This is a must win game for both the Texans and Ravens. The Ravens need to win to remain one game back of the Steelers and the Texans have to win to maintain their already slim playoff chances. Both teams are motivated and should provide fantasy goodness for the holiday season.

Nobody is kinder to opposing QB's than Houston, no. 29 against WR's, and no. 18 against opposing RB's which isn't TERRIBLE, but take into account that teams can easily throw on them at will… so why run the ball?  

On the other hand, the Ravens are no. 5 against QB's, no. 6 against RB's and no. 14 against opposing wide receivers.  The Texans have an uphill battle facing that defense.

This has been an interesting fantasy year for the Texans.  Many people thought this would be a breakthrough year for them and after a first week victory over the Colts it looked like that would come to fruition.  Unfortunately, they've crumbled since then and their only hope for a title is for Arian Foster to end the year no. 1 in fantasy football.  

Matt Schaub was taken as a consensus upper-eschelon QB and Andre Johnson was the consensus top receiver – things haven't worked as planned.  Matt Schaub is the 12th ranked QB this year, which isn't terrible, but not what you were expecting.  Andre Johnson is the 11th ranked WR and doesn't have any multiple touchdowns in any game so far.  

But all is not lost as Arian Foster is not only the no. 1 fantasy player this year, he is also the no. 1 surprise of the year.  Lots of people had Arian as a sleeper, one had to figure the running back of this explosive offense had to be good, but I don't think anyone expected him to be matchup proof; he's had double digit points in every week but one.  That being said, you can't bench Andre Johnson and there is no way you are benching Foster, even against a team as good the Ravens.

The Ravens are similar to the Texans – they were supposed to be a playoff team (they've lived up to this) and they were supposed to have a number of solid fantasy players.  

After last year's dominating performance against the Patriots, Ray Rice was a consensus top-five draft pick, but he is the no. 16 ranked RB and clearly a disappointment.  Anquan Boldin is another disappointment, everyone thought he'd take the next step after stepping out of Larry Fitzgerald's shadow but that didn't happen.  Joe Flacco was picked by most people to make the jump, but he isn't there quite yet as he is the no. 10 QB this year.  Luckily for the Ravens, the Texans porous pass defense has proven to be sweet medicine to passing offenses this year, making the perfect chance for Flacco and company to shine.

This is the first week of the playoffs, so you are probably starting most of the players mentioned above, but aside from Arian Foster, you aren’t feeling great about it. Rest assured though, the Ravens passing attack should be able to live up to the preseason billing tonight.

Finally, due to unexpected weather, there is a twin bill of games tonight as the Vikings and Giants will crash the Monday Night Football party.  There is still no confirmation about whether or not Brett Favre will play, but Tavaris Jackson looked good last week and seemed to have some good chemistry with Sidney Rice.  Here's hoping Adrian Peterson has a lousy game (I'm facing him this week), but I don't really think that will happen.

The Giants are also in a must win game after last night's Eagles victory.  I have some more bad wishes for Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs, I don't want any injuries but my fantasy team will be much better off if Ahmad Bradshaw is the offensive star.

That all being sad, it is tough to call this game because of the weather/travel issues that forced its move.  The Giants have far more to play for and the Vikings vaunted "Williams Wall," has been anything but this year.  So Giants running game should be strong.  

The Giants passing attack is anyone’s guess. We have no idea what to expect from Steve Smith or Hakeem Nicks as they return from injuries. Throw in the always-iffy-Eli plus some weather issues and it could be a circus.
Both games look competitive and have a ton of fantasy players, so hold on tight and hope to see you all in the second round.