Houston Texans Week 10 Fantasy Report

Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) hands off to running back Arian Foster (23) during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Texans won 21-9. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Vital Info

Opponent: Chicago Bears

Location: Soldier Field (Away)

Record: 7-1

Quarterback

While Matt Schaub has been a fantasy star in the pass, it is obvious to all and sundry that the Texans are now set up to be a run heavy offense and if the run game has issues then Schaub doesn’t automatically get good numbers in the passing game. With the Bears playing as solid a run defense as there is, I don’t expect Schaub to do very well in this game since he won’t be able to rely on play action as much – leave him on your bench.

Running Back

There is no doubt that right now Arian Foster is the #1 player in all of fantasy but even he will be hard pushed against the Bears. This is Foster’s worst matchup all season – yet I will still name him a must start based on previous production. If you own him, you start him and hope for the best. Besides, the Bears have got to let up sometime right? Ben Tate is out for this game so if you absolutely must play another Texans RB then Justin Forsett is the guy – but seriously you should run away and hide rather than put Forsett in your starting lineup in any format.

Wide Receiver

If you think Andre Johnson is still an elite fantasy receiver, you’re kidding yourself. In only three games this season has he scored double digit fantasy points and despite his talent AJ can no longer be considered an automatic must-start. This is particularly true against the Bears whose crushing defense has held back many a fantasy star. I consider Johnson a mid to low end WR2. As per usual, you can forget about any other Texans wide receiver.

Tight End

It’s no secret that Houston is a running team but Owen Daniels has quietly been putting up very solid numbers for fantasy owners. This week however there is a serious risk that Daniels will not play – he went into last week’s game with a dodgy hamstring and sustained a hip injury which makes him doubtful to play this week. If you own Daniels, you need to have another option available but because the Texans don’t play until Sunday night you’ll likely need to make a call prior to Sunday kickoffs unless your backup option is Tony Moeaki or Kellen Davis – note I don’t include Heath Miller on that list simply because I recommend playing Miller over Daniels regardless.