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Fantasy Football: Texans Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Week 13

Are Foster and Johnson still must-starts?

Start

Arian Foster- It's a bad match-up. The Falcons rank 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and they'll likely stack the box all game with the Texans starting TJ Yates. However, the Texans will look to limit Yates passing attempts and that means probably 25 carries for Foster, not to mention Yates will probably look to check the ball down to Foster quite a bit when they do pass. Remember, rushing average doesn't count in fantasy; 65 yards and a touchdown is still great even if it comes with a 3.4 rushing average. He won't have 200 total yards like he did vs. the Titans, but I expect a solid 12 fantasy points; never sit your stars.

Andre Johnson - The Falcons rank 24th against the pass, this should be a great match-up for Johnson, but you obviously know why some might sit him. His 2 catch, 22 yard game last week likely didn't encourage his owners, but know he was still working his way back into shape, and Kubiak refused to pass in the 2nd half for fear of Yates getting hurt. I expect the Texans to open up the passing game a little bit for Yates not only because the Falcons struggle to stop the pass, but also to back off the defenders and open lanes for the run. Bottom line, he's a great receiver and you should always start your stars; I'm starting him in my league.

Texans Defense - The Texans rank second in the NFL in points allowed with 16.3 points per game, are 1st in yards allowed at 268 yards per game, and haven't given up more than 14 points to the opposing team since Week 6 at Baltimore. On top of that the Texans rank 2nd in sacks, are tied for 6th in interceptions, and have forced 8 fumbles; they're an elite fantasy unit. To the matchup this week, Julio Jones and Michael Turnerare questionable, if they miss the game, the Texans value this week sky-rockets. So far this season the Falcons o-line ranks 14th in sacks allowed and 19th in QB hits allowed; I believe Barwin and Reed will be all over Ryan. Looking at Matt Ryan, at home Ryan is averaging 242 yards per game, with a 63.5% completion rate, a 94.9 QB rating, and 12 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. On the road, Ryan is averaging more yards with 286 yards per game, but his completion percentage (61.3%), QB rating (83.5), and TD/INT mark (6 TD/5 INT) are all worse. I believe the Texans are a great play this week.

Sit

TJ Yates - He's a 5th round rookie in his first ever NFL start...enough said.

Ben Tate - I believe due to getting the lions share of the carries and targets, Foster is still a good play. For Tate, against an elite rush defense, I don't believe a back-up is a good start. Tate has had a fantastic year, but sit him this week.

Owen Daniels - Each week I think it's his week to break-out, each week I'm wrong. Daniels hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 4 vs. the Steelers and hasn't reached 80 yards receiving since Week 5 vs. the Raiders; that's quite a draught. Conventional wisdom would say that an inexperienced QB would look to his tight end often as a safety valve, but that didn't happen last week. I hate to say it, but sit Daniels until he proves he deserves to start.

Neil Rackers - If Yates is awful, there's a chance Rackers will have very few opportunities. I don't think that'll happen, but it's a good week to consider another option until you see what Yates can do.

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