5 Texans to Consider for Fantasy Football During Preseason vs. Patriots

"5 Hidden Gems to Watch in the Houston Texans' Preseason Game Against the New England Patriots. Potential fantasy stars!"

The Houston Texans are preparing for another season, and although they are still in the process of rebuilding, there are some intriguing opportunities in fantasy football with new coach DeMeco Ryans' team. With a talented rookie quarterback, a reliable running back, and a run-heavy offensive scheme, the pieces are coming together to identify potential stars in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's system. But what about the hidden gems? As the Texans face off against the New England Patriots in their first preseason game, there are five players worth keeping an eye on.

Firstly, let's talk about Stroud, the Texans' new starting quarterback. With his strong arm, quick release, and accuracy, he has the potential to become a fantasy football star. Despite having relatively unknown weapons to throw to, Stroud's ability to make accurate passes and the impact of the run game should lead to a solid fantasy season. It will be exciting to see him in action against the Patriots.

Next up is Pierce, a versatile running back who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. While he may not be the fastest runner, his toughness and good vision make him reminiscent of former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch. Pierce's ability to power through defenders could make him a valuable option in PPR leagues.

Moving on to Collins, a big and physical receiver from the University of Michigan. With an okay rookie season under his belt, Collins caught 37 passes for 481 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Now, with a legitimate quarterback throwing to him, Collins has the potential to become a WR1 in fantasy football. It will be interesting to see how he and Stroud connect against the Patriots.

Now, let's talk about Valladay, a player who has caught our attention. As a former standout running back at Arizona State, Valladay has shown a lot of potential and could be a sneaky pick in dynasty leagues this season. In his final season at Arizona State, he rushed for 1,192 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in 2022. While the Texans' running back room is crowded, Valladay could make an impact on kick returns or punt returns while waiting for the right opportunity to arise.

Lastly, we have Dell, a personal favorite to watch both tonight and in fantasy football. Despite his small stature at 5-8, Dell compensates with his explosive cutbacks and route running. He reminds us of a version 2.0 of Tyreek Hill. At the University of Houston, Dell ran a 4.49 at the combine and recorded 109 receptions for 1,398 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. Considered a hidden gem, Dell could be a valuable asset in dynasty or deeper leagues.

As the Houston Texans gear up for their preseason game against the New England Patriots, these five players present intriguing opportunities in fantasy football. Whether it's Stroud's potential as a star quarterback, Pierce's versatility as a running back, Collins' development as a wide receiver, Valladay's hidden potential, or Dell's explosive playmaking abilities, there's plenty to keep an eye on. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to witness the excitement unfold on the field.