Juwan Johnson Week 9: Navigating the Saints TE’s Fantasy Upside in a Challenging Offense
The tight end landscape in fantasy football is often a desperate search for consistency. This week, all eyes are on New Orleans Saints’ tight end Juwan Johnson, not as a guaranteed starter, but as a potential streaming option. While his snap count and route participation suggest opportunity, a deeper dive reveals a player whose fantasy relevance is heavily tethered to the overall performance of a struggling Saints offense. The question isn’t just *can* Johnson deliver, but *will* the Saints allow him to?
The Snap Count Speaks Volumes, But Production Lags
Johnson’s 85.8% snap share this season is undeniably encouraging. He’s clearly a trusted part of the Saints’ offensive plans, evidenced further by the 46 routes run in his last outing against Tampa Bay. This consistent involvement suggests the coaching staff sees value in his skillset, particularly in a passing game that may be forced to operate frequently given the team’s 1-7 record. However, opportunity doesn’t automatically translate to fantasy points. Since Week 2, Johnson has been conspicuously absent from the end zone, and his yardage totals have been largely underwhelming. This disconnect between participation and production is the core concern for fantasy managers.
The Saints Offensive Context: A Crowded Receiving Room
The Saints’ offensive struggles aren’t a secret. More critically for Johnson’s fantasy outlook, those struggles are compounded by a clear pecking order among receivers. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed consistently command the majority of targets, leaving Johnson to compete for scraps. This target share limitation significantly caps his ceiling, even in favorable matchups. The Rams’ defense, while allowing some production to tight ends recently (over 17 PPR points twice in the last five weeks – FantasyPros Matchup Report), isn’t a guaranteed cure-all for what ails the Saints’ passing attack.
Streaming Potential vs. Realistic Expectations
The Rams’ defensive vulnerabilities against tight ends do present a glimmer of hope. However, relying on a favorable matchup to overcome systemic offensive issues is a risky proposition. Current projections place Johnson around 8.7 fantasy points in PPR formats, with an estimated 3 receptions for 33 yards and a meager 0.4 touchdowns. This positions him firmly as a TE20, meaning there are likely better options available on most waiver wires.
Consider this: the Saints are averaging just 17.4 points per game, one of the lowest totals in the NFL. A low-scoring offense inherently limits the opportunities for all pass-catchers, including Johnson. While the controlled environment of the Rams’ dome (temperatures around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, no wind) eliminates weather as a factor, it won’t magically fix the Saints’ offensive woes.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change for Johnson to Thrive?
For Johnson to become a reliable fantasy asset, several things need to happen. First, the Saints’ offense must find a way to generate more consistent scoring drives. Second, Johnson needs to see an increase in target share, either through improved route running, better play-calling, or injuries to other receivers. Finally, he needs to rediscover the red-zone connection that made him a promising fantasy option earlier in the season. Without these changes, he’ll remain a boom-or-bust player with limited weekly upside.
The Saints’ situation is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing fantasy managers: identifying potential value in difficult circumstances. Johnson represents a gamble – a player with the opportunity but lacking the consistent production to justify a significant investment.
What are your predictions for Juwan Johnson’s performance in Week 9? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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