Week 8 – Rob Housler vs. Philadelphia
Rob Housler has outplayed rookie Troy Niklas so far this season, but he’s still second on the depth chart behind John Carlson and he only had one catch for seven yards last week in a win over the Raiders. Housler doesn’t seem likely to suddenly expand his role in the offense, and until that happens, he has virtually no fantasy value.
Week 7 – Rob Housler vs. Oakland
Rob Housler had two catches and 15 yards last week against Washington, but there’s no reason to expect his production to increase moving forward. He remains behind John Carlson in the starting lineup and he’s battling for the second spot with rookie Troy Niklas. Fantasy owners should leave Housler on waivers.
Week 3 – Rob Housler vs. San Francisco
Rob Housler was beat out for the starting job and now looks to be losing the backup job to rookie Troy Niklas. Housler played last week, but failed to catch a pass and he does not look to be a valid fantasy option for owners in any league. Housler used to be a trendy pick as a breakout candidate, but what a difference a year makes. Housler isn’t worth rostering right now and his already minimal value looks to only be decreasing.
Week 2 – Rob Housler vs. New York Giants
Rob Housler had only one catch and 16 yards last week in a win over the San Diego Chargers. The athletic Housler has failed to distinguish himself over newcomer and starter John Carlson and until he shows he can put up some consistent production, there’s no reason for fantasy owners to have Housler on a roster.
Week 1 – Rob Housler vs. San Diego
The athletic Rob Housler was supposed to be a breakout candidate last season, but wound up injured to start the year, and then struggled to win his starting job back. This season brings more of the same, as Housler failed to beat out veteran John Carlson for the job and he’ll likely be splitting targets with rookie Troy Niklas as well. Until he proves he’s ready to take over as the main guy, he’s not worth having on a fantasy roster.
Fantasy Upside
While newcomer John Carlson is a better and more versatile answer to the Cardinals overall situation at tight end, Athlon Sports reports that some inside the organization still think Rob Housler has more to offer from a physical standpoint. Housler was the Cardinals’ leading pass catcher among tight ends in 2013, hauling in 39 receptions for 454 yards and one TD in 13 games. He was targeted 57 times -- about four times per contest. The Cardinals’ three most-targeted players in 2013 were all wide receivers: Larry Fitzgerald (134 targets), Michael Floyd (112), Andre Roberts (76).
Fantasy Downside
Housler's biggest weakness is as a blocker. So how does HC Bruce Arians view a tight end’s job responsibilities? “The tight end for me, I’m old school. You’ve got to block first and catch passes,” Arians said earlier this year. The coach means it.
Bottom Line
Despite the widely-held view that Housler is capable of more, sounds like Arians isn't as interested in the position as the rest of us. In fact, some believe if Jake Ballard hadn't retired earlier this summer that Housler wouldn't be on the roster.
