Devin Singletary averaged over 5.1 yards per touch last season for the Buffalo Bills and has been an efficient option during his four NFL seasons. He is entering his age-26 season with a fine fantasy football résumé, but he’s yet to pop and is now a part of (at best) a committee situation with the Houston Texans.
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Devin Singletary’s Fantasy Outlook
The Texans were a bad team last season and project for more of the same in 2023. In 2022, they trailed for 59.7% of their offensive snaps, something that greatly impacted their ability to commit to the ground game for four quarters. In April, they brought in C.J. Stroud to help with the rebuild process, but this is not going to be a quick fix.
Dameon Pierce topped 1,100 total yards as a rookie, though he did struggle down the stretch prior to an ankle injury prematurely ending his season. As impressive as his introduction to the NFL was, the Texans clearly have some question marks. That said, Pierce should be considered the lead back in this system.
In the passing game, Nico Collins is the hot name that we are all hoping takes a step forward. Veteran Robert Woods remains in the mix and will see looks as long as he can stay on the field.
Noah Brown and Dalton Schultz came over from Dallas this offseason to offer depth, while preseason superstar Tank Dell and John Metchie III will look to impress in their first taste of the NFL.
Can Singletary Win the Feature Role in This Backfield?
There is a non-zero chance that Singletary can challenge Pierce for the feature role; it’s just not something I’d bet on. Yes, he ranks sixth among the 19 RBs with 600 carries since he entered the league in yards per carry (4.7).
Weigh in with your idea for a wager and what side you're on …
ISIAH PACHECO vs DAMEON PIERCE
(half-PPR, PPG) https://t.co/KtBYjJDlhm
— Kyle Soppe (@KyleSoppePFN) August 16, 2023
Yet, the team was clear in their commitment to the incumbent last season (Pierce saw 85.6% of their RB carries through Week 14), and I expect that faith to remain to open the 2023 season.
I also think it’s possible that Singletary’s true skill set is a little below what his numbers through four seasons suggest … playing in a Josh Allen-led offense will do that.
In Houston, Singletary won’t benefit from plus game scripts, threats to the defense at all levels, and a mobile quarterback that puts defenses in a bind the second he steps under center.
My primary concern is, of course, his role. But even if he can work this into something of a 50/50 split with Pierce, I’m not sure the per-touch numbers are going to be valuable enough to roster.
Should Fantasy Managers Draft Singletary at His ADP?
I’ll pass. There are just too many obstacles. In fact, I want no part of this team as a whole. I believe the biggest impact of Singletary joining the Texans will be the lowering of Pierce’s ceiling.
If Pierce were to get dinged up and miss time, maybe Singletary could satisfy your Flex position in the right spot. Maybe. But is that enough of a ceiling to pick him over rookie backs like Tank Bigsby, Roschon Johnson, or Kendre Miller, who could earn viable weekly roles?
MORE: 2023 Fantasy Player Projections
If we are talking bye-week fillers, why not roll the dice on an upside receiver like Romeo Doubs or one of my favorite values on the board, Donovan Peoples-Jones?
For me, there simply isn’t enough juice to squeeze from Singletary to make it worth your time in redraft leagues in 2023.