The Houston Texans didn’t have great offerings in fantasy football in Week 1. However, it wasn’t terrible or disheartening. Quarterback CJ Stroud looked the part, and Houston’s defense looked like they would bend but not break through four quarters. Yes, they lost the game, but it wasn’t a complete blowout.
There were a few disappointments in fantasy football for the Texans however, like running back Dameon Pierce and wide receiver Tank Dell. There were some strong fantasy performances. Wideout Nico Collins and Robert Woods stood out.
Week 2 should be interesting, especially since Stroud is on the injury report. This fantasy football analyst wants to see Stroud respond to the Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. If Stroud does not play, backup quarterback Davis Mills will get an opportunity to show the Texans what he can do, and Mills might entice another NFL franchise to pick up the phone and call Houston about a potential trade for the former starter. It’s the NRG Stadium opener, and already there’s the most anticipated inactives list of the season.
Let’s look into Week 2 versus the Indianapolis Colts and see who should go into your lineups and who should stay on the bench.
WR Nico Collins — Start 'em
Collins had six catches for 80 yards of receiving in Week 1, and now wide receiver Noah Brown is on injured reserve. Someone will have to step up, and it appears Stroud likes throwing to Collins. If Collins is on the waiver wire, grab him.
WR Tank Dell — Start 'em
If you have a flex position and are scratching your head about who to insert there, I would take the gamble and start Dell. A lot like Collins, Dell is a favorite target of Stroud , and with Brown on IR and no one that can stretch the field like Dell. Tyreek Hill 2.0 is due for a breakout game.
Texans defense — Start 'em
The Texans’ defense was not deficient against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. They held the Raven’s rushing attack to only 110 yards, which for Week 1 isn’t terrible, and they showed signs that they can get to the QB. With the defense going against a rookie quarterback, even if it is Anthony Richardson, it’s worth starting Houston’s D.
TE Dalton Schultz — Sit 'em
Stroud did not target Schultz as much as one would think. Stroud became increasingly comfortable as the game continued and started trusting the mid-to-deep passes. Stroud will target more of Collins and Dell in Week 2, so, just keep Schultz out of it this week.
WR Robert Woods — Sit 'em
With Dell and Collins figuring to be a bigger part of the offense, it minimizes the role Woods could have against the Colts. Woods could still be a safety blanket for Stroud, but the expectation is Houston opens up the offense in Week 2 to let Collins and Dell cook against the Colts.
RB Devin Singletary — Sit 'em
No way, no how, should Singletary start, not even in a flex position. Running back Dameon Pierce will be coming back for revenge versus the Colts. The Texan’s stud will be looking to go beast mode after an underwhelming week one versus the Ravens. Even in that game, Pierce had 11 carries to Singletary’s seven, and three targets while Singletary had none.
