Ty Johnson vs Zonovan Knight: Who Should You Start?
Ty Johnson and Zonovan Knight are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Ty Johnson averaged 5.2 PPG across 17 games with the Buffalo Bills, while Zonovan Knight posted 6.8 PPG in 12 appearances for the Arizona Cardinals.
A 1.6-PPG gap gives Zonovan Knight the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Ty Johnson ran for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns; Zonovan Knight posted 269 and 4. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Ty Johnson is off Week 12 and Zonovan Knight Week 11. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
