In The Blitz, RotoViz writers react to the latest news and help you place it within the context of our 2020 research and recommendations.

Week 13 brought about a merciful end to the never-ending week that was Week 12. Unfortunately for the Houston Texans, it also meant their first game without star wide receiver Will Fuller, who was suspended for six games by the NFL. The role of WR1 for the squad fell to Brandin Cooks, but an enticing opportunity was still available for someone else. Third-year wideout Keke Coutee stepped up in a big way and had himself a career performance.

Houston Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee caught eight of nine targets for a career-high 141 receiving yards in a 26-20 loss to the Colts. Coutee took full advantage of Will Fuller V’s absence, as he led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards in what turned out to be a career day. The big play of the day occurred in the first quarter when a scrambling Deshaun Watson launched a deep ball downfield to Coutee for a 64-yard reception. The 23-year-old was clearly Watson’s favorite receiver in this one, as he flashed some potential to at least fill the big-play void left by Fuller’s absence. It’s a tough matchup next week against the Bears, though fantasy managers will have to consider Coutee after this big performance.

Late-Season, Third-Year Breakout?

Coutee was a fourth-round draft pick out of Texas Tech back in 2018. His final two seasons were by far his most productive. He tallied over 2,000 receiving yards, scored 17 touchdowns, and posted a 30% Dominator Rating in his final season. His middling draft capital held promise but had he snuck into Day 2, that would have been ideal.

Coutee tested well at the combine but did little more than what was expected. His diminutive frame likely had a few teams concerned, but for me, it’s his historical combine comps that are intriguing. His closest athletic comps are John Brown, Hunter Renfrow, and Diontae Johnson. 

That last name will grab your attention, as Johnson has been a target hog throughout this season. For his part, Coutee has performed exceptionally well against the Colts in his career. In his rookie season, he posted 11 receptions for 109 yards on 15 targets during a regular-season tilt and then snagged another 11 catches for 110 yards in a playoff loss to the Colts.