The Week 5 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans features a divisional rivalry that could see two fantasy superstars rising to the occasion. We've got the fantasy projections courtesy of numberFire.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have bounced back after a 0-2 start, winning each of the last two games. Last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they did it on the strength of backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The good news for fantasy owners is that Andrew Luck is preparing to start against division rival Texas despite a short week and an ailing shoulder. Luck's impending return should have a trickle-down effect on the offense. Although he has struggled this year at times, Luck remains one of the premier passers in the NFL.
The fact he will be under center means added fantasy value for wide receiver Donte Moncrief. Moncrief has really flourished in this his second year in the league. For all intents and purposes, he surpassed veteran Andre Johnson on the team's depth chart. Depending on the week, Moncrief gets targeted as much as No. 1 option T.Y. Hilton. He should be a threat to continue his solid play, especially given the fact the Colts can go back to a more aggressive game plan with Luck, rather than Hasselbeck, calling the shots.
Houston Texans
While the 2015 season is shaping up to be a long one in Houston, the team's immediate future got a little bit brighter last week with the return of running back Arian Foster, who had been out after suffering a torn groin muscle in the preseason. Foster's return saw him participate in a limited role against the Atlanta Falcons, touching the ball 11 times for just 35 yards. The fact the Texans gave up 48 points in the game probably had something to do with that, but, in general, the coaching staff is going to ease him back anyway. His number of touches should increase week to week and he has scorched the Colts before. Fantasy owners can feel a bit more confident in getting him in the lineup on Thursday.
Foster's return to full strength should further increase the fantasy value of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He's been a PPR machine this year, catching at least eight passes in all but one game. People always believed that Hopkins had tremendous potential when he first stepped into the NFL a few years ago. Now he's finally realizing it. It's incredible that he's been able to put up the numbers he has with guys like Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer at quarterback. Hopkins is a surefire producer this week against a far-from-intimidating Indianapolis secondary.
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