👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Thursday Night NFL Matchups Analysis: Week 5 Start/Sit for Fantasy Football

A lot of question marks are hoping to get answered during the Thursday Night Football prime time matchup between AFC South opponents.

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts have both experienced time without their star player and have both had less than stellar starts to begin the 2015 season.

The big story here is that Andrew Luck will be out for the second week in a row, and veteran Matt Hasselbeck will be under center for the Colts. This is going to have a major fantasy impact on the game on both sides of the ball, and may even make the Texans the favorites to win.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Colts @ Texans - Matchups We Love

Arian Foster: Foster returned to the field last week in dull fashion after missing the first three weeks of the season due to a groin injury during the off-season. It wasn't anything surprising, as reports indicated that he would be eased back into his full-time role, but it's almost if fantasy owners would've rather he sit Week 4 instead of playing while he's not 100%. Foster did not exhibit the typical burst that is expected from him and lost a fumble.

In any case, the increased workload is on its way and Foster appears to be back to 100% even on short rest. One stat that favors Foster is that he's had plenty of success against the Colts of late. Last season, Foster rushed 20 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns (and added three catches for 32 yards) during their first meeting and rushed 26 times for 99 yards (adding three catches for 18 yards) in their second meeting.

DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins has been the lone threat on the offensive side of the football and hopefully can have a little less attention aimed at him with Foster at full strength. The Texans receiving corps is depleted as both Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts have been ruled out for the game, and Colts shutdown corner Vontae Davis may also be out. This is a recipe for fantasy success, as Hopkins had 22 targets last week and should receive at least 15 looks this week.

Rookie wide receiver Jaelen Strong isn't worth playing tonight, but can be someone to keep an eye on if he dazzles in his extended action.

Texans DST: With anybody other than Andrew Luck under center, the Colts are a below-average offense. All of the weapons in the world can't help Matt Hasselbeck get the ball down the field, and the Colt will likely have to lean on Frank Gore. Hasselbeck also isn't anywhere near as mobile as Luck, and J.J. Watt, Jadaveon Clowney and company should cut through the Colts porous offensive line like a hot knife through butter. Expect a handful of sacks and possibly a fumble or two.

 

Colts @ Texans - Matchups We Don't Love

T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief: Colts position players did not stray too far from the norm with Matt Hasselbeck slinging in relief duty last week. Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton tied his season high in catches with seven (only 67 yards) and had the most targets he's had since Week 1 in the blowout against the Buffalo Bills. However, Hilton's down-the-field impact play ability will be limited with Hasselbeck at quarterback, taking away a large chunk of his value. He might have WR2 numbers this week if he scores a touchdown, but that's about where his ceiling is.

The same can be said for Donte Moncrief, who's been Indianapolis' best receiver to date. Moncrief caught six passes for 75 yards last week against the Jaguars and will most likely see double-digit targets again. Last week was the first game of the season in which Moncrief didn't catch a touchdown, and it's hard to bank on him finding the end zone with Hasselbeck at the helm.

Frank Gore: The Colts gave Frank Gore his highest work load of the season last week against the Jaguars, rushing for 17 times  and catching five passes. Although Hasselbeck threw 47 times last game, one would imagine the Colts want to even up the play calling a little bit. Unfortunately, the Texans front line is the best part of their defensive unit and Gore hasn't shown the ability to be effective against an above-average defense this season.

 

Other Game Notes

Colts: Dwayne Allen returns to the Colts lineup tonight, effectively erasing Coby Fleener's value for now. Allen is touchdown dependent and hasn't had the stats to backup making him an obvious starting choice, but if Hasselbeck plays, he did lean on Fleener last week and perhaps Allen will reap those rewards. Fleener caught 9-of-12 targets last week for 83 yards and a touchdown. Hasselbeck will continue to check down to his comfortable targets, and Allen should be on the shortlist for anyone's plug-and-play options.

Texans: Ryan Mallet is getting the start for the Texans despite being benched in the Week 4 blowout against the Falcons. His rapport with DeAndre Hopkins is undeniable, but with very few other options in the passing game the Texans will likely lean on the run game against the Colts bad defensive line.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb Being Undervalued?
Bijan Robinson

Could Just Be Entering His Dynasty Prime
Derrick White

Delivers All-Around Line in Game 7 Loss
Neemias Queta

Finishes with Double-Double in Playoff Loss
Malik Washington

Emerging as a Low-Cost Dynasty Buy Out of Ambiguous Receiver Room
Jaylen Brown

Posts Strong Line but Celtics Fall Short
Diego Pavia

Ravens Noncommital on Diego Pavia's Future with Team
Tyrese Maxey

Dominates in Series-Clinching Victory
David Njoku

Visiting the Chargers on Monday
VJ Edgecombe

Provides Key Spark in Game 7 Win
Patrick Mahomes

Expected to Participate in OTAs
Joel Embiid

Delivers 34 Points in Series Clincher
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1
Mike Reilly

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win
Logan Stankoven

Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak
Frederik Andersen

Records Second Postseason Shutout
Radko Gudas

Ducks Hope to See Radko Gudas Return During Second Round
Josh Manson

Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1 Against Wild
Joel Kiviranta

Considered Day-to-Day
Joel Eriksson Ek

Questionable for Game 1 Against Avalanche
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits with Left Hamstring Tightness
Anthony Edwards

Remains Week-to-Week
Joel Embiid

Available for Game 7 Against Celtics
Paul George

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Doubtful on Injury Report
Kevin Huerter

Uncertain for Sunday
Brandon Ingram

Listed as Questionable for Sunday's Game 7
Franz Wagner

Won't Be Available for Game 7
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play in Saturday's Game 7
Owen Tippett

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Jonas Brodin

to Miss Game 1 Against Avalanche
Nikita Zadorov

Played Through Torn MCL in Playoffs
Connor McDavid

Played With Fractured Foot Against Ducks
Alexander Nikishin

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Nikolaj Ehlers

Expected to Play Saturday
Jayson Tatum

Added to Injury Report as Questionable
Greg Dulcich

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Kaelon Black

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success Following NFL Draft
J'Mari Taylor

Can J'Mari Taylor Break Through Crowded Running Back Depth Chart in Jacksonville?
Eli Raridon

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Michael Trigg

Facing Uphill Battle for a Roster Spot in Dallas
Matthew Hibner

Is Matthew Hibner the Tight End of the Future in Baltimore?
Seth McGowan

Likely to be RB3 to Begin his Rookie Season
Caleb Douglas

a Low-Upside Dynasty Stash Competing for a Role in Miami
Francis Mauigoa

Giants "Comfortable" With Francis Mauigoa's Back
Jermod McCoy

Raiders Optimistic About Jermod McCoy's Chances of Playing This Year
Deonte Banks

Giants Decline to Pick Up Deonte Banks' Fifth-Year Option
Zavion Thomas

Is Zavion Thomas' Dynasty Value Being Overinflated by Unexpected Draft Capital?
Justice Hill

Role in Question After NFL Draft
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Finishes Series with Double-Double Effort
Audric Estimé

Audric Estime Buried on Saints' Depth Chart
LeBron James

Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 6
Scottie Barnes

Anchors Both Ends in Game 6 Victory
Jarquez Hunter

Unlikely to See a Significant Usage Spike in Second Season
Evan Mobley

Shines Despite Game 6 Overtime Loss
RJ Barrett

Hits Clutch Three to Force Game 7
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Logan Stanley

a Game-Time Decision Friday
Viktor Arvidsson

Ruled Out Friday
TB

Nicholas Paul Set to Return Friday
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Ready for Action Friday
Victor Hedman

to Be an Option "Really Soon"
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Nikita Chibrikov

Recovering From Core-Muscle Surgery
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF