Houston, You Need A Running Back

The Houston Texans have p-footed around all off-season with the running back position, stating that Ahman Green and Chris Brown will share the load. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s ridiculous. How can they share the load if they’re never on the field? Find out who will really be carrying the rock for Houston in 2008 - and possibly beyond. Read more

Pierre Thomas To Contribute In 2008?

Our sources are extremely high on New Orleans Saints back-up running back Pierre Thomas heading into 2008. Even though Deuce McAllister appears likely to be healthy enough to regain the starting role heading into Week 1, and Reggie Bush has a fire lit like never before, find out why Thomas has a fantasy football future. Read more

Updates: Andre Johnson & Jacoby Jones…

Houston Texans WRs Andre Johnson, who is recovering from a May knee scope, and Jacoby Jones, who was plagued with nagging injuries as a rookie, are both feeling great about their chances to make a huge impact in Houston’s offense in 2008.

Johnson is becoming one of the better WRs in the NFL, and could be dominant if he can stay healthy. He says he’ll be ready by training camp, so we’ll monitor him closely, as he’ll easily be a top three fantasy WR if he plays all 16 games.

Jones is a dynasty league sleeper, as he has phenomenal athletic ability, but needs to fine tune his understanding of the game prior to earning the starting gig opposite Johnson. Don’t be surprised if Jones creeps up the depth chart this season though.

Ahman Green Isn’t Reliable…

And so it begins, Texans 31 year old RB Ahman Green is already missing practices due to illness. Green has been injury prone for the last five seasons, and cannot be counted on in 2008, despite the optimism of head coach Gary Kubiak.

A sleeper RB will emerge in 2008, whether it be Chris Taylor, Chris Brown, Steve Slaton or Darius Walker.

Texans Support Jacoby Jones…

Second year WR Jacoby Jones has drawn praise from both coaches and teammates this off-season, not only for his play on the field, but his hard work and dedicated as it relates to learning Houston’s playbook and understanding how to play the WR position at the NFL level.

The third round pick from Lane College has a ton of athletic ability, and if he can harness that and sprinkle in some understanding of the game of football, he could be a potent weapon and a valuable dynasty player.

IDP Update: Super Mario Williams…

After a superb second season, in which he racked up 14 sacks, Mario Williams is likely to face a lot more double teams in 2008. The presence of DT Amobi Okoye should help, however, and even though fellow ends Anthony Weaver and N.D. Kalu may see more opportunities, Super Mario is still one of the top IDPs in leagues that require starters at D-line.

NFL’s Most Improved Offenses

What are Mike Martz and Alex Smith doing in San Francisco, you ask? Only brewing up one of the NFL’s most revived and improved offenses in 2008. Martz brings with him a history of getting several wide receivers involved in the offense, developing one stud QB, and increasing the PPR value of his RBs. Read more

Dynasty Value vs. Seasonal Results

Andre Johnson’s recent knee injury prompted some serious discussion on our forums regarding his fantasy trade value. He happens to be the perfect example of a player who has solid dynasty value in spite of his most recent injury situation, due to the fact that when healthy, his ceiling is so high - and he has plenty more years left to play. The problem is that his seasonal outlook is very different. Read more

Andre Johnson Has Knee Surgery…

Texans WR Andre Johnson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery late last week and will miss all of the Texans’ upcoming Organized Team Activities. The first word from the Texans is that Johnson will be ready for training camp, but we’re not so sure about that. Knee scopes are often the attempted cure for nagging injuries that linger into a players career and never truly go away.

Missing OTAs and possibly even training camp wouldn’t be a huge deal for Johnson, but missing Week 1 would, and not making it through a full season would, and that’s what we’re now worried about. He finished last season strong, but re-aggravated the knee two weeks ago, which prompted the surgery. Based on that information, we’re worried about him in 2008. He’s risky.

Most Improved Offensive Lines

Houston’s Duane Brown was one of eight offensive tackles were taken in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and an additional 26 offensive linemen were selected in rounds 2-7. The reason for the early run on the position seems to be simple - apparently they’re impossible to get in free agency. But drafting new ones isn’t always the best way to improve the five man unit. A few NFL teams have gone above and beyond to try to protect their quarterbacks, and open up holes for their rushers heading into 2008. Read more

Steve Slaton Fumbles Frequently…

Apparently, Texans rookie RB Steve Slaton has fumbled several times at recent rookie mini-camps, a problem he apparently had at West Virginia. Texans coaches don’t seem too concerned at this point, as Slaton is slated to see a decent role in that offense this year.

Remember This Name - Chris Taylor…

We’re starting to really jock Chris Taylor. Texans RBs Ahman Green and Chris Brown are fully healthy right now, so they’ll be the favorites for carries heading into the season. However, they both have a history of not being able to finish seasons - aka - HUGE injury problems.

Look out for Taylor and rookie Steve Slaton has major sleepers in deep leagues.