Welcome to week 8 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 8 Cyclones Tracker:
————————————-
Name: Jayden Higgins
Position: WR
Projected week 8 storm path: 5 targets, 4.9 receptions, 44.7 yards, 1 TD, 10.4 fantasy points
Actual week 8 path: 8 targets, 4 receptions, 34 yards, 1 TD, 9.4 fantasy pts
Total stats through week 8: 21 targets, 13 receptions, 155 yards (11.9 avg.), 2 TD, 31.7 fantasy pts
Assessment: For the first time since week four against the Tennessee Titans, Jayden Higgins got his number called for a touchdown reception! It was a 12-yard catch that came on the arm of quarterback CJ Stroud with 7:32 left in the second quarter. The score against the 49ers was his first at NRG Stadium and his second on the season:
With star receiver Nico Collins out for the contest due to a concussion suffered against the Seahawks, someone had to step up to fill in the void. In walked Higgins, who kicked down the door for four catches (on eight targets), 34 yards and the aforementioned touchdown reception.
This is now quality production both with and without Collins on the field alongside him, thus demonstrating his flexibility and dependability in the offense of coordinator Nick Caley. With that being the case, expect to see more targets go his way against the Denver Broncos, who presumably would do their best to bracket Collins while daring the rest of Houston’s receiving core to beat them.
If Higgins is going to be be getting anywhere near the targets that he did this past Sunday, the offense will be able to compete a high enough level to walk away with a much needed W.
Week 9 Projections: 3 targets, 1.7 receptions, 20.3 yards, 0.1 TD’s, 2.9 fantasy points
——————————-
Name: Jaylin Noel
Position: WR/PR & KR
Projected week 8 storm path: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 17 yards, 0 TDs
Actual week 8 path: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 63 yards, 0 TD’s, 11 return yards (5.5 yd avg.), 6.3 fantasy pts
Total stats through week 8: 20 targets, 14 receptions, 162 yards (11.6 yd avg.), 298 return yards, 1 TD, 21.8 fantasy pts
Assessment: Speaking of Higgins, we would be remiss if we did not mention the fact that his Cyclone tag team partner Jaylin Noel helped to set up his score with a 44 yard deep shot reception a few plays prior:
While his afternoon did not end with another touchdown, Noel continued to flash the versatility and downfield excellence that the organization envisioned for him coming out of Iowa State alongside Higgins.
Noel finished the day with five catches (on six targets), 63 yards and 11 return yards. Whether it’s as a deep threat or as a seperator in the slot, Noel possesses a uniqueness to the Texans’ offense not seen since Tank Dell.
With Noel on the field, Stroud will always have a speedy option to look for when faced with a quandary of who to get the ball to. He got cooking in Baltimore, kept the fire burning against Seattle and now he’s looking to heat up the hibachi again against the Denver Broncos.
If Caley and Co. decide to keep feeding him like they are, especially with news of Collins and receiver Christian Kirk possibly making their returns, Houston’s offense could truly have the potential to be one of the most multi-dimensional in the league.
Week 9 Projections: 4 targets, 1.3 receptions, 15.6 yards, 0.1 TD, 2.3 fantasy points
All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN, RotoBaller, FantasyPros and PFF.
