QB C.J. Stroud helped stake the Texans to a 23-7 first-half lead Sunday night against the Lions but wound up struggling -- predictably -- the rest of the way. He threw for 164 yards and a TD on 14-of-20 passing in the first half, finding WR John Metchie in the end zone late in the second quarter. But Stroud went just 6 for 13 after the break, for 68 yards and a pair of INTs.
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
The strong first half was more surprising than the second-half struggles, because Stroud continued to play without WR Nico Collins.
That left Tank Dell (9 targets) and Metchie (6) as the only Texans drawing more than 4 targets for the game.
Pit that against a Detroit defense that entered ranked third in total DVOA and third in pass DVOA, and Stroud didn't appear set up for fantasy success.
Collins was nearly ready for that game, though, and should return for next Monday night's game at Dallas.
Expect Stroud to rank among our top 12 QBs for that one -- and likely for ensuing matchups with the Titans and Jaguars before his Week 14 bye.
Houston's post-bye schedule also looks friendly, with strong home matchups against Miami and Baltimore sandwiching a Kansas City D that plays the run tougher than the pass.