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.

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The Paur Report

Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Baker Mayfield Nov 30 11:20am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Mayfield is reportedly expected to wear some tape with protective padding on his injured left shoulder after suffering the injury during Tampa Bay's Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old looked good throwing in practice this week and could take advantage of a vulnerable Arizona defense as long as the shoulder injury doesn't limit him too much. Mayfield ranks as RotoBaller's QB19 for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Nov 30 11:20am CT
Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown is a healthy inactive for the team's Week 13 contest on the road against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Brown failed to take advantage in recent weeks with both rookie Travis Hunter (knee) and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) out, and he hasn't had more than one target in three straight games. Thomas is making his return this weekend, which will push Brown off the game-day roster. The 26-year-old just hasn't been able to find enough playing time in 2025 in his first year in Jacksonville, and he enters Week 13 action with only 19 receptions on 36 targets for 219 yards and one touchdown. The acquisition of Jakobi Meyers at this year's trade deadline has not helped Brown's cause. He should be on the waiver wire in most redraft fantasy football leagues.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Nov 30 11:10am CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (neck) is officially active for the Week 13 game on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. Lazard was listed as questionable to play this week due to a neck injury, but he's good to go and will serve as receiver depth for a weak Jets passing attack led by veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Even though Garrett Wilson (knee) is on Injured Reserve, Lazard has been quickly passed on the WR depth chart by newcomers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. The 29-year-old pass-catcher has not caught more than two passes in any of his seven games played in 2025, and he has just 54 receiving yards and one touchdown on eight catches. Lazard should be ignored in most fantasy football leagues against Atlanta on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 30 11:10am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Harrison returns after missing the past two games after recovering from an appendectomy. The second-year wideout was listed as limited every day in practice this week, and he may see a reduced role in his return with the emergence of Michael Wilson, who has racked up an absurd 25 catches for 303 yards on 33 targets in Harrison's absence. Harrison can be viewed as a high-end WR3 for Sunday's matchup against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Nov 30 11:03am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 13 game.

Fantasy Spin: Waller is returning from the Reserve/Injured list and should have a role right away in the passing game. He will see a few targets during the game but probably can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 30 11:00am CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) is officially active on Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. Okonkwo will continue to play through a nagging foot injury that he's dealt with since late October. The Titans will also be getting rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) back after he missed last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Ayomanor's return is not good news for Okonkwo, who has 35 receptions on 46 targets for 377 yards and no touchdowns on the season. Okonkwo shouldn't be viewed as much more than a TE3 in fantasy football as he continues to share snaps pretty evenly with rookie Gunnar Helm in one of the worst offenses in the NFL. He has gone over 50 receiving yards just three times in 11 games in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 30 11:00am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (knee) is officially active for Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Theo Mackie of AZCentral.com. Knight was a limited participant every day in practice this week, but there weren't any real doubts about his status for Sunday. He should be expected to lead the Arizona backfield in touches, with Michael Carter also playing a sizable role, as both Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) were ruled out. The 24-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, totaling 23 touches for 77 yards from scrimmage in that time. Knight projects as a low-end RB3/FLEX in Week 13 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Nov 30 11:00am CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 13, is officially active for Sunday's game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Ford will suit up this weekend, but fantasy managers are in some serious trouble if they are forced to play the 26-year-old in starting lineups. He was out-snapped by rookie Dylan Sampson in last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the No. 2 role behind rookie Quinshon Judkins, carrying the ball just once for a loss of three yards. Ford has seen exactly one rushing attempt in each of the last three games, and he hasn't had more than two carries in a game since Oct. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. With both Judkins and Sampson healthy, Ford is unlikely to see much work out of Cleveland's backfield against San Fran in inclement weather conditions.

From RotoBaller

Braxton Berrios Nov 30 10:53am CT
Braxton Berrios

The Houston Texans have declared WR Braxton Berrios, LB Jamal Hill, OT Jarrett Kingston, OG Laken Tomlinson and QB Graham Mertz inactive for Week 13.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Nov 30 10:50am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), who was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday, is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Waller is ready to return after missing four games due to a pectoral strain. The 33-year-old veteran's return will mean less playing time for Greg Dulcich, who had become a stash option for fantasy managers in deep leagues. Waller should become one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's top targets in the passing game again with receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year, but fantasy managers will want to be wary about starting him right away in his first game back. Waller has only played in four games in 2025 after coming out of retirement, so there's a good chance Miami will limit his snaps this Sunday. He should be stashed in most formats, though, after he had four touchdown receptions on 10 catches earlier this year.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 30 10:50am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially active for Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Olave was dealing with back spasms earlier in the week and missed Thursday's practice, but was expected to still suit up and is now officially active. The 25-year-old has had a strong season so far, recording 69 receptions for 734 yards and four touchdowns on 108 targets in 11 games. Olave ranks as RotoBaller's WR18 in PPR leagues for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Nov 30 10:50am CT
Elic Ayomanor

As expected, Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) is active for Sunday's divisional clash against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. A hamstring injury caused Ayomanor to miss the first game of his career in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but he'll be back this weekend. The 22-year-old will be in play as a low-end WR4/flex for fantasy managers in his return. Remember, Calvin Ridley (leg) will miss the rest of the year with a broken fibula. The fourth-rounder will get his opportunities to close out his first season in the NFL, but his ceiling is on the low side in one of the worst offenses in football. Through his first 10 games, Ayomanor has a 28-334-2 line on 59 targets. His return will make fellow rookie Chimere Dike a little less attractive as a deep-league flex option. Ayomanor has gone over 50 receiving yards just once in his last eight games, and he hasn't scored since Sept. 21 against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 30 10:43am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is active for Week 13's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Fantasy Spin: Mayfield had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging one limited practice session and one full session during the week. He has thrown multiple touchdowns just once in his last five games and will not be playing at 100 percent this afternoon, so he should be viewed as a somewhat risky QB2 option in fantasy leagues for now.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Warren Nov 30 10:40am CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (illness) is officially active for the Week 13 divisional clash on Sunday against the visiting Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Warren was a late addition to this week's injury report on Saturday and was listed as questionable due to an illness. The 23-year-old might not be 100% himself for Sunday's game, but fantasy managers need to leave him in their starting lineups as one of the team's top pass-catchers in 2025. Warren enters Week 13 action with 55 receptions for 662 yards and three touchdowns on 74 targets. He is second on the team in both catches and targets, and leads the Colts in receiving yards through 12 weeks. Although the matchup isn't great against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, Warren is still firmly inside the top 10 at the TE position in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Nov 30 10:30am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was ruled out for Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, but has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After dislocating his left elbow in Washington's Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Daniels was a limited participant every day in practice this week and will have an opportunity to return after missing just four games. Daniels has expressed the desire to return to action despite the Commanders' 3-8 record and after dealing with knee and hamstring injuries earlier in the year. Marcus Mariota will continue filling in as Washington's starter until Daniels is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 30 10:30am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) has been cleared to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the future Hall of Fame signal-caller will be playing through at least three fractures in his left (non-throwing) wrist. Rodgers' main wrist fracture was non-displaced, though, which means he was able to avoid surgery. He will be back on the field in Week 13 after sitting out the team's Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rapoport reports that Rodgers has gained even more respect in Pittsburgh because of how he's handled this injury. Rodgers' left-wrist fractures shouldn't really affect him throwing the football, but he could have difficulty taking snaps under center on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider him a low-end QB2/high-end QB3 against the visiting Bills.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Nov 30 10:20am CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins earned a season high of nine targets in last week's win over the Buffalo Bills, recording four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Higgins could have had a much bigger day, but just narrowly missed on a few passes from quarterback Davis Mills. The rookie has emerged as a legitimate No. 2 option for Houston opposite Nico Collins, securing at least four catches in five of the last seven games. Higgins will look to continue his promising production in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, with C.J. Stroud (concussion) making his return after missing the last three games. With his expanding role and growing target share, Higgins is a viable flex option in 12-team leagues for Week 13 and beyond.

From RotoBaller

Talanoa Hufanga Nov 30 10:20am CT
Talanoa Hufanga

Denver Broncos defensive back Talanoa Hufanga (illness) is under the weather and is now considered questionable to play in Week 13 against the hosting Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football due to an illness, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Hufanga could be a game-time decision for the late game on Sunday evening. The 25-year-old has managed to stay healthy in 2025 in his first year in Denver and is having a fine season, recording 76 tackles (44 solo), nine pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 11 starts, putting him in play in IDP fantasy formats. However, he could miss the team's first game coming out of their bye week, which would leave the Broncos' secondary a little bit more vulnerable. Still, Denver's defense/special teams unit should be considered a must-start in fantasy against backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and Washington.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Nov 30 10:10am CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, hauling in all three targets for 74 yards. It was also Mooney's most receiving yards in a game this season as he took advantage of star wide receiver Drake London (knee) being sidelined. With London ruled out again for Week 13, Mooney should be in line to lead the Atlanta passing attack again versus the New York Jets. The 28-year-old has a solid rapport with quarterback Kirk Cousins and should be able to exploit a Jets defense that traded away its two best defenders at the deadline. Mooney ranks as RotoBaller's WR32 in PPR formats for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Nov 30 9:40am CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (illness) is expected to play on Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Warren is listed as questionable as he battled a stomach virus, but all indications are that the rookie will be able to go for a key divisional game. The 23-year-old has excelled in his first 11 games in the NFL, securing 55 of his 74 targets for 662 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 13.3 PPR points per game. He will likely be relied on heavily again in Week 13 against the Texans and should be started in all fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller