Texans squeeze past Colts 20-16, tighten AFC South race

Sun Nov 30 4:27pm ET
Field Level Media

All of a sudden, there is a race in the AFC South after the Houston Texans won their fourth consecutive game 20-16 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.

With quarterback C.J. Stroud back in the lineup, the two-time defending South champion Texans (7-5) got back in the division race and bumped the Colts (8-4) down a rung and into second place behind the Jaguars.

Stroud completed 22 of 35 passes for 276 yards and one interception and Nico Collins caught five passes for 98 yards and ran for a score. Stroud was 9-of-13 passing in the second half, including 3 of 3 on third down.

Houston's defense held the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense to under 20 points for the first time this season and kept Colts running back Jonathan Taylor out of the end zone. Taylor had 85 rushing yards and 36 yards receiving.

The Colts were stopped on seven of 10 third-down attempts.

Taylor was dropped for a 5-yard loss and the Colts had to settle for Michael Badgley's 42-yard field goal, tightening Houston's lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter.

Stroud hit Collins for 29 yards to start the ensuing drive, which ended with the Colts' defense stopping the Texans on three consecutive run plays -- Woody Marks on second-and-1 and tight end Cade Stover on successive direct snaps -- from the Colts' 17. The turnover on downs put the ball back in Jones' hands with 4:45 remaining.

Taylor moved the chains on two first-down carries on the drive. Jones found Alec Pierce for 22 yards over the middle before Taylor's tote for 11 yards and a 1-yard loss brought the two-minute warning.

On 3rd-and-9, Jones evaded the blitz and floated a pass to Josh Downs in the right flat, but his second drop of the game and Michael Badgley's missed extra point off the left upright in the second quarter set up a make-or-break fourth down with 1:49 to play. Jones fired high and wide to Michael Pittman Jr.

Jones completed 14 of 27 passes with 201 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce had a team-high 78 receiving yards on four catches.

Playing with a left leg injury -- reportedly a hairline fracture in his fibula -- Jones' mobility was limited. He took multiple direct shots, including a shot on the left leg with 12 minutes left in the game that was ruled roughing the passer on Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr.

Houston regained the lead with 12:38 to play. A run fake up the gut froze the Colts' defense and Stroud flipped the ball to Collins looping from the right side of the formation to win a race to the front-left corner of the end zone. Ka'imi Fairbairn's extra point appeared to sail wide to the left, but officials deemed the PAT good and the Texans took a 20-13 lead.

Jones found his touch and the Colts tied the game at 13-13 with 2:51 left in the third quarter on a 12-yard TD pass to rookie tight end Tyler Warren. The score came one play after a 32-yard pass interference flag on Texans safety Caden Bullock placed the ball in the red zone.

On the previous possession, Houston trekked to the Colts' 14 but Indianapolis stuffed Nick Chubb for no gain and Adetomiwa Adebawore sacked a backpedaling Stroud on third down to limit the Texans to Fairbairn's 43-yard field goal on fourth-and-21.

Chubb bullied his way into the end zone and shoved Colts safety Cam Bynum out of his path for 4-yard touchdown and a 10-6 lead for the Texans in the second quarter. The touchdown answered Jones' 19-yard TD pass to Pierce.

Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner watched the final three quarters of the game from the sideline with his left foot in a boot. He was helped off the field on Indianapolis' second defensive snap and ruled out with a calf injury.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair spent time in the medical tent for a concussion test and treatment for a foot injury in the fourth quarter but was back on the field after the two-minute warning.

The Colts play at Houston to end the regular season in January. Indianapolis visits Jacksonville next week. The Jaguars throttled Tennessee on Sunday to improve to 8-4.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Marquise Brown Dec 2 9:50pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown scored his fifth receiving touchdown of the year in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday, but it came on only two catches (two targets) and 20 yards. It seems like ages ago when Hollywood had 10 catches on 16 targets for 99 yards back in the season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old pass-catcher had at least five targets in the first five games of the year when Rashee Rice was suspended -- Xavier Worthy also missed two games with a shoulder injury during that stretch. Since Week 5, Brown has not been targeted more than four times in a game as he's been phased out of KC's offense. In the last seven games, he has 15 catches on 20 targets for 202 yards and four scores. In a part-time role for the Chiefs, we would recommend keeping Brown on your bench in deeper fantasy leagues against the Houston Texans and their top-ranked defense in Week 14 on Sunday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Dec 2 9:40pm CT
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell scored for the first time this year in last Thursday's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell was extremely efficient with his limited opportunities on Turkey Day, taking two carries for 19 yards and a touchdown while picking up 12 receiving yards on his two receptions (three targets). The 23-year-old third-year back only played 13% of the offensive snaps as Baltimore's RB3, though, behind Rasheen Ali (48% snap share) and Derrick Henry (40%). Mitchell had a nice 18-yard touchdown scamper against the Bengals and has intriguing explosiveness out of the backfield, but right now he's stuck as the No. 3 option in the Ravens' backfield, making him a hard sell for a roster spot in 12-team fantasy leagues. He has added value in leagues that include return yardage on special teams. Mitchell had 91 return yards on three kickoffs in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Ollie Gordon II Dec 2 9:30pm CT
Ollie Gordon II

Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II has pretty much worked as the backup in Miami all year behind workhorse De'Von Achane, totaling 53 carries for 174 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in 12 games in his first year in the NFL. Gordon has added six catches on eight targets for 30 yards and another TD. The 21-year-old 6-foot-2, 225-pound back had as many carries (three) as Jaylen Wright in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints, though, gaining just 10 yards. He was not targeted in the passing attack for the third game in a row. Achane continues to see the lion's share of the backfield touches, as he had 22 rushing attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown. Gordon gives Miami's offense a unique mix of size and speed at the RB position, but he just has not seen enough volume to be worth rostering in 12-team redraft fantasy football leagues. He's rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Dec 2 9:20pm CT
Tyjae Spears

In the lowest-scoring offense (14.2 points per game) in the league, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has a low ceiling and low floor for fantasy managers, and he should only be rostered in point-per-reception leagues. In the Week 13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Spears had two rushing attempts for a loss of one yard, but he salvaged his fantasy day by catching all six of his targets for 25 yards through the air. The 24-year-old's six catches were tied for the team lead, and his six targets were second on the team. Since returning from Injured Reserve due to a high-ankle sprain, Spears has a very modest 39 carries for 158 yards and one touchdown while adding 28 receptions for 173 yards on 30 targets in eight games. Fantasy managers cannot count on him to produce on the ground -- he's had more than five carries in a game only twice in eight games. Spears has had at least five targets in each of the last three games, though, which makes him a low-upside RB3/flex in deep PPR leagues going into a tough Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

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Kirk Cousins Dec 2 9:20pm CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 21 of his 33 passes for 234 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Jets. The 37-year-old looked Kyle Pitts Sr.'s way most often (eight targets), which has been the case in each of his three starts this season, but again spread the ball around, with seven different receivers earning two or more targets, and he also foundDavid Sills V for a touchdown pass for the second straight week. The veteran QB draws a tough matchup in Week 14 as the Falcons host the Seahawks in Atlanta, a defense that has been in the bottom third in terms of fantasypoints allowedto opposing quarterbacks. It will at least be a home matchup, and there is still a chance that the team's No. 1 receiver, Drake London (knee), will return for Sunday's contest. Even so, Cousins figures to be in the lower end of the QB2 ranks in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Dec 2 9:10pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Across 11 games since being acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles, running back Tank Bigsby has recorded just 18 carries for 164 yards. As long as star Eagles running back Saquon Barkley remains healthy, there appears to be a firm ceiling on Bigsby's playing time and opportunity for touches. The 24-year-old has logged double-digit offensive snaps in just one game this season. However, Bigsby's average of 9.1 rushing yards per attempt is a clear indicator of his significant production upside if Barkley were to suffer an injury. In a larger, 168-carry sample size across 16 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, Bigsby averaged 4.6 yards per attempt and scored seven rushing touchdowns. Bigsby's never provided much production as a receiver, so fellow Eagles back Will Shipley would likely handle passing-downs work even if Barkley were to go down. Still, Bigsby is a high-end handcuff option who is worth rostering in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Dec 2 9:00pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Across 13 games this season, San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. has recorded 72 carries for 328 yards and two touchdowns. While the 26-year-old has been productive when given the opportunity in his first season in San Francisco, his playing time upside is capped by the presence of superstar 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Robinson Jr. has yet to play more than 18 offensive snaps or log double-digit carries in any game this season. However, as the fantasy playoffs approach, Robinson Jr. could be worth rostering as a premium handcuff option. He's averaging a career-best 4.6 yards per rush attempt this season and would immediately profile as a starting fantasy running back if McCaffrey were to miss time due to injury. In leagues with 12 or more teams, Robinson Jr. could be worth rostering and stashing through San Francisco's Week 14 bye.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Dec 2 8:50pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson posted modest production in his team's Week 13 loss to the New England Patriots, recording just three catches for 29 yards. However, the 24-year-old tied his single-game season-high with eight targets. Across the last five games he's played with Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Johnson has hauled in 19 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson also rarely leaves the field in New York, playing at least 89% of the Giants' offensive snaps in three out of the last four weeks. With the Giants on their bye week in Week 14, fantasy managers desperate for a win may be forced to drop Johnson. In leagues with 12 or more teams, Johnson could be worth targeting on the waiver wire and stashing through his bye week, given his favorable Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Dec 2 8:40pm CT
Nick Chubb

After starting the season as the lead running back for the Houston Texans, Nick Chubb has now ceded the RB1 role to Texans rookie back Woody Marks (foot). Still, Chubb gets his share of touches each week for Houston and scored his third rushing touchdown of the season in the team's Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps most importantly for Chubb's production outlook, Marks briefly left the game against Indianapolis with a foot injury. While the 24-year-old was able to return and finish the contest, there's a chance the injury could linger and lead Houston to limit Marks' touches in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Chubb's upside is limited, but he's logged six games with double-digit rush attempts this season and could find the end zone against the Chiefs. In deeper fantasy leagues, Chubb could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Tom Kennedy Dec 2 8:30pm CT
Tom Kennedy

In his first game action of the 2025 season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy recorded four catches for 36 yards on four targets in his team's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Kennedy was signed off the practice squad leading into Week 13 to replace Lions wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle), and then forced into a more prominent role when star Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) exited the game early due to an ankle injury. Both Raymond and St. Brown are uncertain to play in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, which could mean another week with significant playing time for Kennedy. Outside of wide receiver Jameson Williams and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the injury-plagued Lions are desperate for pass-catching talent. Across 25 career NFL games, Kennedy has recorded 18 receptions for 231 yards on 30 targets. In deep fantasy leagues, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in case Raymond and St. Brown remain sidelined in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Dec 2 8:20pm CT
Pat Bryant

Across 12 games this season, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant has recorded just 18 catches for 273 yards and a touchdown on 32 targets. However, the 22-year-old has played some of his best football in recent weeks. Over his last three games, Bryant has recorded nine catches for 167 yards on 15 targets. Bryant has earned at least six targets in each of the last two weeks, and he played a season-high 70% of Denver's offensive snaps in the team's Week 13 win over the Washington Commanders. While Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin are relatively established as the top two wide receivers in Denver, it appears Bryant is carving out a role down the stretch of the season. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Bryant is worth targeting on the waiver wire and stashing through Denver's Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Dante Fowler Dec 2 8:03pm CT
Dante Fowler

Dallas Cowboys DE Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring), OT Tyler Guyton (ankle) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 2. OT Hakeem Adeniji (knee), CB Trevon Diggs (knee), and S Malik Hooker (back) were limited participants. CB DaRon Bland (foot, wrist), CB Caelen Carson (hamstring), DE Dante Fowler (shoulder), DE James Houston (foot, ankle), DT Osa Odighizuwa (elbow), WR George Pickens (calf, knee), WR KaVontae Turpin (shoulder) and S Donovan Wilson (neck) practiced in full on Friday and no longer appear on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 2 7:53pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions OT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest), S Kerby Joseph (knee), WR Kalif Raymond (ankle), OT Penei Sewell (shoulder) WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), TE Brock Wright (neck) and TE Shane Zylstra (knee) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 2. OG Kayode Awosika (foot), DB Brian Branch (toe, ankle), C Graham Glasgow (knee) and RB Sione Vaki (thumb) were limited in practice.

From TheHuddle

Kenneth Gainwell Dec 2 7:50pm CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell saw just five carries for 20 yards and secured two of his three targets for 25 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. After delivering two straight performances as a fantasy RB1, Gainwell logged his lowest snap share since Week 9 and ceded both targets and goal-line work to Jaylen Warren. Though Gainwell should remain involved down the stretch, it's clear that Pittsburgh prioritizes Warren as its primary ballcarrier. In Week 14, Gainwell will face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have held running backs to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per contest and the 10th-fewest yards per carry over the past eight weeks. The game script could make Gainwell a necessary check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but fantasy managers should view him as a risky flex play on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 2 7:30pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf caught three of his five targets for 32 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. While he managed to find the end zone in Week 12, Metcalf has now gone five consecutive games without surpassing 50 receiving yards. Pittsburgh's offense has been incredibly ineffective lately, especially through the air, making it hard to rely on any of its pass-catchers. Metcalf remains the only Steelers wideout worth rostering for fantasy purposes, but he is far from a must-start at this point. The Baltimore Ravens, who have tightened up defensively over the past eight weeks, are on tap for Week 14. Fantasy managers in need of a safe floor should explore other options, but Metcalf's explosiveness and talent still give him enough upside to profile as a WR3 or flex play.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 2 7:23pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Fantasy Spin: This isn't good news for fantasy managers who roster St. Brown. The star didn't practice Monday after spraining his ankle in Week 13 against Green Bay. However, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said that he isn't ready to rule out the Pro Bowler yet for Thursday's game against Dallas. This situation needs close monitoring with an eye down the depth chart for the next man up.

From TheHuddle

Jaylen Warren Dec 2 7:20pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled 10 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for nine yards on four targets in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In a game where almost everything went wrong for Pittsburgh, Warren was one of the lone bright spots. He gave the Steelers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter with a goal-line score, marking his fifth total touchdown of the season. In Week 14, he'll face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have been strong against the run over the past eight weeks. Given how poorly Pittsburgh's offense has played lately, it's unlikely Warren delivers any league-winning performances down the stretch, but he's been good enough individually to remain in lineups as a steady RB2.

From RotoBaller

Kerby Joseph Dec 2 7:20pm CT
Kerby Joseph

Detroit Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee) intends to return to the field this season despite being sidelined since Week 6 due to a nagging knee injury, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Joseph's injury is not considered career-altering, as some have speculated. The 25-year-old will seek treatment on his knee in the offseason, but he's hoping to be back on the field in the coming weeks. The Lions never put Joseph on Injured Reserve, and he was able to return to practice on Monday for the first time since his injury. He isn't going to be active this Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but it's possible he could return for a Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams. A reeling Lions defense would really benefit from the return of Joseph, who was a first-team All-Pro in 2024 when he had a career-high nine interceptions.

From RotoBaller

David Sills Dec 2 7:20pm CT
David Sills

AtlantaFalcons wide receiver David Sills V hauled in two of his four targets for 15 yards and a touchdownin Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Jets. It was the second consecutive week in which the 29-year-old secured a touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Surely fantasy managers who were desperate enough to deploy Sills were happy with the results, but there may not be much room for this hot stretch to run with such low volume being directed at the veteran and with the potential for Drake London (knee) to return in Week 14 against the Seahawks. Interested managers may consider picking up the 6-foot-3 wideout off the waiver wire, then monitor practice reports for the rest of the week, and if London returns, cut bait with Sills. Seattle has been tough against the pass this season, but it's at least a home matchup in Atlanta on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Dec 2 7:10pm CT
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has been a headache all season long for fantasy managers. Allgeier is the backup to Bijan Robinson, but he continues to vulture touchdowns in goal-line situations. For example, Allgeier rushed eight times for 20 yards and a touchdown during last week's loss to the New York Jets. His touchdown plunge came from just one yard out after Robinson was held to no gain on the play before. This has been a theme all season long, as Allgeier has eight rushing touchdowns, but only 344 yards on the ground. That being said, Allgeier will remain a touchdown-dependent option ahead of the team's Week 14 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. It's a tough matchup for Allgeier against an elite Seahawks run defense (they allow the second-fewest rushing yards per game), so fantasy managers in 12-team formats should be able to find someone that isn't so reliant on TDs.

From RotoBaller