No Stroud, No Problem? Why Nico Collins Could Torch Defenses Anyway
Conventional wisdom would say that with Davis Mills getting the start at quarterback for the Houston Texans this Sunday, an already so-so passing attack would potentially go into hibernation in Week 10. Theoretically, the recipe for victory for the 3-5 Texans would be to rely on the run game and the competency of one of the league's top defenses in order to get out with a much-needed win.
But football fans know all too well that conventional wisdom doesn't always prevail on gameday, and this could be a case where that proves to be true, because even with the circumstances being what they are, it feels like Texans leading receiver Nico Collins could be in for a huge day against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday afternoon.
After posting back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2023 and 2024, Collins is on pace to fall short of that mark in 2025. Chalk that up to CJ Stroud's inconsistencies or the growing pains associated with adjusting to a new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley, but either way, we've yet to see a vintage Nico Collins game this season... well, except for the last time these two teams played.
Back in Week 3 against Jacksonville, Nico Collins notched his only 100 yard game of the season thus far, finishing with 8 receptions for 104 yards and Houston's lone touchdown in a 17-10 loss that dropped the Texans to 0-3 on the year. But since then, Collins is averaging just 4 receptions and 58 receiving yards per game.
However, Collins' production -- or lack thereof -- is not necessarily an indication of what's to come. It could be a warning of what's about to change, because Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans knows that in order for this offense to reach its potential, Collins needs more than just 4 touches per game.
"I mean, we want to get the ball to our best players, right?," Ryans said during an interview earlier this week on Texans Radio. "We got to find a way to get Nico the ball even more. I feel like we could have got it to him on the outside more (last week), just giving him more shots downfield."
The Jaguars could be the exact opponent to take those shots down the field against. Thus far this season, Jacksonville has allowed the 6th-most passing yards and the 4th-most passing touchdowns. Yes, the Jags have also recorded 11 interceptions, the 2nd-most in the league, but this is a defense that has proven to be susceptible to damage through the air. Now it's just a matter of if the Texans truly feel comfortable letting Davis Mills air it out.
Even with that uncertainty, fantasy experts seem to be in lockstep regarding Nico Collins' output this week... the expectation is that Collins is a must-start in Week 10.
According to ESPN's consensus rankings, Collins is the 8th-ranked receiver this week, ahead of the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Zay Flowers and Ladd McConkey. Meanwhile, NFL.com's Michael Florio lists Collins as his top 'Start 'Em' wide receiver of the week, saying the following about the 26-year-old wideout:
"He has also gone over 100 yards in his last four games against Jacksonville, averaging 24.7 fantasy PPG in those contests," Florio writes. "The Jags have allowed the fifth-most yards and second-most touchdowns to outside receivers, which is where Collins runs over 80 percent of his routes. Even withDavis Mills in line to start for the Texans, you should start Collins."
That's all I needed to hear.
Commanders Legend Joe Theismann Vows Boycott if Stadium Named After Trump — “Keep Politics Out of Football”
Washington, D.C. – November 8, 2025
The city’s football heartbeat has turned into a political firestorm. After reports surfaced that President Donald Trump wants Washington’s new Commanders stadium named after himself, franchise legend Joe Theismann made his stance unmistakably clear — and his words are shaking the NFL.
Theismann, who led the Commanders to their first Super Bowl title in 1983 and remains one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, expressed outrage over the idea of turning the team’s future home into “Trump Stadium.” He said that if the plan becomes reality, he’ll refuse to attend any home games, choosing instead to watch his team on TV or travel to away matchups.
“If they go through with this, I won’t step foot in that building,” Theismann told reporters. “I love this franchise with all my heart, but football should stay pure. Don’t drag Trump’s politics into a sport that brings people together.”
His comments echo the sentiment of thousands of Commanders fans flooding social media since the story broke. Many have voiced the same frustration — that the team, after years of scandal and rebuilding its reputation, risks alienating its fanbase again by associating with partisan politics.
Theismann’s words carry weight not only because of his legacy, but because of the symbolism behind them. For decades, he’s been one of the Commanders’ most visible ambassadors, attending charity events, mentoring young players, and standing by the organization through ownership changes and controversies. His decision to draw a line now sends a powerful message: some things in football are bigger than politics.
The White House, however, continues to stand by the proposal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that President Trump “played a vital role in making the new stadium possible” and called the idea of naming it after him “a fitting tribute to his leadership.”
Still, for Theismann and countless Washington loyalists, the name “Trump Stadium” represents something they want no part of. Theismann closed his remarks with a plea that resonated far beyond sports:
“This game is supposed to unite us — not divide us. Once you cross that line, you lose what football truly stands for.”
Whether the Commanders’ ownership will heed that warning remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the debate over Washington’s new stadium just became far more than a naming-rights discussion.
