Making the Correct Decision (Holt or Ch. Johnson)

August 13th, 2007 | by aaron |

Here is another difficult situation that you will find yourself in during this seasons fantasy draft. Who is the better player in the better situation between Chad Johnson and Torry Holt?

Chad Johnson plays on a high powered offense with an all-pro quarterback and multiple options, while Torry Holt consistently posts 1300 yards and eight touchdowns per season and remains the main focal point in the Rams passing game. When you consider that both players have almost identical averages since they have become starters in the NFL, you have to take into account some minor differences that will help you determine which player is the better option.

Here’s what concerns me about Torry Holt; he plays alongside a great runner in Steven Jackson who has promised to go off for 2500 yards this season. Holt had a career low since his rookie season with 1188 yards and only two catches over 40 yards last season. The Rams no longer have multiple threats at both receiver positions which means Holt can and will see plenty of double teams.

Here’s what concerns me about Chad Johnson; he plays in an offense that boasts multiple options, he has only one season of double digit touchdowns since entering the league, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh played in two fewer games last season and managed to lead the Bengals in catches. We all know that Chad is a good receiver, but is his greatness “all show, no go”?

If you take into account that each receivers potential weaknesses can become their greatest strengths you can see the dilemma and why it’s a crap shoot when you’re facing the clock trying to decide which player to choose. Now, if you take into account that Chad Johnson plays in a division featuring Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and an emerging (huge rivalry) Cleveland Browns defense, you have to consider Holt the better option. On the other hand, St. Louis plays in a division where defense is non-existent and their running game has the potential of controlling the ball.

With those factors in mind I think it is clear that Holt is the best option in the better situation.

You make the call!