Houston Texans Roster 2020 Houston Texans Roster

Is DeAndre Hopkins the best receiver in the league?

After making the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row, it’s questionable whether DeAndre Hopkins can be considered one of the best in the league. He missed only 1 game his entire career thus far and looks primed to be even better in year 7. Last year, he totalled 1,572 yards and 11 TDs. For fantasy purposes, Hopkins is currently being taken as the #1 WR and deservingly so.

He and quarterback Deshaun Watson form one of the best duos in the league and are sure to improve next year. However, the one concern is the 70.6% catch percentage that’s likely to see some regression. His career mark is set at 58.8% making last year’s percentage seem like an anomaly. If his usage rate increases and he continues catching passes at an elite rate, Hopkins has a great shot at repairing the exceptional performance as last year. 

How much better can Deshaun Watson get?

The other youngster on the Texans is Deshaun Watson. He enters his 3rd season and looks primed for a big payday after what he did last year. As Houston’s full time starter, Watson passed for 4165 yards and 26 TDs. The interceptions might be a bit high but he makes up for it by being a dual threat QB. He also ran for 5 TDs in 2018 and made himself a household name.

While he’s yet to find success in the playoffs, the core around him will give Watson plenty of passing options. If nothing opens up, he’s always got the legs to scramble and make something happen. The only bad part to his game was the sacks; in 2018, he was sacked 62 times for 384 yards, the worst in the league. If the line can hold it together and give Watson some actual time in the pocket, look for him to be a precision passer and become one of the most dangerous passers in the NFL. 

How to replace Tyrann Mathieu

After coming over from the Arizona Cardinals prior to last year, Tyrann Mathieu was terrific for the Texans. He had 2 interceptions and was a constant participant in their defensive schemes. He also tied his career high with 89 tackles, 70 of which were solo tackles. The 3 sacks were a career high and Mathieu will only look to add to that total with the Chiefs after signing a 3 year contract with them this offseason. 

To replace him, the Texans brought in Tashaun Gipson from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s been a steady starter since his second year with the team and will likely slot into the free safety spot. The former division rival will now suit up for the Texans after collecting one interception and 54 tackles last year. While losing Mathieu is tough, they gain another veteran presence to a 3 year deal worth $19.5 million less than Mathieu.