Who Should I Start? Arian Smith or Jayden Higgins

Wednesday, May 6, 5:48 AM

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins showed flashes as a second-round rookie in 2025, but his path to a Year 2 leap could come with struggles along the way. The biggest obstacle could be the quarterback play of C.J. Stroud, who has regressed each year since his historic rookie campaign in 2023. The Texans have invested heavily in the offensive line, which should have a ripple effect on Stroud and the offense as a whole, but Higgins will still need to carve out a meaningful role to find dynasty staying power. Higgins scored two touchdowns in the three games missed by two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins, and with the two both profiling as prototypical X-receivers, Higgins may not always find the field in two-receiver sets. With fellow second-year Cyclone Jaylin Noel expected to inherit Christian Kirk's role out of the slot, Higgins could find himself in a rotation with Tank Dell, who is on track to return from the 2024 knee injury that cost him the entire 2025 season. Higgins has the traits to become a consistent fantasy producer, but dynasty managers may be underwhelmed by the opportunities he sees in his second season, and at RotoBaller's WR44, he merely remains a hold until he proves he can overcome the situation.