Duke Johnson

Week 4 vs. Minnesota Vikings
After missing the past couple contests with an ankle injury, Duke Johnson may return on Sunday. Even if he’s healthy enough to play he doesn’t make for a good fantasy start as David Johnson likely will continue to see the bulk of the backfield touches.

Week 2 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Before leaving the Thursday night opener with a leg injury, Duke Johnson backed up David Johnson, receiving five carries for 14 yards. David Johnson will continue to be the featured back for Houston, with most of Duke Johnson’s productivity coming in the passing game. He should only be started if you’re already desperate early on in the fantasy season.

Fantasy Upside
Lamar Miller and Carlos Hyde are gone, but the news still isn't great for Duke Johnson due to the arrival of another Johnson. That would be David Johnson. So Duke's path to workload isn't clear assuming David remains healthy. In fact, Duke Johnson will take a back seat to the other Johnson, who arrives as the de facto starter after being acquired in the deal sending DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. Still, we have something to hang your hat on if you need a late-round pick at the position: According to Pro Football Focus, Duke Johnson ranked third in the NFL in terms of PPR points per touch last season, collecting three receiving touchdowns and two rushing scores in his first season with the Texans. This is noteworthy in that he finished in a tie with Christian McCaffrey by posting 1.2 PPR points per touch last year.

Fantasy Downside
Again, David Johnson's presence means Duke has a significant impediment to playing time above him on the depth chart.

2020 Bottom Line
As USA Today suggested, after catching 44 passes for 410 yards in 2019, Johnson would make for a decent waiver wire pickup capable of filling in when the starters could be on a bye week.