2010 NFL Fantasy Football Preview: Houston Texans

The Texans are one of the most exciting teams in the league. They have fantasy stars at every turn. Their offseason was marred by the Brian Cushing steroids fiasco. They’ll once again be popular in fantasy football circles.

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule:  Difficult

The Texans face three pretty tough defenses in Baltimore, Tennessee, and Denver, with the latter two games being on the road. It’s not enough to bench your studs, but do note they don’t have an easy path in the fantasy playoffs.

Five-Star Fantasy Options

Matt Schaub—Schaub finally broke out last year with 4,770 yards, 29 TDs to 15 INTs, a 67.9 completion percentage, and a 98.6 passer rating. As long he stays healthy he should be in for another monster season.

Andre Johnson—Johnson has to be considered the No. 1 fantasy WR heading into the season. He posted an incredible line of 101 catches for 1,569 yards and nine TDs. He’s big, strong, and athletic. Oh, and even despite not being happy with his contract, he is not causing any problems for the Texans. I’m confident a deal will be worked out and AJ will shine in 2010.

Four-Star Fantasy Options

Owen Daniels—If he didn’t tear his ACL for the third time, I would have him as a five-star option. He’s that good. In eight games last year he had 40 catches for 519 yards and five TDs.

Three-Star Fantasy Options

None

Two-Star Fantasy Options

Steve Slaton—If Slaton can hold onto the football and his starting job, he will be a steal in fantasy drafts. His fumbling issues and neck injury are causes for concern though. That and rookie Ben Tate’s presence.

Ben Tate—Tate went in the second round of the recent NFL Draft, and he gives the Texans a RB with good size (5′11", 220 lbs) and speed (4.43 40 time). He’ll have to get past Slaton and Arian Foster, as well as make the adjustment to the speed of the NFL, but he’s a good bet to have meaningful carries at some point of the season.

Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones—Walter had a down year with 611 yards, but he remains a decent WR4 or WR5. He had 800+ yards the previous two seasons. Assuming his hamstring is healthy, he should be more productive. Jones only had 27 catches for 437 yards, but managed to score six TDs. Jones has significantly more upside than Walter.

Texans Defense/Special Teams—I like their defensive unit, but they will play four games with Cushing. On the menu this year are the Colts twice, Cowboys, Giants, Chargers, Jets, Titans twice, Ravens, and Eagles. Not exactly fantasy friendly. They also take on the Jags twice and the Redskins, who could go either way. Their favorable matchups come against Oakland (without Cushing), Kansas City, and Denver.

One Star Fantasy Options

Arian Foster and Ryan Moats—Both RBs had their moments, but will need to see the field regularly to be fantasy worthy. I’m not counting on that at this point. I prefer Foster over Moats.

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