By Andrew Doherty
In what projects to be a blowout, the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles travel to Houston to take on the 13.5 point underdog Texans. The over/under currently sits at 45.5 so we can expect a decent amount of scoring in tonight’s game. It can be tricky building a lineup for games that project to be this lopsided, but as always I have you covered with the optimal players to build around. Here’s who I’m rolling with tonight:
Miles Sanders
There simply isn’t a better matchup for running backs this season than the Texans defense. Sanders is averaging 4.9 yards per attempt, a number which he should surpass tonight against a Houston squad that ranks dead last in the league in rushing yards allowed per game at 186. Only 3 teams in the league have allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Texans, making Sanders a good bet to find pay dirt tonight. Houston hasn’t fared much better against pass catching backs either, which is an area where Sanders also excels. He should be a core part of every build tonight.
Dameon Pierce
Going up against the Eagles defense isn’t ideal but Pierce is the only viable option on the Texans outside of Brandin Cooks who is unlikely to play and would see a heavy dose of Darius Slay even if he does. Philadelphia has allowed 114.7 rushing yards per game so far this season and could be a little more vulnerable on a short week with Jordan Davis out. Pierce, who is averaging over 17 carries per game, is the best bet amongst Houston players to find the endzone in tonight’s matchup against an Eagles defense that is league average in rushing touchdowns allowed.
AJ Brown
He’ll undoubtedly be a popular play tonight after last weeks blowup performance but I just can’t pass up on Brown’s big play potential against the Texans. Brown is averaging 94.1 yards per and 10.5 yards per target this season and easily the most dangerous weapon outside of Jalen Hurts in the Eagles explosive offense. Houston, who allows 217.6 passing yards per game, likely won’t have an answer for Brown on a short week. I typically avoid chalk plays, but I feel like it will be difficult to beat lineups that include Brown if you don’t have him as part of your build.
