Guest of the League
Dynasty Champion Est. 2023
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Hurricane Beryl damages NRG Stadium roof

Tue Jul 9 9:01pm ET
Field Level Media

NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, which has left more than 2 million residents without power and caused deaths in Texas and Louisiana.

The hurricane, which made landfall on Monday as a Category 1 with winds whipping over 80 mph, left roads covered in debris and caused flood damage.

NRG Stadium has holes in its retractable roof, with aerial photographs showing at least three panels missing.

"Like many of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast region, NRG Park sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, including to the roof of NRG Stadium," NRG Park CEO and executive director Ryan M. Walsh said in a statement on Tuesday. "(Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation) officials are collaborating with state, county and city officials to assist with recovery efforts throughout the region. ...

"While we assist with these efforts, we are also assessing the extent of damages to NRG Park facilities. We look forward to seeing our neighbors at NRG Park soon as we return to normal operations."

The Texans, who start training camp on July 18, have two road games on their preseason schedule before facing the New York Giants on Aug. 17 at NRG Stadium. Houston's home opener for the regular season is Sept. 15 against the Chicago Bears.

The Houston Astros' home baseball stadium, Minute Maid Park, did not sustain serious damage from Hurricane Beryl, with Tuesday night's home game against the Miami Marlins remaining as scheduled.

The Texans had to postpone their home opener against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 season after Hurricane Ike, a Category 2 storm, damaged the stadium and led to repairs for five sections of the roof.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

The Invitational Live Stream

Player Notes
John Metchie III Aug 18 3:30am CT
John Metchie III

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III delivered his best preseason performance on Saturday against the New York Giants, recording a team-high six catches for 68 yards and his first professional touchdowna 3-yard pass from Case Keenum. This strong showing comes after Metchie had only two receptions for 11 yards in his previous two games. After suffering an ACL tear during the 2021 SEC Championship Game, Metchie missed out on a potential first-round draft position. The Texans selected him with the 44th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he was sidelined for his rookie season due to a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Returning in 2023, he caught 16 passes for 158 yards but struggled to secure a prominent role. Now, Metchie is aiming to secure one of the final receiver spots for Week 1, with one more preseason game to compete against Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and Ben Skowronek.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Aug 18 3:30am CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz delivered his strongest preseason performance against the New York Giants on Saturday, catching three passes for 39 yards, including a standout 26-yard reception from C.J. Stroud. Schultz emerged as Stroud's most targeted player while the starters were on the field, receiving five of Stroud's 12 throws. This is a promising sign for Schultz, who faces competition for targets from three top wide receivers. However, Schultz's role is somewhat overshadowed by his backups; Brevin Jordan also saw two of Stroud's 12 targets and looked solid with the starters, while rookie Cade Stover has been impressive in previous preseason games. Despite these challenges, Schultz remains a valuable high-end TE2 with the potential for high-ceiling weeks in a dynamic Texans offense.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Aug 18 3:20am CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce started the preseason game against the New York Giants but struggled to make an impact, managing only four carries for five yards. Pierce averaged a disappointing 1.3 yards per carry, failing to show any improvement from his previous performance. In contrast, Cam Akers, serving as his primary backup, ran for 29 yards on six carries, including a long of 14 yards. Akers, who was signed at the beginning of training camp, has quickly emerged as a legitimate roster contender, transforming from a camp body into a potential backup to Joe Mixon. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme has helped him catch up despite joining late. J.J. Taylor led the Texans' running backs with 36 yards on five carries, and rookie British Brooks scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. However, with both Taylor and Brooks unlikely to make the final roster, the primary focus for the Texans will be the competition for Mixon's backup role.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Aug 18 3:20am CT
Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs made his presence felt in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants, catching a 9-yard pass from C.J. Stroud for a first down in Houston's 28-10 victory. Although Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler acquired from the Buffalo Bills, only had one reception, it was special as it was his first in a Texans uniform. His brief appearance demonstrated that he is already developing a strong rapport with Stroud. During the 15 snaps Stroud played, Diggs was on the field for 11, while starting receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell were on for 13 and 8 snaps, respectively. Collins is expected to lead in target and snap share, with Dell likely serving as the big-play threat. The question remains whether there will be enough targets left for Diggs to justify his current ADP in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Aug 18 3:10am CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts in Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. Myers made tries from 29, 48, and 50 yards out. The only blemish on his stat line was the missed extra point that followed Easop Winston Jr.'s first-quarter touchdown. The Titans' margin of victory in the game? One point. Myers was perfect on extra-point attempts last season but this is the second try he has missed in as many weeks. The 33-year-old is Seattle's incumbent kicker, though another misfire in the preseason finale against the Browns on August 24 might prompt the team to look at other legs. Myers has been a useful fantasy asset in the past but is by no means automatic.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Aug 18 3:10am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a strong performance in his second preseason game against the New York Giants, although the offense didn't score while he was on the field. Stroud led the Texans downfield on the opening drive effectively, but the team failed to convert a fourth down on the Giants' 6-yard line. Stroud showcased impressive command and appeared to be in midseason form. The Texans' strategy this year seems to focus heavily on the passing game, as they passed ten times and rushed only four times in the first quarter with starters. This approach bodes well for Stroud's fantasy prospects, indicating significant passing volume. Stroud finished the game 7-of-10 for 88 yards. If he's done for the preseason, his overall stats will be 9-of-14 for 129 yards and one touchdown. Stroud has a solid opportunity to be a top-five fantasy quarterback this year, but his lack of rushing may limit his overall ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Easop Winston Jr. Aug 18 2:50am CT
Easop Winston Jr.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. caught three of his four targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. The score was an absolute beauty. Barely a step ahead of cornerback Tre Avery, Winston looked over his shoulder as he crossed the goal line in time to snag a 23-yard arcing pass from Sam Howell for the touchdown. Winston also had a 15-yard reception with eight seconds left in the first half, advancing a drive that resulted in a field goal before the break. Winston is playing for a roster spot and, assuming he does make the cut, would be unlikely to challenge DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba for targets.

From RotoBaller

Kenny McIntosh Aug 18 2:30am CT
Kenny McIntosh

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh led the team in carries and rushing yards in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The second-year back had eight attempts for 46 yards and caught both of his targets for 17 yards through the air. McIntosh is competing with George Holani and Kobe Lewis to be the Seahawks' third-string running back. Last week, Holani scored a touchdown and Lewis led the team with eight carries. Against Tennessee, the two combined for six carries and a gain of two yards. The usage on Saturday indicates McIntosh is ahead on the depth chart for now, though he will still be behind Kenneth Walker III and Zack Charbonnet when the regular season begins.

From RotoBaller

Sam Howell Aug 18 2:00am CT
Sam Howell

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell went 11-for-14 for 153 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Howell looked shaky early on as the Titans blitzed aggressively out of the gate resulting in back-to-back three-and-outs. Howell actually fumbled while being sacked on the second drive but had the good fortune that a teammate was in position to fall on the ball. Howell recovered well on the team's third possession resulting in a touchdown to Easop Winston Jr. This was Howell's second start in as many preseason games for the Seahawks. Geno Smith (hip/knee) returned to practice last week and carried no designation coming into Saturday but ultimately sat. Howell will be backing up Smith to start the season but it was an encouraging effort after the early miscues.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Flournoy Aug 18 12:30am CT
Ryan Flournoy

Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy led the Cowboys in catches in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He also scored a touchdown. Flournoy was targeted six times, also a team high, and made four catches for 23 yards. His touchdown came on a goal line pass from Trey Lance in the second quarter. Flournoy is buried on the depth chart, especially once CeeDee Lamb returns from his holdout, but he's shown signs of developing some offensive relevance in the future. He's worth keeping an eye on in keeper and dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Royce Freeman Aug 18 12:30am CT
Royce Freeman

Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman led the team in carries in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Freeman ran the ball seven times, gaining 32 yards with a long play of eight yards. He wasn't targeted in the passing game. Freeman tied with quarterback Trey Lance for the team lead in carries with seven, with several other backs getting five running plays each. Freeman is third at best on the depth chart for the Cowboys, behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, but there certainly could be a role for him if injuries were to pop up.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Aug 18 12:30am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey kicked a 66-yard field goal in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Aubrey attempted two kicks, making both, one from 66 and the other from 54 yards out. He also made all three of his extra point attempts. Aubrey was the top scoring kicker in most fantasy formats last season, and all signs point to him once again being a top-five option at worst this year. He's worth being the first kicker off the board in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Aug 18 12:20am CT
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance tallied two touchdowns in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Lance attempted 23 passes, completing 15 of them for 151 yards and a touchdown. He added seven rush attempts for another 34 yards and another touchdown. Lance tied for the team lead in rushes and rushing yards, and he did not take a sack. He soundly outplayed Cooper Rush, and while both may ultimately make the team if Dallas chooses to carry three quarterbacks, Dak Prescott will clearly retain the starting job.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Aug 17 11:00pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed five times for seven yards during Saturday's victory against the Washington Commanders. He was not targeted in the passing game. Mostert was Miami's first RB in and out-carried his counterpart De'Von Achane by three. The 32-year-old only played the first series with the starters, as that was the Dolphins' lone possession of the first quarter. Running room was tough to find on a day when Washington's defense stifled Miami's ground game. The only player to rush for more than ten yards Saturday was backup RB Chris Brooks, who ran for a long gain of 59 yards. However, he gained just four yards on his other four carries. It wasn't a great showing for Mostert, but it is clear that he is still the Dolphins' preferred first option out of the backfield -- particularly in short-yardage situations. He's being selected as the RB23 as per Yahoo!'s ADP -- 42 picks after Achane -- and remains a strong option in fantasy drafts with built-in upside if the backfield were to become solely his.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Aug 17 10:50pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made his first catch as an NFL player in a Chargers preseason loss to the Rams. McConkey did not play in the first Chargers preseason game, so Game 2 was his NFL debut. He was targeted just once and made his lone catch for a five yard gain. McConkey likely won't get a ton of run in the preseason given how big his offensive role is expected to be. As long as Justin Herbert (foot) is able to play, McConkey could be a PPR monster as early as Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Aug 17 10:40pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got a good amount of work in the Cardinals' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Demercado led the running backs with 10 carries but for a paltry 24 yards. He also added one catch on his lone target for nine yards. The battle for the RB3 spot likely comes down to Demercado and Michael Carter, as the two traded third-down snaps with Demercado taking a slight 4-to-3 edge. Carter did take 4-of-5 two-minute drill snaps, however, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. Demercado should go undrafted in fantasy drafts, but he was solidly useful for a spell last season when he was the lead back with James Conner hurt. With Conner and rookie Trey Benson in tow, Demercado becomes depth running back for Arizona who needs multiple injuries to be relevant in fantasy for 2024.

From RotoBaller

River Cracraft Aug 17 10:40pm CT
River Cracraft

Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft caught both of his targets for 29 yards and one touchdown in Saturday night's 13-6 win against the Washington Commanders. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill getting the night off, Cracraft was in with the starters on Saturday. Although it was just one drive, he made it count. The journeyman wideout was the recipient of Tua Tagovailoa's first pass of the night -- a quick-hitter that Cracraft took 16 yards. He was also the recipient of Tagovailoa's last throw. This one took place on a 4th-and-1 inside the Commanders' 15-yard line -- a perfectly placed ball where only the tight end could get it in the back of the end zone. We likely see him suit up next Friday when the Dolphins travel to Tampa Bay to square up against the Buccaneers in their final dress rehearsal before the regular season. Cracraft is firmly entrenched behind Waddle, Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) in the pass-catching pecking order. However, he would instantly become intriguing if, for whatever reason, one of the players mentioned above missed any time. He's the WR142 in Yahoo! ADP.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Aug 17 10:40pm CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen led the team with eight carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, but he only produced 27 yards after tallying a team-high 54 yards on six carries in last weekend's preseason opener. Allen came second on the Jets with four targets on Saturday against the Panthers, bringing in two for an additional 12 yards despite the rough day on the ground, which saw his long gain go for a mere four yards. The 20-year-old rookie fourth-rounder still appears to be the favorite for No. 2 backfield duties behind workhorse starter Breece Hall, and the 235-pounder might even be able to carve out a definitive role as a power back in Year 1 to help lessen the load for Hall. For now, however, Allen is just an RB5/6 stash for fantasy managers this summer.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Aug 17 10:40pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal led the Chargers backfield in their second preseason game. Vidal ran the ball 11 times for 49 yards, leading the team in both carries and yards. He was also targeted three times in the passing game, catching two for an additional eight yards. Vidal is behind at least Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on the depth chart, but the sixth-round rookie has certainly shown some promise so far.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Davis Aug 17 10:40pm CT
Isaiah Davis

New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis picked up 14 yards on four carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Davis also caught his lone target for no gain in Saturday's victory over Carolina. The Jets chose the 22-year-old South Dakota State product in the fifth round of this past spring's NFL Draft to bolster their backfield depth following last year's losses of backups Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter. While he reeled in four passes for 33 yards in last week's preseason opener, Davis' impact in the receiving game figures to be minimal behind workhorse starter Breece Hall this season, and he looks to be no greater than the No. 3 option on the depth chart ahead of his final chance to make a case for a spot on New York's roster in next Saturday's preseason finale at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller