Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Ryan Mallett's Post-Week 12 Fantasy Reaction

The Houston Texans' passing game took a big step back in Ryan Mallett's second NFL start under center in a 22-13 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.   

Week 12 wasn't as kind to Mallett or owners who had come to expect much from Houston's dynamic receiving tandem of Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins.

Name	PASS	YDS	TD/INT	Fantasy Points
Name	REC	YDS	TD	Fantasy Points
Ryan Mallett	21/45	189	0/1	5
Andre Johnson	3	36	0	3
DeAndre Hopkins	5	39	0	3

Mallett's big arm, familiarity with coach Bill O'Brien's offense and weapons like Johnson and Hopkins all weren't enough to help him in a woeful performance. Those who picked Mallett up on the fantasy waiver wire in need of a spot start or wild-card QB2 play are regretting it now.

NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal and Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle weighed in on what they saw from Mallett:

For the remainder of 2014 at least, fantasy owners should stay away from Mallett until he's had time to prepare as the sure starter.

A wide receiver's fantasy value is often only as good as the man throwing him the ball, with exceptions being the truly transcendent pass-catchers. As talented and consistent as Johnson has been over the years with even the worst quarterback play, he is still a borderline WR1, but more like a WR2 after Mallett's horrendous Week 12 outing.

Hopkins is a viable flex option, but his production relies more on explosive plays and touchdowns, since he gets fewer targets than Johnson.