While both sides made a run at completing an extension before the regular season begins, they couldn’t strike a deal and both sides now prefer to wait until after this season to work out a long-term deal. C.J. Stroud. Stroud has had an up-and-down past couple of years after a strong rookie season, culminating in a brutal Divisional Playoff loss last year to New England where he completed 20 of 47 passes along with 4-INTs. This has Stroud wanting to bet on himself to revert back to his rookie year form, where he finished as QB11, and the Texans not willing to financially commit to him at that level.
This should lead to a highly motivated Stroud this year. The arrival of David Montgomery at RB in the offseason, combined with Woody Marks, whose improvement this offseason has impressed the coaching staff, should force defenses to be more honest against Stroud and star WR Nico Collins. Stroud is PlayerProfiler’s No. 22 ranked QB in dynasty rankings and No. 21 ranked QB in Week 1 rankings.
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The Texans have deployed David Montgomery and Woody Marks in near even workloads throughout camp, with the backfield trending closer to a committee than a traditional starter backup setup. Montgomery should open as the lead back, but OC Nick Caley’s tendency to stick with what is working creates a path to a hot-hand approach on game days.
PlayerProfiler gives Montgomery the stronger established profile, while Marks brings the younger prospect profile and could force the Texans to keep the split close if his preseason play carries over. Montgomery is the safer early bet, but Marks is a 12-team bench stash with a path to stealing more work than his ADP suggests.
While these may be opportunities to pass block on third downs, it is a positive report for Woody Marks who is ticketed for a specialized third-down and pass-catching role in 2026 season following the acquisition of veteran David Montgomery. Barrett further commented, “I think the key for Woody is understanding his role, which he does. He’s going to get lots of opportunities. Last year we brought him along slower, which was good to help him kind of learn the game.”
Marks handled a heavy workload as a rookie, logging 196 rush attempts and a 52-percent snap share, but he was inefficient, averaging under 3.6 yards per carry with a long gain of only 23 yards. Marks’ fantasy upside now shifts entirely to the air, where his 22.0-percent college target share at USC suggests he can easily outperform last year’s 24 receptions. He offers both standalone value in negative game script situations as well as massive contingent fantasy football value if Montgomery misses time. Marks is the perfect Zero RB option in the mid to late rounds this summer.
Recent Houston coaching staff comments signal a reduced role for Woody Marks this season. Texans RB coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett claimed that Marks’ “role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams.” His elite college target share—highlighted by a 22.0-percent College Target Share and 261 career receptions shows that his pass-catching upside is massive.
Though Marks is developing an all-purpose skillset, the presence of David Montgomery and his $16.5 million contract, has relegated him to satellite back duties in 2026. Recently, Montgomery was labeled “a three-down back” who “can do it all,” by NFL.com’s Kevin Patra.
After 196 rush attempts in 2025, Marks is now more handcuff than fantasy producer. At 25.5 years of age, he has impressive all-purpose contingent upside if Montgomery misses games this season. He is an uncapped late-round option with limited standalone value. Given the limiting dynamic with Montgomery, Marks is more attractive in fantasy football dynasty leagues.
Nick Chubb suffered a rib injury early in the Houston Texans win versus the Kansas City Chiefs and ended up finishing with just one carry. Woody Marks left the game shortly with an ankle injury but returned to finish the game.
In Chubb’s absence Marks dominated the backfield. Marks totaled 28 touches and scored on a C.J. Stroud touchdown pass. He did cede one carry to Dare Ogunbowale from the five yard line that led to a score.
Marks finishing the game last week should give fantasy managers some comfort that his absence from practice is just precautionary, with his current workload he’s a locked in running back two.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Woody Marks totaled 28 touches in the Houston Texans 20-10 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Marks found the endzone on one of those touches but only totaled 76 total yards.
The usage was great and Marks has been slowly taking over the backfield in recent weeks, no other Texans running back had more than one carry. Houston would like to see Marks improve his efficiency though, he averaged just 2.6 yards per carry.
If Marks can maintain this role and improve his efficiency he could be a league winner in the fantasy playoffs, as of now continue to start him as a quality running back two.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
