Colts finally home, turn to OL to fend off oncoming Texans

Thu Nov 27 8:50am ET
Field Level Media

Hold the coronation of the Indianapolis Colts. The two-time defending AFC South champions might have something to say in the matter.

Houston hits Indiana's capital city with a three-game winning streak and a healthy quarterback, momentum the Texans plot to put to good use in closing the gap in the division. The Colts (8-3) are back in their comfort zone in Indianapolis on Sunday with two losses -- at Pittsburgh and at Kansas City -- that dented their lofty conference standing following a 7-1 start.

The Texans (6-5) have taken three consecutive meetings from the Colts by a combined nine points. Houston began the season 0-3, but has its season back on track thanks to a toothy defense.

Now C.J. Stroud will join the party. The star quarterback and his teammate, nickelback Jalen Pitre, cleared concussion protocol on Friday and are set to play in this pivotal game.

Stroud was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Barring a setback before Sunday, he'll be on the field for a fifth time opposite Indianapolis. Stroud is 3-1 in four games against the Colts.

"Picking up where we left off," Texans wide receiver Nico Collins said Wednesday after Stroud returned to the lead of the QB rotation at practice. "Going out there and being himself. He looked good out there. Excited to get back."

With Stroud out, the Texans took down Buffalo (23-19), Tennessee (16-13) and Jacksonville (36-29) the past three weeks with backup Davis Mills at quarterback. Even with the November to remember in progress for Houston, the Jaguars (7-4) separate the Colts and Texans in the South standings. Indianapolis, which last won the division in 2014 behind third-year quarterback Andrew Luck, is in Jacksonville next week.

The Sunday game will be the first of two meetings between the Texans and Colts, who also square off in the regular-season finale Jan. 4 in Houston.

The Texans lead the NFL in total defense (264.3 yards per game) and rank second in scoring defense (16.5 points per game). But Buffalo averaged 4.9 yards per carry and rushed for 143 yards last week, when Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 70.5% of his passes but was sacked eight times.

Ryans said the Bills went away from the script most teams follow to block the Texans' attacking front seven with a seven-man blocking scheme -- incorporating multiple tight ends or a fullback -- and rolled the dice with one-on-one matchups across the field.

This is the first look for Ryans and the Texans at the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis offense, one with a functional run-pass option foundation designed to isolate second-level defenders and freeze linemen committed to contain. The former Giants first-round pick supplanted the purported QB of the future -- Anthony Richardson, drafted two picks after Stroud in 2023 -- and has accounted for 22 of the Colts' 40 touchdowns this season. He also has 10 turnovers in 11 games.

Even at home, it's a high-stakes, high-pressure environment for Jones against the Houston edge rushing duo of defensive ends Danielle Hunter (11 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5), the player drafted between Stroud and Richardson. Hunter and Anderson are the first pair of teammates with 10-plus sacks in the first 11 games of a season since 2019.

Jones (fibula) was limited Wednesday and practiced fully Thursday and Friday. NFL Network reported that Jones has a broken fibula, but head coach Shane Steichen said he's "good to go." He'll need protection from his offensive line.

"We have a lot of confidence and trust in our guys up front, our tackles," Jones said. "Regardless of who you've got, you try to chip them, you try to help when you can. It's my job to get the ball out on time."

None of the Texans are asking for an introduction to MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor, Jones' partner in the Colts' backfield. He leads the NFL with 17 touchdowns (15 rushing scores) and has produced big numbers in eight career matchups with Houston: 1,067 total yards (133.4 per game) and 10 TDs (nine rushing). He registered the NFL's fastest speed on a scoring play this season -- touching 22.38 mph on a 43-yard reception in Week 2 -- per Next Gen Stats.

"They have smart players. But they have athletic players," Taylor said. "If we let that front run wild, it's going to be a long Sunday."

Taylor is running for history on Sunday.

With two TDs he can become the fifth running back in NFL history to reach 75 touchdowns from scrimmage -- non-passing TDs -- in fewer than 80 games. The others to accomplish the feat: Jim Brown and LaDainian Tomlinson (both 72 games), Emmitt Smith (77) and Todd Gurley (78).

The Texans ruled out linebacker Jamal Hill and cornerback Ajani Carter, both with hamstring injuries. The Colts had just one player ruled out, linebacker Jaylon Charles (ankle).

Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward, who just returned last week after missing five games while in concussion protocol, reappeared on Friday's injury report (groin) as a limited participant.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 13

Player Notes
Bhayshul Tuten Nov 29 10:20am CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten has had mixed involvement in the Jaguars rushing attack, but this week against the 1-10 Titans seems like an ideal week to get him involved. In what should be a straight-forward win, the Jaguars have a chance to get their electric rookie more involved than usual. The game scrip should also favor the running game, and the Titans have a weak rushing defense. It is a risk to start Tuten considering he is coming off a rough seven carry for 17 yards performance against the Arizona Cardinals, but that involvement is still promising enough to have faith in a bounce-back week. Anyone looking for a high-risk high-reward flex in Week 13 should be intrigued by Tuten against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Nov 29 10:20am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is coming off his worst game of the 2025 season, completing 24 of 34 passes for 253 yards and throwing two interceptions against the NFL's top defense. It's been a rollercoaster of a season for the reigning MVP, who's still averaging 23.2 fantasy points per game but has been much more inconsistent than in previous seasons. Allen will head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in Week 13, in what should be a playoff-like atmosphere. The Steelers' defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, including big outings for Caleb Williams, Joe Flacco, and Jordan Love. Allen enters Week 13 looking to bounce back and could be in line for a big game. Per usual, the Bills' star quarterback is a must-start in fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 29 10:10am CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett is coming off his best performance of the season in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, recording four catches for 62 yards on five targets. The veteran has been a reliable pass-catching option over the past three games, leading the Raiders' wide receivers with 12 catches (14 targets) for 139 yards, averaging 8.6 PPR points per game. It will be interesting to see how the Las Vegas offense looks in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly earlier this week. It's a tough matchup on Sunday for Lockett, with the Chargers allowing the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Nov 29 10:10am CT
Jakobi Meyers

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has been solid since being acquired by the Jaguars back in Week 10. He's always been a reliable short-field option, making him useful in PPR leagues, but he found the endzone last week to help him produce a good fantasy outing. Over the last two games, he has nine receptions on 12 targets for 114 yards and a touchdown. However, with Brian Thomas Jr. returning from injury, it is unclear what Meyers's role will be moving forward. Considering Thomas Jr. is more of a deep threat, there's a possibility it won't change that much. That makes Meyers a solid flex play with limited upside against a weak Titans defense. Especially in PPR leagues, Meyers is a fine play in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Nov 29 10:10am CT
Raheem Mostert

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert has served as the primary backup to rookie Ashton Jeanty this season, totaling 20 carries for 92 yards, along with nine receptions (nine targets) for 63 yards in eight games. The veteran hasn't recorded more than four touches in a game since Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans. Mostert would be in line to handle the bulk of the touches for the Raiders if Jeanty were to miss any time, but he remains off fantasy radars for Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Nov 29 10:10am CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been on a hot streak lately and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 13 meeting with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have struggled to stop the run this season, allowing the third-most fantasy points and second-most yards per attempt to opposing running backs. However, they haven't allowed much receiving production to the position, which is noteworthy given Gainwell's significant role as a pass-catcher. Still, he should approach double-digit carries in this one, even with Jaylen Warren playing ahead of him on early downs. Gainwell isn't quite a must-start fantasy option, but with Aaron Rodgers (wrist) back under center, Pittsburgh should keep Sunday's contest competitive enough for him to provide value as a high-end flex play.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Nov 29 10:00am CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had just one catch for 39 yards on three targets in last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Jeudy wasn't very involved in Shedeur Sanders' first career start, and to make matters worse, he lost a fumble on his only reception. The 26-year-old is tied for the lead league with nine drops this season and hasn't been a reliable fantasy producer in a poor Browns offense. Jeudy will look for better production on Sunday against a San Francisco 49ers defense that has allowed the 12th most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers this season. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR56 in PPR leagues for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Nov 29 10:00am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. should be in line for a good fantasy day against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13. Not only should game script favor the Jaguars running game against their 1-10 division rival, but the Titans defense has been extra susceptible to the run compared to the pass. That means the Jaguars game plan on paper should be to run early and often, meaning if Etienne Jr. can find the end zone, he could have a big day. Bhayshul Tuten has had mixed involvement in the rushing attack which could limit Etienne Jr.'s upside slightly, but that shouldn't deter fantasy managers. Start the Jaguars star back with confidence in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Nov 29 10:00am CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had a solid game last week and will look to build on that performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Buffalo has been solid against the pass but extremely vulnerable on the ground, surrendering the third-most rushing yards, the second-most yards per carry, and the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Warren will continue to split work with Kenneth Gainwell, who has emerged as Pittsburgh's preferred receiving back. Still, Warren remains the clear leader on the ground. The 27-year-old has logged double-digit carries in every game he's played this season, while Gainwell has reached 10 carries just twice. Though the Steelers enter this matchup as underdogs, they are projected to keep it competitive at home, suggesting plenty of utilization for Warren throughout. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a high-end RB2 with upside on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 29 10:00am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) was a full participant at practice on Thursday and Friday and seems well recovered from the injury that held him out for three games. That doesn't necessarily mean he is in line for big game, however, as he hasn't been the most consistent fantasy option this season. The receiver room is also filled with competition still after the Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers to replace the injured Travis Hunter, and tight end Brenton Strange returned from injury. The Titans defense is very vulnerable, but game script should favor the rushing attack more. If Thomas Jr. can get involved early, he could have a good fantasy day, but that is a huge if in a huge Week 13 fantasy week.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Nov 29 9:50am CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers recorded six catches for 55 yards on nine targets last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. It was a quiet day for the star tight end who salvaged his day with four catches for 35 yards on the Raiders' final two drives in ultimate garbage time, with the game's outcome already decided. Bowers will look to bounce back in a major way in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where the Raiders offense could look a bit different after the team dismissed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Bowers recorded five catches for 38 yards on eight targets in their Week 2 meeting when he was banged up with a knee injury. The second-year tight ranks as a top-two option again in Week 13 and should be locked into all fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 29 9:50am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence doesn't seem to have much upside heading into a Week 13 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. The division rival has the worst record in football, likely meaning a run-heavy game for the Jacksonville offense. That means unless Lawrence can get touchdowns early, then it's hard to see him having a great fantasy day. He should do solid, but the combination of a likely great defensive outing producing points and good field position along with a potentially run heavy game plan limits Lawrence's upside greatly. He remains firmly a QB2 in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Nov 29 9:40am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is coming off seeing a career high of 10 targets in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns. Tucker recorded just three receptions for 28 yards, but the volume of targets was positive to see. The 24-year-old was listed on the injury report this week due to a knee injury, but practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and heads into Sunday without an injury designation. The Las Vegas offense could look different in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers after the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly earlier in the week. Tucker is still a risky fantasy option in 12-team leagues against a Chargers defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 29 9:40am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is expected to play on Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Mayfield could wear some tape with some protective padding on his injured left (non-throwing) shoulder. It won't be a huge brace protecting the low-grade AC joint sprain that the 30-year-old signal-caller suffered in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield is officially listed as questionable to play this weekend, but he should be out there against the Cardinals as the Bucs look to end their three-game losing streak. Although Mayfield looked good throwing the football during practice this week, he will be more risky as a starting QB in fantasy football this weekend while at risk of an in-game setback while probably not playing at 100%. Mayfield is more of a midrange to low-end QB2 in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Nov 29 9:30am CT
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty hasn't found consistent running room this season behind a lackluster offensive line, totaling 166 carries for 604 yards (3.6 YPC) and four touchdowns while adding 37 receptions for 221 yards and four more scores on 46 targets as a receiver. Jeanty injured his ankle in Week 12's loss to the Browns, but he is off the injury report heading into Sunday. His involvement in the passing game has helped save his fantasy outputs in recent weeks, with 22 receptions (26 targets) for 135 yards and two touchdowns in the past four games. The sixth overall pick in this past year's draft is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry in that four-game span. The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly earlier in the week, so the offense could look a little different in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jeanty ranks as RotoBaller's RB20 for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 29 9:20am CT
Geno Smith

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith took a career-high 10 sacks in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns and completed 30 of 44 passes for 285 yards with a touchdown. The offense could look a little different in Week 13 against the Chargers after the Raiders dismissed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly earlier in the week, with Greg Olson taking over. Smith will look to bounce back on Sunday against the Chargers and deliver a better performance than when they met back in Week 2, where he threw three interceptions. Smith isn't a recommended fantasy option in Week 13, ranking as RotoBaller's QB30 for the week.

From RotoBaller

Michael Badgley Nov 29 9:10am CT
Michael Badgley

Indianapolis Colts kicker Michael Badgley has shown solid accuracy across six games for his team this season, hitting nine of his 10 field-goal attempts and 17 of 19 extra points. The veteran kicker kept it going in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, hitting both of his field goals and adding two extra points. Badgley will now head home to face off against the Houston Texans in Week 13. The Texans have been excellent against opposing kickers this season, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The Colts have provided plenty of scoring opportunities for their kickers this season, but this sets up as one of their toughest matchups yet. Badgley settles in outside of the top-12 fantasy kickers this week, but he can still be started in a pinch.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Nov 29 9:10am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) will suit up for the second straight week after missing five games due to a leg injury. Godwin was limited last week as he played only 36 percent of the offensive snaps. During that time, Godwin hauled in two of his four targets for nine yards in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The expectation is that Godwin will see a larger workload going forward. However, it's unknown how well the Bucs will do passing the ball with Baker Mayfield (shoulder) dealing with an AC joint injury. Godwin wasn't impressive when he was healthy earlier in the season. Fantasy managers should put him on the flex radar for this upcoming matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Nov 29 9:00am CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) was cleared from the team's injury report and is good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Walker separated a bit from Zach Charbonnet in Week 12 against the Titans, posting his highest snap share of the season (63.8%) while Charbonnet had his lowest (31.9%). The 25-year-old Walker has also gone over 100 yards from scrimmage in each of the past two games on 33 combined touches, with Charbonnet staying involved, but with only 19 touches in the past two weeks. Notably, Walker has earned more red-zone carries recently than earlier in the year, but has only found the end zone once. It seems the coaching staff is trending towards using Walker more as the lead back moving forward, which bodes well for his fantasy value as he's always been dynamic with his opportunities. Walker ranks as RotoBaller's RB21 in PPR leagues for Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 29 8:40am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is listed as questionable for Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being limited every day in practice this week. Harrison has been recovering from appendectomy surgery, which has caused him to miss the past two games. His status for Sunday is not officially known yet, but he is trending in the right direction. The second-year wideout should have appeal in Week 13 if he can return with how much pass volume Arizona has had with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. It will be interesting to see how he fits back into the offense with Michael Wilson breaking out in his absence, but Harrison should reclaim his role as the top wideout in the passing game alongside star tight end Trey McBride. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR27 in PPR leagues for Sunday's matchup against a Bucs defense that has allowed the 10th most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller