While the 2021 NFL season is still months away, it is never too early to prepare for the fantasy season. Whether it’s research, mock drafts, or going with your gut, everyone has a way to prepare for their fantasy drafts. However, this isn’t another article to help you prepare for the fantasy season. Today, I am going to give three bold fantasy predictions for the Houston Texans in 2021.
All stats are base on PPR scoring.
Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Predictions.
Brandin Cooks sets a Career-High in Targets
Cooks had 119 targets in 15 games last season; 10 shy of his career-high 129 from 2015. However, he picked up his pay when Will Fuller got suspended. In the four games without Fuller, Cooks averaged 7.3 catches on 10.3 targets per game. Over a 17 game pace, Cooks would have had 175 targets last season without Fuller, easily setting a career-high. While Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play this season given his legal situation, Cooks will be the focal point of the passing attack. Despite the drop in quarterback play from Watson to Tyrod Taylor or Davis Mills, expect Cooks to see enough volume to be a weekly top 30 wide receiver.
Nico Collins leads the Team in Receiving Touchdowns
Last season, Watson set a career-high with 33 passing touchdowns. However, Fuller and Cooks were the only two members of the team with more than four. Fuller is now in Miami, while former starting tight end and red zone weapon, Darren Fells, is now in Detroit. The duo combined for 12 touchdowns last season. More importantly, Collins is the only wide receiver on the roster over 6’2”. During his time at Michigan, Collins was unguardable in the red zone and downfield. In his final two seasons for the Wolverines, Collins had a 17.3 percent touchdown rate. When the Texans get in the red zone or take shots downfield, expect Collins to have his number called often.
David Johnson Finishes as a Top-30 Running Back
In the offseason, the Texans signed every running back possible. However, they didn’t upgrade over Johnson. Mark Ingram and Rex Burkhead’s roster spots aren’t guaranteed, while Phillip Lindsay is coming off the worst season of his career. Ironically, Johnson averaged a career-high 4.7 yards per rushing attempt last year. Meanwhile, Ingram, Lindsay, and Burkhead all averaged under 4.4 yards per attempt. Despite missing four games, Johnson finished the year as the RB21. However, on a points per game basis, Johnson finished as the RB15, averaging 15 per game, despite a career-low 33 catches last season. If Taylor is the starter, Johnson will remain a safe floor flex option for fantasy owners. However, if Mills is under center, Johnson will see more targets and become a low-end RB2.
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