The Houston Texans quietly have one of the best big-play receivers in the NFL.
Nico Collins, who ranks 10th in the league with 991 receiving yards, is also among the top five pass-catchers of plays of at least 10, 20 and 40 yards. He has 29 receptions of at least 10 yards (third), 20 receptions of at least 20 yards (third) and four receptions of at least 40 yards (tied for fifth).
That company also includes Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill and Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb.
What’s even more impressive is Collins is doing this without a lot of targets. He has only 85 targets on the season (tied for 27th in the league) and 59 receptions (tied for 23rd). Because of his lack of looks, Collins also ranks second in yards per catch (16.8) behind only Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers and tied for third in yards per target (11.7) with Hill.
All of this with a rookie quarterback, a rookie offensive play caller and a sensational rookie wideout alongside him.
But now that Tank Dell will be out for the rest of the season, C.J. Stroud should rely on Collins more down the stretch as the Texans make a playoff push.