With all the positivity I have written about regarding the AFC South, it is only fair that I write somewhat negatively for at least one entry in our AFC South series. This week will be AFC South busts. Remember that each player mentioned below will not be utterly useless every week, but these players may not be “league winners” or worth their ADP. Without further adieu, here are the players to be weary of this season.
Schultz was more than serviceable for fantasy teams in 2023, posting 635 yards and five touchdowns with a rookie quarterback. However, WR Stefon Diggs was added to the roster, and WR Tank Dell is returning from a season-ending injury. Schultz was the beneficiary of the Texans’ lack of depth in the pass-catching department, leading to some fantastic games from Schultz. Not to mention, Houston likes to play their other tight ends, such as Brevin Jordan and QB C.J. Stroud’s former Ohio State teammate Cade Stover, from time to time. There are much better options if you are one to wait to take your tight end.
Pollard notched 1,000 yards to string together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, but the Cowboys did not re-sign him, causing Pollard to sign with the Titans. Pollard appears to be the lead back in Nashville, but second-year back Tyjae Spears is on his heels. New Titans head coach Brian Callahan has said that he views both guys as starters, and we can only assume they will be treated as such in the season. Pollard is a good back, but if you are relying on him to take you to your championship, be sure to have a hero back or load up in the wide receiver category.
Hopkins is not off to a great start this season, but he is suffering a knee injury that will keep him out the entirety of training camp. Luckily, he will not need surgery, but a knee injury for a 32-year-old wide receiver could spell trouble for the length of the season. Hopkins performed well in 2023, but we all know Father Time can rarely be beaten. The Titans signed WRs Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd this offseason, and Treylon Burks is also improving. Time will tell whether or not Hopkins can perform to the standards of his old self, but there are plenty of other younger options to choose from at wide receiver, such as Christian Watson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Rashee Rice.
This is a very light warning regarding Taylor. I would look for Taylor to be in form this season, as he is healthy and paid. He still has a great offensive line that will open up lanes for him to run through, and he will continue to be a good pass catcher out of the backfield. Rushing yards are great, but touchdowns can be the difference between winning and losing a championship. Colts HC Shane Steichen comes from Philadelphia, where the Tush Push took the league by storm. Indianapolis has a solid veteran center in Ryan Kelly and a robust young quarterback in Anthony Richardson. Richardson possesses speed and elusiveness that not all mobile quarterbacks have, which could be to Taylor’s detriment. Taylor should still be a first- or second-round pick, but be sure to evaluate all of your options before selecting him.
