Dalton Schultz

Week 2 vs. Indianapolis Colts

It was a quiet first game in Houston for Dalton Schultz, only seeing four targets and totaling just four yards. It certainly can't get much worse. C.J. Stroud threw to Nico Collins a lot last week. He'll soon start spreading the ball around, which should include Schultz, going forward. Because of the slow start and being in the Houston offense, Schultz is still low on fantasy boards but he makes for an interesting streaming and TE2 option this week against the Colts.

Fantasy Upside
Dalton Schultz passed on a long-term deal with the Cowboys to enter free agency and came away with a one-year deal that sets up him to be one of the primary outlets for first-year QB C.J. Stroud in Houston. Schultz had 17 touchdowns and 198 receptions in the past three seasons with the Cowboys as a trusted third-down and red-zone option for Dak Prescott. Schultz more than doubled the combined output of the remaining tight ends on the Texans' roster in 2022. Houston plans to establish a diverse offense that leans on the tight end to wear multiple hats as George Kittle did for the San Francisco 49ers, the source of multiple coaches on the new offensive staff of the Texans.

Fantasy Downside
Don't look to Schultz for big gains or explosive plays. He entered the NFL as a dominant blocker with a good catch radius but had only one reception -- a 30-yard gain against the Bears -- last season over 22 yards.

2023 Bottom Line
Returning to peak production from his 2021 season -- 78 receptions, 808 yards, eight TDs which left him as TE3 -- might not be likely, but it's possible. Stroud is comfortable operating in an offense that implements a tight end route tree, and his WR corps lacks an established No. 1 receiver. Drafting Schultz at his current ADP could pay off.

Week 16 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
A disappointing week for Dalton Schultz in a matchup where the scoring was plenty. Logging just two catches for 15 yards, we all expected more.

Just like any other week, I am still starting Schultz and hoping he can score. The fact that he plays on a great offense that puts up yards and points leaves the door open for him to hit big any given week. Unless you have a clear better option, just set it and forget it.