Texans | Sign Deji Karim

Source: Footballguys.com

The Houston Texans signed RB Deji Karim (Colts) Tuesday, May 14. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Our View: Karim runs with a low center of gravity and can change direction without losing much speed. He gives the Texans veteran depth behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate, plus he can help out on special teams.

The Roto Arcade Fantasy Football Mock, RDs 7-8

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

SEE ROUNDS 1-2 HERE

SEE ROUNDS 3-4 HERE

SEE ROUNDS 4-5 HERE

ROUND 7

Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers (PK73, RB28) – Everyone saw what a monster he was at the collegiate level, averaging 6.8 YPC

Ben Tate - Texans expecting more from RB Tate

Source: The Huddle

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said the team expects a lot more from RB Ben Tate next season. Tate struggled with injuries and finished with 279 yards this past season.
Huddle Up: The numbers for the Houston running game were down as a whole, and Tate played a major role in that as his yards fell from 942 to 279. He needs to be more of a factor to keep starter Arian Foster fresher.

Texans HC Gary Kubiak says he expects 'a lot more' out of RB Ben Tate

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Ben Tate's successful 2011 campaign was all but forgotten by the time his injury-marred 2012 season was complete. He was limited to just 11 games and 279 rushing yards because of toe and hamstring injuries. That's why Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday that he is expecting quot;a lot more" out of Tate in his fourth season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The hamstring pull cropped up just as Tate was getting over his toe injury, and you could sense through the media that Kubiak was getting a little frustrated with Tate's inability to stay on the field. Don't forget that he also broke his ankle as a rookie during the 2010 preseason. If Tate can remain healthy, he has proven that he can be a very useful bye-week fill-in, or a flex starter in more

Texans | Would like to get Ben Tate more involved

Source: Footballguys.com

The Houston Texans would like RB Ben Tate to handle more carries next season. RB Arian Foster would still receive a majority of the carries.

Texans | Ben Tate set back this year by injuries

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said the biggest problem RB Ben Tate (foot) has been injuries. Kubiak said Tate has had his good moments, but has been set back by injuries.

Texans | Eight listed as probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans QB T.J. Yates (elbow), RB Justin Forsett (knee), RB Ben Tate (foot), TE Garrett Graham (concussion), LB Brooks Reed (groin), CB Johnathan Joseph (illness), SS Shiloh Keo (ankle) and SS Glover Quin (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 11, and are listed as probable for the Divisional Round playoff game.

Texans | Seven fully practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Justin Forsett (knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (illness), S Shiloh Keo (ankle), SS Glover Quin (Shoulder), LB Brooks Reed (groin), RB Ben Tate (foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) all fully participated in practice Thursday, Jan. 10.

Early Top 200 for the 2013 Fantasy Football Season

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by FFAdvantage

Here’s an early look at my Top 200 for the 2013 fantasy football season. There are a number of factors that will certainly be changing over the next several months so expect to see big changes. Use the comments section at the bottom of this article to tell me where you agree or disagree.

2013 Top 200

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Arian Foster

3. Calvin Johnson

4. CJ Spiller

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Ray Rice

7. Jamaal Charles

8. Doug Martin

9. Aaron Rodgers

10. Tom Brady

11. AJ Green

12. LeSean McCoy

13. Trent Richardson

14. Drew Brees

15.

Texans | Seven practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Justin Forsett (knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (illness), S Shiloh Keo (ankle), SS Glover Quin (shoulder), LB Brooks Reed (groin), RB Ben Tate (foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) practiced in full Wednesday, Jan. 9.

2012 Divisional Playoff Rankings

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Den) Tom Brady (NE) Russell Wilson (Sea) Matt Ryan Matt Schaub (Hou) Colin Kaepernick Aaron Rodgers (GB) Joe Flacco Running Backs Marshawn Lynch (Sea) Knowshon Moreno (Den) Frank Gore (SF) Arian Foster (Hou) Ray Rice (Bal) Steven Ridley (NE) Michael Turner (Atl) Dujuan Harris (GB) Danny Woodhead (NE) Jacquizz Rodgers Bernard Pierce (Bal) Ben Tate (Hou) Ryan Grant (GB) Wide Receivers Demaryius Thomas (Den) Wes Welker (NE) Eric Decker (Den) Julio Jones (Atl) Michael Crabtree (SF) Andre Johnson (Hou) Roddy White (Atl) Randall Cobb (GB) Sidney Rice (Sea) Greg Jennings (GB) Anquann Boldin (Bal) Golden Tate (Sea) Brandon Stockley

Texans | 13 probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans DB Alan Ball (foot), DT Shaun Cody (back), T Derek Newton (knee), LB Brooks Reed (groin), G Wade Smith (knee) and DE Antonio D. Smith (ankle) all were limited in practice Friday, Jan. 4, and are probable for the team's Wild Card game. FB James Casey (knee), FB Tyler Clutts (abdominal), RB Justin Forsett (knee), S Shiloh Keo (ankle), WR DeVier Posey (foot), RB Ben Tate (foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) all fully practiced and are probable.

Texans | Six take part in full practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans FB Tyler Clutts (abdominal), RB Justin Forsett (knee), SS Shiloh Keo (ankle), WR DeVier Posey (foot), RB Ben Tate (foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) were each able to take part in a full practice session Wednesday, Jan. 2.

2012 Playoff Rankings – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

The NFL Playoffs are now set after 17 grueling weeks of play! There are a ton of story lines to follow. Among the more intriguing are three rookie quarterbacks, one of whom is guaranteed to win a playoff game in their first year; a second year quarterback who took over in week ten; a Colt’s team who went from worst last year to a playoff team this year, riding an emotional high after the return of their head coach from a successful bout against leukemia; and a team that went from the favorite for a first round bye to the number three seed in a few short weeks.

These are the overall rankings for the playoffs. Some formats require you to choose from all the teams in the playoffs, others allow you to go week to week. These

2012 Wild Card Weekend – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks Russell Wilson (SEA) Aaron Rodgers (GB) Robert Griffin III (WAS) Andrew Luck (IND) Joe Flacco (BAL) Andy Dalton (CIN) Matt Schaub (HOU) Christian Ponder (MIN) Running Backs Ray Rice (BAL) Adrian Peterson (MIN) Arian Foster (HOU) Marshawn Lynch (SEA) Alfred Morris (WAS) Benjarvus Green-Ellis (CIN) Vick Ballard (IND) DuJuan Harris (GB) Ben Tate (HOU) Ryan Grant (GB) Bernard Pierce (BAL) Brian Leonard (CIN) Wide Receivers Anquan Boldin (BAL) AJ Green (CIN) Andre Johnson (HOU) Greg Jennings (GB) Reggie Wayne (IND) Torrey Smith (BAL) T.Y. Hilton (IND) Jordy Nelson (GB) Sidney Rice (SEA) James Jones (GB) Pierre Garcon (WAS) Golden Tate (SEA) Marvin Jones

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for NFL playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Definitely not recommended. Poor strategy, requiring a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, I'm doing it today. My first fantasy playoff draft is coming up in just a few short hours, and I'm publishing ranks in advance. (Again: Unwise). Obviously I'd prefer to post this thing much later in the afternoon, after the draft, but my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off eight-and-a-half hours to watch the Big Ten get mauled across five bowl games. The conference requires my full attention. So let's just rank the NFL playoff field right

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for 2013 playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish up-to-date player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Not recommended. This requires a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, today you're getting my NFL playoff ranks just a few hours before my first postseason draft of 2013. I'd prefer to publish this thing much later in the afternoon, post-draft, but unfortunately my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off most of the day to watch the Big Ten get mauled for eight-and-a-half hours, across five games. So let's just rank the field right now.

But first, a few details about league settings...

My upcoming draft is a

Texans | 16 probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans DT Shaun Cody (back), LB Tim Dobbins (shoulder), OT Derek Newton (knee), DE Antonio D. Smith (ankle), OG Wade Smith (knee, ribs), LB Connor Barwin (back, elbow0, FB Tyler Clutts (abdomen), DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (groin, quadriceps), S Eddie Pleasant (hamstring), S Glover Quin (hip), LB Darryl Sharpton (toe), RB Ben Tate (hamstring), DE J.J. Watt (chest) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) are probable for Week 17. Dobbins, Newton and both Smiths were limited in practice Friday, Dec. 28, while the others practiced in full.

Texans | 10 practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans LB Connor Barwin (back, elbow), FB Tyler Clutts (abdomen), DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (groin, quadriceps), S Eddie Pleasant (hamstring), S Glover Quin (hip), LB Darryl Sharpton (toe), RB Ben Tate (hamstring) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 27.

Texans | 10 practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans LB Connor Barwin (back, elbow), FB Tyler Clutts (abdominal), DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (groin, quadriceps), S Eddie Pleasant (hamstring), S Glover Quin (hip), LB Darryl Sharpton (toe), RB Ben Tate (hamstring) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) practiced in full Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Exit Interview: 2012, the year we all bowed down to the Purple Jesus

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

In a year where quarterbacks were consistently front page news, most rushing attacks took a back seat, further damaging the position's once sterling reputation. Though new points sources emerged (e.g. Alfred Morris, Doug Martin and Trent Richardson) and Adrian Peterson, less than a year from major reconstructive knee surgery, posted the greatest single season, regardless of position, in NFL history,  RBs collectively suffered yet again.  Just 12 rushers averaged 12.0 fantasy points or better, down from 16 in 2012 and 17 in 2011. Suffice it to say, with certified workhorses the lone exception, RB remains a position in transition. Below is our recap of this season's RB

Arian Foster had an irregular heartbeat

Source: Draft Sharks

Texans HC Gary Kubiak revealed that RB Arian Foster was pulled from Sunday's game with an irregular heartbeat.  Kubiak added that Foster was "doing fine," and that he was taken out as a precaution.  It'll still be a situation to monitor though.  Owners playing in Week 17 should add RB Ben Tate.  With their loss to Minnesota on Sunday, the Texans still need to win next weekend's game against the Colts to clinch the #1 seed in the AFC.

Texans | 16 probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans LB Bryan Braman (knee), FB Tyler Clutts (abdominal), DT Shaun Cody (back), DE Jared Crick (neck), LB Tim Dobbins (shoulder, thumb), RB Justin Forsett (knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (groin), OT Derek Newton (knee), SS Glover Quin (hip), LB Brooks Reed (groin), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), LB Darryl Sharpton (toe), DE Antonio D. Smith (ankle), OG Wade Smith (knee, ribs), RB Ben Tate (hamstring, foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) are probable for Week 16. Braman, Clutts, Crick, Forsett, Ruud, Tate and Yates practiced in full Friday, Dec. 21, while the others were limited.

Texans | Seven practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans LB Bryan Braman (knee), RB Tyler Clutts (abdominal), DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), RB Ben Tate (hamstring, foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 20.

Texans | Seven practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans LB Bryan Braman (knee), RB Tyler Clutts (abdominal), DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), RB Ben Tate (hamstring, foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) practiced in full Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Texans | 10 practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), TE Garrett Graham (concussion), LB Bradie James (knee), WR Lestar Jean (knee, back), LB Whitney Mercilus (knee), DT Earl Mitchell (shoulder), LB Jesse Nading (foot), RB Ben Tate (hamstring, foot) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) practiced in full Thursday, Dec. 13.

Texans | Seven limited

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans DT Shaun Cody (ribs, back), LB Tim Dobbins (shoulder), CB Johnathan Joseph (groin), OT Derek Newton (knee), DE Antonio D. Smith (ankle), OG Wade Smith (knee, ribs) and RB Ben Tate (hamstring, foot) were limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Ben Tate "close" to regaining #2 duties

Source: Draft Sharks

Texans HC Gary Kubiak says RB Ben Tate is "close" to regaining the #2 spot on the depth chart.  He looked 100% healthy against the Patriots on Monday night, rushing 8 times for 46 yards.  If RB Arian Foster went down -- or if Houston decides to rest him in Week 17 -- Tate would be a better fantasy play than RB Justin Forsett.

Texans | Ben Tate close to returning

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said RB Ben Tate (hamstring) is close to returning from his hamstring injury. Our View: The team is unlikely to cut the touches for Foster until they play in week 17 (if at all). Tate is a handcuff option for Foster owners, but Justin Forsett will also get worked into the rotation as well. In case of a Foster injury we think Tate could carry most of the load with Forsett serving as a change of pace.

Shuffle Up: Bryce Brown saves the day

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

You probably have a good sense of how your running back depth chart stacks up for the remainder of the fantasy season, but if you want another opinion, click through below. Here's how I'd arrange the running back board if I were drafting right this second, from scratch.

Again, these are not Week 14 ranks . . . they're Week 14-16 ranks. You probably know the drill by now, gamer.

One assumption I'm making with this exercise: I don't think Shady McCoy plays again in 2012. I also don't think there's anything fluky about Bryce Brown: he's quick, he's powerful, and he's making things work despite a patchwork Philadelphia offensive line. He needs to get a hold on the fumbling problem, but otherwise, he's

Texans | Ben Tate probable for MNF

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Saturday, Dec. 8, and he is considered probable for the Week 14 game against the New England Patriots Monday, Dec. 10.

Texans | Eight players fully practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans QB T.J. Yates (elbow), RB Ben Tate (hamstring), WR Lestar Jean (knee), WR DeVier Posey (hamstring, knee), OG Antoine Caldwell (hamstring), DE Jared Crick (neck), LB Whitney Mercilus (hip) and LB Jesse Nading (foot) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 7.

Texans | Seven players fully practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans QB T.J. Yates (elbow), RB Ben Tate (hamstring), WR Lestar Jean (knee), WR DeVier Posey (hamstring, knee), DE Jared Crick (neck), LB Whitney Mercilus (hip) and LB Jesse Nading (foot) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 6.

Week 14 – Waiver Wire Pickups

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Jeff Hanisch / USA TODAY Sports

At this point in the season any running back help is a good thing. When you have a chance to pickup a running back that could see a feature back role, it’s even more important to give them a look. Consider Alex Green of the Packers and Montell Owens of the Jaguars as such options this week.

Week 14 Standard Rankings – QB | RB |

Week 14: Super Sleepers

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

While we're not projecting starting type stats for these players, they have good potential and could surprise. This week's picks include Nick Foles, Carson Palmer, Bilal Powell, Ben Tate, and Chris Givens.

Ben Tate probable for Week 13

Source: Draft Sharks

Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) put in a full week of practice and is probable for Sunday's game against the Titans.  He's been sidelined since Week 7 but should step back in as Houston's #2 RB.  Still, Tate won't see more than a handful of touches behind workhorse Arian Foster.

Texans | 15 practice in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans CB Alan Ball (foot), RB Tyler Clutts (hip), DE Jared Crick (neck), RB Justin Forsett (knee), WR Lestar Jean (knee), CB Brice McCain (knee, ribs), C Chris Myers (elbow), LB Jesse Nading (foot), WR DeVier Posey (knee, hamstring), S Glover Quin (shoulder), LB Darryl Sharpton (knee, hip, back), RB Ben Tate (hamstring), WR Kevin Walter (shoulder), DE J.J. Watt (illness) and QB T.J. Yates (shoulder) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 29.

Texans | Ben Tate expected to play

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 28, and is expected to play Week 13.

Ben Tate - Texans' Tate could practice Wednesday

Source: The Huddle

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said RB Ben Tate (hamstring) worked out with trainers Monday, Nov. 26. Kubiak said he expects Tate to say he feels good Tuesday, Nov. 27, and return to the practice field Wednesday, Nov. 28.
Huddle Up: Tate has been out since Week 7, but he's a player to grab and stash for the fantasy playoffs as he Texans could lock up their postseason seed early and give the RB some extended playing time while spelling starter Arian Foster down the stretch.

Ben Tate expects to play Week 13

Source: Draft Sharks

Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) expects to be back for Sunday's game against the Titans.  "100%," Tate said of his chances.  "I can't see a reason why I'm not playing."  He's been sidelined since Week 7 but should step back in as Houston's #2 RB.  Still, Tate will only be a fantasy option if RB Arian Foster goes down.

Texans | Ben Tate could practice Wednesday

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said RB Ben Tate (hamstring) worked out with trainers Monday, Nov. 26. Kubiak said he expects Tate to say he feels good Tuesday, Nov. 27, and return to the practice field Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Ben Tate: (Hamstring) Sits Again

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Ben Tate: Tate (hamstring) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Lions, the Texans' official site reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Ben Tate INACTIVE

Source: Draft Sharks

As expected, Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) is inactive for today's game against the Lions.  Justin Forsett will serve as Arian Foster's caddy.

NT Shaun Cody (ribs/back), ILB Tim Dobbins (shoulder), RB Ben Tate (hamstring) are also inactive

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans DT Shaun Cody, LB Tim Dobbins, RB Ben Tate, CB Johnathan Joseph, WR DeVier Posey, OT Andrew Gardner and OG Cody White have been ruled inactive for Week 12.

Ben Tate questionable for Week 12

Source: Draft Sharks

Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Lions.  He wasn't able to practice at all this week, so his odds of playing don't seem particularly good.  Even if Tate is active, he won't see more than a handful of touches.  He's not a fantasy option.

Texans | Four miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), LB Tim Dobbins (shoulder) and WR DeVier Posey (knee, hamstring) all did not participate in practice Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Ben Tate - Ben Tate goes through hard workout

Source: The Huddle

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) went through a hard workout Tuesday, Nov. 20, to help establish his availability for Week 12.
Huddle Up: This is more important to Arian Foster's workload than anything. The workhorse is on pace for 398 carries right now while averaging just 3.8 YPC, foreboding for his future production. Tate's return would mean a lighter workload for Foster; the sooner, the better for Houston's lead back.

Texans | Ben Tate goes through hard workout

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) went through a hard workout Tuesday, Nov. 20, to help establish his availability for Week 12.

Texans | Three to be game-time decision for Week 12

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) and LB Tim Dobbins (shoulder) will all be game-time decisions for Week 12, according to head coach Gary Kubiak.

Texans | Optimistic about Ben Tate

Source: Footballguys.com

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak was optimistic Monday, Nov. 19, that RB Ben Tate (hamstring) might play in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions Thursday, Nov. 22. Tate has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury.