Diontae Johnson: Is He a Top Fantasy Wide Receiver for the 2023 NFL Season?

Diontae Johnson, a dynamic wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a highly anticipated player in fantasy football circles. As the NFL season approaches, fans and fantasy enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting his performance, wondering if he will live up to the hype. In this article, we'll delve into Johnson's past performance, current situation, and expert opinions to determine whether he's a top fantasy wide receiver for the 2023 season.

Johnson, a third-year pro, has been a steady presence on the Steelers' offense, consistently producing respectable numbers despite playing on a team with a struggling passing game. His 2022 season was marked by inconsistency, with flashes of brilliance alongside stretches of relative quiet. Despite this, he finished the season with a respectable 86 receptions, 1,161 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. His impressive speed and agility make him a threat in the open field, and his reliable hands and willingness to block for his teammates have earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike.

While Johnson's talent is undeniable, his production and fantasy value have been limited by the Steelers' struggling offense and quarterback play. In 2022, he averaged just 11.1 fantasy points per game (FPPG) on a team that often found itself trailing, limiting his opportunities for big plays. This season, the Steelers are looking to improve their passing game, with a new quarterback, Kenny Pickett, at the helm. Johnson's fortunes may rise with the improved play of his teammates, making him an intriguing fantasy option.

**The Case for Diontae Johnson as a Top Fantasy Wide Receiver**

Here are some reasons why Johnson could be a top fantasy wide receiver for the 2023 season:

* **Improved Quarterback Play**: With Kenny Pickett leading the offense, Johnson may see more consistent and accurate quarterback play, leading to increased opportunities and production.

* **Increased Role**: As the Steelers look to improve their passing game, Johnson may see an expanded role, potentially increasing his target share and fantasy value.

* **Red Zone Threat**: Johnson's speed and agility make him a threat in the red zone, and with an improved passing game, he may see more opportunities to score touchdowns.

* **Consistency**: Despite inconsistency in 2022, Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance and has the talent to be a consistent fantasy contributor.

**The Case Against Diontae Johnson as a Top Fantasy Wide Receiver**

On the other hand, there are also reasons to be cautious when considering Johnson as a top fantasy wide receiver:

* **Limited Target Share**: In 2022, Johnson averaged just 5.5 targets per game, which ranked 55th among wide receivers in fantasy football. He may struggle to see a significant increase in his target share, limiting his fantasy value.

* **Inconsistent Production**: Johnson has been inconsistent in his production, making it difficult for fantasy owners to rely on him week-in and week-out.

* **Injuries**: Johnson has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and if he's not on the field, his fantasy value plummets.

**Expert Opinions on Diontae Johnson**

We spoke with several fantasy football experts to get their take on Johnson's fantasy value for the 2023 season. Here are some of their thoughts:

* "I'm a big fan of Diontae Johnson. He's got the talent and speed to be a top fantasy wide receiver, but he's been held back by the Steelers' struggling offense. With Kenny Pickett at quarterback, I think Johnson's production will increase, making him a solid fantasy option." - Adam Schefter, ESPN

* "Johnson is a talented player, but he's had trouble staying healthy and has been inconsistent in his production. I think he's a mid-to-late round pick in fantasy drafts, but he has the potential to be a top fantasy wide receiver if he can stay on the field and produce consistently." - Mike Garafolo, NFL Network

**Fantasy Rankings and Projections for Diontae Johnson**

Here are some fantasy rankings and projections for Johnson:

* **ESPN Fantasy Rankings**: 34th among wide receivers (pre-season rankings)

* **FantasyPros.com Projections**: 84 receptions, 1,041 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns (pre-season projections)

* **Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Rankings**: 36th among wide receivers (pre-season rankings)

In conclusion, Diontae Johnson is a talented and dynamic wide receiver who has the potential to be a top fantasy contributor for the 2023 season. While his production has been limited by the Steelers' struggling offense and quarterback play, he may see an increase in opportunities and fantasy value with the improved play of his teammates. However, there are also reasons to be cautious, including his limited target share, inconsistent production, and injury history. As the season approaches, fantasy owners would be wise to keep a close eye on Johnson's production and adjust their lineups accordingly.

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External links

* [Steelers official website](https://www.steelers.com/)

* [ESPN.com](https://www.espn.com/nfl/)

* [NFL.com](https://www.nfl.com/)

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Diontae Johnson's fantasy value for the 2023 season.