The Houston Texans are back to their winning ways as they prepare to face the Tennessee Titans. Considering that the Titans are still licking their wounds from the lashing they took from Minnesota, everything looks set up for a Texans win here. It may be tempting for DFS players to buy low for some Titans, but there is little reason to predict that they will perform well in this game.
Texans vs. Titans Start Em’
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
C.J. Stroud (Draft Kings Price $6.5K, FanDuel Price $7.6K)
In terms of fantasy sports, it’s been a while since C.J. Stroud lit the stat sheet up. He had some rough losses without his main receivers, and even with Collins back he turned in only a serviceable performance against Dallas. The Texans have a strong run defense, so that might force the team to throw the ball more, which should result in an increase in Stroud’s numbers this week.
Nico Collins (Draft Kings Price $7.6K, FanDuel Price $8.9K)
While Collins played well in his comeback game against Dallas, he also didn’t light up the stat sheet. A big reason why that was the case, though, is that Mixon scored 3 touchdowns. Since the Titans have a better run defense, Collins might have more opportunities in the red zone. He was on pace for wide receiver one on the year before his injury, so it’s well-documented how big of an impact he can have.
Tank Dell (Draft Kings Price $6.4K, FanDuel Price $7K)
Tank Dell is more of a risky investment considering that he hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him at the beginning of the season. Looking at his target share, though, he is still a big part of this offense. Even with Collins returning, Dell got 7 targets in the win against Dallas. Assuming he gets the same amount of snaps against Tennessee, he should be in for a solid performance.
Texans vs. Titans Sit Em’
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Calvin Ridley (Draft Kings Price $5.7K, FanDuel Price $6.3K)
It may be more simple to just say “sit the Titans” in general. This isn’t the case just because Tennessee is having a bad year; it’s the matchup. Ridley will have to get open against Derek Stingley Jr. and have a decent ball thrown to him by Levis, who will probably be running for his life in the backfield. Ridley is still a great talent, but given his 58 yards against Minnesota, he clearly isn’t matchup-proof.
Tony Pollard (Draft Kings Price $5.8K, FanDuel Price $6.5K)
In the Minnesota game, Levis led the Titans in rushing. Just go ahead and let that sink in. This is also with the lion’s share of snaps, as the Titans aren’t placing him behind Tyjae Spears in the depth chart even if he’s out due to a concussion. Pollard will be the leadback against a Texans team that will force Tennessee to throw to win, so the pathway to a good game just isn’t here for him.
Tyler Boyd (Draft Kings Price $3.5K, Fan Duel Price $4.8K)
Many fans are hoping that Tyler Boyd may one day return to the greatness he displayed when he was in Cincinnati, but that day won’t be Sunday in Week 12. Levis will have to face down a stout Texans pass rush, so if he has a bad game, Boyd’s performance will naturally suffer as well. He will also be covered by Karamir Lassiter, who is having a good season at cornerback.
Texans vs. Titans Lock
Joe Mixon (Draft Kings Price $8K, FanDuel Price $9.3K)
Is Mixon getting any nods for potential MVP? Probably not considering how well other backs like Derrick Henry are playing. However, there isn’t much to be sad about looking at Mixon’s numbers. There have only been two games in this entire season where Mixon did NOT rush over 100 yards. Any players who have lots of money to throw around and want a sure thing should just spend on Mixon.
Texans vs. Titans Fade
Will Levis (Draft Kings Price $4.9K, FanDuel Price $6.7K)
It’s definitely a tough stretch of the season for Will Levis. Playing Minnesota and Houston back-to-back doesn’t sound like fun. Levis has shown glimpses here and there of some strong quarterback play, so it may be wise to buy him cheap down the road if there is a better matchup for him. Don’t play him if the Titans are going up against any playoff teams, though.
