Injuries provide opportunity in fantasy football, and few places have more opportunity entering Week 3 than the Los Angeles Rams‘ receiving room. After another key injury to one of Matthew Stafford’s top targets, we take a look at a few key stats that could make Tyler Johnson a worthy waiver claim this week.
All stats are courtesy of TruMedia unless otherwise stated.
Should Tyler Johnson Be Added on the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 3?
The Rams are sorely in need of pass-catching options with Cooper Kupp going down with an ankle injury. Kupp did not return after his injury at the end of the first half versus the Arizona Cardinals, leaving the Rams without each of their top three receiving leaders from last year (Puka Nacua is on the injured reserve, IR, and Tyler Higbee is on the physically unable to perform list).
Enter Johnson, who is the Rams’ second-leading receiver behind Kupp so far with 99 yards. Johnson enjoyed an impressive season-opener in Detroit with five receptions for 79 yards but caught only two passes for 20 yards on Sunday in Arizona. All of his targets came before halftime as well, so it’s not as if he feasted after Kupp’s departure.
Nevertheless, Johnson could be a worthy fantasy pickup because of the state of the Rams’ offensive line. Los Angeles will get left tackle Alaric Jackson back from suspension this week, but starting guard Steve Avila is on IR, while Kevin Dotson is playing through a foot injury.
All this requires Matthew Stafford to get the ball out quickly, and Johnson has done most of his work after the catch. Johnson has had a very shallow 4.2 aDOT on his targets (fourth-lowest among WRs through Week 2) but has piled up 78 yards after the catch (YAC), which ranks eighth among WRs so far.
This could make him a strong matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who have struggled to limit yards after the catch so far this season. San Francisco is allowing 7.7 YAC per reception, highest of any team to play two games (the Philadelphia Eagles have allowed more but have yet to play on Monday Night Football as of publication).
With Stafford unlikely to have the requisite time to hold the ball against Nick Bosa and the Niners’ pass rush, underneath options like Johnson could be his preference when dropping back.
The Rams may lean a little more on the running game early in an effort to control the number of possessions, but Los Angeles is facing a likely negative game script against the Niners. This will likely create more volume overall for the passing game, making Johnson a viable Flex option in deeper leagues, particularly PPR or half-PPR.