8 NFL FanDuel Studs to Target in Week 1

David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

FanDuel Price: $8,800
Projected Points: 16.50

As a rookie, David Johnson had to wait his turn behind Chris Johnson as the Arizona Cardinals eased him into the starting role. But once he took over that starting role late in the season, David Johnson left no doubt as to whether deserved to be the starter. He averaged 19.16 fantasy points per game over the final five games of the season, and his 40.90 fantasy points in Week 15 were the highest of any running back in any game all season.

Among all running backs with 100 or more carries in 2015, Johnson posted a 0.15 Rushing NEP per carry that was the best in the NFL and almost double that of Thomas Rawls’ 0.08, who finished second place.

His performance prompted Arizona’s coaches to entrust him with 85.42% of the team’s carries over their last three games, two of which were in the playoffs. He was also relied upon heavily in the passing game during that same span -- he averaged 48.3 receiving yards on 6 receptions per game and saw 25% of the Cardinals’ red zone targets.

This week, Arizona’s 26.5 point implied total is the third-highest of any team. They are favored by six points, which is also the third-highest of any team and suggests they should rely on Johnson to close out the game on the ground.

After beginning last season third on the depth chart at running back, Johnson begins this year as our highest projected fantasy player at his position