Sleeper Of The Week: It Should Be Like Shooting Fish In A Barrel

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 9:30 AM CST in Sponsored Posts

Okay, so last week it looked like I was going to easily romp on my sleeper pick - tight end Joel Dreessen. On the opening drive, Dreessen had two catches for 27 yards (halfway to my prediction of four for 52 yards and a touchdown). Things were looking good for my Vaporubstradamus powers.

However, that pesky meddling duo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate (along with unsung hero Lawrence Vickers) made sure that ol' Matt Schaub would not have to sling the ball around. I guess a real Houston Texans victory will have to make up for missing my third consecutive correct prediction about fake football.

This week's advice for fantasy football is real easy. Of course, I will make you work for it by clicking the jump.

Do you have a Houston Texans skill player? Yes, ~~you are a diehard fan~~ ~~super-homer didn't know what other players had to offer~~ you smartly picked players from a perennial top-ten offense? Good. Now start them. All of them.

Yes, I just said start them all.

"TDC, that's a bold, yet gutless, pick. What do you mean I should start all of my Texans skill players," asks the ever inquisitive Battle Red Blog reader.

I mean, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit 27th in Football Outsiders' team defense DVOA (with a healthy 14.0%) and 29th in terms of raw total yards per game (398.9). For an offense averaging 393.6 YPG with a 20.3% offensive DVOA, it means it should be open season on a statistically poor Bucs defense.

Tampa Bay's giving up 4.9 yards per carry and opposing quarterbacks have a rating of 90.2 against their pass defense (which is 30th in pass defense DVOA). Anyway you slice this defense they are...uh....looking like they will be sliced by the Texans buzzsaw?

Lack of a thesaurus aside, I would feel comfortable playing Matt Schaub, Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen, Arian Foster, and Ben Tate. Wide receivers Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are a little less of slam dunks (even if the DVOA says they should have pretty good games), but this offense looks primed to continue rolling on Sunday - especially if Tampa Bay lives up to its 132.4 rushing yards allowed per game.

Start 'em if you got 'em is what I advise this week, as the Texans offense should outclass the Buccaneer defense...if the stats are to be trusted.

Texans vs Buccaneers coverage | Texans vs Buccaneers preview | Bucs Nation

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Comments

Sounds like there should be

Domination!

Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore

by Chrxtopher on Nov 11, 2011 9:37 AM CST reply actions

Against their defense?

That’s what everything seems to suggest. I didn’t realize how underperforming they’ve been defensively until I saw it. If the Texans offense gets after it then it should be similar to the Cleveland game.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

I didn't realize that, either.

They have some talented pass-rushers. But I suppose they’ve been down in games early for the most part, and teams have just given them a heavy dose of running it up the gut. I’d be very happy to see another pass-happy opening drive en route to a TD, then 35-40 runs over the next three quarters to ice the game.

by Nashmeister on Nov 11, 2011 4:40 PM CST up reply actions

Losing McCoy really hurts them.

Penetrating DTs really disrupt this zone game.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 7:14 PM CST up reply actions

Love me some stats....

Texans roll. 31-14.

2011 Season is the Reason!!!

by TexanSam on Nov 11, 2011 9:37 AM CST reply actions

do you really think they'll score?

maybe a couple of long field goals, no touchdowns.
34-3

Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore

by Chrxtopher on Nov 11, 2011 9:42 AM CST up reply actions

I know you weren't asking me, but I think they will score.

I think Blount will run for a TD and Freeman will pass for one. Plus a field goal on top of that.

Follow Me on Twitter @WhiskeyR9

by WhiskeyR on Nov 11, 2011 9:44 AM CST up reply actions

I believe our defense just keeps on getting better

Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore

by Chrxtopher on Nov 11, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

Me too.

But I still expect them to score.

Follow Me on Twitter @WhiskeyR9

by WhiskeyR on Nov 11, 2011 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Stats aside…little cautious of this one and Carolina.
That said…I have ONE homerfic fantasy league that I was literally laughed at for taking the Texans’ D. (who’s laughing now, bitches? Leading my divison). I also have a RED sideline Johnson T-shirt that I have killed with at the casino every time I have worn it. Being that it’s 11-11-11 – I am going to double down on everything I have been doing because it is obviously helping the Texans win in real life. You’re welcome.

"Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice."

by CTacc on Nov 11, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions

I highly enjoyed seeing Leinart getting excited at Schaub's TD...

It’s good seeing our back-up still feel like he’s an important part of the team and get excited. Glad we kept the kid around.

by Bennyscrap on Nov 11, 2011 9:45 AM CST reply actions

Rice girls agree.

by anthonymgarcia on Nov 11, 2011 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

Are you kidding?!

Clearly Leinart is trying to hurt Schaub in that picture. Look at his elbow jamming into his chest.

*sarcasm

Matt Schwab, Mary O' Williams, Adrian Foster, and Daniel Owens are my favorite Texans!

by MeSoLongHorny on Nov 11, 2011 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

Trying to Rub Some of Shob's Rushing Awesomeness

onto himself would be my guess.

by SuperSerial on Nov 12, 2011 1:31 AM CST up reply actions

Nimbly...

'Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.' -Frank Herbert

by chuckiepoo on Nov 12, 2011 8:27 AM CST up reply actions

Should I start the Texans D?

I’m going to anyway because I have all year and except for a couple of poor games they have produced well for me.

I do have Jacoby but to start him I would have to bench either Jeremy Maclin or Pierre Garcon. Thought about benching Garcon but I can very easily see us having the exact same type of game offensively that we had against the Browns, i.e. run run run run run pass run run run run! Ha!

Texans 32, Bucs 9

by Mikus318 on Nov 11, 2011 10:20 AM CST reply actions

I would

The defense gets after the quarterback and has gotten at least one takeaway in every game.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

do you get points

For the punt returns? Because he should see plenty of those!

by CJ3m on Nov 11, 2011 10:50 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

I'm starting the Texans D and Ben Tate

I wish I had Foster but he was drafted one spot ahead of me

Follow me on twitter: @Super_Stud2100

by Antho10000 on Nov 11, 2011 10:49 AM CST reply actions

COLIN COWHERD

Said yesterday that schaub, coming off his lowest passing game of the year, and the texans will lose in tb. Funny how he forgot to mention the 200 gazillion rushing yards by foster and tate. Why pass when you don’t have to you IDIOT!!!!!! But, you know, he works for espn so that means he’s a genius. SIT EVERYBODY!!!!!

by HTown80 on Nov 11, 2011 11:06 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Colin Cowherd is a poor man's Skip Bayless

He tries to troll, but he’s not as effective at it as the professional troll, Skip Bayless.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 11:22 AM CST up reply actions

Bayless is not just a troll

he’s a moron too. first take lacks brains period.
Colin Cowturd can suck a nutt also.

Beer, it's not just for breakfast anymore

by Chrxtopher on Nov 11, 2011 11:42 AM CST up reply actions

If Cowherd thinks we're going to lose

I suddenly feel much better

by Vega on Nov 11, 2011 12:55 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

colin

I beginning to think that his sole purpose is to be made fun of by Michelle Beadle.

by mckraut on Nov 11, 2011 1:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

You guys have to watch this...

This was from a Browns fan Sunday after the loss to the Texans…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRBDMMVctu8&feature=youtu.be

by majorpecs on Nov 11, 2011 11:09 AM CST reply actions 3 recs

Haha! That guy has some talent to communicate and a good amount of passion.

Reminds me of a Texans fan of days gone by.

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover."

by Rip Jersey on Nov 11, 2011 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

RIP I made the very same comment when I saw this on Facebook earlier this week.

Our football, who art in Houston, Texans be thy name. Thy wins will come, this will be done at Reliant and on the road. Give us this year our winning season, and forgive us for our penalties, as we forgive those who false start against us. And lead us not into overtime but deliver us a Superbowl !! ~TheNightOwl

by SteelBlueUSMC on Nov 11, 2011 11:34 AM CST up reply actions

I've been passing this around to a lot of people lately

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."

by The Night Owl on Nov 11, 2011 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

THAT was amazingly entertaining...

“I’ll see you Sunday…” My heart went out… I know that feeling…

On the other hand… “SCOREBOARD BITCHES!!!!”

"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim." - George Santayana

by DilloTex on Nov 11, 2011 1:09 PM CST up reply actions

Browns Fans

Living in Akron, I have HUGE respect for Browns fans that have stuck by their team! I started to care about them in the years between Oilers-Texans, and think of them as the Texans Sister-Team. I’m glad our team has progressed further than the CB, but our history is very similar.

by mckraut on Nov 11, 2011 2:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

well done brown's fan

Well done

by HTown80 on Nov 11, 2011 2:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Picture

I have more respect for Matt Leinart.
What a smart guy, spend the year is sucky seattle, or just ride the bench and celebrate the season.

The Texan Floater, you wanna flush it but you can't.
Wade Aid Is the Best Drink in the League.
"Wade aid has lean in it, just saying"
Whitest, I ment Meanest Front Seven in Football.

by WreckNTexan on Nov 11, 2011 11:54 AM CST reply actions

If the Texans get to the Super Bowl, is there any way that Kubes will insert him into the lineup and get him some playing time?

wouldn’t that be something

"All our lives we're taught to get in line. The ones who conform never discover."

by Rip Jersey on Nov 11, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions

Look at what this specimen wrote

This guy make my blood boil… left him a nice little note.. You should too

by CostaRica Texans on Nov 11, 2011 12:11 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Link here

by CostaRica Texans on Nov 11, 2011 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

Totally off topic but...

I’ve been seeing around the game, here and there, black Johnson and Foster jerseys. My dad noticed them, and I’d really like to get him one for Christmas. Anyone know where you find these? The interwebs are failing me.

by Andres_Johnson on Nov 11, 2011 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Oh, and...

20-13. I’m not putting this one down as a win just yet. I think it’ll end up being fairly close. Hope I’m wrong. It is a little hard to worry too much about a homefield advantage when they’ve had 1 game not blacked out in the last 2 years.

by Andres_Johnson on Nov 11, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

They have them at Foot Locker

or at least they do at the one at Baybrook Mall

by dhigs11 on Nov 11, 2011 6:30 PM CST up reply actions

Good advice - start em all

This should be a really fun game to watch

"The greatest danger in planning for tomorrow is using yesterdays logic."
Marc Kahlberg
"Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them." - George Orwell

by Barryfromtexas on Nov 11, 2011 12:16 PM CST reply actions

The Texans are the better team

no doubt, but any road game is tough, especially against a team fighting for relevancy.

How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34

by ak2themax on Nov 11, 2011 12:19 PM CST reply actions

Andre is out this week.

Bring back Aaron Brooks! He's the only one who can save us from the evil that is Drew Brees!!
Dallas’ misery will always be my delight
-TexansDC

by Jon Banks on Nov 11, 2011 12:43 PM CST reply actions

gregg rosenthal
Andre Johnson will remain out through bye wp.me/p14QSB-Hhe

Bring back Aaron Brooks! He's the only one who can save us from the evil that is Drew Brees!!
Dallas’ misery will always be my delight
-TexansDC

by Jon Banks on Nov 11, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Welp, we're doomed.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

27-14 Texans

It’s gonna be another week of ground and pound. Vickers is in his pancaking groove, Foster is finally “in football shape,” and Tate is punishing would-be tacklers. This won’t even be a contest.

Swat and swim, dip and rip, twist and spin; just do whacha gotta do to light up that QB.

by swikky on Nov 11, 2011 12:59 PM CST reply actions

my prediction? paaaiiinnn....

for the bucs. sunshine and senioritas for the good guys. why? because bitches love winners.
27-13

Im looking for divine and a lttle intervention
And birds dont fly without my permission
Im prolly in the sky, flyin with the fishes
Or maybe in the ocean, swimmin with the pigeons
See my world is different, like Dwayne Wayne
And if you want problem Bit#h, i want the same thang

by F-BombTheJets on Nov 11, 2011 1:29 PM CST reply actions

hmm

I will start Arian Foster no brainer, Owen Daniels, and thinking about starting Ben Tate in my flex position..

by trex76 on Nov 11, 2011 2:10 PM CST reply actions

I'd start Tate.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Nov 11, 2011 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

I also would start Tate

If this game works out how it should work out, then they’ll both get theirs. Never can predict how the TDs will split, but unless you are just overflowing with RB talent, Tate’s yardage should get you solid FPs

by Andres_Johnson on Nov 11, 2011 3:20 PM CST up reply actions

yahoo

has him at 4 pts for this weekend, I have him slotted for at least 13

"Taco Joe - the beacon of optimism" TexansDC
THEREALALLENOU: "@Joeeatstacos... You're like the second testicle to my Tom green. I dont NEED you, but life is better when your around lol"
AllenOU is the Montgomery to my Patton
God blessed Texas, but he has forsaken the Texans
Follow @Joeeatstacos

by Taco Joe on Nov 11, 2011 6:55 PM CST up reply actions

ESPN puts him at 5.

Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.

by Jonathan Fosburgh on Nov 11, 2011 11:16 PM CST up reply actions

Got Tate and OD.

If I had the option, I would add Dreessen.

Dallas Cowboys, all hat and no cattle since 1996.

by Jonathan Fosburgh on Nov 11, 2011 3:48 PM CST up reply actions

so...

last week i hit up the “Erin the fantasy girl” on twitter, asking her if i should start Tate over McCoy.. and she said yes. good thing i “arthur spooner’ed” her ass and did the opposite! moral of the story?
always go with your gut.

Michael: The feeling that you're feeling is what many of us call...a feeling.
Gob: It's not like envy, or even hungry...

Follow @doobieman21

by chrisd21 on Nov 11, 2011 2:12 PM CST reply actions