New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.
Oct 7, 2025 10:26 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is now firmly in the mix as a waiver-wire pickup heading into Week 6 after catching six of his seven targets for 33 yards and two more touchdowns in Sunday's 26-14 loss on the road to the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, fellow TE Daniel Bellinger led the team with 52 receiving yards on four receptions. Both the 24-year-old's six catches and seven targets were season highs, and it's looking like he's going to need to be taken seriously as a high-end QB2 now that receiver Malik Nabers (knee) is lost for the season. Johnson's upside certainly takes a hit with Bellinger involved, but fantasy managers can't just ignore Johnson's three touchdowns in rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's first two NFL starts. He'll be in play as a touchdown-dependent TE2 on a short week next Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6.
Oct 5, 2025 11:23 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a waiver-wire candidate with upside for his Week 5 matchup in New Orleans. The rookie is already heavily involved with a 74.9% snap share and has quickly built a rapport with quarterback Jaxson Dart, catching Dart's first career touchdown pass in last week's win. With the season-ending injury to top receiver Malik Nabers, Johnson's target share is set to increase, particularly as a safety blanket for his rookie quarterback. He faces a Saints defense that presents an excellent opportunity, as they have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns in the league (9) and rank 30th in the NFL in red zone defense.
Oct 4, 2025 2:21 AM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a fantasy non-factor who should remain on waiver wires, but he has a slight chance to gain relevance with a rookie quarterback making his first start. Johnson has been unproductive through three weeks, ranking as the TE42 while averaging a mere 2.63 fantasy points per game on just 10 total targets, despite a high 77.4% snap share. The primary hope is that rookie QB Jaxson Dart leans on him as a security blanket, which could finally boost his target share against a defense allowing the second-most passing yards. Still, he faces a Chargers defense that is tough on tight ends (9.2 FPPG) and is first in red zone touchdown rate, making him a desperation-only play.
Sep 27, 2025 1:49 AM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (shoulder) returned to practice on Thursday and was participating in the portion open to the media after he was a DNP on Wednesday, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Johnson's return to the practice field puts him on track to play this Sunday in a Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Giants are benching veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of first-rounder Jaxson Dart for the rest of the season, but Johnson should remain on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues. Through the first three games of 2025, he has only six catches on 10 targets for 49 yards and no touchdowns. Johnson will probably need to put in a full practice this week to avoid a questionable tag on Friday's final Week 4 injury report.
Sep 25, 2025 1:47 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is not a recommended fantasy option for his Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year tight end has had a quiet start to the season, ranking as the TE35 by averaging just 3.2 fantasy points per game on five total receptions for 39 yards through two contests. His prospects for a breakout performance are virtually nonexistent against a Chiefs defense that has completely shut down opposing tight ends. Kansas City ranks as the 3rd-toughest fantasy defense against the position, allowing a minuscule 6.55 points per game, making Johnson an easy player to leave on the waiver wire this week.
Sep 20, 2025 12:57 AM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is not a recommended fantasy start for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He was the TE49 in fantasy football for Week 1, securing just one of his three targets for five receiving yards and one fantasy point. This meager production, despite dominating the tight-end snaps with 46, makes him an unreliable option. Furthermore, the Cowboys' defense was a difficult matchup for tight ends in 2024, ranking second in the league by allowing only 7.66 fantasy points per game to the position. Given the tough matchup and Johnson's minimal usage and production in Week 1, he should be left on the bench in all formats.
Sep 13, 2025 2:17 AM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a high-upside fantasy option entering his second season as the unquestioned top tight end. As a rookie in 2024, Johnson averaged 4.47 fantasy points per game and showcased his potential with 331 receiving yards. The matchup against the Washington Commanders is a difficult one, as they were the 8th-ranked fantasy defense against tight ends in 2024, allowing an average of only 9.16 points per game to the position. However, Johnson's athletic profile and newfound role as a top target for quarterback Russell Wilson make him an intriguing play with a higher ceiling than many might expect. He is a talented TE to watch out for each week.
Sep 6, 2025 1:59 AM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) is hoping the work put in during the offseason will keep him healthy throughout the 2025 campaign. "The big thing for me this year is I want to play 17 games," said Johnson on the Giants Huddle podcast. "That's the number one priority. I've been taking my recovery and my health, what I'm putting in my body and everything, more serious than I ever have." The 24-year-old wasn't a consistent fantasy producer last season. However, he demonstrated some signs of growth and would total 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in November. Johnson has more work to do to earn additional snaps, although it appears he has the edge over Greg Dulcich, Daniel Bellinger, among others, to enter Week 1 as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart. Still, he has a way to go before establishing himself as a week-to-week fantasy starter.
Jul 6, 2025 12:22 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) underwent a season-ending surgery to address the foot injury he suffered on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys. According to Art Stapleton, the issue was a fifth metatarsal fracture and not a Lisfranc injury. This means the rookie finishes his first season with 29 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown on 43 targets through 12 appearances. There hasn't been a confirmed timetable for his return yet. That means Daniel Bellinger will be the starter to finish out the season.
Dec 6, 2024 9:48 AM EST
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said on Wednesday that rookie tight end Theo Johnson (foot), who was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve this week, had surgery for a Lisfranc injury to his foot. Johnson was injured in last Thursday's loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving and will now look to get healthy this offseason as he heads into his sophomore season. The 23-year-old fourth-rounder finishes his first year in the NFL with 29 receptions for 331 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. Johnson was just starting to get more involved as a pass-catcher for the Giants before his injury and he's an interesting dynasty/keeper hold, although New York's situation at quarterback may hold him back in future years. For the rest of 2024, Daniel Bellinger figures to be New York's primary pass-catching TE, but he'll be a TE2, at best, in fantasy.
Dec 4, 2024 1:22 PM EST
The New York Giants placed rookie tight end Theo Johnson (foot) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Monday. Johnson was injured in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys last Thursday but caught all five of his targets for a season-high 54 yards before leaving. It's a tough break for Johnson, as he was just starting to see a much bigger role in the passing game in recent weeks. The 23-year-old fourth-round selection out of Penn State will finish his first year in the NFL with 29 receptions on 43 targets for 331 yards and a touchdown in 12 games played. Johnson is an interesting dynasty/keeper asset if the Giants can figure out their QB situation sooner than later. For the rest of the 2024 campaign, Daniel Bellinger should serve as New York's top pass-catching TE, although it may not result in much fantasy relevance.
Dec 2, 2024 6:59 PM EST
New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (foot) suffered a foot injury on Thursday afternoon and is likely done for the season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Penn State product tallied a season-high 54 yards off five receptions on Thursday afternoon. Since Week 9, the rookie has begun to see more involvement in the passing game, as he has seen at least five targets in each game. Before this stretch, Johnson averaged just 2.5 targets per game during Weeks 1 through 8. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue monitoring Johnson's status but should begin searching the waiver wire for a replacement option. In New York, Chris Manhertz and Daniel Bellinger will likely see an uptick in snaps, which could be viable options in 14+ team formats if they see consistent snaps.
Nov 29, 2024 12:37 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson set a career-high in his rookie season with 54 receiving yards in Thursday's 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson caught all five of his targets, averaging 10.8 yards per reception, including a team-long 18-yard grab that tied Malik Nabers for the game's longest receiving play for New York. His steady performance marked the fifth consecutive game with 35 or more receiving yards, underscoring his growing reliability in the offense. With 7.9 fantasy points in Week 13, Johnson continues to emerge as a solid option for fantasy managers, particularly in leagues valuing consistent production at the tight end position.
Nov 28, 2024 11:53 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (back) does not appear on the team's official injury report prior to their Thanksgiving Day clash against the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie from Penn State has been more involved as the season progressed, catching his first NFL touchdown in Week 9 and drawing six targets in each of his past three games. He should continue to play the majority of snaps for New York, which is likely to see yet another quarterback change with Tommy Devito (forearm) unlikely to play. Quarterback Drew Lock would be in line to start if DeVito cannot play.
Nov 27, 2024 1:36 PM EST
New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (back) was listed as limited for the second straight day on Tuesday on the team's estimated practice report. The Giants held a walkthrough practice, so Johnson's participation is a projection. New York plays the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday on Thanksgiving on a short week, so it's likely they are giving the 23-year-old rookie a little rest as he battles through a back injury. It's hard to trust any of the Giants' pass-catchers with quarterback Tommy Devito (forearm) now running the offense, but Johnson has seen his role as a receiver grow lately and is at least worth a look as a TE2 sleeper in deeper leagues if he's active against Dallas. He's been targeted at least six times the last three games and has translated that into 10 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown.
Nov 26, 2024 4:44 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (back) was a limited participant during Monday's walkthrough. Johnson was dealing with a back issue throughout the week but he still managed to suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Johnson hauled in three of his six targets for 39 yards in the loss. The fact Johnson was limited could be the Giants being cautious on a short week. They have a quick turnaround with the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Johnson has seen more involvement lately with six targets in three straight games. Despite that, Johnson has finished with less than 40 receiving yards in two of those games. He'll be a low-end streaming option ahead of this Thanksgiving matchup.
Nov 25, 2024 10:00 PM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson caught three of his six targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson showcased his big-play ability with a 23-yard reception, the longest play of the game for the Giants, but was otherwise limited in an offense that managed just 192 passing yards. His 5.4 fantasy points highlight the challenge of relying on him in fantasy formats, especially with inconsistent quarterback play from Tommy Devito. While Johnson's athleticism is evident, the Giants' offensive struggles cap his potential, leaving him as a deep-league streaming option at best.
Nov 25, 2024 12:44 AM EST
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson looks to continue his steady progression in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a solid Week 10 showing with four receptions on six targets for 37 yards. Johnson has been quietly consistent this season, tallying 21 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown while averaging 11.3 yards per catch and 5.08 fantasy points per game. The Buccaneers present an enticing matchup, ranking 28th against fantasy tight ends and 30th in pass defense, allowing 264.1 yards per game through the air. With Tampa struggling to contain tight ends and having given up 20 passing touchdowns this season, Johnson offers sneaky streaming appeal in deeper leagues, especially with his increased reliability in recent games.
Nov 23, 2024 1:32 AM EST
New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (back) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice after he went down as limited on the injury report on Wednesday. Johnson has been dealing with a back injury of late but didn't miss the Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Germany and had extra time to heal up during last week's bye. He had three catches for a season-high 51 yards and the first touchdown of his NFL career in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. Johnson has some intriguing long-term upside for those in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he hasn't really moved the needle as more of a TE3 in his first year in the league. The 23-year-old's fantasy stock in 2024 will likely be negatively affected by quarterback Daniel Jones' benching, as well as the impending return of receiver Darius Slayton (concussion).
Nov 21, 2024 5:34 PM EST