Houston’s overhaul centers on Stroud and Anderson, whose arrival under DeMeco Ryans has redefined the Texans’ trajectory. Stroud’s breakout moments in the 2022 playoff landscape foreshadowed a franchise quarterback who thrives under pressure, while Anderson’s relentless motor anchors a defense built to contend. The 2023 draft capital—kept when Houston stayed at No. 2 and then jumped to No. 3—paved the way for a roster around its two stars. The result: 22 wins across two seasons and playoff wins that signal a true turnaround, with Stroud and Anderson as the program’s cornerstones and a path toward a Super Bowl someday. The surrounding class—Dell, Scruggs, Horton, To’oTo’o—adds depth and complementary talent that could sustain this rise. Houston’s the favorite in the AFC South entering 2025, but health and a sturdy line will determine how soon the ceiling is reached.

Brock Bowers’ rookie record kickstarted a note-perfect fantasy case for tight ends, while Nico Collins surged as a top WR with elite receiving grades, hinting at targets to come. A 12-team, PPR redraft blueprint follows a round-by-round path using ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo ADPs, with picks from 11th overall analyzed through Round 12. The guide highlights top targets like Collins, Wilson, London and Brown, and it stresses risk management with injury histories and offense changes.

The plan leans early to high-upside wideouts, then pairs a premium TE with positional balance, before grabbing value RBs and flex upside in the middle rounds. Brock Purdy and Brock Purdy-adjacent QB play is flagged later for steady fantasy floors, while variance remains a feature of big-risk, big-reward rookies like Travis Hunter and Tank Bigsby.

Round-by-round decisions emphasize stacking talent with favorable offenses, aiming for a well-rounded lineup that can weather byes and injuries. The strategy values precision over reach, prioritizing top-tier floor players early and hunting late-round breakout picks in the back half of the draft.

Brevin Jordan suffered a knee injury during Texans practice, prompting an emotional cart ride to the medical area as teammates and C.J. Stroud expressed visible distress. Jordan had been trending as Houston’s No. 2 tight end and a key part of Nick Caley’s personnel package. His absence could push more targets toward Dalton Schultz and other tight ends, reshaping the Texans’ early-season TE workload.

The incident sits against a backdrop of a camp marked by high expectations and close bonds. Stroud’s reaction underscored the offense’s reliance on a cohesive pass game, while Tank Dell’s prior injury and Jordan’s status loom large for fantasy managers evaluating Texans depth at tight end. Prolific early camp notes suggest the team will monitor Jordan’s status closely amid a playbook built around Caley’s schemes.

With the landscape unsettled, fantasy players should watch for updates on Jordan’s condition and any shift in Texans personnel. If Jordan misses time, Schultz and a developing trio behind him could see elevated snaps, affecting target distributions and red-zone usage as Houston navigates an offense designed to leverage Stroud’s growth and a versatile receiving corps.

CJ Stroud lands at No. 39 on the NFL Top 100 for 2025 after a season that kept the Houston offense relevant and playoff-bound. Teammates and peers rate him higher than the national view, underscoring a redemption arc built on wins and bigger-picture impact beyond a single stat line.

The sophomore campaign wasn’t without bumps: Stroud played behind a PFF-ranked 29th offensive line and endured injuries to his top targets. Yet Houston still reached 11 wins (including playoffs) and claimed the AFC South, signaling that Stroud’s ceiling remains elite despite the downslope. Offseason changes—new OC Nick Caley and linemen upgrades—aim to reaccelerate a dynamic attack and redefine him as a top-10 passer again.

Around Stroud, the supporting cast is prime for fantasy relevance: Nico Collins and Tank Dell headline a rebuilt receiving corps, while Stefon Diggs provides a veteran benchmark of how a star presence can affect a young quarterback. Will Anderson Jr. adds defensive backbone, and the coach and system shifts position Houston for a potential breakout in 2025. The Week 1 clash with the Rams at SoFi Stadium will set the tone for Stroud’s next chapter and the Texans’ season trajectory.