What to do with Diontae Johnson, James Washington in Week 8 fantasy football

Sunday Update: The back injury that bothered Johnson ahead of Week 7 has made way for a toe injury, but the wideout was a full participant in practice on Friday after missing Wednesday. James Conner is projected to lead Pittsburgh in fantasy points in ESPN leagues but Johnson is projected to lead all receivers with14.08 fantasy points. Washington has a clean bill of health but is only projected for 4.96 fantasy points.

The Steelers offense will have its hands full this week against the Baltimore Ravens. But with an array of weapons and a list of players who are just too good to bench, there’s still a long list of viable fantasy prospect among that unit. Here’s how to handle wide receivers Diontae Johnson and James Washington this week.

Fantasy Football analysis: Steelers WR Diontae Johnson, James Washington

After missing Week 6 with a toe injury, Johnson returned with a bang last week. He caught nine passes on an astonishing 15 targets for 80 yards and two touchdowns. There is still some concern around his toe. He missed practice on Wednesday, but returned as a full participant on Thursday.

The Ravens defense has only allowed receivers to score three times this season, but the connection between Johnson and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is just too strong to shy away from him in fantasy.

Washington played a nice game filling in for Johnson in Week 6, but last week he was only targeted once, and didn’t manage to come up with the ball. While any Steelers receiver could go off in any given week, Washington’s just too much of a risk in fantasy.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Diontae Johnson. Sit James Washington.