Houston Texans

Dynasty Dilemma: Nico Collins

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Nico Collins is a divisive player at the moment. The believers still believe he will show something and use his age (24) to their advantage. While the doubters will use his injury history and stats against him. Drafted in the 3rd round in 2021, we learn every draft class that draft capital matters, but so does on field production. The capital is there so are the stats? In 24 career games he has 70 receptions 927 yards and 3 touchdowns. The best way I can describe Nico Collins is he reminds me a lot of Marvin Mims in this draft class, not by the RAS or body type, but by how people view him. If you like Mims, you like him and will die on that hill, if you don’t you let those people ramble on and let them take him. I feel Nico Collins was that same type of player coming out of Michigan.

Nico has played his two years so far in Houston and has never really had a good quarterback. (Whole other article can be written about Davis Mills.) With only Brandin Cooks the prime receiver, Collins was primed to be the WR2 and let them move on from Cooks so he could be the WR1. Injuries never really let that happen. With that being said he can still surprise us because of a few reasons.

 

Some reasons to buy is the signing of Robert Woods. I know, I know, Woods has disappointed us all last year, he burned me too, but hear me out. The Woods signing wasn't because they needed a receiver. They brought in Woods because they knew he can be the veteran leadership they need in that wide receiver room. Woods is the “seasoned” vet in that room and he can teach all of the wide receivers how to be a pro and that is one of the biggest reasons why this is a good thing for Collins. I believe he hasn’t had someone in the locker room to hold him accountable and Woods will do just that.

The other reason to buy is CJ Stroud. Texans fans, and all NFL fans alike, Houston finally got their quarterback. CJ Stroud was the best pocket passer coming out of the draft and landed here. Collins knows he is on the hot seat based on the other receivers on the roster (we will get to that soon) and will need to build a relationship early and often with Stroud. If the quarterback buys into what you are doing. This is the best step in the right direction. If he takes the feedback from a veteran receiver who has won a superbowl, has had injuries, and been on multiple teams; and gets reps in the offseason with the quarterback and makes him a must have. Collins could definitely become a buy.

 

We will start with the elephant in the room. This elephant is also the most predominant sell reason of the offseason. Nico Collins can rarely ever stay healthy. In 2022, he played 10 games and started 7 of them, and 2021 was a little better with 14 games played and 8 starts. He needs to be on the field, and the tape he has on the field, although not much, needs to have the new coaching staff buy in to him. WIth career stats of Adam Thielens worst statical year coming in the span of 2 years doesn’t help his cause.

Speaking of the new coaching staff, they didn't hesitate to bring in weapons. We have already talked about Robert Woods and with the guys that they brought/got back, Woods is the only buy for Collins. I don’t think there is any way Collins misses the team, but with the Texans getting John Metchie back into the mix, and drafting Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, (LINK Rookie Spotlight, please)(who you know I’ve loved this whole draft process), and Xavier Hutchinson.

The writing could be on the wall for Collins. Nice may end up not having a role because Metchie is an intermediate route and deep route threat. Dell is your swiss army knife and route running specialist, and Hutchinson is the possession big body receiver you would want. The new coaching staff will probably go with their draft picks and former first round pick in Metchie and let Collins walk. We didn't even mention Dalton Schultz who will also take catches away from the dwindling role Collins could have.

 

The fact is, Nico Collins is the definition of the Dynasty Dilemma. Find the Collins truther and get him off your team if you can, because he is aged out of most taxi squads now and the question to ask is. Is he a reliable bench player or can you find a different plug and play bye week hero? I believe you can find a new option (Marvin Mims in rookie drafts). He is a guy that I have been trying to trade for a rookie 3rd or 4th round pick to start over or just dropping all together.

In redraft formats, he will be virtually undrafted unless youre in a league deeper than a 12 teams. Otherwise, put him back on waivers and if you lose out on the one week he produces, so be it. This is one that didn’t hit, and that’s ok. That's why we have a rookie draft every year to try to find the hidden gem.

 

Dynasty Dilemma: C.J Stroud

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Dynasty Dilemma: C.J Stroud

By Johnathan Walker

 

CJ Stroud put up enormous numbers during his 2 seasons with Ohio State, throwing for over 8,100 yards and 85 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions. In his first season with the Buckeyes, Stroud led the offense to be #2 in total points and #1 in points per game, then in his final season, he led them to be #5 in total points and #2 in points per game. Stroud was the only QB selected in this draft to lead his team in the top 5 for total points and points per game in his last two seasons. 

Stroud also made sure to put himself in the Heisman spotlight in both of those seasons, where he finished 3rd in 2022 and finished 4th in 2021. C.J. was also able to lead his team to an 11-2 record and the NCAA CFP Semifinals last season (2022) and in 2021 he led his team to an 11-2 record and a Rose Bowl victory. He showed a tremendous ability to work the pocket and be able to move his WRs during the 2022 season. 

 

 

 

The main reason you would pass on C.J. Stroud is due to the fact that he is a rookie, and to add to that he is heading to the Houston Texans. They have been one of the worst teams for 2 years in a row. Even though the Texans added Stroud, they also added several weapons on the outside for him to pass the ball to. They added Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and Nathaniel Dell to the WR room who already had John Metchie and Nico Collins. They also added Veteran Dalton Schultz from the Dallas Cowboys. Can those additions help Stroud become a top-level QB in his first year? With C.J. Stroud entering into a must-win season for the Texans as a rookie the pressure could be too much for a young player. Forcing Stroud to make bad reads and passes, will greatly decrease his fantasy production. 

 

 

 

The biggest reason to buy C.J. Stroud over any other QB in this Draft Class is due to his body build being that of a true QB in the NFL. He is 6’3 weighing 218 LBS, which mirrors QB Joe Burrow of the Bengals. Now Stroud does not have the weapons of Burrow but with several new additions this off-season and the Draft the Texans have put themselves in a position to compete this year. Stroud will not only have great production himself but will also increase the production of all skill players for Houston. With the addition of the Veteran TE Dalton Schultz, Stroud will have a trustworthy player to check down to. With the ability to use his legs to extend plays NFL defenses will have to adjust to covering the WRs, TE, and RB along with Stroud. This will leave a 1-1 situation that several of the Texans WR can beat. Stroud also has a great ability to move around the pocket to buy time and also keep his eyes downfield to make an outstanding pass. C.J. Stroud is the next big QB in the NFL with immediate impact for the Texans. 

 

 

If you have the ability to draft Stroud, I would draft him. If you can buy Stroud, then buy him. Stroud will be the next great QB in the NFL, he is young and has amazing talent. Stroud will be the QB for the next several seasons not just for Houston but he will be a targeting mark for every QB drafted in his class and even a mark for veteran QBs. He will not only produce for his fantasy but for the fantasy of everyone around him. The Houston Texans will continue to bring weapons around Stroud to help his ability to lead the Texans to the playoffs or greater. I would BUY C.J Stroud.

 

AFC South Predictions

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AFC South Predictions for 2022

by Tim Lazenby

 

Now that the schedule for the 2022 NFL season is out, I thought it would be fun to predict how these teams would be for this upcoming season.  These predictions are based on previous results, byes and straight up gut feelings.  Although some results are not surprising, I was shocked at some of these predictions.

 

Houston Texans

Record in 2021: 4-13-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 3-13-1

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Texans have made improvements to be sure, especially on defense, but they still have work to do.  The offensive weapons aren’t completely lacking, but the explosion, particularly on the ground, is still missing.  Davis Mills still needs time to develop and until he is protected more, it’s going to be a while.  As much as I love Brandin Cooks, he can’t do everything for the Texans anymore.

 

Situation to watch

Like I mentioned before, I really need to see some explosion in the running game.  Highly anticipated draftee, Dameon Pierce will be one to watch and we’ll have to see if Marlon Mack still has gas left in the tank.  The Texans haven’t instilled fear into the opposition at running back for a while now and this needs to be happen soon.

 

Conclusion

I truly believed in my heart that the Texans were due for an improvement, albeit a slight one in 2022.  Upon looking at the schedule, I guess that isn’t the case.  I only see them winning one game in their division, making the mountain all the more higher to climb.  A prediction of basement dwelling is upon us.

 

 

Indianapolis Colts

Record in 2021: 9-8-0

Predicted Record in 2022: 12-5-0

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

It’s obvious that the biggest weapon is phenom Jonathan Taylor, but we can’t forget that this team is stacked from top to bottom.  Utilizing an underrated defense, and sneaky good receivers, they’ll improve greatly from 2022.  The only worry is that their fifth starting quarterback in as many years may not get up to speed right away, even though it is Matt Ryan.  Just remember the 37 year old isn’t the same guy who played in Super Bowl LI.

 

Situation to watch

Although many people have their focus on Matt Ryan, I am actually more excited to see how Stephon Gilmore and Yannick Ngakoue do in Indianapolis.  They are two of the quieter acquisitions this offseason for players of their caliber.  I am also anxious to see what happens with Xavier Rhodes.  He may not be the same caliber as he was years ago in Minnesota, but he can’t still help if he stays.

 

Conclusion

It’s probably not shocking for most to see such an assessment.  While the Colts started strong in 2021, which should be repeated, I don’t see the rapid decline that happened at the end of last season.  There was a lot of hate coming Carson Wentz’s way, but now the Colts have no excuse.  Indianapolis is poised to lead the division in 2022.

 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Record in 2021: 3-14-0

Predicted Record in 2022: 8-9-0

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

The defense for the Jaguars was appalling last season.  Management went and grabbed two studs in the draft to address this.  Shad Khan also opened the vault this offseason, signing many offensive pieces to help Lawrence.  Let’s not forget that Jacksonville will get a healthy Travis Etienne moving forward.  I do worry about the newest signings not being game breakers.  Depth is great, but monster starters are also needed.

 

Situation to watch

Above anything else, I'm sure I’m not alone in my curiosity toward Doug Pederson’s second stint at coaching.  With Urban Meyers setting a garbage fire last season, it will be interesting to see what the former Super Bowl winning coach does to address the situation in Jacksonville.  I always thought Pederson was unjustly let go, so we’ll see if he proves me right.

 

Conclusion

I am possibly the most bullish non Jaguars fan in the world with my prediction for 2022.  The four road wins I am seeing them accomplish next season certainly helps more than anything for Trevor Lawrence and company.  And although I said it before, A healthy Etienne should make a world of difference for the Jags in 2022.

 

 

Tennessee Titans

Record in 2021: 12-5-0

Predicted Record in 2022: 9-8-0

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

Even at 28 years old, Derrick Henry continues to defy Father Time.  His impact as a true smasher can’t be understated and there is a threat at all times that he is on the field.  Boasting fantastic health before last season, there is a slight worry his body won’t be as resilient moving forward.  The team is going to have to adjust for the eventual transition that needs to take place.

 

Situation to watch

.The chalky answer is the one I’m going with here. WIth AJ Brown now playing for the Eagles, the Titans now focus on other faces.  Although the entire receiver room isn’t new, Robert Woods and Treylon Burks will be very interesting to watch.  Will Robert Woods be the same man after the injury?  And will Treylon Burks be able to fill Brown’s shoes moving forward?  Only time will tell and I’m excited to see the results.

 

Conclusion

It’s not that the Titans are worse than they were in 2021, it’s more that other teams have gotten better.  I see a few teams that they would have beaten in 2021 rising about them in 2022.  The departure of AJ Brown should also rock the boat a bit when it comes to their success.  That being said, I don’t see the Titans being down for long.

AFC South Best Values

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AFC South Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

Now that we’re knee deep into the off season, many of us are looking for any taste of fantasy football relevance whatsoever.  A wise dynasty manager, however, needs more than just a taste to satisfy their football hunger pains.  We, as managers, should always be looking to improve our ever evolving fantasy franchises.  Whether you are trying to get out of the basement, finally be a playoff contender or even repeat as champion, the common thread is that a winning manager doesn’t sit on his riches.  And in this crucial time before the NFL Entry Draft, you should be looking at value players to add to your team.  Today, let’s dive into the best values for each team in the AFC South.

 

Houston Texans: Quarterback – Davis Mills

What a whirlwind it’s been for the Houston Texans.  The drama of Deshaun Watson seemed to have overtaken every aspect of the team’s story, but now that Watson has moved on with the Cleveland Browns, we can finally think about anything else in Houston.  The situation is quite dire on the outside, but if we dig a little deeper, there are diamonds covered in coal dust.  There weren’t many players last season as unrecognized for their efforts as Davis Mills.  Even with all the drama, haters, and lack of weapons, Davis Mills quietly put together a nice rookie season.

It must have been crazy for Mills.  Here you are, drafted to a team with seemingly no chance to play, and suddenly, you are thrust into the limelight with fantasy and real life fans alike demanding greatness.  Anyone who says the Houston Texans skilled players are near the bottom of the league aren’t wrong, but even with them, Davis Mills actually performed better than most think.  There are obvious differences, but under a more stringent microscope, Mills compares closer to fellow rookie, Mac Jones.  You also have to discount Mills’ first six games where he got booed by his own fans for not being named Deshaun Watson.  As the season grew, Mills did more with so little than most other quarterbacks.  Moving forward, he’s not a top tier QB1, but he’s surely got a shot at being a decent, dependable QB2.  The price is right for picking.

 

Indianapolis Colts: Wide Receiver – Parris Campbell

There was a time when the name Parris Campbell brought nothing but excitement.  In 2019, the Indianapolis Colts took Campbell as the seventh wide receiver off the board and for many, he was a total steal.  In his senior year, he absolutely exploded from his norm and this was what many thought was just things to come.  At the NFL level, however, he’s yet to show anything close to those “true colors”.  He’s also been injured each and every year.  Most critics have already written him off, but I think there’s a world in which Parris Campbell still holds value.

Admittedly, the exodus of Carson Wentz was somewhat shocking to me.  I knew that there was a chance, but with what the Colts invested to get him, I was sure it was too soon to cut him loose.  Once I saw the Matt Ryan move, it all made sense.  And, this is the same reason why moving for Parris Campbell makes sense.  Matt Ryan ain’t no spring chicken, as they say, but he’s far from done.  Now in a strong system, with tons of support, we’ll see something closer to the Matt Ryan of old.  While everyone feigns for Michael Pittman like they always should have, everyone will forget about the forgettable Parris Campbell.  After Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, Matt Ryan will turn to someone and I believe it will be Campbell; who’s essentially free in most leagues.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Tight End – Evan Engram

I have to confess something.  I’ve been an Evan Engram truther since I rostered him in his historic rookie season.  He was nothing short of amazing and when I say, “historic”, I’m not exaggerating.  In his rookie season, not only did he score six times, which is incredible as a rookie tight end, but he also had the 7th most receiving yards of all time.  And while I still love to watch him, I had to come to the realization that his rookie season was a fluke and he’ll always be injured or underutilized or both.  That was, until he came to Jacksonville.

While I still have faith in Daniel Jones, I have even more faith in Trevor Lawrence.  The Clemson product is elite, despite what people are saying because of his rookie season.  Jacksonville is doing what they can to build around him and Evan Engram will suit him nicely.  The receiving core isn’t among the league’s best and Etienne hasn’t played a snap in the NFL, so Lawrence will need a good safety valve to rely on.  Many managers will be coveting Dan Arnold, so there will be many opportunities to trade for Engram for next to nothing.  There’s a chance that Engram’s elite days are over, but I’m willing to try one last time in this better situation and price.

Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver – Robert Woods

The Tennessee Titans featured one of the best receiving corps in football last season.  AJ Brown is a top three dynasty wideout for many and Julio Jones is absolutely legendary.  The depth is also fantastic with so many young options to choose from.  But, it’s almost criminal how that team couldn’t make Julio Jones shine in his only season away from the Atlanta Falcons.  I know there were injuries, but it was just insane how strongly the regression took place.  Now that he’s gone, the Titans turn to former Rams stud, Robert Woods.

While Robert Woods is no Julio Jones in his prime, he is a fantastic number two under AJ Brown.  He’s a perfect example of how to succeed in a shared receiver offense as he did it with Cooper Kupp for many years.  And while he’s not young, at 29, Woods still has lots of time to prove he’s still got it after last year’s injury.  Derrick Henry can’t be the entire offense anymore and this will force the ball to others, like Robert Woods.  We also can’t forget that Robert Woods looked so good catching balls from the likes of Jared Goff.  No disrespect to Goff, but Tannehill has to be considered an upgrade by many.  Acquire him at a WR4 cost and watch him blossom as a low end WR2 with upside.

 

 

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