Fantasy Football: Texans Week Fourteen Start 'Em/Sit 'Em

Start:

Arian Foster - He had a rare down game last week against Tennessee, but still managed 53 total yards and a touchdown; good enough for 11.3 points. Even in his worst game, he manages to produce starting quality numbers. The Patriots rank ninth in rushing yards allowed and eighth in yards per carry allowed (3.9); I don't expect Foster to have a huge game. Vince Wilfork is one of the best interior defensive lineman in the league and is capable of penetrating the line and blowing up running plays in the backfield. The Patriots also have good, athletic linebackers with Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, and Dont'a Hightower who set the edge well on the zone stretch and rally to stop the run for a short gain. Don't expect Foster to explode for 125 yards and two touchdowns, but at his worst he'll get to 60 yards and a touchdown; he's a must start every week.

Matt Schaub - The Patriots are much weaker against the pass much like last season. Overall the Patriots rank 29th in passing yards allowed, 26th in passing touchdowns allowed, and have given up over 300 yards passing to every decent quarterback they've faced. Despite facing a lot of bad quarterbacks with games against Miami (2), Arizona, the Jets (2), Tennessee, and St. Louis; the Patriots still rank as one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The one pro bowl level quarterback they've played so far (Peyton Manning), threw for 337 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. On the season, the Patriots rank 22nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks; you should start Schaub unless your other quarterback is one of the elite (Rodgers, Brady, Brees).

Andre Johnson - As mentioned above, the Patriots have struggled against the pass this season; they rank 27th this season in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Before being shut out in the second half last week, Johnson had been on a hot streak. Expect him to get a ton of targets this week and have a big game; keep him active.

Owen Daniels - The veteran tight end was putting up big numbers during the first half of the season, but has slowed down since missing the Bears game with a back injury. However only the Redskins have allowed more receptions to tight ends this season than have the Patriots, so I would keep Daniels active this week.

Sit:

Texans Defense - I've advised you to start them almost every week and they've almost always come through with a solid game, but I feel very confident in telling you to bench them this week. The Patriots rank in the top ten in passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and fewest turnovers. I've praised the Texans all year for being well balanced on offense and being hard to stop because of how many weapons they have; the Patriots have them beat in that area. The Patriots don't move the ball with the big plays as much, but can consistently pick up four to five yards on seemingly every play and have the best third down conversion percentage in the league.

Shayne Graham - He's performed well recently with an average of 9.5 points per game over his last four, but I still don't trust him. Call it a gut feeling, but in the cold and an open stadium; I'd consider other options. His leg just isn't strong enough or reliable enough.

Kevin Walter/Ben Tate/Keshawn Martin - None of these guys consistently get enough touches to warrant even owning much less starting.

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