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The Kansas City Chiefs are set to build their new-look running game around Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III, but rookie tailback Emmett Johnson is expected to fight for valuable snaps as a gritty second option behind the former Seattle Seahawks standout.
While this relegation to a secondary role may tank Johnson's utility in some fantasy football scenarios, the former Nebraska Cornhuskers star shouldn't be overlooked by managers in leagues that demand maximum depth throughout the season.
Take a look at how ESPN's fantasy football experts expect Johnson to perform in 2026:
Emmett Johnson 2025 stats
Though Johnson's NCAA production won't factor into his fantasy football projection at the NFL level, it is worth mentioning that he managed to take 251 carries for 1451 yards and 12 touchdowns during his stellar junior season at Nebraska. He also caught 46 passes for 370 yards and three receiving touchdowns en route to All-American honors last year.
Emmett Johnson 2026 fantasy football projection
According to ESPN's fantasy football experts, Johnson is projected to take 49 carries for 205 yards and two touchdowns next season. He is also expected to catch eight passes for 59 yards, though ESPN does not project that he will score a receiving touchdown. In total, these numbers would accrue 46.32 fantasy points.
Emmett Johnson fantasy analysis
Johnson won't be a top target for fantasy managers who need consistent production starting from Week 1, but if injuries affect Kansas City's backfield next season, those who bought in early on the former Cornhusker could be rewarded in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Emmett Johnson: 2026 fantasy football projection for Chiefs RB
