Unfortunately, the 2020 Fantasy Football Houston Texans Preview got a lot harder when Hopkins left town. And with the exception of my enthusiasm for ripping on the Jets, I often try to avoid making unnecessarily negative judgments about players or coaches. So for that reason, I'll refrain from my snide comments about Bill O'Brien's decision to trade Hopkins.
But with an offseason to remember, the Texans offense is looking pretty different this season.
With what is shaping up to be one of the more exciting and high flying offenses in the NFL there is cause for excitement. Aside from the Chiefs, really no team in the NFL is as well equipped for a genuine Madden-like offense. And assuming O'Brien can take advantage of it, the offseason moves may just be crazy enough to work.
The only thing for sure is that this team is still loaded with potential, and fueled by the Deshaun Watson magic touch. And with a little luck, and some good play calling there could be some elite fantasy production.
2020 Fantasy Football Houston Texans Preview
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Quarterbacks
- Deshaun Watson
- AJ McCarron
So far in his career, Watson averages just over 31 attempts per game and has had a completion percentage of 66.8% with a touchdown every 11.3 attempts on average. He also averages 32.4 yards rushing and .36 Rushing TDs per game so far.
Last season Watson may have been slightly overshadowed, as far as fantasy production, by Lamar Jackson. Regardless of who is the NFL's newest star, he still remains a lights out player and elite fantasy option. The dual-threat QB has shown that the only thing so far in his career that can stop him is injuries.
Some people may be concerned about the offense as a whole without Hopkins but there are more than enough playmakers for a wealth of fantasy points to be scored.
Running Backs
- David Johnson
- Duke Johnson
- Buddy Howell
- Karan Higdon
What can I say here? A team that failed to take full advantage of Duke Johnson, getting David Johnson is a strange decision. As far as I'm concerned David is the top back to have here but it remains to be seen if that is going to amount to anything.
Last year in Arizona David got beaten out for the starting job after lingering injuries left him looking like a ghost of his former self. New year, new offense, new hope? Not so much. It remains to be seen what his ADP will be by the time drafts roll around but He is likely going to be more of a high-risk high reward 5th rounder.
As of right now, Duke Johnson is going in the late 12th round according to fantasy football calculator and that provides an opportunity for value. It's pretty clear that Bill O'Brien doesn't understand how to get the most out of Duke Johnson. It's also clear he isn't going to give him the opportunity he deserves. But a 12th round pick doesn't get you much stability these days. And being one injury away from the bulk of the teams carries makes him worth consideration for any team needy at the position.
Buddy Howell and Karan Higdon remain desperate dynasty stashes as they aren't likely to see many opportunities. But if your benches are deep enough, you could certainly do worse.
Wide Receivers
The way this crowded receiver room will shake out is really all speculation. But my money is on Will Fuller being the top option for whatever length of time he is healthy. Last year Fuller had performances ranging from 6 to 217 yards. However, you have to keep in mind, his week to week output and injury risk will be as difficult to predict as anybody in the league. But for the price of a mid 6th round pick he can be a game-changer.
Cooks is the wild card here. He is really the only true competition to a healthy Fuller as a top dog. But at the same time, it remains to be seen if he will be properly utilized in the offense. Cooks has big potential but he could equally become a disappointment like he was last season in LA.
Randall Cobb is an interesting option. He's going around the 200th pick off the board and could be a solid value play. The only true slot receiver in the mix, he is likely to have a clear role if he can fit into the new offense. Last season he surprised us with a career-high 15.1 yards per reception. He may be a flop, but for the same price as a second-tier kicker Cobb has noteworthy potential to any teams who de-prioritized the position early in drafts.
Kenny Stills seems to be the third-best deep-threat on his team. His floor and ceiling are limited but as the 199th pick, he has a certain value. In the case of injuries Stills could find his way into some serious targets. He isn't worth all that much attention in redraft leagues but he is a deeply discounted dynasty asset that could be intriguing in the right situation.
Tight Ends
- Darren Fells
- Jordan Akins
- Jordan Thomas
- Kahale Warring
These tight ends have all been given an opportunity in the past and while Fells rose to the top of the pecking order, none seem to stand out.
They're basically all free until one manages to separate from the pack. But don't necessarily expect Fells to be the go-to-guy. It's basically anybody's job for the taking. Second-year pro Kahale Warring has breakout potential if he can take a big jump this season. And Jordan Akins will remain in the mix.
I do believe it is a situation worth monitoring as the season begins. But for the most part, anything short of an absurd roster requirement like a 16 team TE premium kind of league, you can skip the Texans TEs on draft day
Final Verdict
I'm willing to bet that there will be a lot of league winners with a Texan or two on their team. But the question still remains which Texan.
Aside from Watson being elite once again, anybody from this offense could breakout immediately or flop miserably. There really just isn't a way to tell until training camp or the season starts. So for now the best strategy is to grab whatever pieces fall to you in the draft and hope that Watson stays healthy.
Visit the F6P Fantasy Football page for more advice to get you prepared for the 2020 season.
| AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | Ravens | Texans | Broncos |
| Dolphins | Bengals | Colts | Chiefs |
| Jets | Browns | Jaguars | Chargers |
| Patriots | Steelers | Titans | Raiders |
| NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Bears | Falcons | Cardinals |
| Eagles | Lions | Panthers | Rams |
| Giants | Packers | Saints | 49ers |
| Washington | Vikings | Buccaneers | Seahawks |
