Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 19th, at 1:00 PM EST
Location: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Betting Odds: HOU +3, 39.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Houston Texans
Quarterback
Davis Mills (Sit)
Pressure is on for Davis Mills the rest of the season; it’s apparently his 2022 job to lose. Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the Texans could forgo a QB in the 2022 draft should Mills perform well in the remaining four games. If there was any week to get that going, it’s here against the 2-11 Jaguars. The Texans share the same record, but could we see a little more out of Mills, knowing he could keep the starting job entering next season? In the Week 14 loss to Seattle, Mills completed 33 of 49 attempts for 331 yards and a touchdown. Even so, it needs to reminding that Mills holds no fantasy relevancy.
Running Backs
Rex Burkhead (Sit), David Johnson (Sit)
On Sunday, David Johnson was a last-minute addition to the reserve/COVID list, and missed the game. He’s since been removed off the list on Monday, but entering this game, he cannot be a trusted RB option. The same can be said for Rex Burkhead, even despite the fact that the Jaguars have given up the 10th most fantasy points to running backs on the year. This backfield was a mess entering the season, and while it’s since been trimmed down, the two remaining options are way past their heyday.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Brandin Cooks (Start, WR2), Nico Collins (Sit), Brevin Jordan (Sit)
There’s only one Texans receiver player worth starting, and it’s always been Brandin Cooks. He’s been a a target hog all season, and he should see the same volume with Mills under center. Against the Jaguars, albeit back in Week 1, Cooks caught five of seven targets for 132 yards, which was the start of his rather surprisingly productive fantasy campaign without Deshuan Watson. He’s coming off an eight reception (on 11 target), 101 yard performance against the Seahawks last week. Tight end Brevin Jordan, who has caught two touchdowns in his last three games, remains on the wire despite the recent scoring output.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence (Sit)
Just when you thought the Texans were a mess, enter in the Jaguars organization. Trevor Lawrence has been subjected to hilariously bad coaching, all thanks to Urban Meyer. It was another week without a touchdown pass for Lawrence, and he instead threw for four interceptions. It’s been an abysmal start to his NFL career, but one would hope Meyer is out and the Jags can hit the reset button for 2022. Even with the Texans on tap, Lawrence holds no fantasy value.
Running Backs
James Robinson (Start, RB2), Carlos Hyde (Sit)
I almost rather get goose-egged than see my starting RB post six carries for four rushing yards on the day. Yes, that’s what James Robinson did in the shutout loss to the Titans last week. It’s been a very middling season for Robinson, but one would hope this week against Houston offers bounce-back potential, considering they have given up the fifth most fantasy points to the position this season. Carlos Hyde himself was a non-factor against Tennessee as well, gaining two yards on just one carry all game. He can be left on the wire as he deserves to be.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Marvin Jones Jr. (Sit), Laviska Shenault Jr. (Sit), Laquon Treadwell (Sit), James O’Shaughnessy (Sit)
It’s Week 1 of the fantasy playoffs, and with the way Lawrence has played, plus the play-calling overall, no Jacksonville receiver or tight end is worth starting. It’s been reported that Marvin Jones Jr. has had locker room scuffles with Meyer and the coaching staff, Laviska Shenault Jr. has been misused all season long, and James O’Shaughnessy simply holds no fantasy value. Somehow in all of his disarray, Laquon Treadwell can be considered as the Jags top WR, but he too is best left on the wire.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)