Welcome to week 14 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.
Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel statistics vs. Chiefs
Jayden Higgins
Position: WR
Projected Week 14 storm path: 5.0 targets, 4.0 receptions, 55.5 yards, 1 TD, 10.5 fantasy points
Actual Week 14 path: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 34 yards (11.3 avg.), 0 TDs, 6.4 fantasy pts
Total stats through Week 14: 55 targets, 35 receptions, 393 yards (11.2 avg.), 4 TDs, 98.3 fantasy pts
Analysis: While Jayden Higgins’ stat line isn’t eye-popping on paper (no scores, <50+ yards receiving), anyone who watched the game saw him have one of the greatest “situational football” quarters of the Texans’ season.
In the fourth quarter, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had at least two moments across multiple drives where he desperately needed a receiver to step up and extend crucial offensive possessions under pressure. Higgins answered the call.
His first moment came on 3rd and 17 at the 13:35 mark in the period, and Stroud was again facing a crowded pocket. He stepped through the mass of bodies, spotted Higgins downfield at the sticks and fired a pass that found the former Cyclone.
Higgins made the reception, spun around and then had the wherewithal to reach for the first down marker. Though the possession didn’t lead to points, it allowed Houston to escape the shadow of their goal line and allowed punter Tommy Townsend to pin the Chiefs deep on the other side of the field.
His second moment came a possession later, after Chiefs head coach Andy Reid decided to give Houston the ball back at their 31-yard line after a failed 4th and 1 pass attempt by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
With about 9:02 left in the quarter, Stroud snapped the ball on a 3rd and 3 with the intention to pass. Chiefs pass rusher Chris Jones broke inside the offensive line and pressured Stroud out of the pocket.
Then, while fading to his right, Stroud rifled a pass to a waiting Higgins at the first down marker to continue the drive and secure the victory with a late touchdown run by running back Dare Ogunbowale.
Higgins was Mr. Clutch last night, continuing to prove his value as Houston’s first selection in this year’s draft.
Week 15 statistical projections: 5.0 targets, 3.0 receptions, 25.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 5.5 fantasy points
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Jaylin Noel
Position: WR/PR & KR
Projected week 14 storm path: 2 targets, 1.0 receptions, 9.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 3.5 fantasy points
Actual week 14 path: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 12 yards, 0 TD’s, 21 return yards (21.0 yd avg.), 3.3 fantasy pts
Total stats through week 14: 30 targets, 22 receptions, 225 yards (10.2 yd avg.), 680 return yards, 1 TD, 36.4 fantasy pts
Analysis: First order of business, congratulations to Jaylin Noel for setting a franchise rookie record for most punt return yards in a season at 293. Even though his inclusion in the receiving game has not panned out as many have hoped, it’s clear that he’s a playmaker and contributor to the team.
Speaking of inclusion, he actually managed to receive his most targets in a game (two) since week 11’s matchup vs. the Tennessee Titans. He caught both passes, gaining 12 yards while helping to sustain drives throughout the game.
Again, winning is most important for the team at this point, but any and every chance for Noel to grow in their offensive system will only help the team in the short and long term.
Week 15 Projections: 2 targets, 1.0 receptions, 9.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 2.5 fantasy points
All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN, RotoBaller, FantasyPros, Fantasy Data and PFF.
