The revenge game heard around the world.
It surprises me every week that the Texans are one of the best teams against opposing quarterbacks, allowing 13.8 points per game (ppg) good enough for the fourth-fewest around the league. However, Deshaun Watson is a very unique case. His last game was Week 17, 2020 where he had 365 yards, 3 TDs, and an interception. It’s the revenge game of all revenge games for Watson as he takes on his former team, one that he requested a trade from over a year ago. It’s nearly impossible to predict his performance, so instead here’s the list of quarterbacks I’d start over him.
- Josh Allen
- Joe Burrow
- Justin Fields
- Jared Goff
- Justin Herbert
- Jalen Hurts
- Lamar Jackson
- Trevor Lawrence
- Patrick Mahomes
- Tua Tagovailoa
If I don’t roster any of these guys and I picked up Watson, I give him a start just to see what he’s got (seeing what he’s got on the bench isn’t the same).
But you didn’t need all that to know to start Nick Chubb. He’s the RB3 of the year and he’s a big reason you made it as far as you did this season. Kareem Hunt, on the other hand, has not been as productive as he was last year. I like him as a desperation flex, thanks to his favorable matchup, but nothing past that. Hunt only has three double-digit games with his last one coming in Week 8 at home against the Bengals. His last touchdown was in Week 7 at the Ravens, he seems to get more involved against divisional rivals. D’Ernest Johnson is a deep handcuff and nothing more.
I mentioned in Week 12’s Waiver Wire podcast that I like Donovan Peoples-Jones. He’s been targeted 5+ times in six of his last eight games and has 50+ yards in seven of his last eight. His flaw is his lack of touchdowns, only 1 this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a playoff hero this year.
There’s only one David worth rostering on this offense, and it’s not David Bell (sorry David Bell). David Njoku missed practice Wednesday with a knee issue. Monitor his health closely, but if he plays for the Browns he’s in my lineup. Njoku has double-digit performances in four out of the nine games he’s played in, and that’s with only two touchdowns.
Houston Texans
Quarterbacks
Kyle Allen (Sit, Low-QB3)
The Browns are right in the middle of points given up against signal callers, allowing 17.73 ppg. It doesn’t matter where they are though, I wouldn’t start Kyle Allen under any circumstance.
Running Backs
Dameon Pierce (Start, RB2), Rex Burkhead (Sit), Eno Benjamin (Sit)
That’s two weeks in a row the Snowpiercer has come to a screeching halt. Just when you thought he couldn’t go lower, Dameon Pierce tried his best on five carries to get 4.6 points last week at Miami. Just like the previous week, he was bailed out by his receptions, this time being targeted 6 times for 3 catches and 8 yards.
You give him one more chance here against a Browns defense allowing 22.3 ppg to running backs, second lowest only behind his own Texans. If he doesn’t get his this week it’s officially panic season. The Texans’ schedule after this includes:
- @DAL – 14.36 ppg – 6th fewest
- KC – 16.18 – 14th
- @TEN – 11.82 – 3rd
- JAX – 16.36 15th
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 (Start, Low TE1), O.J. Howard (Sit)
The change at QB didn’t really affect Brandin Cooks all that much. He still got the 10ish points you’re accustomed to from him. Even with the favorable matchup against a Browns’ defense that allows 21.55 ppg to wide receivers, I’m lowering expectations. I’m beginning to start more and more players over Cooks.
Nico Collins had a season-high 6 receptions last week. I said it last week, I think he could be worth a stash in deeper leagues but I’m not ready to start him.
Jordan Akins had 5 catches last week for 61 yards and a touchdown. If you need a TE he’s worth a shot, even against a Browns defense that only allows 5.09 ppg to tight ends.
No one else is worth discussing, don’t roster any of them.
Thought on Pats DST this week over Minnesota? Could be 4-5 sacks and a couple TO’s no?
I’m sitting the Pats D against Buffalo. I would rather play Minn
got to start one if Fields can’t go – Marcus Mariota or Kenny Pickett
They are so close. I will go with Pickett. Pitts D is giving up the fewest points to quarterbacks while ATL is giving up the 10th most. Both Qbs have some rushing upside. Pickett has 265 passing attempts and Mariota has 276 yet he has played 11 games and Pickett had played 8 but really only 7, higher volume for Pickett and better matchup
You have Davante listed as a WR2 but describe him as a high-end WR1. Which one is it?
He should be a WR1. I updated the article