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Fantasy impact: L.J. lands in Cincy

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John Juhasz

John is an Editor for the FOXSports.com Fantasy group.MORE>>
 
Updated Nov 17, 2009 8:03 PM ET
     
 
When I reviewed Larry Johnson's release last week, I said I wasn't all that excited about L.J.'s fantasy prospects for the rest of this season. Why? Because winning teams typically don't feel the need to sign a castoff from a losing team who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons much more often than not. Makes sense, right? Why tinker with success by adding a potential ticking timebomb into the mix? When I said that, I obviously didn't envision Cedric Benson going down with an injury. However, even though the Bengals agreeing to terms with L.J. presents a unique opportunity since they no longer carry the "crappy team" label, my stance on L.J. doesn't change. I wouldn't get terribly excited about picking him up unless Cincy's backfield suffers multiple long-term injuries. Benson left the game early in Pittsburgh after suffering a hip flexor, but some reports indicate he'll be ready to play as soon as this Sunday (at Oakland). Benson's owners are certainly hoping to see him this week since the Raiders run defense just got through giving up a career day to an inexperienced running back on a team which was one of the worst rushing offenses in the league. So, what you need to ask yourself is whether the Bengals run blocking is this good, or whether Benson is the one making things happen for them. That's debatable, but Jamaal Charles' 103-yard, one-TD effort in Oakland is pretty damning evidence against L.J. It really makes you wonder why a running back who is as talented as he is couldn't have at least delivered one performance like that before the Chiefs waived him, but he never really came close. In seven games with the Chiefs this year, Johnson had 434 total yards, no touchdowns and a lousy 2.7-yard-per-carry average. And that's why I think he's still someone who shouldn't really be claimed if Benson's injuries are minor. If you're extremely desperate at the RB position, I'll listen to arguments about claiming L.J. in the interim. But you shouldn't be prepared to replace one of your top RB staples on your roster with him. The Bengals aren't about to revamp their offense and employ a two-headed attack, so let someone else in your league claim him and waste the roster spot.

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