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2009 Fantasy outlooks: Houston Texans

"The Texans are the type of team Fantasy owners should be giddy about because they are loaded with stars and have the chance to take off this season.

Matt Schaub is developing into an elite option and just needs to stay healthy for a full year. Steve Slaton turned in one of the best rookie seasons last year and will enter this year as a first-round pick in all leagues. Andre Johnson is arguably the No. 1 wide receiver in Fantasy Football. And when you add in Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter, there is a chance for the Texans to be a juggernaut on offense.

Injuries, however, continue to plague this team. Schaub has yet to play a full season in his two years with the Texans. Slaton's top backup, Chris Brown, missed all of last year, so there is little depth at running back. If this team stays healthy, there is major potential.

On defense, the Texans are also improving behind two of the best players at their respective positions, defensive end Mario Williams and linebacker DeMeco Ryans. If all comes together, it could be a big year in Houston.

Sleeper ... Chris Brown, RB

Brown didn't play in 2008 because of a back injury that forced him to injured reserve. It would have been interesting if he was healthy because Slaton's emergence might have never happened. Slaton moved up the depth chart last year due to injuries to Brown and Ahman Green. Now, Brown will try to be the No. 2 running back behind Slaton, and the Texans likely don't want Slaton to have 268 carries like he did last year. Brown has to compete with Ryan Moats for the No. 2 job, but Brown has more upside. Remember, Brown had a successful stint in Tennessee when he was healthy, rushing for 1,918 yards and 11 touchdowns from 2004-05. If he wins the job as expected, he's a good handcuff option for Slaton. And if you're looking for good value with a late-round pick, take a chance on Brown and hope he can return to 100 percent.

Breakout ... Owen Daniels, TE

We keep waiting for Daniels to have a breakout season, and it's yet to happen even though he's produced at a high level. He's improved every year in terms of catches and yards, but his touchdowns have gone in reverse from five as a rookie in 2006 to just two last year. If he can put it all together, he would go from a Top 10 Fantasy tight end to a Top 3 option. And the potential is there, especially if Schaub can stay healthy for a full year. Daniels has plenty of motivation this season as he's entering a contract year, and the Texans spent two draft picks on tight ends in Anthony Hill and James Casey. While those two won't cut into Daniels' playing time, they could be the future at tight end for the Texans if Daniels doesn't agree to a long-term deal. Daniels shouldn't be in the first group of tight ends drafted, but he should come off the board in the second tier since he's ready for a big year."

 

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