Houston’s backfield hierarchy underwent a seismic shift last week as Woody Marks seized control of the starting role. Both runners enter Week 11 with vastly different outlooks following the most lopsided usage distribution of the season. Can fantasy football managers trust either Texans runner this week?
Woody Marks Fantasy Outlook
Last week saw the biggest shift in this backfield all season. While the Texans falling behind by multiple scores early certainly played a role, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that Marks is the better back. The rookie dominated snaps over Chubb more than he has all year, with the split reaching 81% for Marks and just 13% for Chubb.​
Chubb played a total of 10 snaps in the entire contest. Naturally, Marks responded with one of his best games of the season. His 16.1 fantasy points trailed only his Week 4 breakout performance against these same Titans when he posted 27.9 points. Marks rushed 14 times for 53 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 18 yards.​
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For much of the season, there was one area where Chubb had the clear edge: goal-line work. That doesn’t appear to be the case anymore after Marks got the work last week.
Marks has now seen at least 13 opportunities in four consecutive games, establishing consistent volume regardless of game script. The rookie took 16 total touches compared to just six for Chubb last week.​
Marks appears to have seized complete control of the Texans’ backfield. Fantasy experts project Marks as an RB2 moving forward given his expanded role and upcoming favorable matchups.
Nick Chubb Fantasy Outlook
Chubb’s role seems incredibly dependent on game script at this point. Interestingly enough, he was actually quite effective on the ground last week, rushing for 47 yards on just five carries. The problem is he only received five carries total, limiting any fantasy impact despite the strong efficiency.
If Chubb’s usage remains this low, he’s obviously unstartable for fantasy purposes. Chubb has hit double-digit fantasy points a mere two times all season, demonstrating his inability to generate consistent production.
Age and accumulated wear continue taking their toll on the 29-year-old. Chubb is averaging 4.2 yards per carry this season, though last week’s performance showed he still possesses efficiency when given opportunities. The issue is the opportunities simply aren’t materializing with Marks firmly entrenched as the preferred option.
If you are feeling bold, this could be a week to gamble on Chubb. The Texans are starting Davis Mills at quarterback again as C.J. Stroud remains in concussion protocol. Expect Houston to lean heavily on the ground game and their elite defense as much as possible. Chubb becomes nothing more than a dart throw handcuff at this point.​
Should You Start Chubb or Marks This Week?
Tennessee presents an exceptional matchup for Houston’s rushing attack. The Titans allow the fourth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs, creating ideal conditions for ground-based attacks. Tennessee has surrendered 16-plus fantasy points to six different running backs in 2025.​
Houston will try to lean on their ground game and defense with Mills starting. That strategy may not work against better opponents. However, this week they face the worst team in football. The Titans are last in the league in offensive EPA per play and got shut out 26-0 when these teams met in Week 4.​
Houston should experience positive game script throughout this contest as 7.5-point road favorites. The Texans’ defense ranks first in the NFL in defensive EPA per play, creating overwhelming advantages on both sides of the ball. This could result in the snap share evening out somewhat more than last week’s extreme split.​
Based on recent usage, Marks has to be the superior fantasy play. The rookie projects as a confident RB2 start in this dream matchup where he exploded for 27.9 points earlier this season.
Chubb functions as a touchdown-or-bust RB3 option purely because of the favorable matchup. Fantasy managers should only deploy Chubb if desperate for a dart throw with minimal floor but theoretical touchdown upside.​
