With training camp heating up and fantasy football buzz season in full swing, Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks is starting to bubble up on savvy managers’ radars, and for good reason.
News broke last week that Joe Mixon will likely miss the entirety of training camp with a foot injury, casting doubt on his readiness for Week 1. While the Texans are cautiously optimistic Mixon will be ready for the season opener, the situation is feeling shakier by the day. Mixon is 29 years old, dealing with a lingering lower-body injury, and has a ton of mileage on his legs. Even if he suits up Week 1, he could be on a snap count or limited early on.
Naturally, fantasy managers first turned their eyes to Nick Chubb, another seasoned vet on the roster. But Chubb, who is coming off a catastrophic knee injury and didn’t play a single snap in 2024, is hardly a sure thing himself.
Enter: Woody Marks.
WOODY’S COLLEGE BREAKOUT SETS THE STAGE
Marks entered the NFL after five years in college, the final one being his breakout campaign at USC. After spending four seasons in the pass-happy Mississippi State offense, Marks transferred to USC and finally got his shot at a featured role. He delivered.
In 12 games, Marks totaled 1,133 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, and added 47 receptions for 321 yards through the air. That dual-threat production showed NFL scouts that he could handle early-down work and serve as a third-down weapon. At 5’10”, 210 pounds, he’s compact, slippery, and strong — think Alvin Kamara Lite.
According to Texans insider John Harris, Marks “runs like a gliding train coming down the tracks,” combining bruising power with make-you-miss agility. One play that stood out in training camp involved Marks reaching behind him to snag an off-target pass on a scramble drill without breaking stride. He then followed it up by smoking a linebacker on a Texas route and hauling in a strike from Davis Mills.
BIG OPPORTUNITY IN THE TEXANS’ BACKFIELD
Yes, Chubb is next in line, and his track record suggests he’ll get the first crack at the starting job. But let’s be honest: Chubb hasn’t played football since 2023 and is coming off multiple knee surgeries. Even if he starts the season, it’s hard to believe Houston will lean on him as a 20-touch back, especially behind what might be the worst offensive line in the league.
Mixon, meanwhile, has now had three different timelines since his foot injury news broke. First, he was expected back for the start of camp. Then it was “sometime during camp.” Now it’s “Week 1 is the goal.” That’s a red flag for fantasy managers. Missing all of camp means missed reps, lost chemistry, and a big opening for other backs to seize the moment.
Marks is positioned perfectly to capitalize. Even if he starts out as the Texans’ third-down back, that alone gives him some standalone fantasy value, especially since he’s already showing sharp route running and soft hands in camp. And if either Chubb or Mixon falters (or isn’t ready), Marks could fall into a 10-12 touch role from the jump.
WOODY MARKS FANTASY OUTLOOK: LATE-ROUND GOLD?
Marks was already creeping up draft boards as a fun dart throw in best ball leagues. Now, with Mixon out and Chubb an enigma, he’s rising fast.
The Wolf just bumped Marks up to RB61 in his 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings, ahead of many committee backs with less upside. If you’re in a deeper league or looking to stash a high-upside rookie late, Marks should be squarely on your radar.
He’s got the third-down role almost locked up, a coaching staff that’s gushing about him, and a wide-open depth chart ahead. With the Texans likely to trail in many games due to their poor offensive line and rebuilding defense, Marks’ receiving skills could be featured more than expected.
And if Mixon does miss time in the regular season? Look out.
FINAL THOUGHTS: DON’T SLEEP ON WOODY
Fantasy football is all about identifying talent before the breakout happens. Woody Marks checks the boxes: productive final college season, glowing early camp reviews, and a murky depth chart ahead of him.
It might not be flashy, but this is exactly how league-winning value is born.
Draft Woody Marks late. Keep an eye on the Texans’ injury reports. And be ready to pounce if news breaks in his favor. Because in a few weeks, Marks may not just be a sleeper… he could be your Flex option and a weekly Best Ball winner.
