Kenyan Drake firmly supplants David Johnson in Week 11

If there was any question as to Kenyan Drake’s role in the Arizona Cardinals backfield, Week 11 offered a firm answer. David Johnson was active for the game, but did not touch the ball a single time. Meanwhile, Drake rushed 16 times for 67 yards and caught six passes (on seven targets) for 13 yards. He finished the game with 14 DraftKings Fantasy Points in the game.

The Cardinals acquired Drake just before the NFL trade deadline in late October after Chase Edmonds injured his hamstring and Johnson was sidelined with an ankle injury. Drake started on Thursday Night Football, three days after being acquired, and had 162 total yards and one touchdown. He led the team in touches the following week, with Johnson rushing five times and catching a pass.

This week however, Johnson was there but not there. Johnson struggled last week and seemed to be less than 100 percent. It’s possible he can regain some of the work once fully healthy, but with Edmonds also working his way back, Drake might have done enough to claim the starting job for the rest of the season. Considering Drake is a free agent after this season, it makes sense for the Cardinals to see what he can do.

The Cardinals host the Rams in Week 12. LA has given up the 11th fewest fantasy points to running backs entering their Week 11 contest against the Bears. It’s a notable ranking, but Drake has impressed in his brief time with the Cardinals. He’s averaging 5.8 yards per carry and is a prolific weapon in the short passing game. He’s a solid standard fantasy option, and a really good PPR option.