The Texans allowed 450 total yards and forced a turnover in the 40-0 loss to the Bills in Week 4.

Analysis: The Texans' defense has shown a bit of life with nine sacks, ranking 16th in the league, and six turnovers, ranking seventh. Those are respectable numbers, but they also are giving up 29 points per game, the fifth-most in the league. Patriots QB Mac Jones has turned the ball over four times this year while getting sacked 10 times, so there is some upside for the Texans. But there's still a ton of risk that it's not worth betting a fantasy week on.

The Texans allowed 407 total yards and didn't force a turnover in their 24-9 loss to the Panthers in Week 3.

Analysis: After producing five turnovers through the first two weeks, the Texans' defense took a predictable step back in Week 3. Don't expect the glory days to restart in Week 4 against the Bills, who have totaled 78 points over the last two weeks in games against Miami and Washington. QB Josh Allen has been sacked four times this year anyway, so there's not much upside to risk it for.

The Texans allowed 355 total yards and forced two turnovers in their 31-21 loss to the Browns in Week 2.

Analysis: The Texans have surprisingly forced five turnovers through two games, four of which were interceptions. It's tough to depend on interceptions for fantasy purposes, and they've posted just three sacks so far. Furthermore, CB Terrance Mitchell (concussion) won't play Thursday against the Panthers. There is a decent ceiling considering QB Sam Darnold has a history of errant passes, but the floor is still disastrous considering the Texans' banged-up secondary.

The Texans allowed 395 total yards but recorded three turnovers and a sack in their Week 1 win over the Texans.

Analysis: The Texans surprised with a win over rookie Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars. This should be short-lived, and we can't rely on this lethargic pass rush against QB Baker Mayfield and the Browns. After all, Mayfield is equipped with weapons like RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in addition to WRs Jarvis Landry and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

CB Bradley Roby (suspension) won't play in the season opener against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Roby is considered the team's top cornerback, so it'll be tough to overcome his absence with a putrid pass rush and a questionable secondary. Rookie QB Trevor Lawrence is as close to a sure thing as there is, and he'll have plenty of high-end pass catchers at his disposal, including WRs D.J. Chark and Laviska Shenault. This matchup has shootout potential with limited upside, so fantasy managers should stay away.

The Texans should be left off fantasy radars for the 2021 season.

Analysis: The Texans' pass rush was solid in 2020 with 34 sacks. J.J. Watt is in Arizona now, and while he's an irreplaceable asset, the Texans brought in Jordan Jenkins -- who posted 24.5 sacks over his first five seasons -- to help patch up the pass rush. This won't be enough to cover up a brutal secondary, so fantasy managers should stay away from this once highly-regarded defense.

The Texans hired defensive coordinator Lovie Smith this offseason but released J.J. Watt.

Analysis: The Texans were one of the most-coveted fantasy defenses once upon a time, but picking this unit off name recognition will prove to be a landmine for the 2021 season. There are few redeeming factors with this unit, especially with Watt off to Arizona. QB Deshaun Watson seems to be on his way out as well, which will put a heavy burden on this mediocre bunch. Perhaps new Smith can conjure up some magic, but there's still not enough upside to warrant a draft pick in most fantasy formats.

The Texans released DE J.J. Watt this offseason.

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The Texans let up 540 total yards in a 37-31 loss to the Bengals in Week 16.

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The Texans allowed 350 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 27-20 loss to the Colts in Week 15.

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The Texans allowed 410 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 36-7 loss to the Bears.

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The Texans let up 371 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 26-20 loss to the Colts in Week 13.

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The Texans gave up 338 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 41-25 win over the Lions in Week 13.

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The Texans allowed 435 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 27-20 win over the Patriots in Week 11.

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The Texans let up 356 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 10-7 loss to the Browns in Week 10.

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The Texans allowed 412 total yards and forced a turnover in the 27-25 loss to the Jaguars in Week 9.

Analysis: The Texans' defense underperformed against rookie QB Jake Luton, sacking him just twice and allowed 27 points. This is a tough game to get back on track, as the Browns will be coming off a bye and could get RB Nick Chubb (knee) back in the fold. If Chubb returns, Houston's 32nd-ranked run defense (159.5 yards/game) could get thrashed. There's shootout potential here, too, so steer clear of Texans D/ST in Week 10.

The Texans allowed 379 total yards in the 35-20 loss to the Packers in Week 7.

Analysis: The Texans are coming off the bye week and will get an appealing matchup against the Jaguars, who will roll out rookie QB Jake Luton for his first career start. The rest of the Jags' weapons remain intact, and Luton was quite accurate in college and showcased a strong arm. A strong Texans pass rush could get him uncomfortable and force him into mistakes, though. The run defense is still a big concern against James Robinson, but Texans D/ST has week-winning potential. Just keep in mind you're…read more

The Texans allowed 601 total yards and forced two turnovers in a 42-26 overtime loss to the Titans in Week 6.

Analysis: The Texans got absolutely thrashed by RB Derrick Henry, who piled up 212 yards and two scores on the ground while adding two receptions for 52 yards. Henry's a different style running than Packers RB Aaron Jones, but Jones is a better pass catcher and has breakaway speed as well, averaging 5.2 yards per carry this season. That's not to mention that QB Aaron Rodgers, while underwhelming in Week 6 against the Buccaneers, stands a good chance to pick apart this defense that has let up 245 passing…read more

The Texans allowed 364 total yards and forced two turnovers in a 30-14 win over the Jaguars in Week 5.

Analysis: The Texans recorded their first win and their first turnovers in the same game, adding three sacks for good measure. This hasn't been a very good fantasy defense this season, and an impressive Week 5 showing doesn't make them a good option moving forward, especially in Week 6. The Titans have scored at least 31 points in three straight games, and they've turned the ball over just once this season. The Texans' bright spot is their pass rush, but QB Ryan Tannehill has evaded defenders well this…read more

The Texans allowed 410 total yards in a 31-23 win over the Vikings in Week 4.

Analysis: The Texans have yet to force a turnover this season, but they are tied for 10th with 10 sacks through four games. They're tied for 27th in fantasy scoring as a result, but it can partly be blamed on a brutal schedule that started with the Chiefs, Ravens, Steelers and Vikings. They should be able to catch their breath against the Jaguars. QB Gardner Minshew has held his own but has tossed four picks over the past three games, and he gets sacked on 8.1 percent of his dropbacks. The Jaguars have…read more

The Texans let up 387 total yards and didn't force a turnover in Week 3's 28-21 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: Rumors swirled this week that the Texans would sign S Earl Thomas, but those plans fell through. The team definitely needs reinforcements, as it hasn't forced a turnover yet, has allowed the fourth-most points per game (31.6) and the most rushing yards per game (189.6). It drew a tough opening slate against the Chiefs, Ravens and Steelers, though. While the Vikings have scored at least 30 points in two of three games thus far, they have also turned the ball over a combined seven times. This is…read more

The Texans let up 407 total yards in Week 2's 33-16 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: The Texans drew a tough start to the season, as they played the Chiefs and Ravens, allowing more than 32 points in each contest and failing to record a turnover. They managed to pile up five sacks in that stretch, but that wasn't enough to pull them out of the fantasy gutter. Their Week 3 matchup may provide some relief, as the Steelers have posted exactly 26 points in two straight weeks and posted three turnovers in the process. The Texans' deficiencies could be too much to overcome, though,…read more

The Texans allowed 369 total yards and didn't force a turnover in Week 1's 34-20 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: The Texans certainley drew the short straw, as they have to face the last two MVPs in the first two games of the season. They struggled to contain either QB Patrick Mahomes or rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Week 1, and the Ravens can throttle them in the same ways this week. QB Lamar Jackson is unstoppable on the ground, and now he has two stellar RBs -- Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins -- at his disposal. Feel confident dropping Texans D/ST heading into Week 2.

The Texans face the Chiefs in the season opener on Thursday Night Football.

Analysis: Houston's defense struggled in 2019, finishing 28th in yardage (388.3 YPG), 27th in sacks (31) and 15th in takeaways (22), but the return of J.J. Watt from injury should lead to some improvement. However, the rest of the defense remains largely unimproved, which figures to lead for a long evening against QB Patrick Mahomes and the defending champs. The Texans D/ST is high-risk/low-reward option for the season opener given the matchup.

The Texans ranked 28th in 2019 with 388.3 total yards allowed per game.

Analysis: The team wasn't very notable in fantasy categories, as it finished 27th in sacks (31) and 15th in turnovers (22). Part of the reason the Texans struggled was because J.J. Watt missed eight games, and a fully healthy season from him would give the unit a boost. However, he's missed 32 of the last 64 regular-season contests and is heading into his age-31 season, so it'll be tough to depend on him. Don't reach up for Texans D/ST in drafts because of name recognition, especially since they start…read more

The Texans allowed 20 points and 435 total yards in Week 16's win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: The Texans excelled at shutting down the Buccaneers mainly because of their ability to force five turnovers and sack Jameis Winston four times. However, pending the result of the Chiefs-Chargers game -- if the Chiefs win, the Texans have nothing to play for -- the Texans could rest some of their starting defensive players. There is upside since Ryan Tannehill has been dropped on 10.4 percent of dropbacks -- the second-most in the league --but the possibility of not having top cornerbacks or…read more

The Texans allowed 21 points and 432 total yards in Week 15's win over the Titans.

Analysis: The Texans also nearly returned a fumble for a touchdown, but Whitney Mercilus was tackled just yards from the end zone. They'll now face the notoriously boom-or-bust and likely multiple-turnover Buccaneers. Over the last four games, the Bucs have coughed up the ball 10 times. However, they also surpassed 28 points in each contest and 446 total yards in three of them. The Texans' secondary is quite vulnerable, too, allowing 266.1 passing yards per game -- fifth-most in the league. They've been…read more

The Texans allowed 38 points and 391 total yards to the Broncos in Week 14's loss.

Analysis: The Texans were lit up for 41 points by the Ravens in Week 11, but it was tough to foresee getting thrashed by rookie QB Drew Lock, who was making his second NFL start. Chalk it up to beginner's luck if you want, but the Texans will face an even hotter Titans offense in Week 15. QB Ryan Tannehill has posted 10.8 YPA over the last five games, adding 10 touchdowns and three rushing scores during that stretch. That's not to mention that RB Derrick Henry has notched four straight 100-yard outings.…read more

The Texans allowed 22 points and 448 total yards in Week 13's win over the Patriots.

Analysis: The Texans held Tom Brady in check all night, and the game was seemingly decided early in the fourth quarter. They'll get a shot at Drew Lock, who will be making his second NFL start. Lock won his debut, but he wasn't very good at just 4.8 yards per attempt. Having Bradley Roby back in the fold helped immensely, and he may be in line for a hefty dose of Courtland Sutton. The Texans ceiling is low though, as they've averaged a shade over two sacks per game while ranking 19th with 15 turnovers.…read more

CB Bradley Roby (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 13's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: The Texans' secondary has been gashed all year to the tune of 259.3 passing YPG -- the eighth-most in the league -- and Tom Brady is coming to town, as he leads the league with 439 passing attempts. The return of Roby should help since he's allowed just 6.5 yards per target, but the Patriots' wideouts are healing up. The Texans D/ST is a low-floor unit since the Patriots rank fifth with 26.8 PPG, and the ceiling leaves little to be desired since Brady has thrown interceptions on just 1.1…read more

The Texans allowed 41 points and 491 total yards in Week 11's loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: The Texans had no answer for Lamar Jackson, as he tossed four touchdowns and scampered for 86 yards on the ground. To be fair, no one has been able to shut him down lately, so this could be shouldn't be weighed heavily moving forward. Bradley Roby (hamstring) will likely be a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the Colts, and his return would be a major boost, as the Texans have allowed an average of 279 yards and 11 total touchdowns during his four-game absence. The Colts will be…read more