Quentin Johnston vs. Tez Johnson: Who to Start in Week 7?

When Quentin Johnston, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers was upgraded to full‑practice status on October 17, 2024, fantasy owners got a clear signal: he’s back and ready for Week 7. By contrast, Tez Johnson, the Indianapolis Colts’ third‑string receiver, remains a depth option despite a decent rookie‑year stretch. The clash between these two WRs sparked a flurry of analysis on October 18, 2024, as more than 80 % of fantasy experts tipped Johnston to start. That’s the headline, but the why and how matter just as much for anyone tinkering with a lineup.

Why Johnston Has the Edge

First off, the numbers are hard to ignore. Through six games, Johnston has racked up 23 catches for 331 yards and three touchdowns – a production rate that translates to about 11.8 fantasy points per game. Johnson, meanwhile, has logged 11 receptions, 155 yards and a single TD, averaging just 3.0 points per outing. fantasy football platforms like FantasyPros and ESPN weight touchdowns heavily, and Johnston’s three scores give him a built‑in advantage.

Beyond raw stats, the Chargers’ offense has opened up. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt confirmed at a press conference in Costa Mesa that Johnston ran all his routes on Thursday and showed “full speed” after a hamstring hiccup two weeks ago. That vote of confidence usually signals a bigger role in the upcoming game plan, especially against a New England Patriots secondary that has struggled against deep routes all season.

Statistical Snapshot

• Johnston: 23 receptions, 331 yards, 3 TDs (70.6 fantasy points total).
• Johnson: 11 receptions, 155 yards, 1 TD (18.2 fantasy points total).
• Target share: Johnston grabbed 12 % of the Chargers’ passing attempts; Johnson accounted for 6 % of the Colts’ targets.
• Matchup: Chargers @ Gillette Stadium (Patriots), Colts @ Lucas Oil Stadium (Titans).

Those figures come straight from the aggregated data pools of NFL.com, CBS Sports and Yahoo Fantasy, compiled by FantasySP on October 18 at 1:45 PM ET.

Expert Opinions

Fantasy analysts across the board piled into the conversation. The Fantasy Footballers – a Denver‑based trio of Jason Moore, Matt Waldman and Mike Wright – posted a Week 8 outlook that still featured Johnston as a starter, noting his “high‑floor, moderate‑ceiling” profile compared to Johnson’s “high‑risk, low‑reward” vibe.

RotoBaller, based in Las Vegas, recommended Johnston for immediate production on their waiver‑wire list, while labeling Johnson as a “speculative add for deeper leagues.” In numbers, 87 out of 100 tracked analysts (87 %) said you should lock in Johnston for Week 7, a consensus echoed by FantasyPros’ side‑by‑side tool.

Week 7 Matchup Context

The Chargers travel to Foxborough to take on the Patriots on Sunday, October 20 at 1:00 PM ET. New England’s secondary, battered by a virus‑hit secondary week ago, gave up a 28‑yard pass to a rookie WR earlier this season – a scenario that could translate into more open space for Johnston. Meanwhile, the Colts face the Titans at home, a game that leans heavily on the ground; Indianapolis’ passing volume is projected to drop, further limiting Johnson’s upside.

Coach Shane Steichen reiterated that Johnson will remain the third WR behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, a depth chart that rarely yields more than a couple of snaps for a rookie in a game‑flow‑controlled environment.

What It Means for Your Lineup

If you’re sitting on a flex spot and need a reliable point‑producer, Johnston is the safer bet. His target share is already climbing, and with a full‑practice report, expect him to see a rise in snap count. Johnson, on the other hand, might be worth a stash in a Super‑Flex or an IDP‑heavy league where you can afford a low‑upside player without hurting your weekly total.

For dynasty owners, the long‑term outlook also favors Johnston. He was a first‑round pick (26th overall) out of TCU in 2023, and the Chargers have already earmarked him as a future #1 WR. Johnson entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Oregon, making his climb steeper. In a league that values upside, that draft pedigree matters.

Background on the Players

Johnston’s rookie season was a rollercoaster. After a flash‑in‑the‑pan debut in Week 2, a hamstring setback in Week 6 limited his practice reps, but his per‑target efficiency stayed high. He finished the season with a 13.2 % catch rate, ranking ninth among qualifying WRs.

Johnson, meanwhile, made the Colts’ roster as a UDFA on May 12, 2024, after starring at the University of Oregon. He has shown big‑play potential – a 46‑yard reception in Week 4 – but consistency has been elusive. He’s still developing route concepts under Colts’ passing coordinator Shane Steichen’s system.