What to do with David Johnson, Duke Johnson Jr. in Week 13 fantasy football

Game day update: The Texans’ offense is getting back a major piece this week with David Johnson being activated off of IR. Johnson has missed the last few games because of a concussion. His backup, Duke Johnson, filled in for him, but was more effective as a receiver out of the backfield than running the ball. This week, the Texans are going up against a Colts’ defense, which has allowed 16.7 fantasy points to opposing running backs and two 20-point efforts in their last three games. ESPN projects David Johnson to score 10.5 and Duke Johnson to score 4.7 fantasy points.

The Houston Texans activated running back David Johnson from the injured reserve list this week. He has been dealing with a concussion that’s kept him out of action since Week 9. Healthy and ready to go, he should resume his lead role in Houston’s backfield, while Duke Johnson slides into a secondary role this week against the Colts.

Fantasy Football analysis: Texans RBs David Johnson, Duke Johnson Jr.

Duke Johnson was mostly underwhelming taking over the lead back job for the last three games. Last week in a Thanksgiving game against the Lions, he had just nine carries for 37 yards. He did catch three passes out of the backfield for 43 yards and a touchdown, his only score since Week 9.

With David Johnson back in the mix, Duke’s role won’t be large enough to give him much fantasy relevance. Before his injury, he was averaging four yards per carry and had a total of four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving).

The Colts have given up five rushing touchdowns in their last four games, including three to Derrick Henry who also had two games with more than 100 yards on the ground during that same span. Running backs have also scored two rushing touchdowns against the Colts in their last three games.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start David Johnson as a RB2. Sit Duke Johnson.