Who Should I Start? Bijan Robinson or Kaleb Johnson

Thursday, July 10, 1:32 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson said that the team has "outlandish goals" for the rushing totals in 2025, even after they lost 20% of their starting offensive line from last year. Robinson was third in the league in rushing in 2024 with 1,456 yards on 304 carries, and he's just one of four RBs with more than 2,400 rushing yards the last two seasons. Tyler Allgeier was 32nd in the NFL with 644 yards on 137 carries last year. If the Falcons' ground game is going to improve, it will primarily need to come through the air, and the coaching staff is optimistic that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make strides in his second year in the league. "As many times as we can get the ball in his hands, we're going to do it," Penix said about Robinson. Saquon Barkley is going to be the first RB drafted in most fantasy leagues, but Robinson should be right behind him as the workhorse for a likely run-first offense in Atlanta.

Friday, August 22, 11:18 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson turned five carries into 24 yards and gained two yards on his only reception of a 19-10 exhibition win over the Carolina Panthers. Johnson was productive with most of his touches on Thursday night and did play a few snaps with Pittsburgh's first-team offense. The bad news, however, is that he entered the contest after both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell got some run. Johnson also had a few opportunities on special teams in the first quarter, returning the opening kickoff and later a punt, both for gains of 22 yards. The rookie's role on offense isn't exactly clear heading into the regular season, but fantasy managers should not plan to deploy him as a reliable RB2 right away. Johnson is better viewed as a bench stash with the upside to become a valuable asset down the stretch.