Jadeveon Clowney, DE, first Pro Bowl selection: Not only has Clowney been asked to fill big shoes after J.J. Watt was put on injured reserve in late September, but he has done it by playing multiple positions on defense. Clowney started the season as an outside linebacker, but the Texans have utilized his speed and ability to be disruptive by playing him at defensive end, as well. The former No. 1 pick dealt with many injuries in his first two NFL seasons. Clowney has managed to play all but one game this season while playing through wrist and elbow pain. Through 13 games, he has a career-high 5 sacks, a forced fumble and 11 tackles for a loss. Clowney leads a defense that ranks first in the NFL in total net yards (306.5). Since Week 8, Houston is also ranked first in net rushing yards per game, allowing an average of 70.6.
Alternates: LT Duane Brown, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Lamar Miller and OLB Whitney Mercilus.
SNUBS
Lamar Miller, RB: With the way the Texans’ passing game has struggled, the offense has pretty much gone through Miller and the running game this season. Miller has been playing through injuries since he hurt his shoulder in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, but is fourth in rushing yards in the AFC. Miller is just 25 yards short of his career high with 1,074 through 14 games. He has proven to be the workhorse running back the Texans desired, as well, carrying the ball a career-high 268 times already in his first year with the team.