Duke Johnson inefficient as Texans' lead back

Houston Texans running back Duke Johnson rushed 10 times for 15 yards and caught 3 passes (5 targets) for 20 yards in a 27-20, Week 11 win over the New England Patriots.

What It Means:

Johnson handled 13-of-18 running back touches as the Texans' lead back but it didn't amount to anything. He didn't log any carries in the red zone despite the Texans making it down there four different times. Deshaun Watson rushed in a score from four yards out and had two passing touchdowns of fewer than 10 yards. Johnson has seen double-digit carries in three straight contests with David Johnson (concussion) unavailable, but he's averaging just 36.7 rushing yards in that span. Duke and the Texans should have an easier time running the ball in Week 12 when they visit the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Duke scored 5.0 FanDuel points in Week 11 and is averaging 7.9 FanDuel points over the last three games as the Texans' lead back. The Patriots are in the better half of the league in terms of FanDuel points allowed to opposing running backs but the Lions are allowing more than any other defense. On the season, Johnson is averaging fewer yards per carry (2.8) than anyone else with at least 50 attempts.