4-EYED IDP TEAM PREVIEW: HOUSTON TEXANS (2021)
In this second part of our Texans’ 4-EYED TEAM PREVIEW, we’re going to be covering the Texans’ IDPs that you should consider rostering for the 2021 fantasy football season.
Needless to say, the Texans are not destined for greatness in 2021. No, I don’t believe this is some hot take, nor am I being tough on them. Facts are facts. As you just finished reading (it didn’t take long), there are limited pieces on the offense that will carry you to the championship.
While I don’t think the Texans are loaded on the defensive side of the ball, there are some players that I covet more than others. In addition to the talent they possess, the mere fact that they should be on the field…A LOT….only helps inflate that fantasy floor that we all desire.
So which MUST HAVE players should we be willing to go all-in on to help you win your fantasy championship?
Find out now in our 2021 Texans’ IDP Team Preview
Linebacker
*Positional designations & ADP data brought to you by Sleeper.
Zach Cunningham (Current ADP: LB9)
#FFIDP Zach Cunningham led the league in tackles with 164….104 of those, he tackled the ball carrier short of the first down…
— Mike Woellert (@Mike_Woellert) July 20, 2021
17.4% tackle rate
11.2% Broken/Missed Tackle Rate
2.8 Average Tackle Depth pic.twitter.com/TogpQneW7p
For the 3rd season in a row, Cunningham has eclipsed the 100 tackle mark. In fact, he only fell 8 tackles short of breaking the 100 solo tackle mark for 3 years in a row.
Very few LB’s have the legit tackle upside that Cunningham possesses. While it is isn’t completely unwarranted to say that the situation lends a hand in the production, there is a great blend of both talent and opportunity. As mentioned above, the Texans are in a position to have their defense on the field a lot in 2021. Not only should they be on the field, but being in a negative game script means a heavy dose of rushing plays. As has been the case for the past few seasons, a heavy dose of rush attempts equals a high tackle total. Cunningham’s 92 rushing play tackles led the NFL. It didn’t just lead by a few, the next closest, Jaylon Smith, was 28 tackles less! Dig a little deeper, and this is the 2nd year in a row that he has led in that category, something that hasn’t been done since PFF started recording the statistic.
Currently being drafted as the LB9, it is difficult for me to envision a situation where I won’t be targeting the Houston linebacker. With finished as the LB3 in 2020, and the LB15 in 2019, the safe floor of LB9 offers a cushioned floor with an opportunity for profit.
Defensive Back
Justin Reid (Current ADP: DB40)
Wow, this is a fantastic play from Justin Reid.
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) January 12, 2020
Shows off great range and pulls off a clean hit to jar the ball loose from Tyreek Hill.pic.twitter.com/D9TQuhCCZg
Reid, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is looking for that next big payday! After 3 consecutive seasons of diminishing splash plays, Reid is hoping for a return to 2018 numbers.
As a rookie in 2018, Reid finished the season as the DB16 with 88 tackles and 3 interceptions. Both of which are career highs. I do feel that last year should be looked at with a grain of salt, considering he suffered a thumb injury that cost him 3 games.
So what to expect in 2021? New DC Lovie Smith looks to be primarily running a Cover-2 defense. Reid might not be asked to play in the box as much, but as with Cunningham, the heavy dose of rushing attempts should keep the tackle volume decently high. At his current ADP, if Reid can keep the tackles consistent, and get back to 2018-19 form in the way of turnovers, a DB3 finish is definitely possible.