Daily Dr. Roto—November 21, 2019
Week 12 Thursday Night Preview
**Note** There are more injury issues with this Thursday night game than any other Thursday game we have seen all season. Some of these players will likely go through pregame warmups before deciding if they will be activated. Thus, much may change in the coming hours after this article is published. Please make sure you are paying attention later tonight to see if your players will be playing.
Quarterbacks
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
Watson had a horrible game against the Ravens, and I expect that he will bounce back nicely on Thursday. It all comes down to time for Watson. If his offensive line gives him time, he can make all the throws and be a star. I think he gets the time tonight and throws for 260 yards and 2 TDs.
Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts
The Texans secondary is a mess (they even signed Bucs castoff Vernon Hargreaves and are planning on starting him). The Colts would prefer to run the football behind their offensive line, but the Texans secondary might be so bad that they allow Brissett to throw it 35 times instead of the usual 28.
Running Backs
Carlos Hyde, Houston Texans
The Texans want to establish the running game and keep Hyde involved throughout all four quarters. He’s been terrific by the goal line as well, so he is a must start this week.
Duke Johnson, Houston Texans
The problem with Duke is that his touches are so inconsistent. Some weeks he will have 12 touches, while other weeks he will have 7. It’s hard to rely on a player who is so impossible to predict. I don’t see this as a game where Watson funnels passes in his direction, so I would only play him out of desperation.
Jonathan Williams, Indianapolis Colts
Williams came off the bench last week when Marlon Mack was injured and ran for over 100 yards behind the Colts impressive OL. Asking for another game like last week feels like chasing Fantasy points, which I normally hate to do. Look for about 50 yards rushing from him this week—possibly less if the Colts fall behind early.
Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts
Many people forget that Williams’ success last week was due to Wilkins being inactive. With Wilkins back in the lineup, I assume that he and Williams will split carries with each of them getting about 10-12 carries. As with Williams, much of Wilkins success with be game flow dependent, so be careful if starting him.
Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts
Speaking of game flow dependent, Hines is a tough player to predict. If the Colts are winning the game, they usually play Hines on third down. If the Colts are losing, he is a much bigger part of their offense. If I had to guess, I think that the Colts will be playing from behind tonight and Hines might end up being the Colts RB with the most Fantasy value.
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Without questions, Hopkins is a must start. If the Texans want to win this game, they will do whatever they can to get him off to a hot start. Look for a game of about 90 receiving yards and a TD.
Will Fuller, Houston Texans
As of right now, it looks like Fuller is going to try to play tonight. Watch him closely though, as he is dealing with a hamstring injury. Fuller is a difference maker on offense and has always thrived with Watson. If active, I would be willing to give Fuller a chance tonight as the Colts secondary can be beaten deep by speed receivers.
Kenny Stills, Houston Texans
If Fuller plays, then Stills needs to be benched in all Fantasy formats. If Fuller sits, I would only play Stills if desperate with BYE week issues.
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
I will make this as easy as possible: If Hilton is active, play him. He’s their best offensive player and has historically shredded the Texans secondary.
Zack Pascal, Indianapolis Colts
Regardless of whether Hilton plays, Pascal has earned his playing time increase. He’s been peppered with targets in the past three games (19) but he has not turned those targets into Fantasy points. Perhaps it’s because he is being shadowed by the other team’s CB1 with Hilton out? If Hilton plays, I would sit Pascal. However, if Hilton is inactive once again, I think that the Texans secondary is so bad that it might be worth giving Pascal another look.
Marcus Johnson, Indianapolis Colts
Johnson had four receptions last week including a TD pass. He’s earned more looks, but it really becomes a question of TY Hilton. If Hilton plays, Johnson sits. If Hilton is inactive, then Johnson could be a sneaky start.
Tight Ends
Darren Fells, Houston Texans
Fells was smoking hot earlier in the season, seemingly scoring TDs every week. He only has two catches in his last two games and Jordan Thomas will be returning from IR in the next week or two. I don’t feel confident using Fells tonight, so look elsewhere for Fantasy production.
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
Doyle does most of his damage within the 20’s and he could be a good outlet for Brissett. Historically, the Texans have been one of the worst defenses in the league in covering tight ends, but this year they are a top ten defense against opposing tight ends. I would play Doyle if I had BYE week issues, but otherwise, I would pass.
Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts
Ebron is dealing with a sore ankle, but he practiced in full on Wednesday which leads me to believe that he will play on Thursday. Ebron has been more involved in the Colts offense since he griped to Frank Reich about getting more targets. I can see him scoring tonight, but I am not sure he will get a ton of yards.
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