 Johnson set career highs in rushing (1,077 yards), receptions (46), receiving yards (320) and touchdowns (16), leading the team to a with home field advantage for the 

In the postseason, Johnson helped the team record their first ever playoff win by rushing for 45 yards, catching 3 passes for 23 yards, and scoring a touchdown in the Bengals' divisional victory over the Buffalo Bills.In the AFC title game (known in NFL lore as the Freezer Bowl), Johnson rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown, while also catching a 14-yard reception as the team defeated the high-scoring San Diego Chargers to earn their first Super Bowl appearance.Cincinnati lost Super Bowl XVI at the Pontiac Silverdome to the San Francisco 49ers, who limited Johnson to just 36 rushing yards and 8 receiving yards.