The Houston Texans have won the AFC South for the last two years, and they’ve been ousted in the divisional round both times. They’ve struggled with injuries to significant role players in recent years: in 2008 and 2009, Owen Daniels missed significant time; in 2011, Andre Johnson missed nine games, Matt Schaub missed six games and the playoffs, and Arian Foster struggled with a troublesome hamstring; and last year, Ben Tate battled injuries on his way to an ineffective season.

Their offensive identity is firmly established: zone-blocking system, run-first, heavy play-action. So their running backs will always be valuable fantasy options. They drafted DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver out of Clemson, in the first round of the most recent draft, and as one of the most NFL-ready rookies, he should bring an element to their passing game that only enhances the effect of their running game.

If they can avoid the injury bug, they’re all but guaranteed a playoff spot, as the Indianapolis Colts will be the only team in position to challenge them for the division. Let’s take a look at some stat projections for their most fantasy-relevant players.

Matt Schaub, Quarterback

News broke recently that Schaub was likely struggling with a hidden injury last season, which would explain his sudden ineffectiveness over their last half-dozen games. He’s in his contract year, and should have the best corps of receivers he’s ever had, so assuming he remains healthy, and the run game remains effective, he should be a reliable fantasy starter.

2013 Stat Projections: 63% completion, 4,250 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions

Arian Foster, Running Back

Foster leads the NFL with 1,115 touches over the last three years, and it’s beginning to take a toll. His list of leg injuries is growing by the year, as it was just reported that he strained his calf in preseason workouts, and will be out of commission until training camp. He should be healthy in time for the season to start, and he should continue to be a solid fantasy option, but owners should approach with caution. Whether Foster struggles with injuries or not, expect the Texans to dial back his workload.

2013 Stat Projections: 285 carries, 1,275 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 45 receptions, 450 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns

Ben Tate, Running Back

Tate will be the chief beneficiary of any extra carries laying around. He’ll be a free agent after the season, so he has every motivation to perform. He’s only 24-years-old, and still has all the talent that made him a second-round pick. If he can demonstrate some consistency, he could be in line for a starting role with another team.

2013 Stat Projections: 150 carries, 700 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns

Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver

According to Rotoworld, the Texans were one of four teams to target one receiver more than the rest combined. That receiver was Johnson, who was targeted by 58.1% of Schaub’s passes. He’ll continue to see a plurality of the targets on the team, and he’ll be a guaranteed WR1 again.

2013 Stat Projections: 104 receptions, 1,508 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns

Owen Daniels, Tight End

As long as Daniels has been healthy, he’s been a fairly consistent TE1, piling up almost 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two years. A lot of his best looks come off of play-action, when he can get in behind the linebackers and threaten the seam. Though Hopkins will pick up quite a few targets, Kevin Walter and James Casey combined for 75 targets last year, and neither one is still on the team, so Daniels shouldn’t see any drop-off in production.

2013 Stat Projections: 60 receptions, 750 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns

DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver

There has been nothing but positive reports about Hopkins in all the preseason workouts. He was already the most NFL-ready receiver in the draft, and he’s been assured the starting job opposite Johnson. His presence should improve the quality of the looks Johnson gets, especially as he grows into his role and defenses learn to respect him as a threat. He should be a reliable WR2 from the get-go, though he’ll probably never see enough consistent targets to make it to WR1 status.

2013 Stat Projections: 65 receptions, 850 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns