When it comes to the Houston Texans’ running back situation, fantasy football managers are understandably cautious. With rookie standout Dameon Pierce, the team’s primary rusher, the addition of former Buffalo Bills starter Devin Singletary creates a backfield split that leaves many managers unsure about their fantasy value.
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ToggleWhat Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary Offer
Let’s start with Dameon Pierce, the incumbent starter. Despite being a rookie, Pierce impressed with his performance last season. He averaged 16.9 carries and 72.2 yards per game, showcasing his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
However, Pierce’s rookie season was cut short by an ankle injury, and he missed four games. On the other hand, Devin Singletary has been consistently effective throughout his four seasons in the NFL. His true yards per carry, juke rate, and breakaway run rate are higher than Pierce’s, indicating his skill as a rusher.
While Pierce is expected to remain the primary ball carrier for the Texans in 2023, his pass protection skills are a concern. Pro Football Focus graded Pierce as RB124 in pass blocking, while Singletary has consistently received higher grades in this aspect of the game.
2023 Final Expectations
With a new coaching staff and the uncertainty surrounding the Texans’ offensive volume, it’s challenging to predict how the offense will perform in the upcoming season. However, considering the Texans’ low rushing volume in the past, fantasy managers should expect an increase in rushing attempts.
Last season, the Texans finished with 398 carries, ranking 30th in the NFL. Of those carries, 84% went to the running backs. While Pierce played a significant role last season, his percentage of team carries and red zone carries is expected to decrease due to the addition of Singletary and the potential for a running back by committee approach.
Additionally, both Pierce and Singletary have been ineffective as pass-catchers out of the backfield. To earn more targets, they will need to improve in this area. Singletary’s higher pass-blocking grades and the trust the Bills had in him suggest he may continue to play a significant role in pass protection.
Considering these factors, Pierce is currently being drafted as the RB19, but his current price tag seems high given the expected decrease in workload. Singletary, on the other hand, presents more value as the RB51, making him a better acquisition cost-wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I draft Dameon Pierce as my starting running back?
A: While Pierce is expected to remain the primary ball carrier for the Houston Texans, his pass protection skills and the addition of Devin Singletary raise concerns about his fantasy value. His current price tag as RB19 may not be justified given the expected decrease in workload.
Q: What can I expect from Devin Singletary in 2023?
A: Singletary is currently being drafted as the RB51 and presents better value compared to Pierce. However, without a significant injury to Pierce, Singletary’s impact may be limited, making him a better option as an RB4 in PPR leagues.
Q: Will the Texans’ rushing volume increase in 2023?
A: While it’s difficult to predict exactly how the Texans’ offense will perform under a new coaching staff, an increase in rushing volume is expected. This could provide more opportunities for both Pierce and Singletary.
Q: Are Pierce and Singletary reliable in the passing game?
A: Neither Pierce nor Singletary have proven to be efficient pass-catchers out of the backfield. To earn more targets, they will need to improve in this area.
Conclusion
As fantasy football managers consider drafting running backs for the upcoming season, the Houston Texans’ backfield presents some uncertainties. While Dameon Pierce is expected to remain the team’s primary ball carrier, his pass protection skills and the addition of Devin Singletary raise concerns about his fantasy value. Singletary offers better value and can be considered as an RB4 in PPR leagues. Ultimately, managers should carefully weigh these factors before making their drafting decisions.
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