Welcome to week 7 of the Cyclone tracker!
This is where we follow our resident weather themed duo in rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both out of Iowa State (hence, the “Cyclone” twins).
As always, there will be analysis, projections, commentary, and relevant updates that happen in real time.
Week 7 Cyclones Tracker:
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Name: Jayden Higgins
Position: WR
Projected week 7 storm path: 5 targets, 4.9 receptions, 44.7 yards, 1 TD, 10.4 fantasy points
Actual week 7 path: 3 targets, 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 fantasy pts
Total stats through week 7: 13 targets, 9 receptions, 121 yards (13.4 avg.), 1 TD, 22.3 fantasy pts
Assessment: According to PFF, over the course of the first seven games, Jayden Higgins has been targeted only 13 times out of 103 routes run. That’s a ratio of roughly 1 target for every 7.9 routes run.
In that small sample size, he also averages 13.4 yards per reception and 11.5 yards of depth per reception, with a passer rating of 92.1 when targeted.
Simple translation: Higgins has big play potential but doesn’t see the ball enough to exploit defenses with it.
After another stinker of a loss against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football, Higgins lack of quality inclusion in the offense only becomes a larger talking point as the season goes on.
With receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk now both out to due to injuries (concussion, hamstring), one would think that now is the time that offensive coordinator Nick Caley would finally make it a priority to lean on the other 6 ft. 4 in. receiver that was drafted out of Iowa State.
Unfortunately, with the way things are going with play schematics and a perceived stubbornness to utilize more youthful and effective weapons on Caley’s part, optimism for a true breakout game for Higgins is slowly dwindling.
Week 8 Projections: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 23 yards, 0 TD, 9.1 fantasy points
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Name: Jaylin Noel
Position: WR/PR & KR
Projected week 7 storm path: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 17 yards, 0 TDs
Actual week 7 path: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 77 yards, 0 TD’s, 43 return yards (21.5 yd avg.), 3.6 fantasy pts
Total stats through week 4: 14 targets, 9 receptions, 99 yards (11.0 yd avg.), 287 return yards, 1 TD, 15.5 fantasy pts
Assessment: On Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks, Jaylin Noel had arguably his most impactful game of the season in the 27-19 loss. In it, he accrued four catches (seven targets) for 77 yards (19.3 average yds).
Although he didn’t have a touchdown, this was his most complete display of playmaking ability in OC Nick Caley’s offense. Whether it was deep shots, intermediate or close to the line of scrimmage, Noel showed the some of the game altering ability that this offense has lacked since receiver Tank Dell went down last year against the Chiefs.
This is why so many have been bullish on Noel’s fit in Houston, because he can help turn the tide on nights where nothing else seems to be going right on the offensive side of the ball.
With this type of output now on film, there are no more excuses for why Noel not being a larger part of the playbook come Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Week 8 Projections: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 43 yards yards, 1 TD, 10 fantasy points
All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN, RotoBaller, FantasyPros and PFF.
