Welcome to week 2 of the Cyclone tracker!
This is where we follow our resident weather themed twins 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 2 Cyclones Tracker:
Name: Jayden Higgins
Position: WR
Projected WK. 2 storm path: 3.7 targets, 2.3 receptions, 28.2 yards, 0.2 TD’s
Actual WK. 2 path: 1 target, 1 reception, 28 yards, 0 TD’s
Assessment: After a week 1 loss where Higgins logged 2 receptions for 32 yards and 0 TDs, one would think the 6 ‘4” Iowa State alumni would follow it up with a more solid statistical outing. Alas, that would not be.
Against the Bucs, Jayden finished with one less reception (1), four less yards (28), and still 0 TD’s. I repeat, 28 yards on one catch. Yet, he never saw the ball again for the rest of the game.
It’s not at all the fault of the rookie receiver, as the new-look Caley offense has been highly underwhelming to start this season’s campaign. The Texans’ inability, or unwillingness, to better feature its young talent has helped hamstring a unit that ranks at the bottom of the league in various significant offensive categories.
In a virtual “must win” against Jacksonville this Sunday, hopefully Caley finds a plan that maximizes Houston’s tools and leads to a much needed first victory of the season.
Week 3 Projections: 3.7 targets, 2.3 receptions, 29.3 yards, 0.2 TD’s, 6.2 fantasy pts
Cyclone 2:
Name: Jaylin Noel
Position: WR/PR & KR
Projected WK. 2 storm path: 2.9 targets, 2 receptions, 21 yards, 0.1 TD’s
Actual WK. 2 path: 0 targets, 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 TD’s, 145 return yards
Assessment: Here’s an excerpt on Noel’s week 2 outing vs. Tampa Bay, courtesy of thefantasyfootballers.com:
“Noel was given the fewest offensive snaps (15) among Houston’s wide receivers, but he impacted the game on special teams. He averaged 26.0 yards on three kickoff returns and 22.3 on punt returns, including a 53-yarder that set up the Texans’ final score with just over two minutes left.”
The fact that Noel has yet to see significant opportunities in the Texans’ passing attack is itself a travesty. He was arguably discussed just as highly as Higgins coming out of the ’25 draft. (If not more so, depending on whose commentary you listened to.)
Standing at 5′ 10″ and weighing around 200 lbs., I projected Noel to be a larger built Tank Dell (5’ 10”, 165 lbs.) in this offense. In spite of his size, former OC Bobby Slowik had no issue with featuring a dynamic receiver like Tank. Before getting hurt, Tank had amassed: 75 targets, 47 receptions, 709 yards, 7 TD’s, and an average of 15.1 yards per catch.
There is no reason for Jaylin to not be able to be just as effective with Caley at the helm. He’s 30 lbs heavier, and he actually posted a faster 40 time at the combine with 4.39 compared to Dell’s 4.49.
With the Jaguars on the schedule, there’s an opportunity to build on Noel’s week 2 performance and integrate that productivity into an anemic passing game. Their season might just depend on that decision.
Week 3 Projections: 2.9 targets, 2 receptions, 21.4 yards, 0.2 TD’s, 4.9 fantasy pts.
All projections provided courtesy of PFF.
