Since the bye, James Washington has 17 targets, Diontae Johnson 15, JuJu Smith-Schuster 20, and 18 for Vance McDonald. Those aren’t the target numbers you need to have success in this offense at the moment.
Washington has had the most success of late, with ten receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown over his last two games while Johnson has five receptions for 67 yards and not touchdown in that span.
Before the previous two games, Washington had a total of 10 receptions for 161 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. Are his last two games the new normal, or will we continue to inconsistencies? The odds likely favor more variance with a better upside moving forward.
Fantasy football analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers WRs Diontae Johnson, James Washington
The Browns have Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams back from injuries. Both play on the outside, where Washington and Johnson line up, which is another limiting factor this week. When you factor in inconsistent targets and quarterback play, neither Washington or Johnson pop as must-starts this week. Washington’s hot play of late is something that could boost him Thursday, but that’s not much to go on in a tough overall matchup.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Sit Diontae Johnson.
Start James Washington as a boom or bust WR4.