As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of WR Diontae Johnson.
Diontae Johnson’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
I’m not entirely sure why people were up in arms and surprised about Johnson’s inefficiency in 2022. Have we not been paying attention?
In 2020, among the 35 wide receivers with 100+ targets, Johnson was 32nd in yards per reception (10.5), 34th in yards per target (6.41), and 33rd in points per target (1.54 PPR). Then, in 2021, among the 35 WRs to see 100+ targets, Johnson was 27th in yards per reception (10.8), 31st in yards per target (6.87), and 26th in points per target (1.6 PPR).
So what about 2022? Of the 32 receivers who surpassed the 100-target mark, Johnson was 28th in yards per reception (10.0) and yards per target (6.0) and last in points per target at (1.26 PPR).
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Wide Receiver
Despite seeing the fourth-highest target share in the league at 29.76%, Johnson converted only 58% of his air yards into actual yards, finishing as the WR44 in points per game (10.6) and setting an NFL record for the most receptions and targets without a touchdown. In total, he played in all 17 games, catching 86 of his 147 targets for 882 yards with a YPRR of 1.44.
This is why I’m surprised some people were surprised, as it was rather obvious what his trajectory looked like. Add in the acquisition of potential superstar George Pickens and a rookie QB, and Johnson was destined to decline. Whether or not that makes him a value is a different discussion.
Diontae Johnson’s Dynasty Fantasy Ranking
Given the way the offense works (more laterally than vertically under offensive coordinator Matt Canada) and Johnson’s track record, he’s not someone I would look to have on my roster heading into 2023.
I think the talent is 100% there and is not something I’m going to question, but when he can’t find the end zone, is running backward (not a joke), and can’t finish better than a WR4 despite one of the league’s highest target shares, I would let someone else deal with Johnson in my dynasty leagues.
For me, Johnson is the WR31 in dynasty PPR formats which is a touch on the lower side than most appear to have him. Do I think Johnson is the 31st-best receiver in the NFL? No, of course not. But do I also believe Johnson is getting back into the seven-plus touchdown range? Nope. When it comes to Superflex formats, where QBs see an increase in value due to positional scarcity, Johnson is the No. 77 overall player.
From a skill standpoint, Johnson is arguably underrated, and I would personally use this and see if someone does value him like an elite asset and try to move him — a realistic offer being Johnson plus a 2023 third-rounder for DJ Moore or Terry McLaurin. Move that pick to a second, and then Drake London or DeVonta Smith is in range.
I do believe Johnson will find the end zone in 2023 because, at some point, things tend to balance out, but we need to establish what is the new “norm” in this offense. However, the chemistry between Pickett and Pickens and even Pat Freiermuth will only continue to grow, and both will likely have the upper hand in the red zone.
Pickens specifically has more upside on a per-target basis and had 53 yards or more in four of the last five games with two touchdowns to close it out on a hot streak. He is the more desirable WR to have from the Steelers, not only for dynasty but also for the 2023 season in general.