Battle Red Blog
Welcome to week 12 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.
Position: WR
Projected Week 12 storm path: 6.0 targets, 4.5 receptions, 45.5 yards, 1 TD, 10.5 fantasy points
Actual Week 12 path: 9 targets, 4 receptions, 38 yards, 1 TD’s, 13.8 fantasy pts
Total stats through Week 12: 45 targets, 27 receptions, 294 yards (10.9 avg.), 4 TD’s, 80.4 fantasy pts
Analysis: Jayden Higgins made another appearance in the red zone this week against the Bills, snagging his fourth career touchdown in Houston’s 23-19 victory on Thursday night. Higgins has been on a tear the last three games, catching 15 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
It’s been great to see Higgins finally have the opportunity to show to the NFL world why he was the first Texan drafted in the second round back in April. He currently looks like the bonafide number two option behind fellow receiver Nico Collins in the passing game, and Houston’s offense is all the better for it.
This Thursday also continued the trend of the Texans being undefeated in games where Higgins has either touchdown or 4+ catches in a game.
Week 13 statistical projections: 8.0 targets, 6.5 receptions, 55.5 yards, 1 TD, 12.5 fantasy points
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Position: WR/PR & KR
Projected week 12 storm path: 4 targets, 3.0 receptions, 23.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 6.5 fantasy points
Actual week 12 path: 2 targets, 1 receptions, 4 yards, 0 TD’s, 96 return yards (24.0 yd avg.), 1.9 fantasy pts
Total stats through week 12: 27 targets, 20 receptions, 213 yards (11.0 yd avg.), 553 return yards, 1 TD, 33.1 fantasy pts
Analysis: To preface, the team has gone 3-0 in their last three contests, so overly focusing on individual stats wouldn’t be the most productive dialogue. Thus, what’s important for Noel at the moment is being a professional teammate and supporting his team in every way possible as they continue to build on their success as a whole.
On an individual level though, with offensive explosions from receivers Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins and now Christian Kirk in the midst of the win streak has put an even larger squeeze on Noel’s production.
It seems like Noel’s best chance for a consistent role in the offense will have to come next season when more targets become available after certain players transition off the team (Kirk will be a FA).
However, receiver Tank Dell is also projected to return by next season at the latest, so that might also be something to look out for.
Week 13 Projections: 3 targets, 2.0 receptions, 15.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 6.5 fantasy points
All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN, RotoBaller, FantasyPros and PFF.
