From the Things You Thought You Would Never Hear Department: Landing with the Bengals really will help this guy out.
In this case, “this guy” is running back Larry Johnson. The backup, turned pariah, turned All-Pro, turned pariah, turned washed-up has-been, turned pariah landed in Cincinnati following his release by the Chiefs last week.
We understand L.J. seems to have lost a step. But we never thought Bengals starting running back Cedric Benson even had that step to lose, and look what he’s done this season in stripes.
PHOTOS: FANTASY TRACKER GALLERY
Johnson’s chances of being productive in a potent Bengals offense is leaps and bounds above the eight-man fronts and terrible offensive line play he was dealing with in Kansas City. That is, if he gets the ball. He is scheduled to be Benson’s backup. If Johnson assumes the duties of prior No. 2 Bernard Scott, then L.J. can expect about 3-6 carries a game. We wouldn’t be surprised if that number increased to 8-10, but still not enough to warrant a fantasy start. Look at what Willis McGahee is doing behind Ray Rice in Baltimore, and that is slightly more than we expect from L.J. the rest of the year.
Monitor Benson’s hip injury, but reports indicate he likely will sit out Sunday, so L.J. is a decent play vs. the Raiders, if you’re desperate. Stick with that plan the rest of the way: Only start Johnson if Benson is definitely out, and the Bengals face a weak run defense.
BIG WEEKS
Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons
With injuries to starter Michael Turner and backup Jerious Norwood, Snelling could get the bulk of work. Ample opportunities outweighsa tough matchup vs. Giants.
Kevin Smith, RB, Lions
Browns defense played admirably in Monday night’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens. No way they do it two straight games, especially on a short week.
Chris Chambers, WR, Chiefs
WR Dwayne Bowe is suspended, and no one runs on the Steelers. Someone has to gain a few yards for the Chiefs.
Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns
We’re not sure why you would start anyone from the Browns, but if your miserable season has deteriorated to that state, Massaquoi should post modest numbers this week.
Donnie Avery, WR, Rams
Not even the leading receiver on his team (that’s Steven Jackson), but the Rams will have to air it out to try to keep up with the Cardinals and QB Kurt Warner.
SMALL WEAKS
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
The Packers have the league’s fourth-best rush defense. They have allowed just three touchdowns on the ground this season.
Ryan Grant, RB, Packers
The Niners are even stingier, ranking third vs. the run.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
With Julius Jones out, Forsett could get the start. Normally, we wouldn’t be shy about plugging in a high-ceiling prospect. But against a stiff Vikings run defense, we have our doubts Forsett can post big numbers.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars
The Bills are surprisingly tough vs. the pass, with 16 interceptions on the season. Jaguars can just hand to Maurice Jones-Drew all day.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals
We may not be able to pronounce Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha’s name, but we can pronounce him one of the best shutdown corners in the league.
dloftis@nypost.com