Houston Texans
Quarterbacks
Davis Mills (Sit, Low-QB2), Kyle Allen (Sit, Low-QB2)
Normally I’d be pushing to start any QB facing the Dolphins, they allow 24.6 points per game (ppg) against opposing signal-callers, the second-highest in the league. However, with Lovie Smith not naming a starter as of the time of writing this, I’m staying away from both Texans’ QBs this week. David Mills is coming off a 9.76-point performance, his fifth time in single digits this year. We haven’t seen any Kyle Allen yet this season, but I’m not confident he’ll light it up in his first start. With no bye weeks to worry about I don’t see any reason to start whoever ends up throwing the ball.
During his Monday press conference, Texans’ HC Lovie Smith left the door open to a QB change this week, going away from Davis Mills to Kyle Allen. “We're not pleased with where we are,” Smith said. “Do we need to do some things differently? Yes, and we will.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2022
Running Backs
Dameon Pierce (Start, RB2), Rex Burkhead (Sit), Eno Benjamin (Sit)
The Snowpiercer came to a screeching halt last week as Dameon Pierce put up a season-low 3.7 points. He had ten rushing attempts got for eight yards and was “bailed out” by his two catches for nine yards. I expect a bounceback from Pierce, even if the Texans see a change at QB Pierce is still the main focus of this offense. The Dolphins allow a middle-of-the-pack 16.4 ppg to running backs.
Rex Burkhead and Eno Benjamin are both considered nothing more than handcuffs and should not be started.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Brandin Cooks (Start, WR3), Nico Collins (Sit), Chris Moore (Sit), Phillip Dorsett (Sit), Brevin Jordan (Sit), Jordan Akins (Sit), O.J. Howard (Sit)
Brandin Cooks has had between nine and eleven points in four of his eight games and exceeded eleven points only once this season. It’s safe to say expectations are lowered from this point forward for Cooks. He’s a solid option in leagues starting three wide receivers, but otherwise, it may be time to keep Cooks on the bench. The Dolphins allow 19.8 ppg to wide receivers, but with the uncertainty around the team’s QB, I’m looking at all my options carefully before deciding on Cooks in my lineup.
Nico Collins looked solid with his five catches for 48 yards. He’s quietly had a few games in low double digits this season and could be worth a desperation stash.
No one else is worth discussing, don’t roster any of them.
It always surprises me to read that the Texans allow the third-fewest points to quarterbacks, only 12.8 ppg. Regardless, I like Tua Tagovailoa as a QB1 this week. Tua’s coming off of three straight games of 23+ points. The Dolphins have scored 30+ points in three straight. Don’t overthink it, Tua is an easy set-and-forget QB1.
I’m not saying Jeff Wilson or Raheem Mostert are of the same caliber as Ekeler or Henry, but when Khalil Herbert finishes as RB1 and Antonio Gibson finishes as RB16 I have high hopes for Miami’s duo. I have Wilson bumped higher than Mostert as he’s been the main back since being traded to Miami, but I like both as viable options this week.
You didn’t come here to see if you should start Tyreek Hill (WR2 entering Week 12) or Jaylen Waddle (WR6).