Category — Houston Texans

ESPN analyst Matt Mosley traveled to Houston’s camp this week and came away with the feeling Houston loves its new quarterback, Matt Schaub, but the offensive line isn’t as far along as some may think.

“It took the Texans at least one afternoon to get over David Carr … And the main thing the coaches … love is the fact that he gets rid of the ball quickly. Schaub carries himself with a bit of a swagger, and his teammates seem to feed off that confidence.

“Several people have tried to convince me that the Texans’ offensive line is finally in decent shape, but I’m not quite as optimistic … you have the makings of a pretty mediocre group.”

Andre Johnson has nothing but compliments to send Matt Schaub’s way. Though the 26 year old quarterback has thrown only 161 passes in three NFL passes, he’s quickly earned the respect of his top target.

“Matt is a leader,” Johnson said. “He has a lot of confidence in his game. He’s talking to everybody, trying to get everyone on the same page. He has a lot of confidence in what he does.”

But Johnson also went on to note their developing relationship, mentioning how things are different now than they were with former quarterback David Carr. Unlike Carr, Schaub is also hanging out with Johnson off the field, according to an interview with the wide receiver in which he commented that Matt asked if “I wasn’t doing anything, if I would like to come over to his house.”

Last season the Saints were predicted to disappoint (again), the Cardinals to be the league’s sleeping giant, and Peyton Manning was still considered a choke artist. Then we all watched as the Saints pulled off a miracle, the Cardinals never awoke from their slumber, and Peyton Manning is now on the same pedestal as Tom Brady (a notch higher, in this writer’s opinion).

Hey, no one can get ‘em all right. But I’ll still try.

Just kick back and watch as the following 10 predictions come to fruition by the end of the season.

Sleepers. Underrated. Whatever you want to call them, these 10 players are poised for a breakout few are predicting.

10. T.J. Duckett (RB, Detroit Lions) — He might be third in the rotation, but Duckett is the Lions’ goal line back. And with an improving offense, he should see plenty of red zone and short yardage situations. Consider him a reincarnation of Jerome Bettis, circa 2005, someone who will score touchdowns while not putting up a little yardage. The best part is that he’ll be drafted late — think rounds 13-14 — where he’s undervalued.

9. Donovan McNabb (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) — Everyone is nervous McNabb will get hurt. And maybe he will, but until he does he’s easily a number one fantasy quarterback, someone who will average 250 yards and 2 touchdowns each game he starts.

Some players who break out are passed over each year. Maybe it’s because owners aren’t informed that the player just received the starting spot or maybe they anticipate the player to be average. Whatever the reason, you can look like a fantasy god if you find the right pick at the right time.

Below is a top 10 of the players I believe are currently undervalued by most fantasy publications/owners for one reason or another.

10. Donovan McNabb — McNabb is one of the most dominant fantasy quarterbacks when he’s healthy. But everyone is bracing for him to experience yet another injury. Good news for you because if he isn’t he’ll put up 250+ yards and 2 touchdowns every game he suits up in 2007.

Several big-name running backs exchanged jerseys this offseason and all will be starters with their new squad. But which are poised to break out? And just as importantly, which should be avoided?

Three notable quarterbacks have found themselves wearing different uniforms for the first time in years. Through trades, these quarterbacks have been shown the door by their teams.

While one wanted to say goodbye (Trent Green), another had his starting role eliminated and he’ll be starting back at square one, fighting for a starting spot with his new team (David Carr, featured in picture). But the latter’s departure opened the door for a third quarterback, Matt Schaub, who will, for the first time, be in a starting role that is his to lose.

Two of those players have been given a starting spot; the third has the potential to start at some point in the season, whether or not injury befalls the starter.

The question to ask at this point is, which, if any, do you I draft? Where do they fall among other starters?

With those two questions in mind, let’s see which of the three you should draft and which you should pass on.

The longest first round in NFL history is finally over — incidentally, this is the site’s longest blog — after a little more than 6 hours of draft and analysis. And now it’s your time to read about who teams drafted, who was passed on. This is your quick guide with links to the original reported story (top 10 picks only).

With the 10th pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select Louisville defensive tackle Omobi Okoye.

NFL defenses do not willfully give up yards. Ever. Fortunately, some defenses are worse than others, which is why teams can sometimes score at will.

As a fantasy owner, you should have a pretty good idea of which defenses are the weakest and which are the most overwhelming. The following is a list of all 32 defenses, in order of strength.