X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Thursday Night Football Matchups Analysis - Week 12

Talk about a shocking move by Myles Garrett. The Cleveland Browns performed well against a beaten up Pittsburgh Steelers team last week, but the win was ultimately overshadowed by a fight between Garrett and Mason Rudolph on a meaningless play. After reviewing the incident, the NFL delivered multiple punishments in the form of suspensions and fines in order to send a message that this kind of conduct will not tolerated in the future.

For the third straight week, we get a divisional battle for Thursday Night Football featuring the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans in NRG stadium. In the home stretch before the fantasy playoffs, every week counts. Let's dive in to Thursday Night Football Matchups Analysis for Week 12.

Good luck with your lineups this week RotoBallers!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

Date and Start Time: November 21 at 8:00 PM ET

Notable Injuries and Status:

 

Offensive and Defensive Rankings in 2019:

Colts Texans
Passing Yards 28th 14th
Rushing Yards 4th 5th
Pass Defense 11th 29th
Rush Defense 9th 13th

 

Must Starts

Top Performers That Have To Be In Your Lineups

Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU)

This season's QB-5 is a weekly must-start, but he does draw a slightly more difficult matchup than usual against a Colts Defense giving up only 228 passing yards per game. Watson eclipsed 300 yards passing and threw for one touchdown to two interceptions when these two teams clashed back in Week 7.

DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)

While Hopkins hasn't quite lived up to the draft capital fantasy owners had to pay for him, he has been getting the target volume to justify keeping him in your lineups. The Indianapolis secondary doesn't boast a shutdown corner in their secondary on the boundary, so now is not a week to stop.

 

Solid Options and Potential Sleepers

Which Players Will Have Solid Games and Which Could Surprise?

Solid Option: Jacoby Brissett (QB, IND)

Even with multiple of his offensive weapons sidelined, Brissett should still produce solid numbers against Houston's bottom-four passing defense. The absence of Marlon Mack will undoubtedly force the Colts to throw the football more often, with fantasy owners hoping Brissett can replicate his 326 passing yard, four touchdown performance from when he battled the Texans earlier this year.

Solid Options: T.Y. Hilton / Zach Pascal (WRs, IND)

Hilton is well known for producing against the Texans, but it's hard to assume that there won't be any lingering symptoms from his calf injury that could impact his performance. Many will not trust Pascal given his string of underwhelming performances with T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell sidelined. However, Pascal should draw flex consideration against a porous Houston secondary that he surpassed 100 receiving yards against in Week 7.

Solid Option: Duke Johnson (RB, HOU)

While the Colts Defense is stout against the ground game, they give up the seventh-most receptions to the running back position. Over the last three weeks, Johnson has been virtually splitting snaps with Carlos Hyde and should have his number called to the tune of plenty of receptions.

Sleeper: Darren Fells (TE, HOU)

Fells' name once again comes into play for those in need of a tight end streamer. Indianapolis is a middling defense against opposing tight ends, so fantasy owners should not feel inhibited to take the touchdown-dependent risk if they need it.

 

Consider Sitting

Players To Avoid Putting In Your Lineup If Possible

Nyheim Hines / Jordan Wilkins / Jonathan Williams (RBs, IND)

In light of the Marlon Mack injury, the early down rushing workload in the Indianapolis backfield will likely be split by Wilkins and Williams. Fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach with these two to determine who will emerge, especially since Houston has a defense that ranks in the top half of the league against the run. Should Hines not see an uptick in his rush attempts, he will remain relegated to his hybrid role and not help many fantasy owners outside of PPR formats. For even more analysis, you can also read this great detailed breakdown of the Colts running back situation for fantasy by fellow writer Eric Samulski.

Eric Ebron / Jack Doyle (TEs, IND)

Whenever you start Ebron or Doyle, you are hoping for the touchdown upside because neither option is getting enough volume to support a strong fantasy tight end. Houston isn't particularly vulnerable to tight ends in the red zone, giving up the 16th-fewest touchdowns to the position.

Carlos Hyde (RB, HOU)

The Colts' well-balanced defense has proven to be particularly effective against running backs, holding opposing rushers to the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game. Hyde will have a tough time getting going and could see his snaps limited by Duke Johnson for his catching ability.

Kenny Stills / Will Fuller (WRs, HOU)

In the three games where Stills operated as Houston's No. 2 receiver, the former Dolphin caught 11 passes for 101 receiving yards and no touchdowns. After failing to capitalize on his opportunity, it will be hard to trust Stills as anything more than a WR4. Fuller should also be approached with caution, as it is very unlikely that he will get his normal percentage of snaps and targets in his first game back from a hamstring injury.

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Christopher Bell16 mins ago

Powers His Way To A Second-Place Finish At Martinsville
Chase Elliott28 mins ago

Strong Martinsville Performance Ends With A Top-Five Finish
Kyle Larson50 mins ago

Collects A Top-Five Finish At Martinsville
William Byron1 hour ago

Places 22nd After Struggles At Martinsville
Nick Kurtz1 hour ago

Enjoying Hot Start At Triple-A
Joey Logano1 hour ago

Claims His First 2025 Top-10 Finish After Up-And-Down Performance
Coby Mayo1 hour ago

Goes Deep On Sunday
Chase Dollander2 hours ago

Strikes Out Five In Triple-A Debut
Dylan Carlson2 hours ago

Colton Cowser Placed On 10-Day Injured List, Dylan Carlson Recalled
Julio Rodríguez2 hours ago

Julio Rodriguez Goes Yard On Sunday
Tyler Reddick2 hours ago

Fails To Place In The Top 10 At Martinsville
Brandon Sproat2 hours ago

Stumbles In Season Debut
Roman Anthony2 hours ago

Goes Deep Twice On Sunday
Chris Bassitt2 hours ago

Excellent On Sunday Against The Orioles
Bryan Woo2 hours ago

Records His First Win On Sunday
JP Sears2 hours ago

Fans Seven In His First Start Of The Year
Kyle Manzardo3 hours ago

Goes Deep Again
Joseph Woll5 hours ago

Stands Tall On Sunday
UTA5 hours ago

Alex Kerfoot Leads The Way In Sunday's Victory
Tristan Jarry5 hours ago

Shuts The Door On Ottawa On Sunday
Sebastian Aho5 hours ago

Busy In Sunday's Victory
Anze Kopitar5 hours ago

Tallies Three Helpers On Sunday
Troy Terry5 hours ago

Exits Early On Sunday
Denny Hamlin7 hours ago

Silences Doubters After Crew-Chief Change
Ty Gibbs7 hours ago

Earns Best 2025 Finish At Martinsville Despite Failing Cool Suit
Ross Chastain7 hours ago

Has A Great Day At Martinsville
Chase Briscoe7 hours ago

Has Solid Run At Martinsville
Erik Jones7 hours ago

Disqualified At Martinsville For Weight Violation
Tanner Bibee14 hours ago

Throws 5 2/3 Shutout Frames
Daniel Schneemann14 hours ago

Homers, Draws Three Walks
Wilyer Abreu14 hours ago

Draws Three Walks
Aaron Judge14 hours ago

Goes Deep Again
Isaiah Hartenstein14 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Monday
Jaylin Williams14 hours ago

Could Miss Monday's Game
Jazz Chisholm Jr.14 hours ago

Jazz Chisholm Blasts Two More Homers
Chet Holmgren14 hours ago

Uncertain For Monday
Jonathan India15 hours ago

Hit In Head By Pitch
Jonathan Kuminga15 hours ago

Won't Return On Sunday
LeBron James15 hours ago

Expected To Suit Up Monday
Zach Wilson16 hours ago

Still Views Himself As A Starter
New York Giants16 hours ago

Victor Dimukeje Signs With Giants
Dallas Cowboys17 hours ago

Brian Schottenheimer Optimistic About Deal With Micah Parsons
Tyler Soderstrom17 hours ago

Hits Another Homer
Luke Jackson17 hours ago

Records Second Save
Jacob deGrom17 hours ago

Throws Five Scoreless Innings
Nathaniel Lowe17 hours ago

Collects Three Hits
Lane Hutson18 hours ago

Continues Special Campaign With Hat Trick Of Assists
Trae Young18 hours ago

Playing Versus Milwaukee
Anfernee Simons18 hours ago

Cleared For Action Versus The Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo18 hours ago

Available On Sunday Night
Nick Suzuki18 hours ago

Notches Three Points In Sunday's Win
Robby Fabbri18 hours ago

Not Expected To Return This Season
Jacob Trouba19 hours ago

Could Be An Option Sunday
Jalen Brunson19 hours ago

Cleared For Basketball Activities
Jordan Staal19 hours ago

Will Not Play On Sunday
Jerami Grant19 hours ago

Out Again On Sunday
Evgeni Malkin19 hours ago

Out Against Senators
Tobias Harris19 hours ago

Probable Versus Minnesota
Justin Fields19 hours ago

Aaron Glenn Thinks Justin Fields Is Ready To Break Out
Dennis Schröder20 hours ago

Dennis Schroder Expected To Face The Timberwolves
Cade Cunningham20 hours ago

Doubtful For Sunday Night
Mark Williams20 hours ago

Ruled Out Versus The Pels
Dak Prescott20 hours ago

"Doing Great" In Rehab From Hamstring Surgery
Jacksonville Jaguars20 hours ago

Fred Johnson Signs With Jacksonville
Tennessee Titans21 hours ago

Titans Still Entertaining Calls For No. 1 Overall Pick
Karel Vejmelka21 hours ago

Makes 17th Consecutive Start Sunday
Arvid Soderblom21 hours ago

Tries To End Four-Game Skid Sunday
Alec Martinez22 hours ago

Misses Fourth Consecutive Game
Robert Bortuzzo22 hours ago

Activated From Injured Reserve
Olli Määttä22 hours ago

Olli Maatta Considered A Game-Time Call Sunday
Logan Thompson22 hours ago

Starts Against Sabres Sunday
Rasmus Dahlin22 hours ago

A Game-Time Call Sunday
Cameron Payne22 hours ago

Ruled Out On Sunday
Miles McBride22 hours ago

Remains Out On Sunday
Scoot Henderson23 hours ago

Out On Sunday
Brandon Aiyuk23 hours ago

Deadline Coming For Brandon Aiyuk
Anfernee Simons23 hours ago

May Miss Sunday's Game
Ty Jerome23 hours ago

Out Again On Sunday
Kawhi Leonard23 hours ago

Sitting On Sunday Afternoon
Josh Berry1 day ago

Has Top-10 Upside At Martinsville
Joey Logano1 day ago

Don't Overlook Joey Logano This Weekend
Ryan Preece1 day ago

Could Get First Three-Race Top-10 Streak Of His Career
Chase Elliott1 day ago

Looking To Continue Great Runs At Martinsville
Christopher Bell1 day ago

Wins Pole At Martinsville, But Can He Stay Up There?
Ryan Blaney1 day ago

Fast In Practice But Skeptical About Car
Leon Draisaitl1 day ago

Leads The Way In Return
Artemi Panarin1 day ago

Scores Twice On Saturday
Denny Hamlin1 day ago

New Crew Chief Has Terrible Martinsville Record
Austin Cindric1 day ago

Martinsville Is Austin Cindric's Best Short Track
Kyle Busch1 day ago

Short-Track Performance At Richard Childress Racing Is Pretty Dire
Brad Keselowski1 day ago

If Brad Keselowski Has Any Speed Whatsoever, He's A Killer DFS Option
Dereck Lively II2 days ago

Ruled Out Versus Chicago
Chicago Bears2 days ago

Doug Kramer Jr. Re-Signs With Chicago
Washington Commanders2 days ago

Foster Sarell Inks One-Year Contract With Washington
Miami Dolphins2 days ago

Willie Gay Jr. Heading To Miami
Seattle Seahawks2 days ago

D'Anthony Bell Signs With Seattle
Houston Texans2 days ago

Texans Sign E.J. Speed To One-Year Deal
Buffalo Bills2 days ago

Bills, Christian Benford Reach Agreement On Four-Year Extension
Detroit Lions3 days ago

Lions Re-Sign Kayode Awosika
Irvin Charles3 days ago

Jets Re-Sign Irvin Charles
Green Bay Packers3 days ago

Kristian Welch Signs With Green Bay
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Jeremiah Moon Heading To Pittsburgh
Teagan Quitoriano3 days ago

Falcons Sign Teagan Quitoriano
3 days ago

Tetairoa McMillan Scheduled To Visit With Panthers
Baltimore Ravens3 days ago

Ravens Reach Three-Year Contract Extension With John Harbaugh
Steve Erceg3 days ago

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Brandon Moreno3 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Mexico City
Manuel Torres3 days ago

Set For Co-Main Event
Drew Dober3 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Mexico City
Joe Pyfer3 days ago

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kelvin Gastelum3 days ago

Set For Middleweight Matchup
Vince Morales3 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
Raul Rosas Jr.3 days ago

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Saimon Oliveira3 days ago

Looks For His First UFC Win
David Martinez3 days ago

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Kevin Borjas3 days ago

Set To Open Up UFC Mexico City Main Card
Ronaldo Rodríguez3 days ago

Ronaldo Rodriguez Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Jhonattan Vegas5 days ago

Not A Good Play At Houston Open
Gary Woodland5 days ago

A Dark-Horse Candidate At Houston Open
Nick Taylor5 days ago

Keep An Eye On Nick Taylor At Houston Open
Mackenzie Hughes5 days ago

Avoid Mackenzie Hughes At Houston Open
Nicolai Hojgaard5 days ago

Looking To Rebound At Houston Open
Scottie Scheffler5 days ago

Returns To Houston Looking For Year's First Victory
Rory McIlroy5 days ago

Making Additional Start At Houston Open To Prepare For Augusta
Doug Ghim5 days ago

Looking For Iron Form In Houston
Aaron Rai5 days ago

Keep An Eye On Aaron Rai At Houston Open
Si Woo Kim5 days ago

Looks To Build On Recent History At Memorial Park
Harry Hall5 days ago

Looking For Consistency At Texas Children’s Houston Open
Harris English5 days ago

Looking To Build Off Solid Finish At The PLAYERS
Sahith Theegala5 days ago

A Risky Option At Texas Children’s Houston Open
Alex Smalley6 days ago

A Strong Play At Texas Children’s Houston Open
Michael Kim6 days ago

Bounces Back At Valspar Championship
PGA6 days ago

Sungjae Im Looking For Bounce-Back Performance At Texas Children’s Houston Open
Austin Eckroat6 days ago

A Player To Avoid At Texas Children's Houston Open
PGA6 days ago

Nico Echavarria A Volatile Option At Texas Children's Houston Open
Joe Highsmith6 days ago

Continues Post-Win Success And Is Looking For More In Houston
Adam Hadwin6 days ago

Far From Good Form As He Heads To Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF