News:Chris Houston has re-signed with the Lions on a five-year deal.
Analysis: Houston has been a quality cornerback for the Lions over his three years there, posting at least 11 passes defensed and over 50 total tackles every year. Those stats don't quite add up to being a legit Fantasy option, at least not in leagues where tackles count.
News: Lions defensive back Chris Houston said he will "be OK" after leaving Week 10 at Minnesota in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. Houston was forced to leave on a cart after he said a Vikings lineman intentionally landed with both knees on his lower leg. He finished with three tackles (two solo) before departing as Detroit suffered a 34-24 loss.
Analysis: Houston was active for the game after being listed as probable on the injury report because of an illness, but was unable to complete the game for a different reason. The 28-year-old hasn't been able to pick off passes with the same tenacity he did last season (five interceptions) and remains stuck on one. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option in all IDP formats even when he's healthy.
News: Lions cornerback Chris Houston had two solo tackles and one interception Week 6 at Philadelphia. It was his first interception of the season and 10th in his career.
Analysis: Houston is a starting cornerback for Detroit and had a career-high five interceptions in 2011. But he has gotten off to a slow start in 2012, posting just 11 tackles through five games. He has low-end Fantasy value in IDP formats.
News: Lions defensive back Chris Houston remained out for Week 2 against the 49ers, as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. He has been limited in practice all season.
Analysis: The Lions have had trouble getting their secondary healthy in the early going of the season, and it looks like they will have to wait at least one more week before Houston can debut. For now, he is more of a low-end Fantasy IDP option, when healthy, so only stash him in deeper leagues.
News: Detroit defensive back Chris Houston (ankle) is listed as doubtful for the team's Week 2 matchup at San Francisco. Houston, who was inactive for the Lions in their season opener against St. Louis, was limited in practice throughout the past week.
Analysis: Houston and Louis Delmas both missed Detroit's first game, but are hoping to return for Week 2 against a tougher opponent. However, it seems unlikely he will suit up and should continue to be viewed as a low-end Fantasy option in IDP formats when healthy.
News: Detroit defensive back Chris Houston (ankle) said he will attempt to practice Wednesday to help determine his availability for the team's Week 2 matchup at San Francisco. Houston was inactive for the Lions' season-opening win over St. Louis with a lingering ankle injury.
Analysis: Houston acknowledged Sunday's meeting with the 49ers is a key game, which is why he's pushing himself for a return. Houston and Louis Delmas both missed the Week 1 contest, and are considered low-end Fantasy option in IDP formats when healthy.
News: Despite being listed as questionable for Week 17, Detroit DB Chris Houston (hand, knee) is active for Sunday's game at Green Bay. Houston suffered a broken finger on his left hand in last week's win over San Diego and wore a cast on his hand Wednesday.
Analysis: Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Houston's injury isn't long-term, but the fact that his hand is in a cast seemed to put his availability for Week 17 in doubt. However, he will suit up as Detroit prepares for the postseason. Consider him a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston is considered questionable for Week 17 at Green Bay with a hand and knee injury. Houston suffered a broken finger on his left hand in last week's win over San Diego and wore a cast on his hand Wednesday.
Analysis: Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Houston's injury isn't long-term, but the fact that his hand is in a cast puts his availability for Week 17 against Green Bay in doubt. Houston registered his fifth interception of the season against the Chargers. Fantasy owners should monitor his status as he could be held out for the season finale with the Lions already clinching a playoff berth.
News: Detroit coach Jim Schwartz confirmed Wednesday that DB Chris Houston broke a finger on his left hand during last Saturday's win over San Diego. Houston wore a cast on the hand Wednesday, and missed Wednesday's practice.
Analysis: Schwartz said Houston's injury isn't long-term, but the fact that his hand is in a cast puts his availability for Week 17 against Green Bay in doubt. Houston registered his fifth interception of the season against the Chargers. Fantasy owners should monitor his status as he could be held out for the season finale with the Lions already clinching a playoff berth.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston, who was listed as probable prior to the game with a knee injury, played and intercepted San Diego QB Phillip Rivers as the Lions won 38-10 in Week 16. He also added four pass defenses and three tackles – two solo.
Analysis: Houston has missed two games this season because of this knee issue, but the Lions were willing to get him in the game for Week 16. He should be viewed as a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats for Week 17 against the Packers.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston, who was listed as probable for Saturday's game against San Diego after he was limited in practice on Friday, is playing as expected. He has been plagued with a knee injury for a while now and had to leave last weekend's contest.
Analysis: Houston has missed two games because of this knee issue, but the Lions are willing to get him in the game for Week 16. He should be viewed as a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats when he's healthy.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston was listed as probable for Saturday's game against San Diego after he was limited in practice on Friday. He has been plagued with a knee injury for a while now and had to leave last weekend's contest.
Analysis: Houston has missed two games because of this knee issue, but the Lions apparently don't feel it's too big of a problem. He should be viewed as a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats when he's healthy.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston, who has been dealing with a knee injury and was limited in practice all week, left the game against the Raiders in Week 15 in the third quarter.
Analysis: He had missed the past two games with the injury, but felt confident about playing this week. It's unfortunate that he had a setback, but we'll monitor his progress throughour the week if he is unable to return. He should be viewed as a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats when he's healthy.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston is listed as probable for Week 15 at Oakland because of a lingering knee injury. Houston was a limited participant in practice throughout the past week.
Analysis: Houston said Thursday he anticipates playing on Sunday as he returns to his natural left side. He has missed the past two games with the injury, but should be viewed as a solid option in most Fantasy IDP formats when he's healthy.
News: Lions CB Chris Houston (knee) told reporters he participated fully in Thursday’s practice, and he’ll play Sunday vs. Oakland. With Houston returning to his natural LCB spot, Alphonso Smith will move to the right side.
Analysis: Houston has missed the last two games after getting hurt on Thanksgiving. The Raiders could very well test him on Sunday to see what kind of shape he is in after missing a few games, so Fantasy owners might consider inserting Houston back into IDP lineups.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston (knee) was listed as inactive for Week 14 against the Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful.
Analysis: There is some chance that Houston could return from his MCL injury in Week 15. Check on his status during the coming week, as he is a solid DB option in IDP formats when healthy.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston (knee) is expected to miss a second straight game Week 14 vs. Minnesota as he is listed as doubtful.
Analysis: It has been revealed that Houston hurt his MCL on Thanksgiving against the Packers, which usually keeps players sidelined for a few weeks. Coach Jim Schwartz expects Houston back this season, so continue to keep him reserved in IDP formats.
News: Lions DBs Louis Delmas and Chris Houston were listed among the inactives for Week 13 against the Saints. Houston left Detroit's previous game due to a knee injury.
Analysis: Houston has racked up 46 tackles with a career-high four interceptions thus far. He also has two defensive scores. He is a viable play in Fantasy IDP formats, when healthy, but leave him reserved for Week 13.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston (knee) is listed as doubtful for Week 13 at New Orleans. If Houston can’t play Sunday, expect Aaron Berry to shift to right CB. Eric Wright would move to to the left side, and Alphonso Smith would become Detroit’s nickel-package DB.
Analysis: Houston hurt his knee Week 12 and it is the first blemish on what has been a great season for the veteran corner. It doesn't appear he will play Week 13, so Fantasy IDP owners need to use healthier alternatives.
News: Lions CB Chris Houston left the team's Thanksgiving Day game vs. the Packers with a knee injury in the first half and did not return. Head coach Jim Schwartz did not have an update on Houston after the game.
Analysis: Houston is considered the Lions' shut-down cornerback, and his production has been pretty good. With him out the likes of Brandon McDonald and Aaron Berry replaced him.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston had just one tackle in Week 10 against Chicago. The Bears would beat the Lions, 37-13.
Analysis: Houston has 42 tackles and four interceptions so far this season. Despite his low output on Sunday, Fantasy owners in IDP leagues should continue to view Houston as a viable DB option moving forward.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston returned a Tim Tebow interception 100 yards for a touchdown Week 8 against the Broncos. It was his fourth interception of the season and second he returned for a touchdown. He finished with six tackles (four solo) and two pass defenses.
Analysis: Houston has really stepped up in the Lions secondary this season and is on his way to having a career campaign. He has earned your trust as a viable Fantasy DB in all IDP formats.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston is active for Week 8 against Denver after dealing with a back injury. Houston was considered probable for the game after he was a full participant in practice Friday.
Analysis: Houston has been bothered by the back injury in recent weeks, but has not missed any playing time. The 27-year-old has amassed 35 tackles and three interceptions this season. Consider him a quality option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston is listed as probable on the team's injury report for Week 8 at Denver because of a back injury. Houston was a full participant in Friday's practice after being limited earlier in the week.
Analysis: Houston has been bothered by the back injury in recent weeks, but has not missed any playing time. The 27-year-old has amassed 35 tackles and three interceptions this season. Consider him a quality option in Fantasy IDP formats if he plays.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston, who was limited in practice by a back injury leading up to the game, aggravated the injury Week 7 against the Falcons and had to leave in the fourth quarter. Houston had five tackles, including four solo, before leaving.
Analysis: Houston already has three interceptions this season and is a decent tackler for a defensive back. Clearly, he's worth using in Fantasy IDP leagues when healthy, but this back issue could put his status for Week 8 at Denver in jeopardy. You might want to look into a short-term replacement if you've been relying on him as one of your DBs.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston, who was limited in practice by a back injury leading up to the game, is active for Week 7 against the Falcons. He was listed as probable for the contest on Friday.
Analysis: Houston already has a career-high three interceptions and is clearly in line for a career season. He is emerging as one of the more Fantasy-relevant DBs in the game and is worth activating as a No. 2 option in IDP leagues.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston (back) was limited in practice Thursday and Friday, but he is listed as probable for Week 7 vs. Atlanta.
Analysis: Houston already has a career-high three interceptions in 2011 and is arguably having the finest season of his NFL career. He has become a viable Fantasy DB, so keep him active for Week 7.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston had four tackles in a Week 6 loss to the 49ers. This marked the second straight week that Houston had fewer than six tackles and failed to record an interception.
Analysis: Houston has had some big games this season, so he could break out of this relative slump. He is still worth starting in many IDP leagues.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston totaled seven tackles (six solo) and one interception in Week 1 against the Bucs. He had a team-high three pass defenses.
Analysis: Houston got a lot of reps on Sunday because Alphonso Smith was out due to injury. Houston might see a reduction in reps once Smith is healthy, so despite the big week he still has low-end Fantasy appeal. Track Houston's progress before taking a flier on him in Fantasy.
News: ESPN reports Sunday that the Lions have re-signed DB Chris Houston to a two-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Houston recorded 56 tackles in 2010 with an interceptions the team's starter, a role he is expected to occupy again in 2011.
Analysis: Houston has solid cover skills, and we're not surprised he is sticking around with the surging Lions defense. He is not a big-play DB, so his Fantasy value remains limited barring a breakout season. Houston has just four career picks to his name, so he should not be selected on Draft Day.
News: Detroit DB Chris Houston injured his shoulder in the first half of a Week 16 win at Miami.
Analysis: Houston doesn't do much in the Lions defense as more of a nickel and dime DB. Continue to ignore him in IDP Fantasy play, healthy or not.
News: Lions DB Chris Houston sustained a leg injury during the Week 9 loss to the Jets. Houston, who had one tackle and three passes defended in the game, was replaced by Nathan Vasher.
Analysis: Houston has 27 tackles and one interception on the season after eight games. He doesn't do either enough to matter in Fantasy IDP leagues. Ignore him for Week 10 at Buffalo.
News: DB Chris Houston recorded his first interception in a Lions uniform in Week 4 against the Packers. He had one solo tackle in the game. He has 14 tackles in four games.
Analysis: Houston was traded to Detroit this offseason after the Atlanta signed Dunta Robinson. Thus far, Houston has been a nice fit with Detroit. He still isn't filling the stat sheet for Fantasy owners, so he continues to have low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: The Detroit Lions have traded two late-round draft picks to acquire cornerback Chris Houston from the Atlanta Falcons. Houston, a second-round pick for Atlanta in 2007, became expendable after the Falcons signed Dunta Robinson as an unrestricted free agent. The Falcons will receive an additional sixth-round pick from Detroit and move up from the 18th spot to second in the fifth round. Houston has three interceptions and one forced fumble in 44 career games, 37 starts.
Analysis: Unless Houston dramatically improves with the Lions, he will only had low-end Fantasy potential in leagues that use individual defensive players.
News: Falcons CB Chris Houston was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season.
Analysis: Houston wasn't a key Fantasy player to begin with. Continue to keep him off of rosters.
News: The Falcons have declared the following players as inactive for Week 15: WR Troy Bergeron, DB Chris Houston, RB Vernon Haynes, TE Jason Radar, TE Keith Zinger, DE Jamaal Anderson and QB John Parker Wilson.
Analysis: None of these players have any real Fantasy value. Continue to ignore them in all formats.
News: Atlanta RB Michael Turner, QB Matt Ryan, DB Chris Houston, RB Verron Haynes, TE Jason Rader, WR Brian Finneran and DL Trey Lewis have been listed as inactive for the team's Week 14 game against the Saints.
Analysis: Ryan and Turner are clearly solid Fantasy options when healthy but the rest of these players have little to no Fantasy value.
News: Falcons starting DB Chris Houston (hamstring) and backup tight end Justin Peelle (head injury) are definitely out for the team's Week 14 game against the Saints.
Analysis: Neither Peelle nor Houston are worth having active in any format to begin with and should be benched across the board for Week 14.
News: Atlanta DB Chris Houston was able to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers and made four tackles. He was considered questionable for the game with a hamstring issue.
Analysis: Houston is not expected to come up with enough takeaways to be worth using in Fantasy this season, so don't bother taking him on Draft Day.
News: Atlanta CB Chris Houston will miss Friday's preseason game at St. Louis with a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Houston doesn't come up with enough interceptions to have much Fantasy value. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy IDP leagues. This is not expected to be a lingering injury.
News: Falcons CB Chris Houston (hamstring), DE Kroy Biermann (foot) and Lions LB Cody Spencer (knee) were injured during Saturday's preseason game against the Lions.
Analysis: None of these players are relevant enough to be worth owning in Fantasy in any format.
News: Falcons DB Chris Houston recorded his second interception of the season and the second of his career Week 10 against the Saints. It came off Saints QB Drew Brees. Houston also had five tackles -- three solo.
Analysis: Houston clearly doesn't enough interceptions to have much Fantasy value. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Notable Falcons defenders from Week 6 vs. Chicago include: LB Curtis Lofton (eight total tackles), DE Jamaal Anderson (four solo tackles, sack), CB Chris Houston (six solo tackles), and LB Keith Brooking (six total tackles).
Analysis: Only Lofton is a reliable Fantasy option from this pool of players, with Brooking a decent pick in deeper IDP leagues. The Falcons are on bye in Week 7 and play at Philadelphia in Week 8.
News: Falcons DB Chris Houston was one of three Atlanta players to pick off a Tyler Thigpen pass Week 3 against the Chiefs, but he was the only one to return an interception for a score. Houston had a 10-yard touchdown return with 1:01 left to cap a 38-14 win. Houston finished the game with one tackle and four pass defenses.
Analysis: Houston will never forget his first career pick as he was able to put six points on the board for his team. Houston is developing into a shutdown corner now that DeAngelo Hall is with Oakland, but that doesn't always work well in Fantasy. Houston remains a low-end Fantasy DB until further notice.
News: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons rookie CB Chris Houston played extensively in the second half Monday night against the New York Giants and appears set to move ahead of Lewis Sanders for the starting position. Houston worked with the No. 1 defense in practice Wednesday and is preparing to start in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints.
Analysis: Houston had five tackles in Week 6, but he will need to prove he has a nose for the ball if he wants to be worthy of adding in IDP leagues. See how he does in Week 7 before grabbing him off the wire.
News: Falcons rookie CB Chris Houston is expected to be used at cornerback in the nickel package, reports The Sports Xchange. Starter Lewis Sanders will be moved inside to nickel back, where he will replace the injured Chris Crocker, who was the nickel back.
Analysis: Sanders is more of a space-filler at the position until second-round pick Houston proves up to speed. He doesn't accrue many statistics, so owners shouldn't consider him or Houston in Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: The Falcons and draft picks Chris Houston and David Irons agreed to terms. Both players are cornerbacks who will compete for a spot along the Falcons' CB depth chart, with Houston likely to land the nickelback job.
Analysis: Don't expect big stats from either first-year CB. If anything, Houston is worth a late-round pick in rookie-only IDP league drafts.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that veteran CB DeAngelo Hall has taken a liking to rookie CB Chris Houston and has been sort of a big brother to him. "I felt it was my responsibility to get him caught up, not so much on the game, we got coaches for that, but just all the other stuff," Hall said. "All the temptations, all the things that come when you leave this facility with nothing really to do. I want to be that other set of eyes and give him another opinion to hear. He's a 'yes, sir' kind of guy. He is more easy-going than I was. I was more of a jerk. Guys like him, he works hard, and we can't wait to see how he progresses."
Analysis: Houston will compete for a starting job in camp this summer, but don't expect big stats from the first-year CB. He's worth a late-round pick in rookie-only IDP league drafts.
News: Aside from top pick DE Jamaal Anderson, the Falcons' 2007 draft class includes: Texas OL Justin Blalock, Arkansas CB Chris Houston, Illinois State WR Laurent Robinson, South Florida LB Stephen Nicholas, Georgia TE Martrez Milner, Washburn DT Trey Lewis, Auburn CB David Irons, Ohio State C Doug Datish, Maine SS Daren Stone and Virginia RB Jason Snelling.
Analysis: Blalock and Datish are quality players who should start sooner than later along the Falcons' O-line (Blalock as soon as this year). Houston and Nicholas will compete for starting jobs on defense, but Laurent Robinson might just be the best Fantasy sleeper in the crew. A 6-foot-1, 193-pound speedster (4.41 in the 40-yard dash), Robinson could be a situational deep threat receiver for the Falcons this year, possibly replacing Roddy White or Michael Jenkins as soon as 2008. The rest of the players will provide depth and help out on special teams.
