – Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins don’t have any reason to be indebted to Ronnie Brown. Tread carefully.

Willie Parker – Willie Parker didn’t get many touchdowns last season and this season the Steelers used a first rounder on a running back.

Selvin Young – The Broncos should gain a lot of yards on the ground this season. The problem is guessing which of their dozen running backs to pick.

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1. LaDainian Tomlison – He’s been too good for too long to pass up.
2. Adrian Peterson – He has as much upside as any player in 2008.
3. Steven Jackson – Struggled in 2007 but should bounce back.
4. Brian Westbrook – Only injury concerns keeps him from top three.
5. Joseph Addai – Role should get even bigger this year for Colts.
6. Marion Barber III – Touchdown should be plentiful in 2008.
7. Larry Johnson – Can he bounce back and become a force?
8. Clinton Portis – Portis is underrated and could shine again.
9. Frank Gore – Mike Martz makes Gore a riskier pick than usual.
10. Marshawn Lynch – If he stays out of trouble, he’ll produce.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills

Coming Soon … Running Back Rankings – 1 thru 25

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