The 2024 NFL season has been full of so many plot twists we should feel like we live within a Christopher Nolan masterpiece.
One of those unexpected developments is the fantasy production of Quentin Johnston. Johnston has been the belle of the Los Angeles Chargers‘ ball. In this run-heavy offensive scheme, we wondered if Johnston could provide consistent value to our fantasy team to help us win in our leagues.
After three weeks, we have to ask if this is who Johnston will be for the rest of the season or if he’s a player whose star is about to burn out in front of our very eyes?
Let’s break down some key insights to help you correctly determine whether you should add Johnston to your fantasy football team. He is available in 37% of Sleeper leagues.
Should Quentin Johnston Be Added on the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 4?
If Johnston is still available in your league, you need to add him to your fantasy football team; however, just not this week. We will explain why soon.
His fantasy stock is attached to Justin Herbert’s health. Herbert’s short-term availability is in limbo at the moment as he deals with an ankle injury.
His backup is Taylor Heinicke, who also brings a gunslinger mentality to the passing attack. Johnston’s ranking will be higher with Herbert, but it shouldn’t plummet with Heinicke.
More injury news for the #Chargers: Stellar rookie OT Joe Alt suffered an MCL sprain in Sunday’s loss and is expected to miss some time, sources say. Nothing surgical.
Justin Herbert is also dealing with an aggravated ankle injury, while OT Rashawn Slater has a strained pec. pic.twitter.com/R8nwsGzyCu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024
Johnston’s game has centered on efficiency, as TruMedia has recorded only 64 routes for the second-year wide receiver, the 67th-best figure in the NFL. He has seen 13 targets while recording ten total receptions, leading to a 76.9% reception percentage, the 18th-best figure in the league in that category.
Johnston’s most significant issue during his 2023 campaign was drops. His improved efficiency so far in 2024 certainly improves the second-year receiver’s fantasy outlook.
Johnston is not producing any record-breaking air yards per target or yards per reception; however, his game was always centered around his yards-after-catch ability. In 2024, Johnston’s 6.2 YAC per reception is the 15th-best figure in the NFL. His new coach, Jim Harbaugh, has found the best way to utilize this young wide receiver’s skill set.
Next week will be a challenge due to the questions at quarterback. It also doesn’t get much easier for the Chargers, as they face the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs. After this challenging matchup, Los Angeles gets a bye week.
If Johnston struggles this week with a backup quarterback, which is the strategy the Chargers may deploy with the bye upcoming, then managers will cool on Johnston’s hot start to the season with the bye and you’ll be able to capitalize after this week.
Some players need to stay on waiver watch instead of being added prematurely. If your waiver has other stronger wide receiver options that can help you in the next two weeks, you should add them.
However, if Johnston is the best remaining wide receiver, take advantage and add him to your roster. Just know it may take some time before he pays dividends for your fantasy football team.