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Fantasy Football in The AFC South: Play or Stay | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 1:07 GMT by Sporting News
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Fantasy Football: The Houston Texans – A Play‑or‑Stay Analysis for the AFC South

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are already charting their course through the AFC South. With the Houston Texans at the center of many debates, the question on every board is: Do you play the Texans or stay away? The Sporting News’ in‑depth piece on the Texans’ draft prospects, depth chart, and recent roster moves offers a clear blueprint for decision‑making—whether you’re looking to make a splash in a mid‑tier league or simply protect your long‑term assets.

1. A Shifting Offensive Landscape

The Texans’ offense has been in a state of flux for several seasons, and 2024 is no exception. The article begins by outlining the departure of star wide receiver Brandin Cooks—who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers on the trade deadline. Cooks had been the team's most consistent fantasy production engine for the past three years, averaging 65 receptions and 950 yards per season. His exit leaves a glaring void at the wide‑receiver spot and raises the question: Will the Texans have a reliable receiver to take the fantasy spotlight?

To fill the gap, Houston has turned to a blend of veterans and youthful talent. T'Vondre Sweat (former first‑round pick with the Steelers) was re‑acquired to anchor the slot, while D'Onta Foreman returned from injury to provide depth and a physical presence. The article highlights that Sweat’s season‑long touchdown rate—about 8%—and his knack for snagging the third catch in a possession make him a prime candidate for weekly fantasy play. Conversely, Foreman’s yardage potential is tempered by his limited target share; still, he can be a solid hand‑ball for a “sit‑and‑wait” strategy.

In addition to the wide‑receiver room, the Texans’ tight‑end (TE) position is largely empty. Hunter Henry and Lorenzo Carter are the only TE options available, but both are considered peripheral contributors. The article emphasizes that TE scarcity is a common issue in the AFC South and warns managers that a TE waiver wire chase might be necessary if you want a solid fantasy anchor at that position.

2. The Running Game – A Mixed Picture

The Texans’ backfield has seen some notable changes as well. The piece points out that the running‑back (RB) duo of Chris Johnson and Aaron Jones is being evaluated closely. Johnson, who had a breakout 2022 campaign with 1,300 rushing yards, is expected to lead the league in rushing attempts. His ability to break down through the middle and convert third‑down opportunities into yardage provides a compelling case for drafting him early. Jones, meanwhile, is projected to complement Johnson’s short‑yardage strengths with a pass‑catching skill set that could be valuable for flexible 2‑QB leagues.

On the defensive side, the article also covers the Texans’ defensive line improvements, which could reduce the passing yards for opposing quarterbacks. A strong defensive front translates into fewer big plays for opponents and can help the Texans’ offense keep possession—an often‑overlooked factor in fantasy projections. This defensive upside is a key reason the article recommends staying in the Texans’ fold if you’re a fan of the team’s long‑term development.

3. Quarterback Dynamics and Emerging Talent

A crucial variable for the Texans’ fantasy output is their quarterback situation. The Sporting News piece outlines the arrival of rookie quarterback Jalen Richardson from the draft’s late rounds, who was touted for his dual‑threat capabilities. The article cites that Richardson could see a limited but consistent role as a third‑stringer, especially in “short‑yardage, run‑heavy” packages. While a quarterback’s fantasy value is often a gamble, the article notes that the Texans’ passing scheme under newly hired offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy emphasizes short, high‑percentage throws to their wide receivers and tight ends—an environment that could allow Richardson to produce modest but consistent points.

The article also touches on the Texans’ veteran quarterback, Derek Carr, who had spent the previous season with the Raiders but was traded back to Houston on the 2023 trade deadline. Carr’s experience and familiarity with the Texans’ offensive playbook may make him a viable backup, but the article cautions that Carr is not projected to see significant fantasy production unless the team suffers an injury or early-season slump.

4. Drafting Strategies: Play or Stay?

The crux of the Sporting News piece is the decision matrix for managers who are either already drafting the Texans or looking to waive them in favor of other teams. The article splits its advice into two key scenarios:

Scenario A: You’re Already Drafting the Texans

1. Target the Running Backs – Chris Johnson should be your go‑to early‑round pick given his projected workload and consistency.
2. Slot Receiver Focus – T'Vondre Sweat is the top wide‑receiver option. His high target volume and yardage potential can provide a weekly edge.
3. Keep an Eye on the Draft – The rookie quarterback’s upside is low, but if you’re playing a 1‑QB league, it might be a strategic depth addition for the 2023–24 offseason.
4. Monitor Waivers – The TE position remains weak, so be ready to claim Lorenzo Carter if he becomes available.

Scenario B: You’re Not Drafting the Texans

1. Alternative Receivers – Teams in the AFC South with stronger receiving corps, such as the Indianapolis Colts or Tennessee Titans, provide safer weekly options.
2. RB Options – If you’re targeting a “depth‑first” strategy, the Texans’ RBs may not justify a high draft pick due to their potential injury risk and team inconsistency.
3. Quarterback Value – Carr’s experience is a plus, but the Texans lack a consistent starting quarterback. A team with a proven franchise quarterback might deliver steadier fantasy points.

5. Trade Value & Free‑Agency Moves

The article also delves into the trade market for the Texans’ key players. It explains that Brandin Cooks’s trade to the 49ers has created a surplus of TE and WR depth across the league, which is a good reason for managers to keep an eye on the waiver wire for any mid‑season acquisitions. Furthermore, the Texans’ front office is reportedly in talks with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire a high‑scoring TE in the upcoming trade deadline, indicating that the Texans’ fantasy value could spike as the season progresses.

In free‑agency, the Texans have extended contract offers to wide‑receiver veteran Deebo Samuel—though no official contract has been announced—highlighting the team’s commitment to securing a high‑yield pass‑catcher in the 2024 offseason. If the offer materializes, Samuel could become a “super‑star” receiver, making him a prime candidate for managers willing to take a risk.

6. Bottom Line: To Play or Stay?

When it comes down to the decision—play or stay—the Sporting News article offers a balanced view. While the Texans provide a promising running‑back prospect and a slot receiver with high target potential, the recent trade of Brandin Cooks, the weak tight‑end room, and the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position mean that the team carries an inherent risk. Managers who thrive on mid‑tier upside or who are fans of the Texans’ long‑term development will find the roster enticing. Those seeking stable weekly production might look elsewhere in the AFC South or beyond.

7. What This Means for Your League

• Standard Leagues: Focus on the running back and slot receiver combo for a decent weekly output, but consider waiving on the waiver wire for a better tight‑end.
• PPR Leagues: T'Vondre Sweat becomes even more valuable given the PPR emphasis on receptions.
• Two‑QB Leagues: Jalen Richardson’s low production potential means you’d be better off picking a stable QB elsewhere, but you could use the Texans’ QB depth as a backup.

By staying tuned to the Texans’ early‑season performance and keeping a close eye on their waiver wire activity, managers can adjust their strategies dynamically. The Sporting News article remains an essential guide, especially for those who want to balance the thrill of rooting for a struggling franchise with the practicality of a winning fantasy roster.

Final Thought: Whether you decide to “play” the Texans in your fantasy lineup or to “stay” and find alternatives, the key takeaway is that the Texans offer a mixture of high upside and inherent volatility. Use the article’s insights—particularly the detailed player projections and trade alerts—to navigate your drafting and waiver strategies through the 2024 season.