Week 10 Fantasy Fallout: The Texans Lose Hunter and Al-Shaair, the Rams Run Thin in Arizona, and the Lineup Moves to Make

Friday's final injury reports are in, and two Sunday matchups look very different than they did at the start of the week. The Texans will be short-handed on both sides of the ball against Cleveland, and the Rams head to Arizona with a thin receiver room and questions at tight end. Here is how to handle both games in your fantasy lineups.

Texans vs. Browns: Houston's Defense Takes the Hit

Houston ruled out defensive end Danielle Hunter with a hamstring injury and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair with a groin injury, the Houston Chronicle reported ^[1]. The Texans also ruled out starting guard Keylan Rutledge, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Brevin Jordan ^[1].

The biggest question mark is Will Anderson Jr. He missed practice on Friday and is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, though the absence may have been precautionary, CBS Sports reported ^[2]. If Anderson sits, Jadeveon Clowney, Dominique Robinson and Sabastian Harsh would be Houston's top defensive ends, according to the same report ^[2]. Running back David Montgomery and offensive lineman Trent Brown are also listed as questionable, Heavy reported ^[3].

What to do: Deshaun Watson gets this start against the Texans, his former team ^[1]. With Hunter and Al-Shaair out and Anderson uncertain, Houston's pass rush is badly weakened, which makes Watson a reasonable streaming option in deeper leagues and two-quarterback formats. Cleveland's pass catchers get a modest bump for the same reason.

On the Houston side, losing Harrison Jr. and Jordan pushes more targets to whoever is left in the passing game, so check the inactive list before kickoff. Montgomery is the one to watch most closely. If he is cleared, start him with normal expectations; if there is any doubt close to game time, have a backup plan ready on your bench.

Rams at Cardinals: Thin at Receiver, Worried at Tight End

The Rams will be without both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in Arizona, NFL.com reported ^[5]. Tight end Terrance Ferguson and guard Steve Avila have been ruled out, the team announced ^[4]. Tight end Davis Allen is questionable with an oblique injury, while Colby Parkinson carries no injury designation ^[5].

On defense, cornerback Trent McDuffie is questionable with a back injury, and Sean McVay said his status depends on how he responds after a limited Friday practice ^[4]. Safety Kam Curl is also questionable, though McVay sounded optimistic about him ^[4]. Myles Garrett is listed as questionable with a knee injury, but McVay said Friday he expects his star pass rusher to play, Sports Illustrated reported ^[6]. For Arizona, starting center Hjalte Froholdt has been ruled out with a concussion ^[5].

What to do: Parkinson is the name to know. With Ferguson out and Allen banged up, he could be the Rams' busiest tight end on Sunday, and he is worth a look as a streamer if you are scrambling at the position. In the receiver room, the depth players we flagged in our Week 10 sleepers column, Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Watkins, move further into the spotlight with both Nacua and Adams sidelined.

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If Garrett plays, be careful with Arizona's offense. Losing their starting center against a pass rush led by Garrett is a tough combination, and the Cardinals' passing game is a risky start this week. Garrett himself is a strong play in leagues that score individual defensive players.

Your Sunday Checklist

Fantasy Sundays are won in the last 90 minutes before kickoff, when teams post their inactive lists. For these two games, the checklist is short. Confirm whether Anderson is active for Houston, because his presence changes how comfortable you should feel about Watson and Cleveland's receivers. Confirm Montgomery's status before you lock in a Texans running back. And see whether Allen is active for the Rams, since his return would cut into Parkinson's workload.

Abby's Bottom Line

Injuries are part of the game, and the managers who win in November are the ones who stay patient, read the reports and make their moves with a clear head instead of panicking. This week, that means streaming against Houston's depleted defense, giving Parkinson a look at tight end and keeping a close eye on Montgomery before kickoff.

And if you want another way to have fun with Sunday's slate, our free Liberty Bell Fantasy games are waiting at /fantasy. Good luck this week, and enjoy the games.