Despite playing 80% of the Texans snaps versus Washington, Demaryius Thomas was a complete afterthought on Sunday. The former Bronco drew 1 robust target and didn’t tally a single catch. Conversely, a returning Keke Coutee shined, receiving a team-high 9 targets which he turned into 5 catches and 77 yards. With a similar style of play to DT, Coutee’s already-established rapport with Deshaun Watson seems to be a true edge-gainer. True, Watson’s low-volume and volatile play make all passing-weapons not named Hopkins a risk here. But Coutee is firmly ahead of Thomas, making the former an acceptable FLEX and the former waiver fodder.
Coutee and Watson have flashed a special rapport since the rookie was first activated in Week 4. Here, Coutee set an NFL record with 11 receptions in his first-ever game. He’s been dominant out of the slot, and has been above 10+ FPs in 3/5 contests. His sub-10 games came against two of the toughest WR matchups in JAX and BUF. Owners who exercised patience with Coutee may be rewarded, while many others should scramble to the waivers for the 30% owned wideout.
Meanwhile, Demaryius’ nightmare 2018 only grows darker. Originally, there was some optimism he could regain some value with improved QB-play. Those hopes can be dashed. Thomas has topped 10 FPs in just 3 of 9 games, and now finds himself further down the target-totem pole in a lower-volume passing game. With Bye Weeks nearly over, DT can be dropped in shallower leagues for insurance policies.
