Who Should I Start? DJ Giddens or Emmett Johnson
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | 10.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 3.1 | 0.0 |
DJ Giddens News
Wednesday, July 22, 6:47 AM
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens rarely saw the field as a fifth-round rookie in 2025, and when he did, his 26 total carries amounted to only 96 rushing yards. The lack of moves made at the position this offseason indicates that the Colts still believe in his abilities, and he should be given every opportunity to serve as Jonathan Taylor's primary backup in his second season. When the team opens training camp with its first practice on July 29, Giddens will be competing with 2025 seventh-round pick Seth McGowan for a role that carries significant insurance upside for fantasy. Taylor touched the ball 369 times a season ago, and head coach Shane Steichen has spoken this offseason about the importance of taking some of that work off his plate, though the clear talent discrepancy between him and the other backs on the roster makes that an easier conversation to have in theory than in practice. Still, the battle between Giddens and McGowan will be one to watch, as it could dictate how FAAB or waiver priorities are spent down the road should Taylor miss any time in season.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | 10.3 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 0.0 |
Emmett Johnson News
Tuesday, July 7, 5:50 AM
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while Super Bowl MVP and free agent acquisition Kenneth Walker III is the obvious headliner in a completely revamped running back room, the rookie should not be discounted as a potential year-one contributor. Johnson was one of the most productive collegiate runners in the country in 2025, and his work as a pass-catcher could see him step into an early role if he's able to overtake the team's lone returning back from a season ago, 2025 seventh-round pick Brashard Smith. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II has seen his scramble rate increase in recent years, but after a season-ending ACL tear in 2025, he may become more reliant on checkdowns to his running backs as he continues to regain trust in his surgically repaired left knee. And with Walker's own checkered injury history, Johnson takes on added value as a potential insurance back in an offense looking to rebound from a number of uncharacteristically lean years. Johnson is at the very least a name to remember at the end of deeper 2026 drafts, and as RotoBaller's dynasty RB47, he could be viewed as an undervalued asset worth targeting as part of a larger trade.
DJ Giddens vs. Emmett Johnson
Still trying to decide between Giddens and Johnson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that DJ Giddens is projected to score 2.3 points this week while Emmett Johnson is projected to score 2.3 points.
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