The Texans placed WR Nico Collins on IR. That knocks him out for at least the next four games vs. the Patriots, Packers, Colts, and Jets. Collins will be eligible to return for Week 10's game against the Lions. "While hamstrings can be tricky, the belief is that Nico Collins will be back sooner, rather than later," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweets.
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
Collins, who sits second among WRs in PPR points, is worth keeping stashed in all fantasy leagues.
His absence is a big blow to QB C.J. Stroud, who has averaged 12.6 yards per pass attempt targeting Collins this season vs. just 6.2 to everyone else. Solid matchups these next three weeks will keep Stroud in play as a low-end QB1. He's unlikely to be a recommended starter vs. the Jets in Week 9.
Collins' absence frees up 24% of Houston's targets. WR Stefon Diggs, WR Tank Dell, and TE Dalton Schultz should all see extra volume these next four weeks.
Xavier Hutchinson stepped in as Houston's No. 3 WR in the second half of last week's game. He's worth monitoring -- and perhaps adding in deep fantasy leagues. But he can't be trusted in Week 6 fantasy lineups.