Fantasy advice for Chiefs vs. Texans in Week 15
For many leagues, the fantasy playoffs begin this week. Congratulations to all who were able to make it.
You will find the usual suspects in Kansas City Chiefs’ lineup, but they could also have a few sleepers. Although they have only one win this season, the Houston Texans could still have a few sleepers. Let’s see who the best plays from this matchup are.
*Projections from our colleagues at The Huddle
QB Patrick Mahomes
Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mahomes returned to his normal stats last week with 352 yards, three touchdowns and three touchdowns. However, he also threw three interceptions last week which was uncharacteristic. No matter how many interceptions he throws he’ll typically have enough yardage and TDs to make up for it, but I wouldn’t expect it to continue to be a problem.
This week Mahomes faces a Texans’ secondary that is actually pretty solid, but it may be missing both starting cornerbacks in Steven Nelson and Derek Stingley Jr., which could cause some problems. Mahomes, however, is matchup-proof so he should still be a top-5 QB this Week.
RBs Isiah Pacheco/Jerick McKinnon
Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
McKinnon and Pacheco owners should look forward to their matchup against the Texans’ last ranked run defense this week. Houston is allowing 165.8 rushing yard per game and almost five yards per carry. If the Chiefs get an early lead, Pacheco should average 16 carries per games over the last five weeks.
McKinnon has had a steady role in the Chiefs’ passing game this season, ranking fourth on the team in receptions and tied for second in touchdown receptions. He’s a bit hit-or-miss as a rusher but is averaging 4.9 yards per carry over his last four games. McKinnon, with his matchup and his consistency in passing the ball, is a solid RB2.
WRs JuJu Smith-Schuster/Mecole Hardman/Marquez Valdes-Scantling/Kadarius Toney
Photo by David Eulitt–Getty Images
Smith-Schuster found a rhythm with Mahomes last Wednesday, catching nine passes and finding his endzone for the first week since Week 7. Although the Chiefs may be run-heavy, this is Andy Reid’s offense. I’d say Smith-Schuster is a WR3 with WR2 upside.
Mahomes broadcast it 42 times last week but Valdescantling got only one pass. Even though he’s a deep threat, Valdes-Scantling struggles with drops and is a non-factor when it comes to getting into the endzone. He shouldn’t be in any lineups this week.
Toney is questionable for this match after he missed the previous three games because of a hamstring strain. It seems pretty iffy that he’ll play considering he didn’t log a full practice this week. If he does play, he’ll likely be on a pitch count, making him too risky to be in your lineup.
Hardman will likely be out for this game. However, the good news is that Hardman practiced all week and appears to be ready to play against the Seattle Seahawks next week. He’s worth a roster stash for the final few weeks of the season.
TE Travis Kelce
Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
It’s slightly eyebrow-raising that Kelce has only logged four receptions in each of his last three games. He has been challenged by some great secondaries during that stretch of his defense. The middle of the Texans’ defense is soft and Kelce is still the best tight end in the league. He could return to big numbers next week.
Chiefs’ defense/special forces
Photo by David Eulitt–Getty Images
The Chiefs’ defense looked like it was in for a huge day early on in last week’s game against Denver, but the Broncos made a furious and surprising comeback. The K.C. The defense managed six sacks and two turnovers and scored a touchdown. It has also forced six turnovers in its four previous games.
The Texans have one of the worst offenses in the NFL and will be down a couple of their best players, making the Chiefs’ defense one of the better starts of the week.
K Harrison Butker
Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Butker is now 10-for-11 from his four previous games. His only missed field goal was at 55 yards. Butker should be able to put up some points against Houston, and Seattle’s defense will be weak next week.
QBs Davis Mills/Jeff Drizkel
Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Texans have decided to go with the college-like two-QB system. Mills will take more snaps than Driskel, and will be the primary passer. Driskel will run the ball and throw some passes.
Mills has been disappointing this year, throwing more touchdowns than interceptions. He shouldn’t be rostered on any fantasy teams. Driskel should not be, as he will likely play between 10-15 snaps.
RBs Rex Burkhead/Dare Ogunbowale
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
It’s tough to say who will lead the Hoston backfield with starter Dameon Pierce out. Burkhead is the proven veteran, but Ogunbowale played 18 snaps last week to Burkhead’s five.
It’s possible that they split the workload relatively evenly, but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. Neither back has been productive this season nor shown very much upside and shouldn’t be rostered. Ogunbowale would be a good choice for DFS if you feel like taking a chance.
WRs Chris Moore/Phillip Dorsett
Raymond Carlin III – USA TODAY Sports
This week, the Texans are short at receiver. They’ll be without their top two options, Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, for the second straight week. Chris Moore performed well last week in their absence, catching 10 passes for an impressive 124 yards and 11 targets. He could be a sneaky good flex play this week against a shaky Chiefs’ secondary.
Dorsett can be a veteran and is quick. He only managed two receptions last week as a starter and has averaged one catch over the last five games. He’s always a threat for a deep ball, but Dorsett is definitely not fantasy relevant this season.
TE Jordan Akins
Photo by Jamie Squires-Getty Images
Akins has been inconsistent this season. He has been quiet in the last two weeks. Akins’ backup teagan Quitoriano took more snaps last week than Akins, which may indicate that the coaching staff wants to look at other options. Even at such a shallow position, Akins shouldn’t be in any lineups.
Texans special teams/defense
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
The Texans’ defense put up a valiant effort against the Dallas Cowboys last week but couldn’t hold it together in the end. Houston’s rushing defense is 29th in the league, which makes it the last-ranked. It will also lose both of its starting cornerbacks, Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans’ defense shouldn’t be rostered.
K Ka’imi Fairbairn
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Fairbairn quietly has been one of the best kickers in the NFL this year, connecting on 24 out 26 attempts. He was a huge player last week and made all three of his field-goal opportunities. Two were from 50 yards or farther.
The Texans have the third-worst scoring offense, making Fairbairn a risky play, but there’s a degree of safety with him considering how accurate he is. If you’re thin on options he’s a solid play.