Who Should I Start? Xavier Hutchinson or Jaylin Noel

Monday, October 27, 12:23 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson caught five of his six targets for a team-high 69 yards and a touchdown in the 26-15 win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers in Week 8 on Sunday, with both Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) sidelined by injuries. Hutchinson was tied for second on the team in targets and also tied for the team lead with his five receptions in a Houston offense that has suddenly become pass-happy in recent weeks. The 25-year-old's touchdown catch was a 30-yard connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Although Hutchinson is worth a look as a short-term WR replacement after his strong Week 8 performance, his role is likely to shrink again once one of Collins or Kirk returns, and the Texans have a shy-away matchup next week at home against the Denver Broncos. If you're going to pluck Hutchinson off the waiver wire this week, we wouldn't recommend spending much on him.

Monday, October 27, 10:42 AM

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been a breakout player in recent weeks, recording 11 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets over his last three games played. Noel has benefited from the absence of veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring), who has missed Houston's last two contests. If there's reason for concern with Noel, it's that he's yet to crack 45% of his team's offensive snaps this season, even in the games that Kirk has missed. He appears to be limited to working from the slot, which limits his playing time ceiling. Noel is a young player with upside, so he's definitely a name to monitor in deeper fantasy leagues. Still, it may be difficult for him to maintain his production in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, particularly if one or both of Kirk and Nico Collins (concussion) return to the field.