Houston Texans Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

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.

Bengals RB Joe Mixon rushed 20 times for 105 yards and 1 score in Sunday’s win over Buffalo. So much for Cincy’s banged up O-line. Playing with backups, Mixon posted his best YPC average since Week 14. The 100-yard outing also marked the most from a postseason Bengal since Cedric Benson in 2010. Next comes a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game, again in Kansas City.

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.

Bengals RB Joe Mixon mustered only 39 yards on 11 carries in Sunday’s win over Baltimore. He’s now been held to only 1 TD over his past 6 outings. Mixon at least remained a key part of the passing game, racking up 3+ catches for the 14th time (in 15 games) this season. The Bengals now travel to Buffalo for the Divisional Round. The Bills have allowed 4.3 YPC to opposing RBs this season.

Bills WR Stefon Diggs popped off for 7 catches for 114 yards against Miami. He tied Gabe Davis for the team lead in targets (9). The highlight here was a beautifully thrown Josh Allen deep ball for 52 yards — the duo’s 2nd longest gain of this season. Diggs will likely face the Bengals in the Divisional Round. It would be the first showdown between Buffalo and Cincinnati this season.

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.

Bills WR Stefon Diggs (illness) returned to practice on Friday after being absent the day before. It looks like the star wideout is feeling better. Diggs is a no-doubt WR1 option despite last week's disappointing effort. If you've made it this far, start Diggs in Week 17.

Bills WR Stefon Diggs (illness) missed Thursday's practice. Hopefully the star wideout feels better soon. TE Dawson Knox (hip) logged limited participation. With Week 17's game vs. the Bengals occurring on Monday night, these Bills pass-catchers will have an extra day to get right. We'll track their statuses as more information becomes available.

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).

The Raiders confirmed Tuesday that they'll shut LB Denzel Perryman for the final 2 games after he dislocated his left shoulder in Saturday night's loss at Pittsburgh. Undrafted rookie Luke Masterson looks like the best bet to lead Vegas LBs in playing time after seeing 84% playing time against the Steelers. Masterson has delivered 10+ tackles in 2 straight contests, so he'll carry tackle upside Sunday against the 49ers.

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.

Bengals RB Joe Mixon rushed 16 times for 65 yards (4.1 per rush) in Saturday's win over the Patriots. He added 7 receptions for 43 yards among 9 targets (tied for 2nd on the team). The efficiency wasn't great, but it was nice to see Mixon clearly leading the backfield in both phases. He goes up against the Bills in Week 17.

Bills WR Stefon Diggs garnered just 2 targets in Saturday's win at Chicago, catching both for a mere 26 yards. WR Gabriel Davis led the team with 6 targets, catching 3 for a team-high 45 receiving yards and a TD. TE Dawson Knox followed with a 3-38-1 receiving line on 5 targets. RB Devin Singletary was the only other Bill to catch more than 1 pass.

Texans CB Steven Nelson (foot, knee) is active for today's game against the Titans. He remains a low-level IDP option.

The Texans have placed WR Nico Collins on IR for his foot injury, ending his season. That should continue the elevated role for WR Chris Moore, though he's questionable for Saturday's game against the Titans with a foot injury that limited his practice all week. WR Brandin Cooks (calf) is also questionable, despite putting in full practices Wednesday and Thursday.

Texans WR Nico Collins (foot) has been ruled out for Week 16's contest vs. the Titans. His teammates, Brandin Cooks (calf) and Chris Moore (elbow), are officially listed as questionable. Cooks managed to practice in full on Wednesday and Thursday while Moore was limited all week. Both Cooks and Moore carry flex-worthy appeal should they be able to suit up. The Titans' defense is the friendliest matchup for WRs in adjusted fantasy points allowed. That doesn't make the Texans' offense good all of a sudden but it does help.

Cowboys WR Noah Brown (foot) was a limited practice participant again on Wednesday. Week 16's showdown against the Eagles is on Saturday, so tomorrow's practice report will bring vital information. Stay tuned on more news regarding Brown's final injury status.

Texans WR Nico Collins (foot) did not practice for the 2nd day in a row on Wednesday. Fellow wideout Chris Moore (foot) logged his 2nd straight limited practice as well. In better news, Brandin Cooks (calf) upgraded to full participation at practice. With Week 16's game vs. the Titans falling on Saturday, Thursday's practice report will be very telling about Collins' and Moore's availability. Check back tomorrow as this news evolves.