Texans RB Dameon Pierce has improved his pass protection ability this offseason, according to RBs coach Danny Barrett. "He can now see the big picture and can identify things quicker to get to his pickups," Barrett said. "That's going to help us out tremendously. When he is in the game, teams think we are going to just run the football. But his ability to pass protect, he understands what is needed in our passing game from him." QB C.J. Stroud has also been impressed by Pierce's pass pro skills, Sports Illustrated's Coty M. Davis writes. As a rookie last year, Pierce ranked 73rd among 81 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking grades, allowing a pressure on 21.3% of opportunities. That was part of the reason he averaged a just-ok 3.0 targets and 2.3 catches per game. It sounds like Pierce is a candidate to take on a bigger role in the passing game this year, although he'll need to fend off free-agent addition Devin Singletary. We'll be keeping a close eye on Houston's backfield all summer.

Texans WR John Metchie is missing OTAs with a strained hamstring, HC Demeco Ryans said. Metchie is on the "right path" and should be ready for training camp, Ryans added. Still, the missed reps aren't ideal after Metchie missed his entire rookie season with leukemia. We'll see when he's able to get back on the field.

Texans WR John Metchie was a full participant in Phase 1 of OTAs, GM Nick Caserio said. Metchie is working his way back from last year's acute promyelocytic leukemia diagnosis and seems to be on track to play this season. The 2022 second-rounder is certainly capable of carving out a significant role in Houston if healthy. He'll battle for snaps with WRs Nico Collins, Robert Woods, Noah Brown, Amari Rodgers, and rookies Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson.

The Texans selected Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson in Round 6 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hutchinson opened his college career at Blinn (JUCO) before transferring to Iowa State. He led the Cyclones in receiving yards each of the past 3 seasons, capped by a 107-catch, 1,171-yard 2022 campaign. Hutchinson drew 34.1% of his team’s targets last year, accounting for 37.3% of the receiving yards and 31.6% of the TDs. He has decent size at 6’2, 203 pounds but tested as an average athlete at the Combine. Hutchinson projects as a short-range target at the next level and will likely need big volume to be a real fantasy asset. He joins a relatively wide-open WR corps in Houston alongside Nico Collins, Robert Woods, Noah Brown, Amari Rodgers, and fellow rookie Tank Dell.

The Texans selected Houston WR Tank Dell in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Dell is a fun watch: lightning-quick with explosive burst and plenty of long speed. He put up massive numbers the past 2 seasons: 1,329 yards and 12 TDs in 2021 and 1,398 yards and 17 TDs this past year. The problem? He’s 5’8 and 165 pounds. DeVonta Smith is the only sub-170-pound WR to reach 700 receiving yards since 2000. Dell can certainly be a useful weapon for the Texans. But we doubt he’ll handle enough volume to be a reliable fantasy option. Don't bet on 2023 fantasy football value either. Houston has Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and 2022 second-round pick John Metchie at the position. That's not a terrific group, which means Dell could compete for a role. But it's enough that the Texans don't need to push him.

The Texans selected Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with the second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud racked up huge numbers as a two-year starter at Ohio State: 8,123 yards (9.8 YPA), 85 TDs, and only 12 INTs. Playing alongside elite talents like Garret Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jaxon-Smith-Njigba certainly helped. Stroud still showed NFL ability, proving accurate in all areas of the field. But can he adjust to muddier pockets in the pros? And can he use his legs more often? Those answers will be vital in determining his dynasty fantasy value. For year one, though, Stroud’s unlikely to be more than a deep league spot starter. Houston’s currently rolling out Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and John Metchie at WR.

The Texans and RB Devin Singletary have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to a reported $3.75 million. The former Bill will immediately walk into a backfield previously devoid of depth behind the incumbent RB Dameon Pierce. From a fantasy perspective, the biggest fallout here is how Singletary's mere presence alone cuts into Pierce's value. In fairness, the Texans adding depth RBs behind Pierce was almost inevitable. This issue was a glaring team need that the Texans had to address this off-season. Even so, Singletary has exceeded 200+ touches in each of the last two seasons and logged three-consecutive years of 50+ targets as a pass-catcher. He's not elite, though he isn't some nobody name either. This spells bad news for Pierce, a player who finished 2022 as the RB27 in PPR scoring on the heels of 250 touches through 13 games prior to a season-ending ankle injury. Simply put, Pierce's effectiveness as a fantasy asset was heavily tied to his high volume, and now, that's not looking likely to work in his favor in 2023. Assuming the Texans don't add anyone else into the fold, a potential backfield split on a lower-tier NFL offense likely means both Pierce and Singletary will cannibalize each other into RB3/flex range at best. That said, it's still too early, and unfair, to believe this will be a 50-50 split. Keep an eye on the NFL Draft next month in case the Texans make this busy RB room even busier.

The Texans have agreed to a one-year deal with TE Dalton Schultz worth "up to $9 million," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It has to be a disappointing contract for a guy Dallas franchise-tagged just last offseason. But it sounds like about the same contract Mike Gesicki is getting from the Patriots. Schultz opened his career with two quiet seasons (13 total catches) in Dallas, before breaking out in 2020. He then averaged 4.1 receptions and 41.7 yards per game over the past three years. Bet on the Houston offense being worse than the Cowboys unit Schultz is leaving. But Houston's top three pass-catchers currently look like WR Robert Woods, WR Nico Collins, and WR John Metchie. So there's target-share opportunity. Of course, we'll also see who the new starting QB will be. The Texans figure to select that guy early in the NFL Draft. We're not excited about Schultz at his current TE12 best ball ADP. He could become more interesting, though, if he drops significantly below that.

The Texans have signed WR Robert Woods to a two-year deal. The pact includes $10 million guaranteed and could be worth as much as $17 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This signing ahead of NFL free agency opening signals that Houston either wants Woods to replace WR Brandon Cooks once he’s traded or that it prefers Woods to Nico Collins as the No. 2 receiver. Woods has been going near the end of best ball drafts, so signing anywhere helps his outlook. We’ll see what the Texans do at QB and whether they make any other WR moves before determine the veteran’s ultimate value

QB C.J. Stroud measured in at 6’3, 214 pounds at the NFL Combine. With 10-inch hands (right on the mark for an NFL QB) and a throw velocity of 59 MPH (among the highest in this class), Stroud simply solidified his top-10 stock. He also showed impressive accuracy in the on-field drills. In fact, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Stroud’s performance “one of the best throwing sessions I’ve seen at the Combine.”

The Titans released WR Robert Woods, The Score's Jordan Schultz reports. It's no surprise considering Woods was set to count $14.6 million against the 2023 salary cap. 30 years old and coming off a torn ACL, Woods didn't appear to have much juice left this past season, averaging a career-low 9.9 yards per catch. He ranked 59th among 84 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' receiving grades. We'll see where Woods lands, but don't expect to find him high in the 2023 fantasy football rankings.

The Texans are expected to hire Bobby Slowik as their new OC, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Slowik will become the latest Kyle Shanahan disciple to take over an offense. The 35-year-old has spent the past 6 seasons under Shanahan in San Francisco, actually starting out as a defensive quality control coach before moving to the offensive side of the ball in 2019. He served as an offensive assistant for 2 seasons before being promoted to passing game specialist in 2021 and then passing game coordinator last year. Slowik also worked under HC Mike Shanahan in Washington from 2011 to 2013 and spent a few years in between NFL jobs as an analyst at Pro Football Focus. It appears to be a forward-thinking hire by the Texans, although Slowik doesn't have experience calling plays at any level. The Texans are fully expected to take a QB with the 2nd overall pick of this spring's draft.

The Texans are hiring Demeco Ryans as HC, according to multiple reports. This has been assumed for at least a few days now, and it makes loads of sense for Houston. Ryans was a team leader across 6 years as MLB with the Texans, before finishing his playing career with 4 seasons in Philadelphia. He spent the past 6 years on San Francisco's coaching staff, including the past 2 as DC. Ryans piloted a 49ers defense that ranked 3rd and 1st in yards allowed the past 2 seasons; 9th and 1st in points allowed. He inherits a Texans roster that needs plenty of work. But Houston does hold 5 picks among the 1st 3 rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, including the #2 and #12 overall selections. Expect the Texans to select their next QB in Round 1, with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis all in the current early-Round 1 discussion. The 49ers defense, meanwhile, should be fine. San Francisco ranked 6th and 2nd in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA the 2 years before Ryans took the helm.

Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz roped in 7 of 8 targets for 95 yards and 2 TDs in Monday’s Wild Card victory vs. the Buccaneers. Teammate WR CeeDee Lamb also performed well, snagging 4 of 6 his targets for 68 yards and a score of his own. This pair made a tremendous difference in the outcome of this game and will look to continue this success against the 49ers next weekend in the Divisional Round. Though the 49ers’ defense ranks 7th in Football Outsiders’ pass defense DVOA this season, we did see Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf eclipse the century mark in receiving yards with 2 TDs on Saturday. Perhaps QB Dak Prescott and company could replicate that success in the next round.

Texans WR John Metchie has a chance to re-join the team for the start of the offseason program in April, GM Nick Caserio said Wednesday. Metchie missed his entire 2022 rookie campaign after being diagnosed with acute promyeloctic leukemia in July. "I'd say there's a chance that he'll be ready for the start of the offseason program," Caserio said. "I think there are still some things that he has to complete or go through. Quite frankly, it's amazing what he's done to this point." It sounds like Metchie at least deserves to be rostered in dynasty leagues again. There's plenty of opportunity in Houston's WR corps heading into 2023, especially with WR Brandin Cooks likely to be playing elsewhere.

The Texans announced Sunday night that they are firing HC Lovie Smith. It's not a surprising move, as Houston just finished a 3-13-1 campaign. Smith seemed like an uninspired choice last offseason, being elevated from the DC position after 1 year of David Culley as HC. But he had little chance at success with a bad roster and weak QB situation. We'll see where Houston turns next, but it's tough to expect an especially attractive candidate to choose these Texans.

Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale (knee) is active for today’s game vs. the Jaguars. He should continue mixing in behind lead back Royce Freeman.

Cowboys WR Noah Brown (foot) was again listed as a full practice participant on Tuesday. It looks like Brown will be healthy for Week 17 vs. the Titans. Though the Titans are the best matchup for opposing WRs in fantasy points allowed this season, Brown is not a viable fantasy option outside of the deepest of leagues. His spot in the pecking order of the Cowboys' passing attack is simply too low to trust in your fantasy championship game(s).

Cowboys WR Noah Brown (foot) was listed as a full participant on the team's estimated practice report on Monday. We'll keep you updated if anything changes on this front. As of now, it seems Brown will be healthy for Week 17 vs. the Titans. Brown is likely not a viable fantasy option outside of extremely deep leagues. However, the Titans are the best matchup for opposing WRs in fantasy points allowed this season. Something worth considering at a minimum.

The Bills racked up 254 yards and 3 TDs on the ground in Saturday's win at Chicago. RB Devin Singletary rushed 12 times for 106 yards and a TD. His score came from 33 yards out. RB James Cook carried 11 times for 99 yards and his own TD, which came from 27 yards out. QB Josh Allen contributed the other rushing score, among 6 carries for 41 yards.