Houston Texans Fantasy Football: Your Ultimate Guide

Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! If you're here, you're probably a Houston Texans fan eager to know how your favorite squad can help you dominate your league this season. Well, you've come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about the Houston Texans fantasy football scene. So, buckle up, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and houston texans fantasy football.

A Brief History of the Houston Texans

Before we delve into the fantasy football aspects, let's quickly recap the Texans' history. Established in 2002, the Texans are the youngest franchise in the NFL. Despite their relative newcomer status, they've made a name for themselves, becoming the first team to win a division title in their first season in the playoffs. They've also had their share of playoff appearances and memorable moments, making them a force to be reckoned with in the AFC South.

Houston Texans Fantasy Football: Key Players to Watch

Now, let's talk about the meat and potatoes – the players who can make or break your fantasy football season. Remember, this is just a starting point, and you should always keep an eye on roster changes and injuries throughout the season.

Deshaun Watson, QB

Strong, bold, italic tags can be used to highlight key points.

Deshaun Watson is the Houston Texans' fantasy football quarterback you've been waiting for. Since joining the league in 2017, Watson has consistently been one of the top fantasy QBs. He's known for his dual-threat ability, racking up both passing yards and rushing yards, as well as touchdowns. In 2020, despite playing in only seven games due to injury, Watson still managed to throw for over 2,000 yards and 26 TDs. If he can stay healthy, Watson is a must-start in fantasy football.

Brandin Cooks, WR

Brandin Cooks is another crucial player in the Houston Texans fantasy football scene. The speedy wide receiver has been a consistent performer throughout his career, and he's proven to be Watson's go-to guy. In 2020, Cooks led the Texans with 81 receptions, 1,150 receiving yards, and eight TDs. With no other elite wide receiver on the roster, Cooks should continue to see a high volume of targets in 2021.

Mark Ingram II, RB

Mark Ingram II joined the Texans in 2020 and split carries with David Johnson. While Johnson was the more productive fantasy back, Ingram still managed to score seven TDs and rush for over 500 yards. With Johnson now gone, Ingram is expected to take on a larger role in the Texans' backfield. If he can stay healthy, Ingram could be a valuable fantasy asset, especially in touchdown-dependent leagues.

Houston Texans Fantasy Football: Sleepers and Breakouts

Every fantasy football season, there's always that one player who comes out of nowhere to become a league winner. Here are a few Houston Texans fantasy football sleepers and breakout candidates to keep an eye on:

Phillip Lindsay, RB

Lindsay joined the Texans in 2021 after spending the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos. In Denver, Lindsay was a consistent fantasy producer, rushing for over 1,000 yards in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons. With Ingram expected to lead the Texans' backfield, Lindsay could be the change-of-pace back who sees enough touches to make an impact in fantasy.

Nicolas Linder, TE

Nicolas Linder is a tight end who flew under the radar during his time at the University of Arizona. However, he caught the eye of the Texans' front office, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2021. With Jordan Akins and Pharaoh Brown being the only other tight ends on the roster, Linder has a chance to carve out a role in the Texans' offense. If he can connect with Watson, Linder could be a sneaky fantasy play.

Houston Texans Fantasy Football: Defense and Special Teams

While the Texans' offense has plenty of fantasy-relevant players, their defense and special teams units haven't been as productive in recent years. However, that doesn't mean they can't provide some fantasy value. Here are a few players to consider:

Whitney Mercilus, LB

Whitney Mercilus has been a consistent source of sacks and fantasy points for the Texans. In 2020, he finished with seven sacks and 30 solo tackles. If you're in a league that counts sacks and tackles for loss, Mercilus is worth a look.

Ka'imi Fairbairn, K

Ka'imi Fairbairn has been the Texans' kicker since 2017, and he's been a reliable fantasy option during that time. In 2020, he connected on 24 of 28 field goal attempts and made all 35 of his extra point attempts. If you're looking for a consistent kicker, Fairbairn is a solid choice.

Houston Texans Fantasy Football: Draft Strategy

When drafting your fantasy football team, it's essential to have a strategy tailored to your league's settings and scoring format. Here's a general Houston Texans fantasy football draft strategy to help you get started:

1. 1. Wait on a QB: With Watson likely to be taken in the first few rounds, you might be tempted to grab him early. However, with so many talented QBs in the league, you can afford to wait and snag a top WR or RB instead.
2. 2. Target Texans' WRs early: With Cooks expected to lead the Texans in receiving, he's worth considering in the early-to-mid rounds. However, keep an eye on the other WRs, like Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, who could provide value later in the draft.
3. 3. Wait on RBs: The Texans' backfield is a bit murky, with Ingram and Lindsay expected to split carries. As a result, it might be wise to wait on RBs and focus on other positions early in the draft.
4. 4. Snag a TE late: With no elite tight ends on the roster, you can afford to wait on this position. However, keep an eye on Linder, who could provide some late-round value.

Houston Texans Fantasy Football: Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Your comprehensive guide to the Houston Texans fantasy football scene. From Watson to Cooks, Ingram to Linder, the Texans have plenty of fantasy-relevant players to help you win your league. Just remember to stay up-to-date with the latest news and roster changes throughout the season.

So, are you ready to dominate your fantasy football league with the Houston Texans? We sure hope so! Now get out there and show 'em what you're made of!