Jalen Pitre's rib injury tests Houston's nickel defense in the MNF clash with Tampa Bay. If he rests or is limited, Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter must lock outside while Tremon Smith and Jaylin Smith fill depth roles, heightening Tampa Bay's passing opportunities. Houston also battles missing receivers Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios, and center Jake Andrews, plus the absence of Joe Mixon, widening the Texans' offensive uncertainty. Tampa Bay, dealing with Luke Goedeke and Tristan Wirfs out, presses Charlie Heck into action on the right side, elevating the Buccaneers' pass protection risks.

Fantasy angles tilt toward volume and volatility. Stroud could see more targets if Houston's defense softens, while Mayfield may exploit any matchup edges with Houston’s thin back end. Will Anderson's rush becomes even more pivotal for Houston, and Danielle Hunter's presence adds to the edge pressure. Monitor Pitre's status as game time nears, since the depth players stepping up will shape weekly lineups and bets.

The Houston Texans made a significant splash in the 2025 NFL draft, selecting cornerback Jaylin Smith from USC in the third round and running back Woody Marks in the fourth. General manager Nick Caserio praised Smith's versatility and potential impact on special teams, highlighting his speed and toughness. Meanwhile, head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed enthusiasm for Marks, noting his receiving skills and ability to evade tacklers, which should enhance the Texans' running back depth.

Smith and Marks are stepping into a promising situation with the Texans, who have made playoff appearances in the last two seasons and are positioned in a competitive yet manageable division. Their additions could bolster the team's chances for a deeper playoff run as they contribute to an already youthful and robust roster.

The USC Trojans faced a significant shift in 2025 as their streak of producing first-round NFL draft picks came to an abrupt halt. Cornerback/safety Jaylin Smith was selected by the Houston Texans at No. 97, a move that many analysts, including Pro Football Focus, labeled as a considerable reach. Smith was ranked as the 241st player on PFF's draft board, which raises questions about the Texans' decision to prioritize him over other prospects like Dorian Strong and Cobee Bryant.

Despite his position versatility and ability to play press coverage effectively, Smith's college stats, which include just two interceptions and three forced incompletions, did not showcase the ball-hawking skills typically sought in a high draft pick. This decline in first-round talent highlights a challenging transition period for USC as they look to rebuild their NFL pipeline.

The 2025 NFL Draft is already stirring debate among analysts and fans alike, particularly with several unexpected selections that defied consensus rankings. The Cleveland Browns' choice of quarterback Dillon Gabriel at 94th overall raised eyebrows, as he was generally rated much lower. His experience at the NCAA level is impressive, but concerns linger about his age and ability to make explosive plays.

Similarly, the choice of wide receiver Pat Bryant for the Browns at 74th overall also sparked discussions. Although he had a standout collegiate career, many believed other prospects were more deserving of a higher pick. The 49ers’ selection of linebacker Nick Martin has been criticized for similar reasons, as he was viewed as a reach based on size and ranking. The Lions’ decision to draft Isaac TeSlaa, who had a solid college career but was not projected to be a Day 2 pick, has also attracted scrutiny. The Colts and Texans further added to the controversy with their selections of cornerbacks Justin Walley and Jaylin Smith, respectively, both of whom were considered less likely to make an immediate impact.

The Atlanta Falcons are actively preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft, with a strong focus on upgrading their defense. General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Raheem Morris understand the need to build on last season's success by filling key gaps, particularly on the defensive side. Recently, they hosted Georgia linebacker Chaz Chambliss and USC defensive back Jaylin Smith for pre-draft visits, signaling a strategic approach to scouting talent ahead of the draft.

Chambliss, who recorded 6.5 sacks last season, is recognized for his tenacity despite being perceived as undersized for a 3-4 linebacker. Meanwhile, Smith, ranked 220th by Pro Football Focus, has versatility, having played both cornerback and safety. With only five total draft picks, including two in the seventh round, the Falcons are targeting players who can contribute immediately, particularly those who might slip through the cracks on Day 3.