Week 7 at Miami
After missing the past two games with a hamstring injury, Nate Washington will be back against Miami. It's good timing for Nate, as fellow WR Cecil Shorts is out with his own hamstring problems. While DeAndre Hopkins is the clear No. 1 WR for the Texans, Washington should get a decent amount of looks from Brian Hoyer and could be a used as a spot start against a Dolphins defense allowing 379 total yards per game.
Week 6 at Jacksonville
Nate Washington missed last week’s home contest versus the Colts due to a sore hamstring. He is questionable to be back on Sunday at Jacksonville and, if healthy, should be considered a WR3/flex play with Brian Hoyer at QB and a Jaguars D that is No. 21 against the pass.
Week 5 vs. Indianapolis
Nate Washington was not targeted before suffering a hamstring injury against the Falcons on Sunday. With the short week, there's a good chance he'll miss the game on Thursday night. Indianapolis has had problems versus the pass, so be sure to monitor Washington's status before game time.
Week 4 at Atlanta
Ryan Mallett threw the ball 39 times in the win over Tampa Bay last Sunday, with nine of those passes going in the direction of Nate Washington. The veteran finished with four receptions for 42 yards, his lowest yardage total of the season. All three of the Houston WR touchdowns belong to DeAndre Hopkins, however. At Atlanta this week, Washington makes for at best a WR3/flex start.
Week 3 vs. Tampa Bay
For the second straight game, Nate Washington led the Texans is receiving yards. Last week versus the Panthers, he caught three passes for 63 yards. While Cecil Shorts and DeAndre Hopkins received more looks, Nate made the most of his opportunities, benefitting from a 48-yard grab. Ryan Mallett put the ball in the air 58 times, as Houston's rally came up just short. The veteran hasn’t been in the end zone yet, but he’ll be facing a Bucs secondary that has already allowed five TD passes this season. If Hopkins is out due to a concussion, Washington could be a sneaky start.
Week 2 vs. Carolina
In his Texans debut, Nate Washington led the team with 105 yards, including a 32-yard catch. He was targeted 11 times by Houston QBs and collected six receptions, while DeAndre Hopkins led the club with nine grabs and had both of the scores. After falling behind early, the Texans threw the ball 47 times total, which definitely is not what they were hoping for. Even without Arian Foster, this is a run-first offense, so don’t expect another big game from Washington, especially facing a stout Carolina D.
Week 1 vs. Kansas City
Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts will both see action opposite of DeAndre Hopkins to start the season. However, Hopkins will likely see most of QB Brian Hoyer's targets, so there is no reason for Washington be in your starting lineup for the opener.
Fantasy Upside
The Texans signed Nate Washington this offseason. Washington spent six seasons with the Titans, culminating with 40 catches for 647 yards and two touchdowns while making 11 starts for the team in 2014. Those numbers are in line with his usual production in Tennessee, outside of the 74-catch, 1,023-yard season in 2011 that stands as Washington's most productive NFL season.
Fantasy Downside
The veteran received a one-year deal worth $1 million with $30,000 in guaranteed money, which doesn't leave the Texans with much reason to hold onto Washington should the 31-year-old look unable to help the team.
Bottom Line
Washington gives the team another veteran wideout to battle for playing time with rookie Jaelen Strong as the winner gets to line up alongside DeAndre Hopkins. Houston also signed ex-Jaguar Cecil Shorts this offseason while losing Andre Johnson to the Colts. Even if Washington opens the season in the top-three rotation, spending fantasy draft capital on him seems unnecessary; wait to see what he might be capable of before investing.
Nate Washington Week 17 vs. Colts
A week after catching six passes for 102 yards, Nate Washington had two grabs for 18 yards. That's not what you're looking for in terms of consistent fantasy production. This also isn't a great matchup. While the Colts have given up 26 passing TDs, just seven have come at home.
Nate Washington Week 16 vs. Jaguars
Nate Washington had a season-high 6 catches for 102 yards last week but now faces a Jacksonville defense that has been very good in the second half of this season. Washington is the best bet among the Titans' receivers and should be OK to use as a low-end No. 3 receiver.
