The Houston Texans’ backfield presents one of fantasy football‘s most intriguing storylines heading into 2025. With Joe Mixon sidelined on the PUP list and Nick Chubb healthy but coming off a challenging 2024 season, fantasy managers face a complex decision between risk and reward.
These two veteran running backs offer vastly different value propositions in your fantasy football drafts this season. Whether you’re looking for a safe late-round flier or a potential league-winning stash, understanding their current situations is crucial for your draft strategy.
Nick Chubb Fantasy Outlook
Let your league mates take this big name late in drafts and wait for him to hit waivers midseason if you really need someone in your FLEX to score a touchdown. This is a pretty hopeless situation, and it’s sad to be in this spot for a legend like Chubb. Chubb shouldn’t be expected to be anything more than a TD-dependent bet without even getting into the Texans’ horrendous offensive line.
Would you be excited about drafting Jerome Ford? Last year, both were given the same amount of carries (102 vs 104 for Ford), and Ford outrushed him by 233 yards, or 2.1 yards per carry. Chubb’s receiving usage was never his strength, but it evaporated last year with just five catches. His floor as an efficient runner is gone.
I’m intrigued with the idea of adding Nick Chubb to the Houston Texans offense.
He’s an All-Decade level talent and can probably be maximized at 29 in Houston sharing a workload with Joe Mixon.
Even last year post-ACL tear, there were some nice flashes from Chubb #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/1fUn9foWia
— John Crumpler (@JohnCrumplerMD) June 9, 2025
Is there a chance he’s superhuman and his free price (RB47) might be worth a shot? If Mixon missed extended time, the Texans’ line improves dramatically, and they run the “Tush Push” with Chubb. There’s no reason to use a roster spot on Chubb or to burn a late pick on him. Take a shot on a younger guy who could break into playing time like Bayshul Tuten, Trey Benson, or Dylan Sampson.
– Mason LeBeau, Fantasy Football Analyst
Joe Mixon Fantasy Outlook
Mixon headed into the 2025 offseason as the undisputed lead back in the Texans’ offense. The former Bengals star quietly tied Josh Jacobs in fantasy points per game (17.2) last season, but finished 11 spots lower at RB17. Ankle injuries saw Mixon miss three games and limited him in three more. From Weeks 1-15, before he played through his second injury, Mixon was the RB2 overall in fantasy points per game (20.2).
Unfortunately, injury has struck again for the former Bengal, ruling him out for at least the first four games of the season, after the team decided against activating him before cut-down day. Mixon should still be the team’s RB1 when he returns, but there are no guarantees around when that will be.
Outgoing OC Bobby Slowik was replaced by Nick Caley, who joins Houston from a Rams team that leaned heavily on RB Kyren Williams in 2024. Workhorse usage is rare in today’s NFL, but Mixon could have a massive role if he can get back on the field.
The Texans star’s ADP will be complex to gauge after the team announced his PUP designation, as the player will likely slip another round before the season starts. Mixon is a massive risk, but it could pay off handsomely if he can return in Week 5. Your starting running backs should be on your roster by the time you decide on Mixon, making him a worthwhile stash with league-winning potential.
– Cameron Sheath, Fantasy Football Analyst
