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Fantasy Football 2017: Houston Texans outlook

By James Simpson

Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) before the AFC Divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) before the AFC Divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Texans haven’t had consistent quarterback play in years, and last year it affected all of their fantasy assets. Will any of the 2017 offensive starters pay dividends?

Lamar Miller

Running backs can often be touchdown-dependent in fantasy football unless they rack up the volume, and the fact Miller is part of a stifled offense means he’s a risky RB1 option. Last year, he had the most rushing attempts in a season so far in his career with 268, but could only muster up 1,073 yards (4.0 per carry) and five touchdowns. He added a 31-188-1 line through the air, but that didn’t do much for his fantasy production. With the question marks surrounding Houston’s future at quarterback, I wouldn’t advise spending early round capital on Miller. This is a defense-first team.

DeAndre Hopkins

I’ve been skeptical of Hopkins throughout his career, but he really has done some astonishing things considering who’s been throwing him the ball. Through four years, he’s put 317 catches (average of 79 per season) and 4,487 yards (1,122 per season). While 23 touchdowns isn’t a lot, it’s because the best of the quarterbacks he’s played with include Brock Osweiler, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum and Matt Schaub.

Hopkins is the one player on this team I’d be targeting after a down year. While we don’t know the future after Osweiler, he’s still clearly the top receiver and should hog the targets and increase his touchdown total from only four in 2016. I’d certainly invest in him towards the end of the third round and beyond.

Will Fuller

Fuller was one of the hottest waiver wire pickups early in his rookie year, but after 19 catches, two two touchdowns and three 80-plus yard games in the first month of his season he hit the rookie wall. He didn’t top five catches or 60 yards in any of the games after week four. He’s going to be unpredictable from week-to-week, but with his speed and the flashes he showed early in his career, he could win a few games for owners as a bye-week/flex option. I’d add him late.

C.J. Fiedorowicz

He’s had no more than six catches or 85 yards in a game through three years. Last year was “good” (54-559-4), but he’s another replaceable tight end. Draft him late for depth if you wish, but don’t expect a game-changer.

Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History

The Best of the Rest

Don’t touch the quarterbacks in Houston. The team has nothing behind Miller, and two former third round wideouts Jaelen Strong and Braxton Miller haven’t achieved anything and won’t be able to until the offense becomes more prolific. When the offensive starters for a team are iffy fantasy assets, the backups certainly aren’t worth looking at.

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