The Houston Texans started the 2024 campaign with a 4-1 record through the first five weeks, but after losing Nico Collins in Week 5, concerns began to arise that the team may struggle while the budding star misses time on injured reserve.
In Week 6, those concerns were put to rest by none other then Stefon Diggs. The Texans’ prize offseason acquisition showed he still has the juice to fill a WR1’s shoes, both in the real NFL and fantasy football. Will he keep producing at this level while Collins is out over the next few weeks?
Diggs’ season so far
Diggs, one of the biggest names to change homes in recent memory, was coming off a hot-and-cold 2023 campaign in which he excelled over the first half, but exceeded 50 receiving yards just twice over his final eight games in a Bills uniform. With chatter about a possible regression looming, the former Bills star was acquired by the Houston Texans via trade over the offseason.
Diggs’ arrival in Houston solidified the Texans’ wide receiver room as one of the most formidable position groups in the NFL. There were questions about whether Diggs would receive ample targets to produce the high-end fantasy seasons fans are accustomed to seeing from the star WR — it’s safe to say these questions were quickly answered.
Through six weeks in a Texans jersey, Diggs is the overall WR6 in fantasy football. The 30-year-old has tallied double-digit fantasy points in five of six games, reaching the 18-point mark or higher in four of those contests. So far, Diggs’ stat line includes 37 receptions for 392 yards and three TDs, plus two rushes for 12 yards and an additional score.
Will Diggs’ WR1 production continue?
While Collins remains on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, Diggs will almost certainly excel in any fantasy football format. In his first full game without Collins active, Diggs posted a 6-77-1 receiving line on seven targets against Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, one of the league’s best up-and-coming young stars.
Interestingly enough, Diggs finished third on the Texans in targets during that Week 6 matchup and played just 79% of snaps. Despite that, he scored 19.7 fantasy points to finish as the PPR WR13 on the week. While fellow receiver Tank Dell received nine targets and tight end Dalton Schultz received eight of his own, this trend doesn’t seem likely to continue. After all, targets are earned, not given, and Diggs is unquestionably Houston’s best receiving talent while Collins is inactive.
Collins isn’t eligible to return from IR until Week 10. The Texans’ schedule includes meetings with the Packers, Colts, and Jets before Collins’ potential return. Green Bay and Indianapolis are 25th and 26th in passing yards allowed, while the Jets rank second-best in the NFL.
Overall, that schedule looks pretty juicy for Diggs in the WR1 slot. Plus, Houston currently averages the fifth-most passing yards league-wide behind the incredible arm of quarterback CJ Stroud.
Start your studs
Make no mistake — Diggs should be in your lineup no matter what. This is especially true while Collins isn’t on the field. Seriously, smash start.
Expect Diggs’ big season to continue in Houston, so just sit back and enjoy the WR1 production along with the Texans’ offensive fireworks. Worry about the rest later once Collins is back, but even then, Diggs should remain a weekly starter for nearly all fantasy players.
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