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.
Value Picks: Week 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is trending in the right direction after suffering a broken collarbone in Week 7 against the Lions and could return in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Head coach Todd Bowles said that he expects the veteran wideout to be back before the end of the regular season, and could have his practice window opened as soon as next week. Rapoport added that a better determination of Evans' status will be based on medical scans that will come in the next few days. It was initially reported that Evans would be expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, but he's made great progress in his recovery and is on track to return before the season concludes. Evans should re-assume his role as Tampa Bay's No. 1 option upon returning and should be a priority add and stash if he is available on waiver wires.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury. Palmer returned from injury in Week 12 against the Houston Texans, recording two catches (four targets) for 21 yards, but entered Week 13 listed as questionable and will ultimately not suit up. The 26-year-old hasn't made a big impact since signing with the Bills in the offseason, totaling 18 receptions for 272 yards and no touchdowns on 29 targets in eight games. Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks are both active on Sunday against Pittsburgh and should factor into the passing game along with Khalik Shakir with Palmer sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is active on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins. Coleman was a healthy inactive for the past two games for disciplinary reasons after being late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old has had a disappointing sophomore season so far, recording 32 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets in nine games. Ideally, the Bills taking action and sitting Coleman down for two games will lead to better days for him. He gets a great opportunity on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings acquired Thielen and a 5th-round pick for a 4th and 5th-round pick before the start of the regular season, but the veteran has not made an impact, recording just eight catches for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games. The 35-year-old hasn't played more than 14 snaps in a game this Week 3 and for the first time this season, Thielen will be inactive despite being healthy. Jailen Nailor and rookie Tai Felton will likely see increases in opportunities in Week 13 against the Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Sampson was originally questionable to return, but has now been downgraded after injuring his calf. The rookie fourth-rounder had four carries for 23 yards before exiting, and the Browns will hope for positive news on Monday regarding the injury. Jerome Ford will slot in as the primary backup to Quinshon Judkins and should see more work on pass downs if Sampson misses time.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kincaid will now miss his third consecutive game since injuring his hamstring in Buffalo's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old tight end was able to practice in limited capacity on Thursday and Friday this week, which suggested he had a chance to return on Sunday, but it seems he still needs more time. The 2023 first-round pick has strong production in the eight games he's played this season, recording 29 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets, averaging 12.2 PPR points per game. Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes will operate as the Bills' primary tight ends again in Week 13 with Kincaid sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a calf injury. Sampson handled four carries for 23 yards before leaving the game. The rookie fourth-rounder broke out in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders with a 66-yard receiving touchdown, finishing with seven carries for 23 yards and two receptions (three targets) for 59 yards. Sampson has been operating as the No. 2 back behind Quinshon Judkins, but Jerome Ford will slide in as the primary backup with the rookie sidelined. More information should come out about the severity of Sampson's injury soon.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a hip injury. Washington recorded one reception for 26 yards on three targets before exiting. The 23-year-old wideout has emerged as a reliable weapon for Jacksonville and an impactful waiver wire add for fantasy managers. Since playing a full-time role in Week 7, he's recorded 22 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. figure to see bumps in targets with Washington sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) was helped to the locker room during the first half of his team's Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans and quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Gardner is "believed to have suffered a calf strain," but that he will "have more tests." Pelissero also reports that "Gardner's Achilles appears intact, so there's optimism he avoided a major injury." It seems Gardner and the Colts may have avoided the worst-case scenario, but more information should be released in the coming days. With Gardner sidelined, Mekhi Blackmon will likely take over at cornerback for Indianapolis.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (ankle) has returned to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers after briefly exiting the game due to an ankle injury. Williams subbed himself out late in the first half and was officially deemed questionable to return. However, Williams was back on the field for Los Angeles' first offensive series of the second half. The ankle issue may lead the Rams to give more work to running back Blake Corum for the remainder of Week 13. However, it's obviously a positive sign that Williams was able to return to the game.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (leg) is "headed to the locker room two minutes before halftime" in his team's Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Grosbard reports that Rams trainers were examining Williams' right leg. The 25-year-old recorded seven carries for 39 yards before exiting the game. If he's unable to return, Rams running back Blake Corum would likely handle the vast majority of the team's backfield work for the remainder of Week 13. Corum recorded five carries for 41 yards and a touchdown in the first half against Carolina. Fantasy managers should check back as more information is released around the exact nature of Williams' injury.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) is questionable to return to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans due to a hip injury. The 23-year-old recorded one catch for 23 yards on three targets before exiting the game. If Washington is unable to return, Jaguars wideouts Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., as well as tight end Brenton Strange, could see an increase in targets for the remainder of Week 13. Depth wide receivers Tim Patrick and Austin Trammell would also likely see an uptick in playing time. Washington has earned at least seven targets in four out of his last five games heading into Week 13, so his absence would be a blow to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (concussion, knee) has had his Injured Reserve return window opened and is practicing on Sunday, per ESPN's Todd Archer. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously said Diggs is on track to play in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since Week 6 due to a knee injury and a concussion. Diggs is a two-time Pro-Bowler and former All-Pro, but he's battled myriad injuries in recent years. Since the start of the 2023 season, Diggs has played just 19 games. His return will further fortify a Cowboys defense that is significantly improved since making a few notable additions at the trade deadline. Across 64 career games, Diggs has recorded 20 interceptions and 194 solo tackles.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (foot) has returned to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts after briefly exiting the game in the first half due to a foot injury. Marks has been emerging as the lead back in Houston in recent weeks, recording at least 16 touches in three straight games heading into Week 13. Now that he's back, he should be expected to lead the Texans' backfield in touches for the remainder of Week 13. More information should come out about the exact nature of Marks' foot issue after the game, but it's obviously a positive sign that he was able to return against Indianapolis.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts quickly ruled out cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) from returning to Sunday's game against the Houston Texans after he was helped to the locker room with an injury to his left knee. The Colts, who acquired Gardner in a trade earlier this year, will have to hope for good news in the next day or so regarding Gardner's long-term prognosis. For fantasy purposes, the Indianapolis defense figures to be far less attractive without its top cornerback, while IDP managers may have to call an audible if Gardner misses time.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans listed running back Woody Marks (foot) as questionable to return to Sunday's game against their AFC South rival, the Indianapolis Colts, due to a foot injury. The rookie from USC has been a solid depth piece for fantasy managers who weathered sporadic playing time during the beginning of the season, as Marks entered Week 13 having drawn 10-plus carries in six straight games and rising to running back No. 30 in half-PPR formats. If Marks were to miss any time because of the injury, veteran Nick Chubb figures to be the team's top option with Dare Ogunbowale working behind him.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) headed to the locker room during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with an apparent injury to his left knee. Indianapolis has been a top-10 fantasy defense so far this season, and the team sought to bolster its standing atop the AFC South by acquiring the All-Pro corner in a trade with the New York Jets earlier this season. The Colts have a tougher schedule in the fantasy playoffs as it is, so managers playing defense roulette may want to keep an eye on Gardner's status, as he's their first choice to match against opposing No. 1 receivers.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is eligible to return from Injured Reserve in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, but he is not quite fully recovered from a mid-foot sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions to go with 29 rushes for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown in the first five games as Arizona's starter. Jacoby Brissett has performed well in Murray's absence and set an NFL record 47 completions in Arizona's Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Brissett has elevated Michael Wilson's game and helped send Trey McBride to another level as the top fantasy scoring tight end in the league. It remains to be seen if Murray will reclaim the starting job when he is fully healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Irving has been sidelined since Week 4 after dealing with multiple injuries, but will make his return in Week 13. The second-year back is expected to play in a limited role on Sunday after missing a significant amount of time, with Sean Tucker and Rachaad White both playing a role as Irving is eased back into action. Irving produced at a high level in the four games before going down, totaling 71 carries for 237 yards along with 19 receptions (19 targets) for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Irving ranks as RotoBaller's RB25 in PPR leagues for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receivers Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks, who was signed this week, are both expected to play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Coleman has missed the team's last two games for disciplinary reasons after he was late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old former second-rounder has failed to take the next step in 2025 in his sophomore season, catching 32 of his 49 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns in nine games played. However, his two-game benching may light a fire under him for the remainder of the season, and he'll have a juicy matchup to exploit in his return on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers this year. Cooks, meanwhile, will provide another deep threat for Buffalo's passing game, although he figures to have limited volume as he learns a new offense.
From RotoBaller