The Houston Texans were the talk of the fantasy football industry after C.J. Stroud led them to a massive win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Some of his production went to the predictable options, but a question did arise from the historic performance: Is Noah Brown a fantasy difference-maker or a one-week wonder?
Should Noah Brown Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 10?
As a part of Stroud setting the rookie record for passing yardage in a game (470), Brown caught all six of his targets for 153 yards and a 75-yard score.
The performance came seemingly out of nowhere, as Brown had eight catches and 114 yards on his 2023 resume before the Week 9 breakout — so is this a sign of things to come?
CJ STROUD TO NOAH BROWN THE FUTURE IS NOW pic.twitter.com/x8wgMDtoJ3
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) November 5, 2023
I don’t think so. Brown wasn’t overly productive in college at Ohio State and has yet to sustain anything near fantasy-friendly production as a pro.
Even during a career day, Brown earned under 16% of the targets in a game where top receiver Nico Collins wasn’t the primary option.
MORE: Early Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickups
More often than not, Collins is going to see more than 13.2% of the targets, and that puts Brown’s projected involvement moving forward in serious danger.
This was a game in which Collins was used well below his mean. A game played without the Texans’ starting running back. A game played without a receiver averaging 7.2 targets per game. A game in which the Buccaneers kept pace and forced continued aggression.
Having said that, he is a fine short-term add. I’m not breaking the bank for him or using a high waiver priority, but with a few potent offenses on bye this week and Houston past theirs, Brown is a warm body who offers upside in an offense trending in the right direction.
The target count is unlikely to be stable, but if you’re looking for a short-term Band-Aid, he’s a fine depth option.
When it comes to the Week 10 waiver wire, here are some receivers available in the majority of leagues that I prefer for the rest of the season over Brown:
- Demario Douglas, New England Patriots
- Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kansas City Chiefs
- Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
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