Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 10th, at 1:00 PM EST
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Betting Odds: NE -9, 40 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
New England Patriots
Quarterback
Mac Jones (Sit)
There has certainly been a ton of hype around rookie Mac Jones through the first four weeks of the season. However, the Patriots are 1-3, and Jones – while not being ‘asked’ to do too much – isn’t doing enough to insert himself as a force in each game. This tweet from Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) stood out and pretty much sums up Jones’ fantasy relevancy thus far. The matchup is there this week against Houston, but you should have much better options at QB to roll with.
Running Backs
Damien Harris (Start, RB2/FLEX), Brandon Bolden (FLEX if desperate, PPR only)
As expected, Damien Harris struggled mightily against the Buccaneers on Sunday night, totaling -4 rushing yards on four carries. He had two receptions go for 30 yards as well. Despite playing over 60% of snaps, it was a night to forget. With James White’s season over (hip), Brandon Bolden has taken over his role and caught all six of his targets for 51 yards against Tampa Bay. My take is, if you’re in an absolute desperate situation in a PPR league, Bolden could be a dart-throw, FLEX option this week. As goes for Harris, this could be a bounce-back week for him, simply because of game-script. Of the two, I’d be more comfortable starting Harris if I had to choose.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Jakobi Meyers (Start, WR3), Nelson Agholor (Sit), Kendrick Bourne (Sit), Hunter Henry (Start, TE2), Jonnu Smith (Sit)
Jakobi Meyers continues to be a target hog in this offense, racking up eight receptions on 12 targets against Tampa Bay for 70 yards. He’s failed to find the end zone yet but is a reliable option for Jones, and for your team’s WR3 slot. Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne are better off left on your bench/waiver wire. Out of the tight end room, Hunter Henry is the preferred start for me over Jonnu Smith. Both did score against the Buccaneers, and had the same target total (five), but Henry is out-snapping Smith 73.1% to 53.8% through the first four weeks.
Houston Texans
Quarterback
Davis Mills (Sit)
No need to truly dive into this one. Davis Mills has no path to fantasy relevancy anytime soon, especially coming off a shutout blowout against Buffalo last week, where he completed 11 of 21 pass attempts for 87 yards and four interceptions; also a fumble which he recovered. I don’t mean to come down hard on Mills, as he’s been thrust into this starting role with Tyrod Taylor injured, but it’s the reality of the situation.
Running Backs
Mark Ingram II (Sit), David Johnson (Sit), Phillip Lindsay (Sit)
The Texans backfield, as expected, continues to be a very uninviting option. The likes of Mark Ingram II and David Johnson are not productive whatsoever. Phillip Lindsay is essentially an afterthought; which is a shame because he’s probably the best runner of the three. Steer clear of this backfield in any league format.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Brandin Cooks (Start, WR3), Jordan Akins (Sit)
Another easy review here. Brandin Cooks is the only Texan worth rostering & starting. Week 4 against Buffalo was a downer for him (and the entire team), but he could get back on track against New England – if Mills doesn’t turn the ball over as often as he did last week. For essentially a one-man show, you could do a lot worse than Cooks, unless of course Mills continues to hinder any Cooks production with his own bad play. Tight end Jordan Akins is not a viable option.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)