Ben Tate: Projecting Texans RB's Fantasy Numbers vs. Saints

Running back Arian Foster of the Houston Texans has been deactivated for today's game with the New Orleans Saints. With both the first overall selection in many fantasy drafts and reserve running back Derrick Ward sidelined for Sunday's tilt in the Superdome it will be second year running back Ben Tate who will once again be called upon to carry the water in the Houston ground game.

Tate has performed well in relief of Foster to this point in the season, averaging nearly 110 yards per game on the ground, scoring one touchdown, and pacing a rushing attack that is fifth in the National Football league through two games.

Houston squares off today against a New Orleans defense that has been fairly stout statistically against the run to this point in the season, ranking seventh in the NFL in that category. That may be as much a function of the Saints offense forcing teams to abandon the run game to keep up as it is a reflection of their defensive personnel.

Also, New Orleans starting middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma has been ruled out for today's game with a knee injury, leaving the Saints without their defensive captain, forcing them to start journeyman Jo-Lonn Dunbar in his stead, and potentially weakening the middle of the New Orleans defense and leaving additional room to run between the tackles.

In a game that could feature plenty of offensive fireworks one has to think that the Houston Texans will try to establish the run both to control time of possession and to keep Drew Brees and the Saints offense off the field, which should afford Ben Tate ample opportunities for a solid statistical outing.

Arian Foster's fantasy owners certainly aren't happy that their first round pick is still sitting on the shelf, but those lucky or prescient enough to handcuff Ben Tate, as well as fantasy owners who scooped him up late in fantasy drafts this past summer, should be relatively pleased with Tate's fantasy output by the time all is said and done.

Projection: 23 carries, 104 yards, one touchdown, three receptions, 22 yards