The Texans selected Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with the second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud racked up huge numbers as a two-year starter at Ohio State: 8,123 yards (9.8 YPA), 85 TDs, and only 12 INTs. Playing alongside elite talents like Garret Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jaxon-Smith-Njigba certainly helped. Stroud still showed NFL ability, proving accurate in all areas of the field. But can he adjust to muddier pockets in the pros? And can he use his legs more often? Those answers will be vital in determining his dynasty fantasy value. For year one, though, Stroud’s unlikely to be more than a deep league spot starter. Houston’s currently rolling out Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and John Metchie at WR.
The Texans have agreed to a one-year deal with TE Dalton Schultz worth "up to $9 million," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It has to be a disappointing contract for a guy Dallas franchise-tagged just last offseason. But it sounds like about the same contract Mike Gesicki is getting from the Patriots. Schultz opened his career with two quiet seasons (13 total catches) in Dallas, before breaking out in 2020. He then averaged 4.1 receptions and 41.7 yards per game over the past three years. Bet on the Houston offense being worse than the Cowboys unit Schultz is leaving. But Houston's top three pass-catchers currently look like WR Robert Woods, WR Nico Collins, and WR John Metchie. So there's target-share opportunity. Of course, we'll also see who the new starting QB will be. The Texans figure to select that guy early in the NFL Draft. We're not excited about Schultz at his current TE12 best ball ADP. He could become more interesting, though, if he drops significantly below that.
The Texans have signed WR Robert Woods to a two-year deal. The pact includes $10 million guaranteed and could be worth as much as $17 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This signing ahead of NFL free agency opening signals that Houston either wants Woods to replace WR Brandon Cooks once he’s traded or that it prefers Woods to Nico Collins as the No. 2 receiver. Woods has been going near the end of best ball drafts, so signing anywhere helps his outlook. We’ll see what the Texans do at QB and whether they make any other WR moves before determine the veteran’s ultimate value
QB C.J. Stroud measured in at 6’3, 214 pounds at the NFL Combine. With 10-inch hands (right on the mark for an NFL QB) and a throw velocity of 59 MPH (among the highest in this class), Stroud simply solidified his top-10 stock. He also showed impressive accuracy in the on-field drills. In fact, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Stroud’s performance “one of the best throwing sessions I’ve seen at the Combine.”
The Athletic's Jay Morrison writes that the Bengals cutting RB Joe Mixon "feels closer to a certainty than a mere possibility." The move would save Cincinnati $7.3 million against the 2023 salary cap. "The Bengals envisioned this scenario coming into play when they signed Mixon to a four-year, $48 million contract in 2020, and structured the deal so that they could get out of it two years early without much of a hit," Morrison adds. Mixon averaged just 58 rushing yards per game on 3.9 yards per carry last year. He ranked 47th among 51 qualifying RBs in Pro Football Focus' Elusive Rating and 27th in NFL Next Gen Stats' Rush Yards Over Expected Per Attempt. Mixon was also accused of pointing a gun at a woman in downtown Cincinnati in January. We'll see if the Bengals send him packing before the start of free agency in mid-March. RB Samaje Perine is set to hit the open market then, leaving Chris Evans as Cincinnati's only other RB signed for 2023. Expect the Bengals to make a significant addition to the backfield -- via free agency or the draft -- if they do cut Mixon.
The Titans released WR Robert Woods, The Score's Jordan Schultz reports. It's no surprise considering Woods was set to count $14.6 million against the 2023 salary cap. 30 years old and coming off a torn ACL, Woods didn't appear to have much juice left this past season, averaging a career-low 9.9 yards per catch. He ranked 59th among 84 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' receiving grades. We'll see where Woods lands, but don't expect to find him high in the 2023 fantasy football rankings.
The Texans are expected to hire Bobby Slowik as their new OC, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Slowik will become the latest Kyle Shanahan disciple to take over an offense. The 35-year-old has spent the past 6 seasons under Shanahan in San Francisco, actually starting out as a defensive quality control coach before moving to the offensive side of the ball in 2019. He served as an offensive assistant for 2 seasons before being promoted to passing game specialist in 2021 and then passing game coordinator last year. Slowik also worked under HC Mike Shanahan in Washington from 2011 to 2013 and spent a few years in between NFL jobs as an analyst at Pro Football Focus. It appears to be a forward-thinking hire by the Texans, although Slowik doesn't have experience calling plays at any level. The Texans are fully expected to take a QB with the 2nd overall pick of this spring's draft.
The misdemeanor menacing charge against Bengals RB Joe Mixon was dismissed by a judge on Friday, at the request of the prosecution. But the prosecution reserves the right to re-file the case after additional investigation. The legal side of this story isn't over yet. And the NFL can discipline Mixon even if he isn't legally found guilty. That has Mixon's 2023 and dynasty value in limbo for now. We'll keep you updated on the situation.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon is being charged with "aggravated menacing" for an incident that allegedly occurred in downtown Cincinnati the day before the Divisional Round game against the Bills. Mixon is accused of pointing a gun at a woman and saying, "You should be popped in the face, I should shoot you, the police can't get me." NFL Network's Tom Pelissero spoke Thursday night with Mixon's agent, who claims the charge will be dropped on Friday. We'll keep you updated on the situation. Remember that Mixon entered the NFL with red flags after he was caught on camera punching a woman at a restaurant in 2014.
The Texans are hiring Demeco Ryans as HC, according to multiple reports. This has been assumed for at least a few days now, and it makes loads of sense for Houston. Ryans was a team leader across 6 years as MLB with the Texans, before finishing his playing career with 4 seasons in Philadelphia. He spent the past 6 years on San Francisco's coaching staff, including the past 2 as DC. Ryans piloted a 49ers defense that ranked 3rd and 1st in yards allowed the past 2 seasons; 9th and 1st in points allowed. He inherits a Texans roster that needs plenty of work. But Houston does hold 5 picks among the 1st 3 rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, including the #2 and #12 overall selections. Expect the Texans to select their next QB in Round 1, with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis all in the current early-Round 1 discussion. The 49ers defense, meanwhile, should be fine. San Francisco ranked 6th and 2nd in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA the 2 years before Ryans took the helm.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon rushed 20 times for 105 yards and 1 score in Sunday’s win over Buffalo. So much for Cincy’s banged up O-line. Playing with backups, Mixon posted his best YPC average since Week 14. The 100-yard outing also marked the most from a postseason Bengal since Cedric Benson in 2010. Next comes a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game, again in Kansas City.
Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz roped in 7 of 8 targets for 95 yards and 2 TDs in Monday’s Wild Card victory vs. the Buccaneers. Teammate WR CeeDee Lamb also performed well, snagging 4 of 6 his targets for 68 yards and a score of his own. This pair made a tremendous difference in the outcome of this game and will look to continue this success against the 49ers next weekend in the Divisional Round. Though the 49ers’ defense ranks 7th in Football Outsiders’ pass defense DVOA this season, we did see Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf eclipse the century mark in receiving yards with 2 TDs on Saturday. Perhaps QB Dak Prescott and company could replicate that success in the next round.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon mustered only 39 yards on 11 carries in Sunday’s win over Baltimore. He’s now been held to only 1 TD over his past 6 outings. Mixon at least remained a key part of the passing game, racking up 3+ catches for the 14th time (in 15 games) this season. The Bengals now travel to Buffalo for the Divisional Round. The Bills have allowed 4.3 YPC to opposing RBs this season.
Bills WR Stefon Diggs popped off for 7 catches for 114 yards against Miami. He tied Gabe Davis for the team lead in targets (9). The highlight here was a beautifully thrown Josh Allen deep ball for 52 yards — the duo’s 2nd longest gain of this season. Diggs will likely face the Bengals in the Divisional Round. It would be the first showdown between Buffalo and Cincinnati this season.
Texans WR John Metchie has a chance to re-join the team for the start of the offseason program in April, GM Nick Caserio said Wednesday. Metchie missed his entire 2022 rookie campaign after being diagnosed with acute promyeloctic leukemia in July. "I'd say there's a chance that he'll be ready for the start of the offseason program," Caserio said. "I think there are still some things that he has to complete or go through. Quite frankly, it's amazing what he's done to this point." It sounds like Metchie at least deserves to be rostered in dynasty leagues again. There's plenty of opportunity in Houston's WR corps heading into 2023, especially with WR Brandin Cooks likely to be playing elsewhere.
The Texans announced Sunday night that they are firing HC Lovie Smith. It's not a surprising move, as Houston just finished a 3-13-1 campaign. Smith seemed like an uninspired choice last offseason, being elevated from the DC position after 1 year of David Culley as HC. But he had little chance at success with a bad roster and weak QB situation. We'll see where Houston turns next, but it's tough to expect an especially attractive candidate to choose these Texans.
Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale (knee) is active for today’s game vs. the Jaguars. He should continue mixing in behind lead back Royce Freeman.
Bills WR Stefon Diggs (illness) returned to practice on Friday after being absent the day before. It looks like the star wideout is feeling better. Diggs is a no-doubt WR1 option despite last week's disappointing effort. If you've made it this far, start Diggs in Week 17.
Bills WR Stefon Diggs (illness) missed Thursday's practice. Hopefully the star wideout feels better soon. TE Dawson Knox (hip) logged limited participation. With Week 17's game vs. the Bengals occurring on Monday night, these Bills pass-catchers will have an extra day to get right. We'll track their statuses as more information becomes available.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon rushed 16 times for 65 yards (4.1 per rush) in Saturday's win over the Patriots. He added 7 receptions for 43 yards among 9 targets (tied for 2nd on the team). The efficiency wasn't great, but it was nice to see Mixon clearly leading the backfield in both phases. He goes up against the Bills in Week 17.
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