MIAMI -- Larry Johnson has lofty goals this year. He's determined to return as an elite running back. He wants to show that his best days are still in front of him.

Mostly, Johnson just wants to make it through a full season after what happened last year. He doesn't want to go through that experience again when he missed eight games with a broken foot.

Anything close to his 2006 numbers would be great for Larry Johnson and his owners. (US Presswire)

"It was frustrating," Johnson said after playing the Dolphins in the third preseason game. "I like playing football so much. It hurts to be sitting out that many games and not being able to help the team. This year, I'm all for that."

Fantasy owners aren't sure what to expect with Johnson in 2008. He has looked good in training camp and the preseason. He's running hard and shows no sign of any setbacks from the injury. But health concerns aren't the only problem for Johnson.

His offensive line, once a strength for Kansas City when Johnson and Priest Holmes before him were so dominant, is beat up. And quarterback Brodie Croyle has looked lost as the starter. It's left Johnson with little room to run and defenses loading up to stop him. Coach Herm Edwards has also said he doesn't want to run Johnson into the ground and will use backups Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles often during games.

Johnson, however, doesn't seem deterred from his own expectations. He said his goal is "getting back to 1,500 or 1,600 yards and 20-plus touchdowns" this year.

That would be tremendous if it happens, and Fantasy owners would make Johnson a Top 5 pick if that was a guarantee. But it's not likely to come true.

Instead, count on Johnson as a No. 1 Fantasy running back worth a pick at the end of Round 1 or beginning of Round 2. He should rush for about 1,200 yards with at least 10 touchdowns, which would be solid stats for him based on all of the circumstances in front of him.

But Johnson said doubt him if you want because he's going to surprise everyone in his comeback.

"The only thing that will be telling is playing in games," Johnson said. "I feel good. I've been out there, getting hit and bouncing back and keep running. I feel great so far."

Added Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez: "Larry has looked good. The holes are going to be there for Larry. He's rejuvenated coming off the injury."

New Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey plans to use Johnson as often as possible. Gailey said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he likes "big, strong backs" like Johnson.

Gailey said Johnson will get plenty of touches on first and second down, and Johnson should still get at least 20 carries a game even with Smith and Charles sharing the load. That's just fine with Johnson.

"I want the ball," Johnson said. "You want to be the guy who makes the difference between winning and losing. Hopefully this season I get the ball a lot."

That's what Fantasy owners want to hear. And if it happens as Johnson hopes, he could be carrying the ball for plenty of yards and a lot of touchdowns.

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