Steelers vs. Texans: Fantasy Outlook

The Steelers looked terrible against the Browns. This week they have a Monday night matchup against the Houston Texans. Here’s a look at the fantasy impact.

While Le’Veon Bell continues to find success from a yardage standpoint, his inability to get into the end zone was once again a factor. His best games have come either at home or in primetime–hopefully that continues. The Houston Texans are allowing about one hundred twenty-five yards rushing per game, but have only allowed four touchdowns in six games.

They are also allowing a significant amount of passing yards. If Ben Roethlisberger is able to evade J.J. Watt and limit some of the inaccuracy we saw against the Browns, then he may have a chance to do well this week. However, the Steelers offensive line has had trouble keeping Ben off the ground. Opposing defenses have also been able to get the ball from Ben when he’s been sacked.

Antonio Brown has proven that he will always be a good option in fantasy. Simply put, Brown has produced. Hopefully offensive coordinator Todd Haley will allow Ben to throw the ball down the field and take advantage of his playmakers at wide receiver. Too many quick screens and short passes have limited the dynamic aspect that Brown brings.

Over the past two weeks Houston running back Arian Foster has reminded the fantasy world of what he can do. He’s rushed for two hundred sixty-six yards and four touchdowns in that time. Both of those games were losses for the Texans, so they look to pair a dominant outing for Foster with their first “W” in three weeks. He’ll have a chance to perform against a defense that has lost its edge. Foster is listed as questionable for the game.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has a one-to-one interception to touchdown ratio and hasn’t had a standout game this year. His top two receivers have struggled with drops and fumbles, and only combine for four scores.

I could see the Houston defense putting up some fantasy points. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Texans are able to force a turnover or two and get a few sacks, while the Steelers’ red zone woes continue.

I’ve always liked the Steelers’ chances on Monday night, and they will be back at Heinz field for the first time in a few weeks. It’s time to see if someone on this team will step up or if we’ll be back to a five hundred finish.