:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/41290768/20141005_lbm_sh2_073.JPG.0.jpg)
SB Nation has partnered with FanDuel, a site that hosts daily and one-week fantasy game. It's just like regular fantasy football, except you can reset your roster and start all over again. Each week, fantasy general managers can relive the best part of each fantasy year, the draft. But the skill involved with regular fantasy and FanDuel doesn't change - the key to winning any fantasy league is finding the value in your picks.
Here are a few thoughts on Texans players for their Week Six matchup with the Colts.
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick - Ryan Fitzpatrick is killing the fantasy value of every receiver on the Texans' roster. Fitzpatrick wasn't even close to being a fantasy start himself, and now his inability to connect with this receivers leaves their usefulness in doubt. In Dallas, Fitzpatrick threw for 154 yards, one interception, and ran for four yards. Ninety-three of those passing yards came in the fourth quarter alone. So the question is - "Is Fitzpatrick the guy in the fourth quarter zipping balls to open receivers, the guy that looked lost for the first three quarters, or somewhere in between?"
RB: Arian Foster - The stories of Arian Foster's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Foster showed he still has the vision and decisiveness that makes him a top-five fantasy running back against the Cowboys, running for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Foster is the focus of the Texans' offense, and when healthy, he is an automatic start. Yes, the game against Buffalo will make owners uneasy, but Foster is a lottery ticket that can win you a week or lose it.
One other note: Looking at the matchup, Football Outsiders ranks the Colts as 31st against the run.
RB: Alfred Blue - Blue is 100% a handcuff at this moment. His only value is dependent on Arian Foster's health.
WR: Andre Johnson - The production (or lack thereof) from Ryan Fitzpatrick and Arian Foster has affected Andre Johnson the most of any Texans player fantasy-wise. Teams are filling the box to stop the run, and Fitzpatrick is unable to diagnose and dissect plays for his receivers. For example:
Like last week, Johnson is listed as questionable for Thursday's game. He will more than likely play. At the moment, I would list him no higher than number two fantasy receiver, and more likely a flex or third receiver option.
WR: DeAndre Hopkins - Hopkins has become the clear cut number two fantasy option on the Texans' offense behind Arian Foster- even surpassing Andre Johnson. When Fitzpatrick has been able to get the ball down field, it has found Hopkins. He was targeted six times, catching all six passes on Sunday against the Cowboys for 63 yards. That much focus warrants a start if you have Hopkins on your roster.
TE: Garrett Graham - Graham had a favorable matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday, yet was only targeted one time in the game. The use of five-wide sets and tight ends staying home to block has won out for now. Even with the Colts giving up the fifth-most points per game to tight ends, don't expect much from Graham tomorrow night.
K: Randy Bullock - Bullock status hasn't changed. He has earned the reliable label as kicker, but the Texans' offense doesn't get enough red zone chances to make him valuable.
Team Defense: Texans - Andrew Luck leads the league in passing yards (1,617), passing yards per game (323.4), passing touchdowns (14), and more importantly for the Texans' defense, interceptions (6). Can the Texans keep up their torrid pace for red zone turnovers with the high powered Colts' offense in town? Probably not.
Summary: Only Arian Foster and DeAndre Hopkins are comfortable fantasy starts going forward right now. Andre Johnson is startable, but the play of Ryan Fitzpatrick is effecting the entire offense. The play of Andrew Luck will negatively affect the fantasy value of the Texans' defense this week.
Colts vs Texans coverage
Stampede Blue
***
Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $100,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 6's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first prize is $10,000. Here's the link.