Updated: May 11, 2011
Quarterback:
1 – Matt Schaub
With all the weapons at his disposal, one has to wonder why Schaub had an underwhelming season from a fantasy perspective. Even with a stellar running game to keep defenses honest, Schaub ended up the 9th-best fantasy quarterback, sandwiched between Matt Ryan and Eli Manning. His expectations are about the same going into 2011, meaning he could be a relative steal if he lives up to his fantasy potential.
2 – Dan Orlovsky
Orlovsky was on the field for one snap when Schaub was hurt just before halftime in week 13.
3 – T.J. Yates (R)
The rookie from North Carolina could be one of the better quarterbacks to come out of the 2011 class when all is said and done.
Running Back:
1 – Arian Foster
The breakout performer of 2010 is the top fantasy running back going into next season. Though there are no notable red flags – his 19.4 rating, 4.9 YPC, long of 74 yards, and 6:1 TD:Fumble ratio all sparkle – he did play behind a fantastic offensive line, which could cause some regression if the line does not sustain its good rush blocking. Also to note: Steve Slaton had a fantastic rookie year for these same Texans, then fell off with fumble problems. Coach Gary Kubiak has been known to have a quick hook for guys who do not perform, something to note for the Texans who have four backs on the roster who could feasibly be starters.
2 – Derrick Ward
Ward played well in limited playing time, racking up 6.2 YPC and 4 TDs on just 125 snaps. This only reinforces the fact that the Texans had a great offensive line, and that Foster could have a short leash if he starts the season poorly.
3 – Ben Tate
When Houston retained Ward’s services, Ben Tate’s value took a plummet from an already low precipice. He was a popular sleeper/handcuff last year until his season-ending injury in the preseason, so keep an eye on his offseason.
4 – Steve Slaton
It appears that Steve Slaton’s is about as useful on this roster as Garrett Graham, now that Ward is sticking around. The Texans could trade him this offseason, but right now he has zero fantasy value unless Kubiak does something crazy.
5 – Chris Ogbonnaya
Fullback:
None
Wide Receiver:
1 – Andre Johnson
Playing on one good ankle all season, Johnson still managed to stay at the top of the heap amongst fantasy receivers. Looking forward to a hopefully healthy season, Johnson comes in as a favorite to be the top fantasy receiver. Being the 2nd-rated receiver at 14.3 and having a 65.6% catch rate in a good offense reinforces that notion.
2 – Kevin Walter
Coming back from injury, Walter played all sixteen games en route to a decent season. Supplanting the underachieving Jacoby Jones on the depth chart, Walter caught 72% of his targets and could see an uptick in statistics with teams having to worry about Owen Daniels next season.
3 – Jacoby Jones
The young receiver has failed to make the most of his opportunities playing across Johnson. A popular sleeper going into last season, he did not deliver on the promise. His -3.1 rating tells us he may never get there.
4 – David Anderson
The Houston veteran saw less playing time last season, and really will not be worthwhile in any fantasy format unless two receivers ahead of him on the depth chart go down.
5 – Dorin Dickerson
Dickerson was barely on the field last season, with just one target and no receptions.
6 – Derrick Townsel
Tight End:
1 – Owen Daniels
Making his way back from a devastating knee injury, Daniels had a strong end to his season, prompting fantasy owners to put him back on the map as a top-10 TE candidate for next season. His catch rate was poor at 62.3% on 61 targets, and he only rated a -0.2. Still, he figures to be a frequent target for Schaub and, at the very least, he will take pressure off Johnson.
2 – Joel Dreessen
Dreesen actually rated higher at 3.9, and had a better catch rate at 72%, than his counterpart Daniels last season. He filled in admirably while Daniels was out in 2009, and could be a good injury fill-in this season again should Daniels hit the injured list again.
3 – James Casey
Casey saw a fair amount of action with 160 snaps, registering 8 catches on 13 targets. He figures to have a similar season.
4 – Garrett Graham
5 – Anthony Hill
Kicker:
1 – Neil Rackers
The former Cardinal’s accuracy fell off a bit in 2009 to a still-solid 88%, but he is a reliable kicker worth drafting onto your fantasy team.
Questions and comments are always welcome via Twitter – @PFF_Alex
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