The Texans are hoping to have their lead running back in the lineup against the Patriots. David Fucillo breaks down his status and what to expect for fantasy football.
The Houston Texans kick off the first of three road games in four weeks when they travel to face the New England Patriots in Week 6. Houston is a 6.5-point favorite in a game that will be a popular pick in Survivor and could feature a key Texans offensive player returning to action.
Running back Joe Mixon is listed as questionable for the game due to an ankle injury, but he plans to play, according to reporter Jordan Schultz. Mixon did not practice on Wednesday, but he returned to practice in limited fashion on Thursday and Friday. He missed the previous three weeks with the injury.
The Texans-Patriots game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET, which means we’ll know in time for most roster decisions. The Jaguars and Bears kick off at 9:30 a.m., so depending on what your running back situation looks like, you might have to make a tough decision.
Whatever your backfield situation, it seems like you can operate under the assumption that Mixon will play. With that in mind, he’s a must start. He’s a guy you play every week regardless, but all the more so this week with Houston facing an awful Patriots team and missing Nico Collins and Robert Woods in the passing game.
The Texans will be back to full strength in the backfield with Dameon Pierce off the injury report entirely. Pierce has been sidelined for four weeks with a hamstring. That opened the door for Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale to get some work in. If you leaned on either of them the past few weeks, you’ll want to bench them. A Texans blowout could open the door to some garbage time for either, but don’t hold your breath for enough to justify inclusion on your fantasy roster.
