Every weekend during the preseason, theScore's Justin Boone and David P. Woods will break down the NFL's regular season schedule in search of the areas where fantasy owners can find an advantage.
AFC Fantasy Schedules
East | North | South | West
NFC Fantasy Schedules
East | North | South | West
Houston Texans
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 1 | vs Redskins |
| 2 | at Raiders |
| 3 | at Giants |
| 4 | vs Bills |
| 5 | at Cowboys |
| 6 | vs Colts |
| 7 | at Steelers |
| 8 | at Titans |
| 9 | vs Eagles |
| 10 | BYE |
| 11 | at Browns |
| 12 | vs Bengals |
| 13 | vs Titans |
| 14 | at Jaguars |
| 15 | at Colts |
| 16 | vs Ravens |
| 17 | vs Jaguars |
The Texans have one of the easiest schedules for a fantasy passing game, but unfortunately they might not have a quarterback on their roster who can take advantage of it.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven to be a check-down specialist in his previous stops in Buffalo and Tennessee, but he also has never had a pair of receivers like Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. Fitzpatrick should be able to help Johnson maintain his fantasy numbers, especially against this schedule. Hopkins may only be an option against weaker opponents, like the Colts, Cowboys, and Titans.
Fantasy Playoffs: A healthy Arian Foster should re-establish himself as an RB1 in fantasy, although his second-half schedule could be more challenging with matchups versus three AFC North run defenses, as well as an improving Jaguars squad. Trading Foster prior to his bye week could be a wise move to avoid seeing him break down or suffer a late-season dip in production.
Indianapolis Colts
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 1 | at Broncos |
| 2 | vs Eagles |
| 3 | at Jaguars |
| 4 | vs Titans |
| 5 | vs Ravens |
| 6 | at Texans |
| 7 | vs Bengals |
| 8 | at Steelers |
| 9 | at Giants |
| 10 | BYE |
| 11 | vs Patriots |
| 12 | vs Jaguars |
| 13 | vs Redskins |
| 14 | at Browns |
| 15 | vs Texans |
| 16 | at Cowboys |
| 17 | at Titans |
Facing the Broncos and Eagles in the first two weeks of the season will force offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton to open up the offense and that means Andrew Luck at his best. It could set the tone for a huge season from Luck, one that could end with a dream matchup in the fantasy championship against an inadequate Cowboys defense.
Those early season shootouts could be trouble for Trent Richardson, who will be trying to get his feet under him after a disappointing season across the board. With four matchups against the AFC North and six against the upgraded defenses in the AFC South, the line could struggle. Richardson is someone to avoid come draft day.
Fantasy Playoffs: The Colts offensive line should be better, but the loss of guard Donald Thomas was not a good way to start the year. In the fantasy postseason, the Colts will square off with an underrated Browns defense, and a Texans line that boasts J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. That matchup with the Cowboys in Week 16 will be fantastic, if your fantasy team can survive the previous two weeks.
Jacksonville Jaguars
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 1 | at Eagles |
| 2 | at Redskins |
| 3 | vs Colts |
| 4 | at Chargers |
| 5 | vs Steelers |
| 6 | at Titans |
| 7 | vs Browns |
| 8 | vs Dolphins |
| 9 | at Bengals |
| 10 | vs Cowboys (London) |
| 11 | BYE |
| 12 | at Colts |
| 13 | vs Giants |
| 14 | vs Texans |
| 15 | at Ravens |
| 16 | vs Titans |
| 17 | at Texans |
Toby Gerhart is already dealing with tightness in his hip flexor and the season hasn't even started. That's worrisome for a back that is expected to get all of the carries for the Jaguars. Gerhart's schedule can be listed as a positive for those thinking about drafting him, but the bigger question is whether the Jaguars can stay in the games long enough for Gerhart to rack up stats.
Much like the Texans, Jacksonville's slate is kind to quarterbacks and receivers. Sadly, much like the Texans, the Jaguars lack the weapons to properly profit from it. Chad Henne should capitalize on garbage time just enough to keep Cecil Shorts as a viable fantasy option.
Fantasy Playoffs: The good news is that if Gerhart can stay healthy, he has a nice matchup in Week 16 against the Titans. The bad news is that his Week 14 and Week 15 opponents are the Texans and Ravens, respectively.
Tennessee Titans
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 1 | at Chiefs |
| 2 | vs Cowboys |
| 3 | at Bengals |
| 4 | at Colts |
| 5 | vs Browns |
| 6 | vs Jaguars |
| 7 | at Redskins |
| 8 | vs Texans |
| 9 | BYE |
| 10 | at Ravens |
| 11 | vs Steelers |
| 12 | at Eagles |
| 13 | at Texans |
| 14 | vs Giants |
| 15 | vs Jets |
| 16 | at Jaguars |
| 17 | vs Colts |
The key for the Titans this season will be the development of Jake Locker. The young quarterback will make three of his first four starts this season on the road, but will face a couple of faulty defenses in the first month (Cowboys, Colts). After spending last year as the offensive coordinator in San Diego, Ken Whisenhunt should also have his club prepared for the opener against the Chiefs.
Bishop Sankey will get an opportunity to showcase his talents with some favourable matchups in the first half. Shonn Greene will also factor into the mix in the Titans' backfield, but Sankey will be the far more valuable fantasy player. Coming off their Week 9 bye, the Titans may be in tough with back-to-back outings versus the Ravens and Steelers.
Fantasy Playoffs: The Titans will welcome both New York teams to Tennessee in Week 14 and Week 15, followed by the division rival Jaguars during the fantasy championship. The Jets defensive line is outstanding and the Jaguars shouldn't be as porous as years past, but all three games represent plus-matchups for Locker, Sankey and receivers Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter.
