Roschon Johnson’s fantasy outlook is heating up after an encouraging performance in Week 3 and an abysmal start to the season by free agent bust D’Andre Swift.
After being inactive in Week 1 and a non-factor in Week 2, Johnson saw a notable uptick in usage against the Colts. He recorded 12 touches, totaling 62 scrimmage yards while playing 37% of the offensive snaps. While his 3.8 yards per carry might not jump off the page, his physical running style and three-down skill set caught the attention of both the coaching staff and fantasy managers.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bears are ready to expand Johnson’s role. “Watch for Bears running back Roschon Johnson to possibly get an extended look this week,” Fowler revealed, noting that Chicago’s rushing attack has been lacking.
With Chicago’s ground game struggling to gain traction, the team may look to Johnson’s bruising running style to ignite their offense. As the season progresses, Johnson could emerge as a key RB depth or flex piece in fantasy football, especially if he continues to earn more opportunities.
D’ANDRE SWIFT VS ROSCHON JOHNSON
One glaring takeaway from the Chicago Bears’ rocky start this season is the underwhelming performance of free agent signing D’Andre Swift. For a back who was expected to give this offense another versatile piece, Swift has been among the league’s biggest disappointments, especially considering the number of touches he’s received.
Yes, the offensive line hasn’t exactly been great, currently sitting at 22nd in the league with a dismal 59.9 run-blocking grade. But the real concern is Swift’s lackluster output, managing just 68 rushing yards on 37 carries—a disgusting 1.8 yards per attempt.
At this rate, it’s hard to argue there’s been a worse starting back in the NFL, given the opportunities Swift has squandered.
Enter Roschon Johnson.
After flashing his potential with 352 yards before a concussion derailed his rookie season in 2023, Johnson looks like a prime candidate to step in. He’s currently leading the team in yards after contact per attempt (3.5), and that gritty, tough running style might be exactly what’s needed to navigate behind a shaky line.
| xFP | FP/g | xTD | FPOE | FPPO | |
| Roschon Johnson | 12.5 | 10.2 | 0.37 | -2.32 | 0.78 |
| D’Andre Swift | 11.2 | 6.5 | 0.85 | -4.66 | 0.14 |
| Khalil Herbert | 3.4 | 3.3 | 0.37 | -0.07 | 0.33 |
Johnson also brings added value as a solid pass protector and capable receiver out of the backfield—two areas where Khalil Herbert, the current backup, struggles.
While all eyes have been on Caleb Williams’ progress during his rookie season, the absence of a competent run game has left the Bears’ offense limping out of the gate. Williams has been forced into high-risk situations, like the 52 passes he attempted in their recent loss to the Colts. If Johnson can inject some energy into the ground game, it could immediately take pressure off Williams and help the Bears offense find its rhythm again.
SUMMARY: ROSCHON JOHNSON FANTASY OUTLOOK
Rostered in 42% of Sleeper leagues, Roschon Johnson’s fantasy outlook is trending upward, making him a prime candidate to add and stash off the waiver wire before his potential takeover of the Bears’ backfield.
His versatility as a runner, pass-blocker, and receiver makes him an ideal fit for Chicago’s struggling offense, especially behind an inconsistent line. With the Bears in desperate need of a physical back who can grind out tough yards and create opportunities where none exist, Johnson’s bruising running style and ability to generate yards after contact make him a strong bet for an expanded role.
For fantasy managers, Johnson presents a low-risk, high-reward stash. Neither D’Andre Swift nor Khalil Herbert has shown they can consistently produce in this offense, opening the door for Johnson to take over as the lead back. His 3.8 yards per carry already leads the backfield, and with a larger workload, he could quickly become a valuable asset, especially in deeper leagues.
If you’re looking for a sneaky pickup with significant upside, Johnson could be the key to bolstering your roster before he breaks out. Johnson checks in at RB38 on The Wolf’s Week 4 Rankings, just four spots behind Swift.
