Week 18 vs. Kansas City
In the win over the Jaguars last week, Nate Washington had just a six-yard reception before departing with a hip injury. During the final four contests of the regular season, he totaled only eight grabs and one TD. Despite registering six catches for a team-high 105 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Chiefs, Washington should not be a part of your post-season fantasy roster.
Week 17 vs. Jacksonville
Once again with Cecil Shorts out last week in the win over the Titans, Nate Washington had a productive outing. He caught three passes for 42 yards and his fourth TD of ’15, but first since Week 8. When Shorts is in the lineup, Nate’s numbers have definitely dropped off. Washington didn’t play in the previous meeting against the Jaguars and should only be started if you’re out of other options.
Week 16 at Tennessee
Houston QBs completed just 17 passes last week against the Colts, with DeAndre Hopkins collecting eight receptions. On six targets, Nate Washington finished with three grabs for 18 yards. In the win over Tennessee in November, Nate recorded 74 yards and a TD, but should not be counted on in the rematch, especially with the uncertainty at QB.
Week 15 at Indianapolis
Last Sunday versus the Pats, Nate Washington caught just one pass, but it was a 49-yard bomb. New England limited the Texans QBs to just 12 completions, so none of the receivers had a very good night. Washington missed the first meeting against Indianapolis this season and he just isn’t receiving enough targets to warrant a fantasy start, especially since Cecil Shorts returned in mid-November.
Week 14 vs. New England
In the loss to the Bills last Sunday, Nate Washington saw a team-leading 11 targets, leading to six grabs for 44 yards. DeAndre Hopkins and Cecil Shorts combined for 20 looks from Brian Hoyer and posted much higher receiving yards. With the Texans behind for most of the day, Hoyer threw 43 passes. Look for the game plan to call for more running plays at home against the Patriots on Sunday, making Washington at best a WR3/flex play.
Week 13 at Buffalo
With DeAndre Hopkins having a quiet afternoon against the Saints last week, Nate Washington received four looks from Brian Hoyer. He grabbed three passes for 43 yards, but has not scored since Week 8, the last game Cecil Shorts missed. Washington should only be started if you’re extremely thin at WR.
Week 12 vs. New Orleans
With Cecil Shorts getting most of the attention as Houston’s other WR last week versus the Jets, Nate Washington finished with only two receptions for 13 yards on six targets. Since Shorts’ return, Nate has just four grabs for 45 yards the past two weeks. Even with Brian Hoyer back at QB and facing a very bad Saints defense, Washington should be considered at best a WR3/flex start.
Week 11 vs. New York Jets
With the return of Cecil Shorts last Monday against the Bengals, Nate Washington’s numbers dropped off. On five targets, he collected just two catches for 32 yards, while Cecil caught three short passes. DeAndre Hopkins is the No. 1 WR and will continue to receive most of the looks from whomever is quarterbacking the Texans. Washington should only be started if you’re out of other options.
Week 10 at Cincinnati
Taking advantage of some extra playing time with Cecil Shorts out, Nate Washington grabbed four passes for 74 yards and his third TD in two games two weeks ago versus Tennessee. Nate had been a decent WR3/flex start heading into the bye week, but he’ll be battling Shorts for targets and facing a Cincinnati team that has had plenty of time to prepare for the game on Monday. Temper your expectations for Washington this week.
Week 8 vs. Tennessee
After missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury, Nate Washington returned with a vengeance last week in the blowout loss to the Dolphins. With the Miami secondary surrounding DeAndre Hopkins, Nate was targeted a team-high 16 times, resulting in nine grabs, 127 yards and his first two touchdowns with the Texans. Washington also benefitted from Cecil Shorts (hamstring) missing the contest. With Arian Foster gone for the season, look for Brian Hoyer and the passing attack to become more important. While he won’t post the big numbers you saw last week, Washington makes for a WR3/flex play against a Tennessee defense that is No. 2 versus the pass.
