It’s finally here. The NFL season is underway, and fantasy football lineups are being adjusted and set for a championship run. In Week 1, the Houston Texans will take on the Baltimore Ravens in what should be a good game, considering the pieces the Texans have added in the draft and the offseason. Rookie coach DeMeco Ryans makes his debut and C.J. Stroud the new franchise quarterback will be making his as well.
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Week 1 projection: 92 yards, 1 TD
Pierce is going to be a top-5 fantasy running back this season. The Texans are going to rely a lot on the running game this season with Stroud being a rookie, especially in the beginning of the season. This beast, bulldozer of a running back finished 2022 season with 939 rushing yards and averaged 4.3 yards a carry. Pierce also crossed the goal line for four touchdowns. Keep in mind this was with Davis Mills at the quarterback position and a much different team in 2022.
Start 'em — QB C.J. Stroud
(Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Week 1 projection: 180 passing yards, 2 TDs, 25 rushing yards
In the preseason Stroud kept growing more confidence each game and it showed. There were also vanilla play-calls in preseason, but there will be flavor against the Ravens. Stroud will rely on Pierce but he also has a connection with receiver Tank Dell. The Stroud and Dell connection is going to be explosive. Not only does the former Buckeye have Dell but also veteran tight end Dalton Schultz who is poised to have a big season. Schultz provides a safety blanket for Stroud which will help Stroud out. Let’s not forget Stroud’s rushing ability to move out of the pocket, he can be mobile if he needs to be. Along with his mobility and his accuracy Stroud will surprise a lot NFL fans this season and in fantasy.
Sit 'em — WR Tank Dell
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Listen, no one loves Tank more than this author, who believes Dell can be Tyreek Hill 2.0. For the first game of the season, the former Houston Cougar needs to sit. With an all-new offensive coordinator, rookie quarterback, and rookie coach, the Texans will have to prove they can produce a vicious game plan that’s explosive. The talent is there; that’s not the question. The Ravens game will give an idea of how the Texans plan to use Dell going forward.
Sit 'em
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What the Texans have done on defense is commendable and even worthy of getting excited. But, kind of like the Tank Dell situation, Houston has to prove it first before they can be counted on being in anyone’s lineup regularly. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is an elite talent, and he will score; there is no doubt about it. The question becomes, will this be the Texans of old, or will this be the new “Swarm” Texans D that has been preached and seen in practice and preseason?
Even though the Texans have some excitement and question marks, there is still fantasy value to be had for anyone with a Houston player on their roster. Here are this week’s start ’em and sit ’ems.
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