Last night's game is another reminder that some things are challengingly predictable, and others--if the same game were played 10 more times--probably wouldn't happen again.
First, the bizarre:
Brian Hoyer had his best game (if you go by QB rating) in his last 15 contests. Replacing a clearly overwhelmed Ryan Mallett, Hoyer was efficient (an incredible 77.4% completion rate) and effective throwing beyond 10 yards (a good indicator of future success). He's surrounded by, when healthy, a top 10 RB, a top 10 WR, and an up-and-coming WR who can stretch the field. Granted, both of his TD passes were due, in large part, to terrible defensive coverage. But there is no doubt Hoyer is now Houston's starting QB. And there's also little doubt--this is for you, 2-QB leaguers--he'll be a top 20 fantasy QB going forward.
The other strange result, which in hindsight should have been more obvious, was Andre Johnson leading the Colts to victory. He hadn't caught a ball in three weeks. But there he racked up six receptions for 77 yards and two scores. I'd admittedly given up on him, urging everyone to drop the likely future Hall-of-Famer, who'd been passed on the depth chart by Donte Moncrief, with Phillip Dorsett close behind. What should have seemed clear was that Johnson was facing his former team of 12 seasons. Not saying revenge was the factor in Matt Hasselbeck targing him. But am saying that unlike in recent games, in this one he appeared locked in. Now go trade him before next week's 2-31 performance.
Next, the challengingly predictable:
WR Keith Mumphrey got eight targets. He had every opportunity to produce. But this was not his night. Instead it was Jaelen Strong's. Yesterday I wrote about drafting him in my 20-team league (then dropping him for more immediate WR needs). I applauded my opponent for picking him up, as he was the "bigger upside guy" who, I wrote last month, at some point will be Houston's #2 receiver. He might have earned it last night. In both instances, the defense fell asleep. But that doesn't negate his route running and being in the right place at the right time. Don't overcommit to Strong if you're in a small league. But do if you have 15 opponents itching for a potential WR3/4 for the fantasy playoffs.
Predictions about Arian Foster were all over the map. I wrote yesterday that I wasn't expecting more than 11 points in standard scoring leagues. Well, he scored 11 points. For a while it appeared his night would be cut severely short due to concussion symptoms. But surprisingly, he returned and, while not playing great, played well enough to move some chains and give the Texans a chance to win. Barring re-injury, he should continue to improve in the coming weeks.
First, the bizarre:
Brian Hoyer had his best game (if you go by QB rating) in his last 15 contests. Replacing a clearly overwhelmed Ryan Mallett, Hoyer was efficient (an incredible 77.4% completion rate) and effective throwing beyond 10 yards (a good indicator of future success). He's surrounded by, when healthy, a top 10 RB, a top 10 WR, and an up-and-coming WR who can stretch the field. Granted, both of his TD passes were due, in large part, to terrible defensive coverage. But there is no doubt Hoyer is now Houston's starting QB. And there's also little doubt--this is for you, 2-QB leaguers--he'll be a top 20 fantasy QB going forward.
The other strange result, which in hindsight should have been more obvious, was Andre Johnson leading the Colts to victory. He hadn't caught a ball in three weeks. But there he racked up six receptions for 77 yards and two scores. I'd admittedly given up on him, urging everyone to drop the likely future Hall-of-Famer, who'd been passed on the depth chart by Donte Moncrief, with Phillip Dorsett close behind. What should have seemed clear was that Johnson was facing his former team of 12 seasons. Not saying revenge was the factor in Matt Hasselbeck targing him. But am saying that unlike in recent games, in this one he appeared locked in. Now go trade him before next week's 2-31 performance.
Next, the challengingly predictable:
WR Keith Mumphrey got eight targets. He had every opportunity to produce. But this was not his night. Instead it was Jaelen Strong's. Yesterday I wrote about drafting him in my 20-team league (then dropping him for more immediate WR needs). I applauded my opponent for picking him up, as he was the "bigger upside guy" who, I wrote last month, at some point will be Houston's #2 receiver. He might have earned it last night. In both instances, the defense fell asleep. But that doesn't negate his route running and being in the right place at the right time. Don't overcommit to Strong if you're in a small league. But do if you have 15 opponents itching for a potential WR3/4 for the fantasy playoffs.
Predictions about Arian Foster were all over the map. I wrote yesterday that I wasn't expecting more than 11 points in standard scoring leagues. Well, he scored 11 points. For a while it appeared his night would be cut severely short due to concussion symptoms. But surprisingly, he returned and, while not playing great, played well enough to move some chains and give the Texans a chance to win. Barring re-injury, he should continue to improve in the coming weeks.