The Houston Texans are expected to have JJ Watt in the starting lineup against the Patriots despite the defensive end breaking his hand in practice this week. The Texans are fighting for playoff position and players like Alfred Blue and DeAndre Hopkins will need to step up for Brian Hoyer.
The Texans come into the game in contention for the AFC South division title and a wild card spot in the conference and the team is looking to bounce back after a loss to the Bills. According to the Houston Chronicle, Watt broke his hand in practice this week, but the defensive end said that he plans to play through the injury. The Chronicle reported that Watt was wearing a cast on his left hand and that he was held out of practice on Thursday, but Watt is not in danger of missing the game.
Watt missed some practice last week with a back issue and now he has a hand injury to deal with on Sunday. Watt is leading the league in sacks with 13.5 this season and he will be a key component for the Texans defense if the team wants to win over the Pats on Sunday. The Patriots offensive line has had some issues and that was evident against the Eagles, as Philadelphia was able to get pressure on Tom Brady without blitzing. The Texans will try and do the same and they should have Watt on the field despite the injury.
The Texans are 6-6 on the season and the Patriots come into the game looking to avoid losing three straight after starting 10-0. The Patriots lost to the Broncos and the Eagles over the past two weeks and now Houston gets the chance to try and get a win against Tom Brady and company. Fantasy owners should look at Alfred Blue and DeAndre Hopkins as the best options for Brian Hoyer this weekend.
Blue comes in as the lead back following the injury to Arian Foster earlier in the season and while he had just four carries 14 yards last week, he has been in double digit carries foe the previous four games. Blue scored a touchdown against the Saints and had 77 yards on 16 carries and he should get a steady dose of touches for the Texans on Sunday.
Hopkins has been one of the best fantasy receivers in the league this season and he comes in after putting up five catches for 88 yards and a touchdown last week against the Bills. Hopkins has 86 catches for 1169 yards this season with 10 touchdowns and he will be the main target for Hoyer and the Texans on Sunday.
