The Week 15 matchup between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts features two teams fighting for sole possession of the division lead in the AFC South. We've got the fantasy projections courtesy of numberFire.
Houston Texans
For the first time all year, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins finds himself in a bit of a slump. Mind you, the average receiver would be happy with some of his recent performances anyway. Hopkins did after all catch five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills. He should be able to dominate the Colts and the team's porous secondary unit. It's time for Hopkins to bust out, especially because we're in the middle of the playoffs at this point.
The main question mark that may give fantasy owners pause with regard to Hopkins is the quarterback situation. Last week Brian Hoyer suffered his second concussion of the season. He's currently listed as doubtful for the game against the Colts. That means backup T.J. Yates may have to start in his place. Although Yates' resume isn't as lengthy as Hoyer's, fantasy owners should keep in mind that he looked fairly impressive against the New York Jets last week, tossing for 229 passing yards and two touchdowns while filling in. Yates also threw a game-winning touchdown to Hopkins back in Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback Andrew Luck was wearing a red non-contact jersey at practice on Wednesday, but the good news is that he indeed practiced. The Colts are looking anemic with Matt Hasselbeck throwing the ball, so having Luck back is essential to the team's success and essential to the success of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. That said, Hilton did post 132 receiving yards last week, albeit on just four catches. Regardless of his somewhat solid performance though, fantasy owners will still feel more comfortable starting Hilton if Luck is calling the shots.
The same could be said for teammate Donte Moncrief. He hasn't scored a touchdown in six weeks. Moncrief started the season as a hot, young up and comer in the fantasy game, but now starting him means there'll be an air of unpredictability around him. Perhaps that's what might entice people to put him in the starting lineup. He's certainly got some upside if Luck starts, but it's hard to trust Moncrief right now.
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SB Nation presents: NFL Week 15 fantasy start/sit advice