Are the Houston Texans Randall Cobb’s Dream Matchup?
Joe Owens, Rosterwatch.com Featured Analyst (Follow on Twitter)

With Packers RB Cedric Benson’s recent injury, the NFL’s third-worst (30.7%) run to (69.2%) pass ratio could become more horrid.

Although Alex Green is faster and quicker than Benson, being sold that Green will influence the Packers offense toward a more balanced run/pass ratio is unlikely and we are not buying. Anticipating Greg Jennings being unavailable for this week’s matchup, Jordy Nelson will draw the Houston Texans defensive back Jonathan Joseph in coverage.

Nelson has scored four fantasy points or less twice this season while Joseph has only allowed a 66.5 QB rating, a 54.8 catch percentage and more than four opponent receptions only once.

Expect Randal Cobb to outperform Jordy Nelson and James Jones.

Last week James Jones managed two touchdowns on 4 receptions while being targeted seven times, and will likely face off coverage against the Houston Texans Kareem Jackson who is finally coming into his own as an NFL cornerback.

Jackson has allowed one touchdown along with a 50% completion allowed percentage, has three interceptions and an NFL fifth-best 43.5 QB rating among cornerbacks taking 75% or more of the total defensive snaps. To date, Jackson has allowed more than 4 receptions only once this season and that was to Denver Broncos WR Eric Decker.

James Jones is dangerously TD-dependent, and could be a non-factor against the Texans.

Sunday night presents an excellent opportunity for Randall Cobb.

The second-year player had his targets increase by 75%, scored a touchdown and had a net of 82 yards on four receptions after Cedric Benson’s injury last week. Cobb also managed to garner his highest workload of the season with 44 offensive snaps.

Cobb has essentially taken over the slot for Green Bay in Greg Jennings’ absence, taking 59% of his onfield snaps from the position, while being targeted roughly 22% of the time. If the Packers do not strike fast in Sunday’s contest against the Texans, then Green Bay could likely be playing catch-up.

This should provide plenty of opportunity for Randall Cobb to match-up against Texans slot cornerback, Brice McCain. The 4^th year defensive back is allowing a 117.6 passer rating and two touchdowns when thrown against five or more times a game.

Cobb is too explosive a player to not demand more than five targets Sunday night. We like Randall Cobb for the obvious reasons far more than James Jones and Jordy Nelson in this match-up- you should too.