The Houston Texans are looking to other options with Joe Mixon as the season kicks off, as noted by Aaron Wilson. This isn’t particularly shocking since Mixon hasn’t practiced yet, having started training camp on the NFI list. After sustaining a leg injury in the offseason, there haven’t been any encouraging updates about his condition.
To prepare for potential injuries to Mixon, the Texans picked up Nick Chubb, previously of the Browns, during the offseason. They also traded up to select Woody Mark from USC in the fourth round, and both Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale are expected to return to the team.
Mixon had a solid performance in 2024, rushing the ball 245 times for 1,016 yards and scoring 12 total touchdowns. So, it’s interesting to see who will step up as the starting player in Houston, especially in terms of fantasy football impact.
Nick Chubb is likely to start in week one.
Right now, Chubb seems to be in a strong position for that role.
However, there’s still the concern of whether Chubb can take the lead again after facing two serious knee injuries. His return to Cleveland had its challenges, but after another offseason of recovery, he might be closer to his former self than last season.
We’ve also noted that Dameon Pierce is actually sharing the workload with Chubb, although Marks and Ogunbowale could also take on some of the responsibilities. If you’re on the lookout for early-down options with potential for touchdowns, Chubb is ready to make an immediate impact.
The big question regarding Chubb’s value is whether Mixon will be back after four weeks. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer yet. For those considering Chubb for fantasy, there are many uncertainties surrounding Mixon’s injuries that cast doubt on his return by week five.
The Texans were keen on Marks, prompting them to trade up with the Dolphins to secure him in the fourth round. He’s been recognized as a capable blocker and a strong receiver, which the Texans might really need this season, especially given that their offensive line is considered one of the weakest in the league. He could definitely be a valuable pick in PPR leagues.
Unfortunately, Mixon’s injury limits his fantasy potential. While Chubb’s abilities are still uncertain, Dameon Pierce didn’t quite seize his opportunity last season. Apart from Mark, the backfield doesn’t offer much appeal right now. Chubb seems like a decent choice later in drafts, particularly in standard leagues, but I wouldn’t reach too far to pick him.
