Fantasy Football: Houston Texans Week Ten Start 'Em/Sit 'Em

With few exceptions, players on the Texans have been great options in fantasy football almost every week this season, and I've suggested that you start them, but I'm not as high on them this week. The Bears present problems for the Texans on both sides of the ball and if you have decent back up options, I'd consider using them.

Start:

Arian Foster - I'm telling you to start Foster because I believe in the philosophy of never sitting your star players. Good defenses like the Bears will likely prevent him from having a great game, but very few teams have kept him from at least putting up good numbers and you'll hate yourself on Monday if Foster has a big game and he's sitting on your bench. The Bears rank sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (88 yards) and second in rushing touchdowns allowed (only 2 this season); they're a tough matchup for even great running backs. They've allowed only one player to top 100 rushing yards this season (Chris Johnson last week), and are allowing the second lowest fantasy points per game average to opposing running backs. It's a very tough matchup for Foster, but his lowest fantasy point total this year is 14; a total he's capable of repeating this week so keep him active.

Texans Defense - Chicago has a lot of talented weapons on offense, but Jay Cutler can't get those weapons the ball when he's laying on his back. The Bears rank 30th in sacks allowed and 28th in QB hits allowed; J.J. Watt should be foaming at the mouth to get a shot at their offensive line. The Texans rank third in sacks and should be able to put consistent pressure on Jay Cutler, if they do, he's shown to be prone to making mistakes and turning the ball over. I am concerned about Matt Forte, but not enough to put the Texans defense on the bench. They may give up 20 points and lose the game, but they'll still get three to five sacks and a turnover making them a good start.

Owen Daniels - Watch his injury status this weekend, but I believe he'll play and I think he'll have a pretty good game. Daniels has a touchdown in five of his last six games and has gone over 10 fantasy points in four of his last five games. The Bears like to play a lot of cover two and ask their linebackers to cover down the field, Brian Urlacher has lost a step or two and can't cover Daniels at this point in his career. If he plays, keep him active.

Sit:

Matt Schaub - Every team that has faced the Bears this season has turned it over at least twice and Chicago ranks first in turnovers forced with 28 through eight games. The Bears have also only allowed one 300 yard passing game and have intercepted a pass in every game this season. Schaub has done a great job at protecting the ball this season (only four interceptions) and is on pace for just under 4,000 passing yards, but I don't think he's a great start this week. The Bears get a lot of pressure with their front four, they have play makers who force turnovers, and the conditions with the wind and the cold are something Schaub isn't used to playing in much. All this being said, if Charles Tillman doesn't play, Schaub becomes a decent low-end option.

Andre Johnson - Same reasons apply to Andre Johnson. The Bears won't allow much time for Schaub to get him the ball and Charles Tillman is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. If he misses the game, he also becomes a decent low-end option.

Shayne Graham - I believe this game will be low scoring, possibly with neither team going over 20 points. On top of not many points being available, Graham doesn't have the leg to deal with the wind conditions and I wouldn't trust him over 40 yards this week. Put Graham on your bench.

Kevin Walter/Keshawn Martin/Justin Forsett - None of these guys will get enough touches to be worth starting this week.