When you think of the Houston Texans you might not think of great offense because, in years past, great offense is not what the Texans have brought to the table. What the Texans have always seemed to peak at is mediocrity: mediocre offense, mediocre defense, mediocre record.

But when you look at this Texans offense this season, a few things jump out. First, the offense (in terms of yards per game) ranks 5th in the NFL, thanks mostly to the passing game, which ranks 6th, putting the Texans are ahead of the Colts, Chargers, and Giants. And in its last three games, Houston’s offense scored 29, 27, and 27 points.

Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking that the fantasy studs on this offense are only to be found at quarterback or receiver. No, there’s a certain running back who has already turned a few heads this season; one of which should be yours.

Rookie Steve Slaton is putting together an impressive bunch of numbers this season, pacing himself for 1,100 rushing yards, 325 receiving yards, and 13 touchdown. Those are the numbers that turn heads, regardless of whether one is a rookie or not; but for a rookie, that might just earn an award at the end of the season.

But it doesn’t matter to fantasy owners if Slaton wins Rookie of the Year honors. What does matter is whether he puts up the numbers for which he’s on pace; and indications say he just might.

Between weeks 3-5 Slaton put up some excellent numbers against some very good teams: the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts. He netted an average of 110 yards per game against those teams, breaking 100 yards in two of the three games and falling short with 96 yards from scrimmage against Jacksonville. Slaton’s four touchdowns also came in those games, three of which were earned rushing and the other on a catch.

Slaton didn’t have the same kind of luck last week against Miami. He put up some adequate numbers - 58 rushing yards on 15 carries and 3 yards receiving - but 6 fantasy points isn’t enough for most owners. Still, his yard per carry average this season is 4.8, and one could view last week’s game as more of an oddity than the three previous games.

He doesn’t get a lot of touches (he hasn’t carried more than 20 times in a game this season), but he’s been a solid back in that, when he does get his opportunities, he takes advantage of them.

Key Points

• Slaton was brilliant between weeks 3-5, but was only adequate in weeks 1 and 6
• He averages 14 carries and 3 receptions per game
• He averages scored four touchdowns between weeks 3-5

Tags: Fantasy Football, Houston Texans, RBs, Steve Slaton

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Entry posted on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 at 5:53 pm. Filed under tags: Fantasy Football, Houston Texans, RBs, Steve Slaton,
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