The Houston Texans will travel to Bank of America Stadium this weekend to face off against an inter-conference foe. The Carolina Panthers will defend their home field while they look to capture their first victory of the season. We expect DeMeco Ryans and his unit to perform well against a struggling opponent. C. J Stroud is performing well so far. He's led the Texans to a 3-3 record halfway through the campaign.
Which players can fantasy owners rely on during Week 8?
Houston Texans Fantasy Football Outbreak #5: RB Dameon Pierce
Bobby Slowik's offense is a developing group. They've experienced a fair share of success early in the new campaign. Earning yards on the ground has been a dull spot for the unit. Dameon Pierce is an explosive running back but has failed to find wiggle room at the line of scrimmage. Pierce ties ninth in carries (96) but ranks 27th in rushing yards (281). He averages 2.9 yards per carry and scored one touchdown this year. His setbacks make Slowik's offense one-dimensional - adding additional pressure for his rookie quarterback to overcome.
Struggles in the ground game will not cause Houston to abandon rushing the football. They believe Dameon Pierce is qualified enough to make a difference on the team. The second-year tailback needs a little assistance. Help from a developing offensive line will result in a productive weekend for the second-year rusher. The Panthers rank 32nd in run defense (46.4) halfway through the season. Laremy Tunsil and George Fant lead Houston in run-blocking grades. They will establish dominance at the line of scrimmage on Sunday - resulting in a big day for No.31.
Houston Texans Fantasy Football Outbreak #4: WR Tank Dell
A concussion against the Atlanta Falcons sidelined Houston's deep field threat. Tank Dell was becoming a household name before he suffered his injury. In Week 3, the rookie wideout recorded 145 receiving yards on five receptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He averaged 29 yards per catch and caught a touchdown reception to help Houston defeat their divisional opponent on the road. Time away from the gridiron helped Dell rest. He expects to play this Sunday against a wounded Panthers' secondary.
Lining up against Carolina's secondary has been a dream come true for skilled wideouts this season. Receivers find the endzone frequently against Ejiro Evero's defensive backs. This season, Carolina ranks 24th in pass coverage. Tyreek Hill (1) and Justin Jefferson (2) are the latest wideouts to expose the group. Tank Dell's speed will help him create space from stingy defenders. We expect him to take advantage of a desperate group in his return to the gridiron this week.
Houston Texans Fantasy Football Outbreak #3: Matt Burke's Defense
DeMeco Ryans developed a respected reputation for his work protecting the endzone. Houston's rookie Head Coach led the San Francisco 49ers defense to the NFC Championship last season. His unit limited points and created turnovers regularly. Stout defensive performances helped Kyle Shanahan mold his young quarterback during an extensive playoff run. Brock Purdy relied on his defense to keep close games within reach. Ryans continues to incorporate his philosophy within Houston with the first pick of the NFL Draft.
Matt Burke's defense is improving as the season progresses. They've worked diligently to establish an identity thus far this season. Will Anderson Jr (80.3) and Jonathan Greenard (71.4) control the offensive line and disrupt the pocket. They've combined for seven sacks entering Week 8. Additional pressure on the quarterback helps defensive backs keep deep-field threats contained. Steven Nelson has made the most of the pandemonium in the backfield. The ninth-year defensive back leads the team in interceptions (3). We expect him to take advantage of a rookie quarterback under pressure this weekend.
Houston Texans Fantasy Football Outbreak #2: WR Nico Collins
Tank Dell's return will create more opportunities for skill players. His speed and deep-threat ability make him a target for defensive coordinators. Defenders must keep an eye on No.3 throughout the game. If the Carolina Panthers focus too much on defending Dell, who will stop Nico Collins? He's become C.J. Stroud's favorite target throughout the season and is dangerous in the open field.
Outstanding performances against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts helped the third-year receiver become a household name. This season, Collins ranks tenth in receiving yards (547) and sixth in receiving grade. His 42 targets are the second most on the team. Collins is a vital part of Bobby Slowik's offense. He will perform well against a subpar defensive unit this week.
Houston Fantasy Football Outbreak #1: QB C.J Stroud
C.J. Stroud is performing above expectations this season. He limits turnovers (1) and continues to develop. A bye week after an impressive 20-13 win against the New Orleans Saints gave the second-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft time to reflect on the first half of the season. Houston's gunslinger ranks tenth in passing yards (1,660) and seventh in yards per completion (7.8). His resilience is the reason the Texans are second in the AFC South. A win against the Panthers will help them solidify their position in the standings.
Defeating the Panthers is achievable, especially with Stroud under center. He's dismantled some of the league's best defenses already this season. Ejiro Evero's secondary ranks 24th in pass coverage (59.2) entering Week 8. Nicol Collins and Tank Dell will have an advantage against an undisciplined group. C.J. Stroud will have a productive day - resulting in points for fantasy owners.
A Week 8 match-up against the Carolina Panthers will help fantasy football owners obtain a victory. We can expect DeMeco Ryans' unit to take advantage of a struggling team. Frank Reich's group is winless this season. They are the perfect group to start fantasy players against in the upcoming week.
All statistics courtesy of pff.com.