Houston Texans DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Despite a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz should be considered a TE2 in Week 16. The former Dallas Cowboy is reliably playing 80% of Houston snaps and averaging three catches per contest, but rarely delivering big performances, finishing in the top 10 for fantasy tight ends just once in 14 games. The Chiefs' otherwise strong defense has been most vulnerable against tight ends, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to them this year. Managers rostering Schultz, however, are likely having a difficult time trusting him to make a difference in the fantasy playoffs. He should be saved only for formats that play more than one tight end.

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is yet again a top kicking option with his team set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The UCLA product is coming off back-to-back perfect weeks, has not missed an extra point this season, and is the overall No. 2 at his position for fantasy points. Kansas City ranks a sturdy fourth against fantasy kickers, but 13 of Fairbairn's 33 made field goals have come from beyond 50 yards this season, making him fantasy relevant week-in and week-out. He's a worthy starting option for managers in the playoffs.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) had his reps limited in practice for the second straight day on Wednesday in advance of the team's Week 16 contest on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mixon tweaked his ankle in the Week 15 win over the Miami Dolphins, but head coach DeMeco Ryans said the 28-year-old back came out of the game fine and that he would be fine to face the Chiefs on a short week. However, Mixon might need a full practice session on Thursday to avoid a questionable tag. With a tough matchup against the Chiefs stingy defense upcoming and when considering Mixon's downturn in recent weeks, it may be best to consider him more of an RB2 rather than an RB1 in fantasy in Week 16. After finding the end zone at least once on the ground from Weeks 6-11, Mixon has averaged only 3.1 yards per carry with one TD in his last three contests.

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) said he's unsure if he'll be back with the team in 2025 but wouldn't be opposed to sticking around. "I don't know what the future holds but I definitely got a home in Houston, and I love those guys over there. They're good people," Diggs said. The 31-year-old veteran is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8. The four-time Pro Bowler played in eight games in his first season with the Texans before his injury and caught 47 passes on 64 targets for 496 yards and three touchdowns as an every-week starting wideout in fantasy. However, his overall upside was limited due to the presence of Nico Collins, which could force Diggs to pursue an opportunity with another team on the open market in free agency. Diggs' market could depend on how his recovery from ACL surgery is coming along in the offseason.

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) had his ankle checked during the Week 15 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday but finished the game. "Joe came out fine, Joe will be fine," head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday. It's good news, but fantasy managers probably weren't fine with Mixon's final stat line in the first round of the playoffs in most leagues. The 28-year-old had 12 carries for only 23 yards but somewhat salvaged his final line by catching five of his six targets for an additional 33 yards. Mixon is still having a fine first year with the Texans -- he's the RB9 in half-PPR scoring -- but his two worst rushing performances have both come within the last three games. It could mean that he's tiring out down the stretch. Because of his involvement on both the ground and as a pass-catcher for Houston, he'll essentially remain a must-start in fantasy despite a tough Week 16 matchup against the Chiefs.