Houston, Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid

Footballguys Staff's Houston, Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid Footballguys Staff Published 07/19/2023

As we race toward August, Footballguys.com will look at one team per day with our quick-hitting Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid, where we check out the overall mood of each team's offense and let you know the players we are in on (because they are great values at the cost it takes to acquire them) and who we're out on (because they are too expensive and won't give you a good return on that investment).

Go Deeper: See in-depth projections for every Texans player here >>>

This is a daily series that will stretch through July 31. If you like this and want another, come back tomorrow. Another will be here. And all 32 of them will be free to Insiders. To become an Insider, simply sign up with a free account.

And here are all of the Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid articles we've done so far:
Houston | Indianapolis | Jacksonville | Kansas City | Las Vegas | LA Chargers | LA Rams | Miami | Minnesota | New England | New Orleans | NY Giants | NY Jets | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | San Francisco | Seattle | Tampa Bay | Tennessee | Washington

Quick Hits

Want a brief overview? Here it is:

Want a longer breakdown of how it's going in Houston? Read on.

Texans, Team Vibes

  • Good - 3
  • Neutral - 5
  • Bad - 8

Staffers with Good Vibes

  • Hutchinson Brown: The coaching staff and the new addictions through the offseason, including two huge draft selections, bring bright hopes to the future of this team.
  • Phil Alexander: Is it OK to say good? Several of Houston's weapons are cheap, young, and intriguing. If C.J. Stroud can play, this offense will produce some surprising fantasy options.
  • Sam Wagman: Is it wrong to finally feel hopeful about the Texans? Highly drafted QB, a new coach, a running back with promise, and a hungry defense.

Staffers with Neutral Vibes

  • Jason Wood: Yes, there's excitement about the new coaching staff and franchise quarterback, but oddsmakers still view the Texans as one of the worst teams in the league.
  • Jeff Haseley: The Texans have a lot of holes but I believe C.J. Stroud and especially head coach, DeMeco Ryans will be the reason for optimism in Houston.
  • Ben Cummins: C.J. Stroud provides an exciting boost to the offense.
  • Dan Hindery: The offensive line is solid, which would help the offense exceed expectations if C.J. Stroud hits the ground running.
  • Ryan Weisse: They have their franchise quarterback but are still very much a team in transition. The future is bright, but it will take a year.

Staffers with Bad Vibes

  • Chad Parsons: Do not trust this offense on the macro level with a rookie quarterback under center.
  • Jeff Tefertiller: A rookie quarterback on a team lacking talent is not a good recipe for fantasy success.
  • Andy Hicks: Expectations are low, and they may not be met
  • Jeff Bell: Nice to land a young quarterback full of upside in C.J. Stroud to move the franchise beyond the Deshaun Watson saga, but questions about talent through the rest of the offense.
  • Dave Kluge: Rookie quarterback and a first-year head coach are a tough combo to feel good about.
  • Craig Lakins: I love watching a well-executed rebuild, but with a rookie quarterback and a first-time head coach, they're going to have to take their lumps in 2023.
  • Nick Whalen: Rookie QB with a first year head coach and a low talent offense is a bad recipe. They also traded away their own 2024 first round pick.
  • Joey Wright: The rebuild in Houston is starting to take shape, but 2024 is a more optimistic time frame for fantasy production.

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