In fantasy football, the value of a wide receiver is intricately linked to the performance and style of their quarterback. This dynamic is particularly evident when comparing Marquise Brown of the Arizona Cardinals with Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially in light of Kyler Murray's return from injury and Kenny Pickett's role with the Steelers.
Marquise Brown's Fantasy Prospects Under Kyler Murray's Command
Marquise Brown's fantasy prospects are significantly shaped by Kyler Murray's dynamic and versatile play. Murray's return has reintroduced a level of unpredictability to the Cardinals' offense. A prime example was last week's game, where tight end Trey McBride exploded onto the scene with a standout performance, overshadowing Brown, who received just four targets. This variability can be attributed partly to opposing defenses like the Falcons, who may focus on shutting down a primary weapon like Marquise Brown, forcing Murray to find success through other means – be it his own mobility or other receivers. This adaptability of Murray, while beneficial for the Cardinals, injects a level of uncertainty into Marquise's week-to-week target share and fantasy performance.
Diontae Johnson's Role in the Steelers' Offense with Kenny Pickett
Contrastingly, Diontae Johnson's situation in Pittsburgh, with Kenny Pickett as quarterback, paints a different picture. Pickett, though competent, lacks the dynamic playmaking ability of Murray. He tends to take what defenses give him, which can sometimes lead to a more consistent focus on his top targets. However, this also means the Steelers' offense may lack the explosive, high-scoring potential that Marquise might experience with Murray. Pickett's more predictable style may lead to steadier targeting of Johnson, but without the high ceiling that Brown's pairing with Murray potentially offers.
Evaluating the Trade-Offs
Choosing between Brown and Johnson in fantasy football is a balance between potential high-ceiling performances and consistency. Brown, with Murray, has the potential for exceptional games but comes with the risk of inconsistency. Johnson's fantasy value, in contrast, might be steadier but with a possibly lower ceiling due to the predictable nature of the Steelers' offense under Pickett.
Adjusting Rankings After Recent Performances
Initially, I had ranked Marquise Brown slightly higher than Diontae Johnson, banking on the potential for a higher ceiling with Kyler Murray's return. However, after observing last week's game dynamics, my perspective has shifted slightly. While Marquise remains an exciting option with the ability to score big, his variability and lower floor have become more apparent. Consequently, I've adjusted Johnson slightly above Marquise due to his consistency.
What about you? Are these two as close as I have them (if you were to trade one for the other, it's basically a wash), or do you see one as having significantly more potential than the other? Reach out to me on Twitter (X.com) @Degen_Checkers and share your thoughts! Your insights and perspectives are valuable, and I'm always eager to hear your takes.