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.
Despite the offseason acquisition of running back David ...
Across 16 games (eight starts) as a rookie in 2025, Houston ...
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Houston Texans ...
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)
The Houston Texans kept themselves very much alive in the AFC wildcard race with their defeat of the Buffalo Bills, while Woody Marks staked his claim to the Texans backfield. Marks had 10 more carries than fellow running back Nick Chubb.
Marks led the backfield with 16 carries for 74 yards while Chubb only had six rushes for 16 yards. No other running back had a single touch. Marks seems to have assumed the role of lead back for Houston and can be confidently started as a running back two going forward.
Author: David Leonard Jr. (@RealDelcoDave)
Joe Mixon has been dealing with a lingering foot and ankle injury throughout the offseason and has been on the injured list for over a month. In response, the Texans signed Nick Chubb to join rookie Woody Marks and veteran Dameon Pierce in the backfield.
This uncertainty surrounding Mixon will continue to push his ADP downward. However, the lack of a clear depth chart behind him makes the Texans’ backfield a risky long-term investment. Chubb is the most likely candidate to get the first opportunity as the starter, but he was inefficient last season and ended the year with a foot injury of his own. Pierce, once a key contributor, has clearly fallen out of favor with the current coaching staff. Marks, while intriguing in deep PPR formats, is best suited for a limited role as a change-of-pace or third-down back.
In short, the Texans’ backfield is filled with question marks, offering little clarity or reliable fantasy value.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
