TheHouston Texans need all the help they can get intheir Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. After struggling defensively for the past number of years, Cincinnati actually has an elite defense that could cause the Texans a real problem.
Houston’s offensive problems also create problems in fantasy, especially when the top receiver for the Texans pops up on the injury report. Pro Bowl wideout Nico Collins suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday's practice and did not participate in drills on Thursday. His availability is now in serious question.
So, what should Collins fantasy owners do if he cannot play?
One option is to pick up Xavier Hutchinson, who had the third-most targets on the team in their Week 1 game against the Buffalo
Bills.
Collins was targeted 10 times and finished the game as Houston’s leading receiver. If he is out, that is a lot of targets that will be up for grabs. Some of those will probably go to tight end Dalton Schultz, who will effectively become the team’s No. 1 receiver.
However, Hutchinson could also benefit since he would essentially become the No. 1 wide receiver based on target share last week.
This is Hutchinson’s fourth season in the NFL after being drafted by the Texans in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While he did not play much of a role in the offense in 2023 and 2024, in Houston’s regular-season finale,
Hutchinson was targeted nine times with five receptions for 84 yards.
There was also another game last season when he had 69 yards and a touchdown.
There are certainly wide receiver options with a safer floor than Hutchinson. But, if you are in a league with a lot of teams and desperately need to pick someone up off the waiver wire to plug in for Collins in the event he cannot play, Hutchinson could be someone who gives you enough points to survive your fantasy week.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: How does WR Nico Collins' injury affect Xavier Hutchinson in fantasy?
