2010 NFL Fantasy Preview: Avoid Houston Texans' Running Backs

As a rookie in 2008, Steve Slaton racked up 1,282 yards on the ground, nine touchdowns, 377 yards receiving, and one receiving touchdown.

The following season, opponents seemed to figured out the 5'9" running back. His yards-per-carry average plummeted to 3.3 and he missed the final five games with a nerve injury in his neck.

To cope with Slaton’s inept running last season, the Texans spread the rushing attack across three other backs: Ryan Moats, Chris Brown, and Adrian Foster.

As any successful fantasy owner knows, running back by committee never equals fantasy success.

When drafting for the 2010 season, stay away from the Houston backfield. The situation is even cloudier than it was at the end of ’09.

Here is a rundown of whom you should avoid and why...

Steve Slaton

With Chris Brown gone, the Texans have four running backs on their depth chart. According to ESPN.com, Slaton currently sits at the top.

Slaton’s durability has been questioned ever since he was at West Virginia.

He didn’t disprove any of those theorists last season. Because of his size, the Texans are going to limit the carries he gets, even if he is the "starter."

They did it already in 2009. Slaton only had one game last season where he had over 20 carries.

What Slaton does have is excellent hands. The Texans and Matt Shaub love to sling the ball, so much so that Slaton actually more receiving yards and more receiving touchdowns in his injury-ridden 2009 season (417 yards, four touchdowns) than his successful 2008 season.

If you are holding your breath and hoping for another 2008 season, proceed with caution. Slaton is going to be used as a third down back during the first couple weeks of the season, at least. If you’re in a 12-team league, draft him for your bench or (if you are desperate) a flex player.

Ben Tate

The rookie Tate comes from a program at Auburn known for producing running back talent. Tate was a workhorse for the Tigers and is expected to run between the tackles more than Slaton.

Tate is big (5'11", 220 pounds) and could see playing time right away, including goal line reps.

Rookie running backs are always trendy picks late in the draft. Who knows?

Even Tate could be the next Steve Slaton and go bonkers for 1,200 yards in his rookie season.

But because of how muddled the running back situation is in Houston, fellow rookies Jahvid Best (Detroit) and C.J. Spiller (Buffalo) continue to get drafted above Tate.

If you are looking for a shiny rookie running back, draft Best or Spiller.

Arian Foster

When Slaton went down late last season, Foster stepped up and put up 216 yards and three touchdowns in the final two games.

However, with Ben Tate’s arrival, Foster has competition for the “between the tackles” back.

Foster is slightly taller than Tate, but offers the same kind of running style: a hard-nosed, down the throat style.

Two games at the end of the season aren’t enough to measure Foster’s durability or consistency, so drafting Foster comes with a big risk already.

Wait until after training camp sorts Foster and Tate out and reassess their value. Until then, let some other schmuck pick them.