Fantasy Upside
The Texans put 72 million eggs in Brock Osweiler's basket based on an encouraging seven-game stint as the Broncos starting quarterback last season. To be accurate, Osweiler is guaranteed $37 million, but the point is Houston is all in on the 25-year-old's potential. Osweiler threw for 1,967 yards and 10 touchdowns against six interceptions while starting seven of eight games he appeared in last season. He has a solid supporting cast in Houston, led by budding superstar DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans invested in rookie Will Fuller in the hopes he can emerge as the starter opposite Hopkins, and brought in Lamar Miller to anchor the ground game.
Fantasy Downside
Not everyone believes Osweiler's ready for prime time, but Texans head coach Bill O'Brien gushed over Osweiler after watching every snap from the former Broncos passer. The young signal caller was hardly pristine during his seven starts with Denver last season, but O'Brien made it clear no young quarterback is perfect. "We all need to improve," O'Brien said. "I would say with Brock, just continuing to develop his skill set as a passer and being as accurate as he can be. I think he's an accurate passer, but you're always striving for 100 percent." Having Hopkins as his top receiving threat won't hurt, but Osweiler has much to prove.
2016 Bottom Line
Osweiler lacks the deep skill position personnel he enjoyed in Denver, but he certainly appears comfortable with the franchise and is just entering his prime, which could make him an intriguing mid-season play if the chips begin to fall into place.