Will Fuller has been one of the bright spots for the Texans offense, who has struggled this season as Lamar Miller and Brock Osweiler have failed to live up to expectations. While Miller is producing the raw numbers, he is only doing so because of the immense number of carries he is getting. However, Fuller produced right off the bat and was one of the big free agent waiver wire pickups week one. He had his huge weeks one and two, then took a step back before having a big week four. On the road against a stout Vikings defense means that it is unlikely this is a Will Fuller game, and he should stay out of your fantasy football lineups if you have the chance to do so.
As the Texans offense goes, so goes Will Fuller. He is very matchup and game flow dependent, as his three big money games took place in Texans victories. 292 of his 323 yards and both of his touchdowns so far this season came in Texans victories against Chicago, Kansas City and Tennessee. When the Patriots shut down the Texans offense, Fuller managed only to reel in 3-of-7 targets for a miniscule 31 yards. Osweiler can be easily overwhelmed and is more likely to go to Lamar Miller or DeAndre Hopkins before he goes towards Fuller. He also makes low-percentage, desperation passes to Miller, so not all the passes that are going Fuller’s way can even be reliably caught.
The Vikings defense this season has become one of those defenses that you start to question any of your fantasy options going against them. They have shut down opposing offenses, and especially wide receivers, more so than nearly any other team in the league. Fresh off causing Odell Beckham enough frustration to make him question his love for the game, the Vikings are primed to obliterate the Houston offense. Not only do the Vikings allow the second-fewest points per game to wide receivers, but they have also done it while facing the following receivers: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepard and Odell Beckham. They aren’t playing scrubs in bad offenses; they are taking on quality passing games and making them look completely inept.
If you’ve been successful thus far this season, it’s highly likely that Will Fuller has something to do with it. As the Texans travel to Minnesota to take on one of the best defenses in the league, a defense that has stymied everyone that has gone against them, your success this week should keep him out of your lineup.