Houston Texans Defense Week 6 Fantasy Football Projection

By Brad Berreman @bradberreman24 on October 9, 2014

The Houston Texans  have a league-high 12 takeaways through five weeks, and that has translated into solid fantasy production as they are the sixth-highest scoring  defense in ESPN leagues (42 points). But they have been up-and-down, putting up at least eight fantasy points three times (double-digits twice) and two or fewer points twice, including Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.

A tough matchup is coming Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts, who have turned the ball over less than two times per game thus far and allowed just six sacks. The Colts are also second in the league in total offense (439.6 yards per game) so far this season, and they’ve averaged over 24 points per game with just two total turnovers in four previous games against the Texans with Andrew Luck under center.

The Colts’ offensive line depth will be tested Thursday night, with both of their starting guards out, so J.J. Watt and company may get some chances to put pressure on Luck, register some sacks and perhaps force a few turnovers. That looks likely to be the only way the Texans’ defense does much fantasy-wise this week, with a shutdown game in terms of points allowed unrealistic, and the faint possibility of a defensive touchdown is there as well.

Houston’s defense is startable regardless of matchup right now, assuming there is not a viable high-upside option available on the waiver wire. But expectations should be kept in check against the Colts, and the Texans’ defense is unlikely to be a difference maker for fantasy owners this week.

Houston Texans Defense Week 6 Fantasy Projection: three sacks, one interception, 24 points allowed

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Connect with him on Google +.