High stakes event: He eventually did! “Jared Goff Becomes a High-Risk Fantasy QB Following Ben Johnson’s Departure, Sparking Concerns Over 2025 Production”…
Jared Goff is facing a pivotal season in 2025, and fantasy football managers are taking note. After two strong years with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson calling the shots for the Detroit Lions, Goff will now have to adjust to a new play-caller.
As a result, he’s become an obvious name on “fantasy bust” and “high-risk” lists heading into draft season.
Ben Johnson’s Impact on Goff
Ben Johnson transformed the Lions’ offense, helping Goff play some of the best football of his career. Under Johnson, Goff threw for over 4,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, cut down on turnovers, and led the Lions to deep playoff runs.
Johnson’s creative play-calling, particularly with play-action and pre-snap motion, maximized Goff’s strengths as a rhythm passer. Now, with Johnson departing for a head coaching job, Goff will have to prove he can thrive without him.
Why Fantasy Owners Are Concerned
The biggest issue for Goff is the unknown. The Lions promoted quarterbacks coach Tanner Engstrand to offensive coordinator, and while he has experience with Detroit’s system, there’s no guarantee he can replicate Johnson’s success.
A drop-off in offensive efficiency could hurt Goff’s fantasy production, making him a risky pick for managers who expected another top-10 finish among quarterbacks.
Additionally, Goff has never been a mobile quarterback. He relies heavily on structure and scheme, which Johnson provided at an elite level.
Without Johnson’s play-calling, there’s a real chance Goff’s numbers regress, especially in touchdown production.
How Much Will Goff’s Fantasy Value Drop?
While Goff still has weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, fantasy managers should expect some volatility.
He may still be a viable QB2 in superflex leagues, but in single-quarterback formats, he’s no longer a lock as a weekly starter.
Fantasy drafters should approach Goff with caution. Without Ben Johnson, his floor is lower, and his ceiling might not be as high as it was in 2023 and 2024. If you draft him, make sure to have a solid backup plan in place.