Expect a heavy dose of Etienne and Tuten to open up the pass – Texans try to avoid 0-3 start
The Houston Texans (0-2) enter Week 3 desperately needing a win to avoid falling into an early-season hole. They’ll face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are leaning heavily on their strong ground game behind a two-headed running back attack that has been punishing defenses. Houston’s defense has shown cracks against both the run and the pass, while its offense hasn’t clicked yet, but this game presents an opportunity. Expect fantasy fireworks, with plenty of start-worthy players on both sides.
Starts
✅ Start: Travis Etienne (RB, Jaguars)
The Jaguars’ featured back is off to a hot start and should be leaned on heavily against Houston’s front seven. Jacksonville’s offensive line has been creating lanes, and Etienne’s physical running style gives him a safe floor. He’s locked in as an RB1 for Week 3.
Projected Stat Line:
19 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 21 yards
✅ Start: Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Jaguars)
Don’t overlook Tuten, who has carved out a clear role as the No. 2 back. Not only does he spell Etienne, but he’s also active in the passing game, making him a viable flex play in PPR formats. His growing snap share gives him sneaky upside.
Projected Stat Line:
9 carries, 47 yards; 4 receptions, 38 yards, 1 TD
✅ Start: Brian Thomas (WR, Jaguars)
Thomas has been a target magnet for Trevor Lawrence. With 12 targets against the Bengals and 9 against the Panthers, he’s proving himself to be the go-to wideout in Jacksonville’s aerial attack. Against a Texans secondary that has struggled to limit big plays, Thomas is a must-start WR2 with upside.
Projected Stat Line:
7 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
✅ Start: C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans)
The Texans’ offense has stumbled out of the gate, but Stroud is too talented to stay down for long. This matchup against Jacksonville’s defense, which hasn’t yet faced a top-tier quarterback, could be his breakout. Expect Stroud to push the ball downfield and bounce back with a QB1 finish.
Projected Stat Line:
26/38 completions, 286 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
✅ Start: Nick Chubb (RB, Texans)
Chubb’s workload is massive, and he’s thriving early in the season. Houston will need to control the clock, and that means leaning on their bell cow. He’s a safe RB1, and his consistency makes him one of the best plays of the week.
Projected Stat Line:
20 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 14 yards
✅ Start: Nico Collins (WR, Texans)
Collins and Stroud have developed clear chemistry, as Collins’ target share remains among the highest on the team. With the Jaguars’ secondary giving up chunk plays, this could be the game where Collins breaks out with a strong fantasy performance.
Projected Stat Line:
6 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD
Sits
❌ Sit: Travis Hunter (WR, Jaguars)
Hunter is still finding his role in the offense. While his talent is undeniable, the usage isn’t there yet, and Jacksonville is still leaning more on their established weapons. Keep him on your bench until his volume increases.
Projected Stat Line:
3 receptions, 28 yards
❌ Sit: Jaguars Defense
The Jaguars have looked good against weaker offenses, but this is their first real test. Stroud, Chubb, and Collins make for a dangerous trio, and Jacksonville’s defense could struggle to contain big plays. Look elsewhere for your D/ST this week.
Projected Stat Line:
24 points allowed, 2 sacks, 0 turnovers
🌙 Sleeper: Dyami Brown (WR, Jaguars)
Brown has quietly become an underrated piece in Jacksonville’s offense. With Trevor Lawrence spreading the ball, Brown has the second-most targets on the team and found the end zone last week. He’s a deep-league flex option with touchdown upside.
Projected Stat Line:
4 receptions, 56 yards, 1 TD
Final Synopsis
This Texans vs. Jaguars clash should be competitive, with Jacksonville leaning on its dominant running game and Houston fighting to avoid a 0-3 start.
Expect Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten to control the tempo on the ground, while Brian Thomas continues to rack up targets. On Houston’s side, C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins could finally hit their stride, with Nick Chubb providing a steady foundation. Avoid Travis Hunter and the Jaguars defense, but keep an eye on sleeper Dyami Brown. Fantasy managers should see plenty of points come from this AFC South showdown.
