Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Network: FOX
New York Giants
Quarterback
JJ McCarthy: SIT
Just as I was set to write up this game, the Giants announced that JJ McCarthy would start Week 7 for New York. It’s not surprising, as he came ever so close to leading an improbable comeback against the Saints. While McCarthy deserves credit for putting up nearly 250 passing yards in about 11 minutes, he still didn’t look great overall. Similar to my criticisms of Jameis Winston, McCarthy more often than not was off target and bailed out by the talent of Isaiah Likely and Malik Nabers making the play. McCarthy had a couple of impressive throws for sure; the touchdown pass to Likely and another deep left to Nabers were high enough that both had to jump to make the catch, but had the ball been placed anywhere else, it would have been picked off or incomplete. I’m still in the “wait and see” approach with McCarthy. He can put up startable fantasy numbers similar to what we’ve seen from Winston over the past few weeks. But I want to see how he does over a full game in a neutral situation, not entering when the Giants are down big with less than a quarter to go.
Running Back
Cam Skattebo: FLEX, RB4
Tyrone Tracy Jr: FLEX, RB4
Devin Singletary: SIT
With the recent release of Najee Harris, the Giants backfield is down to three. But unfortunately, the depth chart is as clear as mud. Cam Skattebo went from over 60% of the carries and getting the rock in key moments to failing to record a touch. I tend to lean towards the idea that it was more of a message being sent to Skatt than a full-blown benching long term, but this week will tell a lot. Tyrone Tracy scored twice, taking a soft toss of a throw from Winston to the house and later in the game rushing one in. It’s a terrible matchup for the Giants backfield, with the Texans holding opponents to 83 rushing yards per game (third-fewest). If we had all 32 teams playing this week, there’s a solid chance I’d have both Skatt and Tracy as sits. But due to byes, they both bump up a tier. Devin Singletary had five total touches and could take on a few more with the release of Harris, but still isn’t on the fantasy radar.
Wide Receiver
Malik Nabers: START, WR1
Malachi Fields: SIT
Darnell Mooney: SIT
As I wrote in my “What We Saw” writeup for the Saints/Giants game, it’s time we officially bestow the honored title of “Quarterback proof” to one Mr. Malik Nabers. Over the strong side of 150 receiving yards with Winston and McCarthy as your quarterback(s), and catching 12 of 15 with their sub-par accuracy puts Nabers in virtually every week start territory. There’s been no official word on Darnell Mooney‘s status for Week 7 after leaving Week 6 with a neck injury, but the elevation of Jason Brownlee from the practice squad isn’t a positive sign for his availability. Regardless, the only Giants wide receiver you’re starting against the Texans is Nabers.
Tight End
Isaiah Likely: START, TE1
Similar to Nabers, Isaiah Likely still ate after the switch to McCarthy in the fourth quarter. Likely currently sits as the TE1 on the season, and it’s not just because of his five touchdowns. He’s averaging 10 targets per game, and his 28.6% target share ranks #1 at the position. The Texans have allowed just one tight end into the end zone, so it’s likely he’ll have a tough time coming down with a score. But Likely is a must-start tight end in any matchup as long as his involvement continues.
Defense/Special Teams
New York Giants: SIT
The Giants’ 29.1% pressure rate ranks 30th, and Houston averages less than a giveaway per game.
Houston Texans
Quarterback
C.J. Stroud: START, QB1
Don’t look now, but C.J. Stroud is QB14 on the season and pushing for the top 12. Stroud is averaging over 300 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in his last three games, and faces a Giants defense that allows the seventh most points to the position despite holding opponents to the fifth fewest passing yards per game. How is that possible? Giving up 12 passing touchdowns (sixth-most) and 3 rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks (the most) will do it. Stroud is already pushing weekly starter status in all formats, but he could push for the top five this week in a delectable matchup.
Running Back
Woody Marks: START, RB2
David Montgomery: SIT (Likely Out)
Jawhar Jordan: IR
Dare Ogunbowale: SIT
There was no official word at the time of writing, but it’s expected that David Montgomery will miss Week 7 due to his groin injury. Houston has a Week 8 bye, and it would give Monty the best chance at getting healthy before giving it another go as the (assumed) lead back. Woody Marks has filled in admirably, but his 8.9 points per game ranks 34th at the position, and 1.6 yards after contact per attempt ranks 50th. Woof. Jawhar Jordan got into the end zone and averaged over seven yards per carry in Week 6, but was placed on the practice squad IR and will miss at least the next four games. Dare Ogunbowale should serve as the backup running back to Marks, but offers as much fantasy value as an Egg McMuffin.
Wide Receiver
Nico Collins: START, WR1
Jaylin Noel: FLEX, WR4
Marvin Harrison Jr: FLEX, WR4
Nico Collins currently sits as the WR8 on the season on a points-per-game basis, and with Stroud playing as well as he is, he should be started in all formats regardless of matchup. Jaylin Noel had his first 100-yard and 20-point fantasy game of the season in Week 6 against Jacksonville despite Stroud’s college BFF Marvin Harrison Jr. joining the team. Noel could be in a position to keep producing despite minimal targets, as the sophomore receiver ranks top five in yards per reception, yards after the catch per reception, and first in yards per target. Marv can be started as a FLEX simply due to the obvious chemistry he and Stroud picked right back up from their college days. In just 12 snaps in his debut with the Texans, MHJ was targeted four times. I expect we’ll see his fantasy output trend upward as he becomes more integrated into this offense.
Tight End
Dalton Schultz: SIT
Dalton Schultz is still looking for his first touchdown. If a guy in tHe gLoB doesn’t score any touchdowns, does he get his membership revoked? Is there a process for this type of thing?
Defense/Special Teams
Houston Texans: START
