ALLEN PARK -- Adrian Peterson’s signing with the Detroit Lions to open the week registered quite the impressive degree of varying reactions.
In fantasy football circles, though, that reaction was a collective groan, followed by something along the lines: “Here we go again.”
“Well, they’re asking me to do a lot, you know?” Peterson said of his role. “I don’t think we’ve locked in exactly, but what the obvious thing is, what I’ve done for 14 years, is run the ball well, catch the ball when I have opportunities, pick up blocks.”
Lions rookie running back D’Andre Swift was already scrubbing off his preseason hype with a string of missed practices, while Kerryon Johnson gave himself the nickname of “the knee brace guy.” Pair all of that with the addition of a 35-year-old running back expected to have a role on Day 1, and Detroit’s backfield essentially turned into a bobby-trapped temple in the eyes of fantasy owners.
Detroit has warned that Swift’s role could be diminished early due to his missed practices. The addition of Peterson certainly stays in line with that thinking, despite the two likely playing very different roles.
Swift looks destined for pass-catching downs and was eventually expected to cut into Kerryon Johnson’s touches. The rookie remains owned in more than 90% of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, with a much higher upside in PPR leagues. Patience is going to be essential for Swift because he’s going to have a role. It just might take a minute to develop past the occasional pass-catching down. The rookie missed valuable time picking up the offense during camp, and the Lions are sure to exercise some caution after the strange offseason. When he was on the field, though? It was easy to see why many were envisioning Alvin Kamara-type of use for Swift in Detroit.
Peterson’s addition to Detroit’s backfield seems more problematic for Kerryon Johnson’s fantasy outlook than Swift’s. Peterson knows Bevell’s offense, and has remained solid in short-yardage, between the tackle situations. The veteran averaged 4.2 yards per attempt in two seasons with Washington, including 898 yards and five scores on a putrid offense last year. Peterson is not a factor in the passing game, and it sure would be weird to see him take that on more in his Age 35 season.
ESPN projects Peterson for fewer fantasy points than Swift and Kerryon Johnson against the Bears this weekend. He’s rostered in 21.9% of leagues, which has been trending further down throughout the week since his release.
Peterson is worth a look because he could very well morph into Detroit’s “got to have it” option. Kerryon Johnson missed eight games last season and still led the Lions with three rushing touchdowns. Wes Hills appeared in one game in 2019 and was second on the team with two rushing scores. Even from the most bullish viewpoint, the man known as “A.D.” still adds something the closer you get to the end zone.
Last but not least is Kerryon Johnson, who is likely to draw the start at running back for the third straight season. He’s continued to sport a hefty knee brace on his right knee, and it sounds like it’s here to stay. He’s missed 14 games through his first two seasons due to knee injuries but returned last year for the final two games. The back handled double-digit carry totals each week, and, most importantly, came out unscathed. He opened last season taking a near bell-cow workload with 16, 12, 20, 26 and 13 carries in five starts before his injury, but that feels less than likely to happen again.
All three running backs are worth a roster spot, but the Lions seemed destined to take the back-by-committee approach to new levels. Swift is here to change things up and catch passes, so exercise some patience in PPR leagues if you took an early gamble on the rookie. I’d personally stay far away from starting any of the three until roles start to materialize.