How much better will Houston be if Nico Collins stays healthy? (AP)
This week, Daniel Jones was named the starting QB for Indy; Tampa Bay WR Jalen McMillan will miss some regular season games after severely spraining his neck; and the contract dispute between Cincy and Trey Hendrickson is not easing in the least. Other Fantasy football stories we’re following include…
Where to Draft Nico Collins
The last two Houston Texans seasons look remarkably similar on the surface, both resulting in 10 wins and each time getting knocked out in the Divisional Round. But behind the record, this was a team that was far more balanced in 2023, as last year the offense regressed while the defense – at least from a yardage perspective – got better, going from 14th most yards given up to sixth.
So, if Houston is going to take the next step in 2025, it will likely be driven by offensive improvements. A big help in this regard would be having WR1 Nico Collins stay healthy after he missed five games with a hamstring strain last year.
He’s had a bit of trouble staying in the lineup throughout his career, but in 2023 when he suited up in a career-high 15 games, we saw what he can do, pulling in 80 catches on 109 targets for nearly 1,300 yards. Even in missing almost a third of the season in 2024, Collins still topped 1,000 yards and hauled in close to 70 passes.
So it’s clear that he’s worth a big investment this year, making an ideal pick at slot No. 11 in your Fantasy draft. Collins finished with the eighth most Fantasy points per game among WRs in 2024, and assuming he stays healthy and we get a better year from QB C.J. Stroud, Collins could finish much higher than that this season – maybe even top three. Hopefully, we see more of this (except in the real world)…
Coming out of Michigan, Collins was projected to develop into an average starter; he’s clearly outperformed those expectations, using his size and strength to become a serious vertical threat in the NFL.
Watch Out for the Dolphin D
When we last checked in on the Miami Dolphins, their playoffs hopes were dwindling, and despite winning two of their final three games, an 8-9 finish had them out of the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Can the Fish bounce back in 2025? Well, judging by the fact that only seven teams currently have higher odds on FanDuel than Miami’s +8000 to win the Super Bowl this season, reasons for optimism are limited.
Still, defense was the strength of the Dolphins last year (10th fewest points allowed; fourth in yardage allowed), and likely will be again in 2025. Defensive line, in particular is expected to be a driving force with four edge rushers that know how to pressure and knock down opposing QBs.
Former Falcon Matthew Judon signed as a free agent this spring to join Jordan Phillips, Chop Robinson and Bradley Chubb, giving Miami a group that rivals what the Giants had when they won those two Super Bowls in this millennium.
Judon appeared in every game for Atlanta last year, recording 5.5 sacks to run his career total to 72. He also snagged his first career interception. Judon may not have much IDP value, but will definitely help make Miami’s team defense an even more Fantasy-friendly unit.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
English singer Dido has been at it since 1995. Her debut album, No Angel, was released in 1999 and the somewhat bluesy closing song is “My Life.”