Texans @ Colts
Houston Texans (4–9) at Indianapolis Colts (9–4)
Deshaun Watson and the Texans head to Indy to take on Rivers and the Colts for the final time this year. These two teams are coming off very opposite performances from Sunday — the Colts having a dominating win over the Raiders and the Texans nearly getting shutout completely by the Bears. The Colts should be taking this game seriously as they are not yet locked in for the division title or a playoff berth.
Fantasy Impact
Starting with the Texans, it’s Watson and that’s about it. This running game hasn’t been reliable all season long and the passing game is seriously struggling without Will Fuller. These receivers just aren’t able to do much in tougher matchups. However, Watson has the cheat code with his rushing ability and has been solid even in tough matchups. I know the lack of supporting cast and the rough match-up are scary, but ask yourself this: What is going to feel worse? Playing the stud and he doesn’t do as well so you fall behind, or, benching the superstar player and watching him go off on your bench? He’s someone you drafted early and should be used. Other than him though, I really wouldn’t bet my playoffs on any of these guys.
The Colts side of the ball is actually interesting for what feels like the first time all year. It’s a small sample size (only two weeks) but we now have two weeks in a row of both Jonathan Taylor and T.Y. Hilton being the clear go to options in the rushing and passing game. Not only has the volume been centered on them, but, they’ve been productive and look really good. Hilton looks like the locked and loaded wide receiver two he’s been the majority of his career and Taylor looks to be the fast, strong machine the scouting community promised he was all summer. This is a small sample size, but it’s now a trend in what’s a pretty short season for this sport. I feel confident starting both of these guys in my playoffs this week. I am still shying away from everyone else as right now the volume and/or efficiency just isn’t there. This is still a slow paced offense that prefers to grind opponents down so I doubt it can support much more than that for fantasy.
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