The Houston Texans jumped out to an early lead in the AFC South with wins in their first two games, but it's been largely downhill from there. The Texans have now lost three in a row and desperately need a spark on defense that Jadeveon Clowney can provide. Clowney was inactive Monday night but could return to action in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans.
Texans fantasy football recap: Arian Foster is still king in Houston
The Houston Texans are on a three-game losing streak courtesy of another loss on “Monday Night Football” to the Pittsburgh Steelers. We break down the fantasy implications here.
Despite the Texans' 13-0 lead halfway through the second quarter, they watched Pittsburgh score 24 unanswered points. Adding insult to injury, 14 of those points came off Texans turnovers. The Steelers extended their lead to 30-16 until a late score by Arian Foster made it a final of 30-23.
Let’s break down the fantasy numbers.
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick will remain the Texans' starter because there isn't a better option on the roster, but you know what you are getting with him. Fitzpatrick can make plays even though you have to take the bad decisions along with the playmaking ability. He finished with 262 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Look for Houston to return to its power run game which limits Fitzpatrick's mistakes but also reduces his fantasy value. He has a very favorable matchup in Week 8 against the Titans.
DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins lost a critical fumble in the fourth quarter but is still clearly one of Fitzpatrick's favorite targets. His catch rate is excellent, with 31 receptions on 42 targets this season. He also has the most receiving touchdowns on the team with three to Andre Johnson's one. Hopkins will remain a must-start across all leagues.
Arian Foster: Foster exploded for almost 100 rushing yards in the first half but was largely forgotten in the second. He finished with 102 rushing yards on 20 carries and no rushing touchdowns. He added a late score in the passing game on a 1-yard strike from Fitzpatrick but hasn't been as big a receiving factor this year. Foster should remain the Texans' lead back barring injury and will remain a must-start across all fantasy leagues.
Andre Johnson: Johnson entered the fourth quarter with one reception for 4 yards. Fitzpatrick finally remembered he was on the field and hit him for a couple of quick targets but his usage was inexplicable. He finished with five receptions for 77 yards. Houston's leading receiver only has one touchdown on the season and will remain a must-start, though his lack of touchdown receptions remains an issue.
