Two 1-3 teams collide in a crucial matchup with early playoff implications for the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.
🏈 Game Notes
The Baltimore Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson, leaving Cooper Rush to command the offense and try to keep their season afloat. Across the field, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are coming off a big win, hoping to string together momentum and climb back into the AFC South race.
The Ravens’ defense has struggled, surrendering 133 points in four games, while the Texans’ offense looks poised to attack through the air. Expect both teams to lean heavily on their running backs and short passing games in a battle that could turn into a sneaky fantasy goldmine.
🔥 Start ‘Em: Two 1-3 teams desperate for direction
🔥 C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans)
Stroud has been impressive, piling up 832 yards and 4 TDs on the season. Baltimore’s secondary has been one of the league’s most generous, and Stroud has the weapons to take advantage. He’s a strong start in all formats.
🧾 Projected Stats: 287 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 12 rushing yards
🔥 Nico Collins (WR, Texans)
Collins continues to dominate as Stroud’s top target. Baltimore doesn’t have a corner who can match up physically with him, and he should feast once again. Expect WR1 production in both standard and PPR leagues.
🧾 Projected Stats: 8 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD
Woody Marks Goes Nuclear Again – Matthew Freedman via fantasylife.com
💪 Woody Marks (RB, Texans)
Marks has exploded onto the fantasy radar, showing burst and strong pass-catching ability. Coming off a huge week against the Titans, he’ll see plenty of touches versus a Ravens defense that struggles against RBs in space.
🧾 Projected Stats: 88 total yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions
🔥 Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens)
With Lamar out, Henry becomes the engine of Baltimore’s offense. Expect a heavy workload as the Ravens look to control the clock and take pressure off Rush.
🧾 Projected Stats: 94 rushing yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions
💪 Zay Flowers (WR, Ravens)
Until Cooper Rush proves he can push the ball downfield, Flowers is best used as a flex. Still, his quick routes and volume give him a steady PPR floor.
🧾 Projected Stats: 5 catches, 63 yards
💪 Mark Andrews (TE, Ravens)
Andrews remains a key piece of the Ravens’ passing game. His volume keeps him fantasy relevant even in a down offense. Expect Rush to rely on him as a security blanket.
🧾 Projected Stats: 6 catches, 58 yards
🌙 Sleeper Picks
🌙 Justice Hill (RB, Ravens)
Hill’s role continues to grow, especially with Henry’s ball security issues. After scoring twice last week, he’s worth a dart throw in deeper leagues.
🧾 Projected Stats: 54 total yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions
🌙 Dalton Schultz (TE, Texans)
Baltimore has allowed 50+ yards to tight ends in multiple games. Schultz’s chemistry with Stroud is developing, and he’s a sneaky red-zone option this week.
🧾 Projected Stats: 4 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
❄️ Sit ‘Em
❄️ Cooper Rush (QB, Ravens)
Rush is an unknown quantity in this offense. Until we see what he can do under pressure, he’s better left on the bench: even in superflex formats.
🧾 Projected Stats: 191 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
❄️ DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Ravens)
It’s been a frustrating start for Hopkins, and things won’t get easier with Cooper Rush under center. His deep routes and timing rely heavily on QB chemistry, and Rush isn’t the type to feed him 8–10 targets. He’s a fade this week against a secondary that’s quietly improving.
🧾 Projected Stats: 3 catches, 41 yards
📊 Start Meter
| Player | Confidence | Matchup Rating |
| C.J. Stroud | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 9/10 |
| Nico Collins | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 9/10 |
| Woody Marks | 💪💪💪 | 8/10 |
| Derrick Henry | 🔥🔥🔥 | 8/10 |
| Zay Flowers | 💪💪 | 6.5/10 |
| Mark Andrews | 💪💪💪 | 7.5/10 |
| Justice Hill | 🌙 | 6/10 |
| Dalton Schultz | 🌙 | 6.5/10 |
| Cooper Rush | ❄️❄️ | 3/10 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | ❄️❄️ | 4/10 |
🏁 Wrap-Up
The Ravens will look to survive without Lamar, leaning on Derrick Henry and their defense to stay competitive. Meanwhile, the Texans appear poised to attack a vulnerable Baltimore defense with Stroud and his growing arsenal of weapons.
For fantasy managers, expect big days from Stroud, Collins, and Marks, while the Ravens’ passing game remains a question mark until proven otherwise. Play the trends — and in this matchup, Houston’s offensive rhythm looks like the safer bet.
