Week 1’s NFL PFF grades spotlighted Houston’s Week 1 showing, with CJ Stroud navigating heavy pressure to post a productive day and Will Anderson Jr. dominating the edge. Nico Collins struggled as Houston’s WR1, while Cade Stover flashed as the Texans’ top pass-catcher before an injury sidelined him. Dare Ogunbowale and Aireontae Ersery had rough debuts, and CJ Gardner-Johnson and Derek Stingley Jr. faced stiffer days than hoped. Dameon Pierce touched the ball sparingly. Week 2 vs Tampa is the next litmus test.

Stroud’s 73.1 grade and 80.5 rushing grade fed optimism for fantasy managers, as he added 32 rushing yards on five carries. Anderson’s 91.0 PFF rating and a sack show the defense could carry DFS value, while Stover impressed (when healthy) with four grabs for 22 yards. Collins’ floor dip, Ersery’s issues, and the back-end fragility highlight Week 2 adjustments for the Texans.

Houston reshapes its opening five on the line minutes before Week 1 vs the Rams. Ed Ingram is out with an abdominal injury, forcing Tytus Howard to guard at right and Cam Robinson to left tackle, with Aireontae Ersery shifting from left to right tackle. Robinson, a new Texans signing, joins the starting unit as Ersery’s versatility is tested. CJ Stroud eyes the protection as Houston aims to spark the run and pass game behind a wholly different front than last year.

Ingram’s exit and the lineup flip place extra emphasis on the Texans’ depth and how quickly the unit jells against Aaron Donald and Co. The Vikings connection of Ingram adds a notable narrative thread to Week 1, but the focus remains on Stroud’s pocket and Houston’s ability to adapt on the fly. The Rams present a stern Week 1 test for a newly constructed line.

Week 1 pits Houston at Los Angeles in a tough test for C.J. Stroud and Nick Caley as they try to unlock a Rams defense with quick, accurate passes. Aireontae Ersery confronts Jared Verse in pass protection, while Kyren Williams anchors LA’s ground game. Stafford carries lingering back concerns as the Rams lean on short throws. Fantasy takeaway: Stroud carries risk but upside as a streamer; Williams is a solid floor play; the Texans must protect the ball and find rhythm early.