Fantasy Player Projections

Matt Schaub

Schaub isn't always a QB1 in fantasy; this week he is. The Patriots' defense gives up 279.9 passing yards per game and has allowed 22 touchdowns through the air this season.

Arian Foster

This is no picnic for Foster. The Patriots allow less than 4.0 yards per carry and there is always the possibility that the game tempo on Monday will force Houston to throw more than it cares to.

Justin Forsett

It appears Forsett has taken over the backup spot from Ben Tate. Both will see carries, but Forsett's track record in recent weeks will earn him a healthier portion.

Andre Johnson

Johnson has been targeted 10 or more times in six of his last seven games and is averaging the second most yards per catch (15.1) of any year of his career.

Kevin Walter

Secondary receivers have found success against the Patriots this year, so it's not far-fetched to think Walter could have a big day. At least, a big day for Walter.

Owen Daniels

Daniels had just 43 yards last week, yet led the Texans with 10 targets. He has struggled recently but is not someone fantasy owners should give up on in crunch time.

Shayne Graham

Graham is tied for sixth in scoring (8.6 points per game), a number heavily influenced by the amount of extra points he kicks. Expect more of the same in this shootout.

This is one of the league's best defenses, but it's a unit facing the NFL's most dangerous, fast-paced offense. Consider that fair warning in case Houston falls short of expectations this week.

Tom Brady

MVPs are made in games like this. Brady is coming off one of his worst performances of the year, but he has been hot at home (nine touchdowns, one interception) and often plays his best in the biggest games.

Stevan Ridley

Ridley remains the Patriots' biggest workhorse, although his average per carry in recent weeks is cause for some concern. Also of concern: a Texans run defense giving up just 87.6 yards per game.

Danny Woodhead

Woodhead may actually see a fair amount of carries due to the matchup, but we highly doubt he will see enough action to warrant fantasy consideration. He has touched the ball 10 or more times in just two games this season.

Shane Vereen

Things were looking up for Vereen until Week 13, when he saw just three touches. It's tough to say how Bill Belichick will use the team's top three backs the rest of the season, which is why all three present varying degrees of risk for fantasy owners.

Wes Welker

Few fantasy receivers see as much action as Welker, who is building a strong case for a fat contract this offseason. He currently leads the league in catches and ranks among the top five in targets.

Brandon Lloyd

It seems the Patriots are looking to Lloyd less and less as the season continues, as he saw just one target in Week 13. Lloyd hasn't posted a game with 50 or more yards since Week 6.

Aaron Hernandez

Hernandez didn't miss an offensive snap in last week's contest and saw 13 targets. With Rob Gronkowski still on the sideline, fantasy owners can expect the Patriots to make Hernandez a central part of this week's game plan.

Stephen Gostkowski

With the NFL's top two scoring offenses meeting, expect to see lots of touchdowns. Gostkowski has scored double digit points in eight of his 12 games, but this week he'll fall short while kicking mostly extra points.

The Patriots have the league's best give-take ratio and are within one takeaway of matching Chicago. On the downside, their defense gives up too much ground, and Houston has an offense able to take advantage.