The Houston Texans backfield presents a challenging fantasy football dilemma with Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and Woody Marks all vying for touches.
With Joe Mixon sidelined due to injury, opportunities have opened for these three backs, though none represent an ideal fantasy option. Each player brings different concerns and limitations as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in what could be a telling week for the hierarchy.
Nick Chubb Fantasy Outlook
Nick Chubb enters 2025 as one of the greatest pure rushers in NFL history, but age and injury appear to have caught up to the 29-year-old veteran. His 2024 season represented a dramatic decline, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry after never posting fewer than 5.0 yards per carry in any previous season.
The concerning efficiency becomes even more troubling when considering Jerome Ford averaged 5.4 yards per carry in the same Cleveland offense. Chubb’s advanced metrics paint an equally bleak picture, with just a 2% explosive run rate, 10% missed tackle rate, and 1.96 yards after contact per attempt, all basement-level numbers for a former elite back.
However, Chubb’s opportunity in Houston provides fantasy relevance despite the efficiency concerns. With Mixon expected to miss at least the first four games, Chubb is positioned to handle 10-12 carries plus goal-line work as the primary early-down option.
Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce taking handoffs from C.J. Stroud at #Texans practice.
The two RBs continue to get all the reps with Stroud with Joe Mixon sidelined. pic.twitter.com/8TEcQgyHHp
— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) September 4, 2025
The veteran’s touchdown-dependent upside remains his most appealing fantasy trait. His 51 career rushing touchdowns and proven red-zone ability make him the best bet among Houston’s backs to find the end zone, even if his overall production lacks consistency.
However, Chubb’s lack of pass-catching ability eliminates any floor in a negative game script. If he fails to score touchdowns, fantasy managers face an ugly scenario with minimal upside outside of goal-line situations.
Dameon Pierce Fantasy Outlook
Dameon Pierce’s career trajectory has been disappointing since his promising rookie campaign. After averaging 4.3 yards per carry and posting 12.8 fantasy points per game in 2022, he struggled mightily in his sophomore season with a miserable 2.9 yards per carry.
The 2024 season showed improvement on limited touches, but Pierce had already lost his job to Devin Singletary in 2023, relegating him to a backup role. Mixon’s arrival further pushed Pierce down the depth chart, though his fit in the new offensive scheme provides some optimism.
Reports suggest Pierce could emerge as the lead runner if Chubb fails to regain his previous form. His youth and better recent efficiency metrics make him an intriguing deep sleeper candidate, particularly if the Texans decide to move away from the aging veteran.
Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce taking handoffs from C.J. Stroud at #Texans practice.
The two RBs continue to get all the reps with Stroud with Joe Mixon sidelined. pic.twitter.com/8TEcQgyHHp
— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) September 4, 2025
Pierce’s receiving ability provides additional value that Chubb lacks, having shown competence as a pass catcher during his rookie season. This versatility makes him more valuable in negative game scripts where Houston might need to throw frequently.
However, Pierce’s inconsistent career performance raises questions about his ceiling even with increased opportunity. His 2023 struggles and limited 2024 sample size make him a risky fantasy investment despite the potential upside.
Woody Marks Fantasy Outlook
Woody Marks represents the most speculative option among Houston’s running backs. The Texans clearly saw something in the rookie to justify trading up to select him, but Week 1 involvement appears minimal.
The rookie may not even see the field at all, with Dare Ogunbowale serving as the primary passing-down back ahead of him on the depth chart. This severely limits Marks’ immediate fantasy relevance despite his long-term potential.
Flag this name.
Woody Marks is going to matter in fantasy. pic.twitter.com/hyLadEe0dK
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) August 23, 2025
If Mixon never returns to full health, Marks could eventually find himself in a fantasy-relevant role as the season progresses. However, his current position behind Chubb and Pierce makes him a pure stash play rather than a Week 1 contributor.
Fantasy managers should avoid starting Marks under any circumstances in Week 1, as he remains very much in play to score zero fantasy points. His development timeline appears longer than initially anticipated.
Should You Start Chubb, Pierce, or Marks This Week?
The matchup against Los Angeles provides a middle-of-the-pack challenge for Houston’s running backs. Last season, the Rams allowed the 18th most fantasy points per game to backs, representing an average defensive performance that shouldn’t overwhelm any of the Texans’ options.
The fantasy values of Houston’s running backs will likely depend entirely on who falls into the end zone. Currently, Chubb represents the best touchdown bet based on his expected goal-line role and red-zone experience.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
If Chubb fails to score, his fantasy output will become extremely ugly, given his complete lack of pass-catching ability and recent efficiency concerns. Pierce offers more versatility but remains unlikely to see significant touches in Week 1.
Fantasy managers should take a “wait-and-see” approach with this backfield. The combination of uncertainty, declining efficiency, and limited ceiling makes all three options risky Week 1 plays, despite the opportunity created by Mixon’s absence.
If forced to start someone from this group, Chubb represents the only consideration based on his expected volume and goal-line role. However, the ideal approach involves leaving all Houston running backs out of lineups until the hierarchy clarifies and efficiency improves.
