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Tate or Ward for week #1? the poll (1 Viewer)

Which one do you roll with?

  • Ben Tate

    Votes: 110 37.2%
  • Derrick Ward

    Votes: 131 44.3%
  • Avoid this mess altogether

    Votes: 55 18.6%

  • Total voters
    296
If you assume that the Texans will be protecting a big lead, then I would expect a heavy dose of Tate. If they need to pass a lot, then Ward.

I.ll go with Tate.

 
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The Tate camp seems to rely on the fact that he's physically as gifted as Foster, (Foster lite, if you will). With the obvious talent advantage, he must see the field more. And if they get a big lead (likely), Kubiak will turn Tate loose to get some experience and see what he has.

The Ward camp responds with the fact he's the more polished NFL vet, and much better in pass protection, and better at catching out of the backfield. He's likely to start because of this, and will get the early RZ opportunities. If the game is closer than expected, he'd likely stay in the game.

 
This game wont be a blowout, and i'm very hesitant to start either ward or tate when there are more settled situations out there.

 
I have both (and Foster) and I'm pretty sure I'm going with Tolbert and just avoiding this mess for now. I at least know what Tolbert's role will be, even if he is sharing too. Visions of 09 and Slaton & Foster both disappearing from great Texans matchups without reason are still fresh in my head.

 
I think you might actually get close to 100 yards out of each guy, Ward and Tate.after all we ARE talking about the Colts here..last I checked they were a horrible ,putrid run defense.

 
I think you might actually get close to 100 yards out of each guy, Ward and Tate.after all we ARE talking about the Colts here..last I checked they were a horrible ,putrid run defense.
... and that was when they could expect to score 30+ on the Texans. Expecting 13-20 from the Colts this week. That run D may approach all-time-bad when they don't have a lead and get to turn Mathis/Freeney loose.
 
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I think it'll be 60/40 (or better) in favor of Ward this week. Ward's got Kubiak's trust and I don't expect we'll see Tate getting the majority (or crucial) carries unless Houston pulls away.

If Foster were out longer-term, Tate's of course the guy you'd want.

 
Ward is listed higher on the depth chart... I go with Tate. They will probably get close to the same amount of touches, but Tate is such a gorgeous fit for this offense, and for what its worth, he's looked really good in the pre season. I think the upside play is Tate.

 
I own both and I'm going with Tim Hightower. Tate hasn't taken a snap in his career. I don't have the confidence that he will be used significantly this early in the season when they have Ward who they know will be solid in blitz protection.

 
I have both (and Foster) and I'm pretty sure I'm going with Tolbert and just avoiding this mess for now. I at least know what Tolbert's role will be, even if he is sharing too. Visions of 09 and Slaton & Foster both disappearing from great Texans matchups without reason are still fresh in my head.
I too have Tolbert and Foster, and am doing the same thing. Too much headache when there isn't a clear lead guy. Worth a gamble if you don't have someone to plug in, but if you have Tolbert, Fred Jackson, Reggie Bush...any sort of fringe top 25-35 option...I'd be leaning that way. Only exception is if, say, Derrick Ward's head explodes tomorrow.
 
Ward is listed higher on the depth chart... I go with Tate. They will probably get close to the same amount of touches, but Tate is such a gorgeous fit for this offense, and for what its worth, he's looked really good in the pre season. I think the upside play is Tate.
did you just say gorgeous in the shark pool?
 
Two leagues where I have Foster and Tate, but wasn't able to get Ward. Starting Hightower in one and Wells in the other. I'd do this even if I had Ward.

If they say on Sunday that Foster is starting, I'll probably play him.

 
By this quote it looks like the best man will play most. I'm not gonna start either, but if I had to chose, I'd start Tate.

Coach Gary Kubiak suggested Friday that he'll use a hot-hand situation in the backfield if Arian Foster (hamstring) doesn't play in Week 1.

"If one of them is playing well, he plays. That’s the way I believe," Kubiak said. "If I like the way a guy’s playing and he’s not tapping his head, he’s going to stay out there for a while." Kubiak also confirmed that Ward would start the game, giving him the first chance to establish the hot hand. Ben Tate is a more explosive, powerful runner and the better bet to be effective.
 
As a Foster owner, I will chime in with some of my thoughts. First, let me state that I have Tate as the handcuff for Foster. That said, there are two distinct problems with the Houston running attack this week: First, there are conflicting reports about Foster's availability. This seems to be a dreaded gametime decision. Second, there is no clear backup. Both Tate and Ward will see carries if Foster is out or limited, depreciating the value of both. I like Tate's skillset, and I believe he would be the back to own if Foster misses any extended time. For this week, however, unless Foster is a clear go, and perhaps even then only with trepidation, I would avoid all Houston backs.

 
At this point, I honestly hope Foster sits. Get healthy, come back, and tear it up the rest of the season. Even if they say he's active, I still don't think I'd feel comfy starting him. Either a limited workload, risk of re-injury, or just some Shanahaninanigans via Kubiak and Foster never gets on the field.

At this point I'm comfortable with my decision to go with Tolbert. I do hope Ward or Tate emerges though, so I can drop the other one. Holding 3 RBs from the same team is absolutely killing me.

 
I think you have to start the starter if you have all 3. It's comical that the guys who have Tate are saying Tate and the guys who are saying Ward are saying start him.

If Foster is out, I'd start Ward over Tate because he gets first crack at a bad run D. He's also had more experience for Houston during the regular season (something that kept P. Thomas in the game over Ingram in mamy situations the other night).

I could see both guys have decent totals but obviously wouldn't advise starting both in the same lineup.

I am on the weaker side at Rb 2 in a couple leagues after taking Rodgers late in round 1 so if Foster is out I will start Tate in one and Ward in another, hoping they go off amd then working out a deal for a trade to the Foster owner.

 
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I think you have to start the starter if you have all 3. It's comical that the guys who have Tate are saying Tate and the guys who are saying Ward are saying start him.If Foster is out, I'd start Ward over Tate because he gets first crack at a bad run D.
See, that's what I think is the decider. Whoever is the named starter is who you should want. Anything else is speculation. Everywhere I have looked, Ward is considered the start if Foster can't go. I just happen to own Ward, but if Tate were named the starter, I'd not consider Ward. I don't understand why there is so much debate to starting Tate over Ward, unless there are conflicting reports on who is starting.
 
See, that's what I think is the decider. Whoever is the named starter is who you should want. Anything else is speculation. Everywhere I have looked, Ward is considered the start if Foster can't go. I just happen to own Ward, but if Tate were named the starter, I'd not consider Ward. I don't understand why there is so much debate to starting Tate over Ward, unless there are conflicting reports on who is starting.
Because Tate is young and talented and Ward is just a guy? In the era of RBBC, I don't think who the "starter" is matters much. Ward may end up with more touches, but it will be for other reasons (pass protection, goal line, etc).
 
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Tate has more upside. PPR No brainer, Tate.
I was thinking the other way. For PPR, Ward will likely see the work cause they won't trust the young pup in pass pro so Ward is more likely to get catches. He also gets 1st crack at proving he's the hot hand and with the holes Houston's line will open up against Indy it's likely he keeps on rolling
 
A lot of ifs,

but IF Foster is ruled out

and IF I owned both Ward and Tate

and IF I had even the slightest doubt about my other options

and IF I could start them both, then I would do so and not look back

This is a GREAT matchup. Houston's time is now and this is a chance to make a huge statement, staking claim to the division and finally get the monkey that is the Colts off their backs. IMO they are going to absolutely demolish Indy this week, and when you combine a Texans' run-away victory with the Texans' O-line matching up against Indy's run D. What I believe you'll get is a golden opportunity for both Texan RBs to have very productive afternoons.

IF I can only start one or the other, I would start Tate because his upside is higher, but if Ward starts in Foster's place, he should still have a nice afternoon even if Tate comes in and outshines him as the game goes on. Either way, I will be shocked if the two aren't heavily leaned on and combine for upwards of 40+ carries in the absence of Foster, and in what should be a dismantling of the Colts tomorrow.

 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.

The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.

Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?

 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?
What if they each get about 70 yards, but neither scores? An entirely possible outcome. Or one guy has a great day--100 and a score, say--and the other gets 30 yards. Too much risk for my blood.
 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?
What if they each get about 70 yards, but neither scores? An entirely possible outcome. Or one guy has a great day--100 and a score, say--and the other gets 30 yards. Too much risk for my blood.
Isn't it just as likely that whoever your RB2 and flex play is gets 70 and no score though? And if one guy has a great day - you definitely have the great day. If you start one you could be ending up with the 30 yards - that's where the risk is and what this would try to avoid.I'd really like to hear an argument that talks me out of it - but that was exceedingly poor and seems backwards to me.
 
I missed on Tate in my money leagues, and my RBs are strong in the league I have Ward. Only way I consider starting him is if he's named the starter tomorrow AM and Foster doesnt dress.

 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?
What if they each get about 70 yards, but neither scores? An entirely possible outcome. Or one guy has a great day--100 and a score, say--and the other gets 30 yards. Too much risk for my blood.
Isn't it just as likely that whoever your RB2 and flex play is gets 70 and no score though? And if one guy has a great day - you definitely have the great day. If you start one you could be ending up with the 30 yards - that's where the risk is and what this would try to avoid.I'd really like to hear an argument that talks me out of it - but that was exceedingly poor and seems backwards to me.
How is it backward? You're using two roster spots to get one team's production. This is only a good play if you expect an even split and the Texans to have a superb day. By hedging your bets I'd say you're limiting your upside.I could see it if, say, you went heavy on receivers early and have weak RBs. Otherwise, you should probably have someone better on your roster already.
 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?
What if they each get about 70 yards, but neither scores? An entirely possible outcome. Or one guy has a great day--100 and a score, say--and the other gets 30 yards. Too much risk for my blood.
Isn't it just as likely that whoever your RB2 and flex play is gets 70 and no score though? And if one guy has a great day - you definitely have the great day. If you start one you could be ending up with the 30 yards - that's where the risk is and what this would try to avoid.I'd really like to hear an argument that talks me out of it - but that was exceedingly poor and seems backwards to me.
Well, I can't come up with a statistical argument to talk you out of it, but something doesn't feel right to me about this. What I guess bothers me is that you are leaving your #1 RB on the bench to minimize a potential loss. Essentially you are betting against Jahvid Best. Now if it turns out you are lukewarm on Best's prospects (for whatever reason) then this RB split makes some sense to me. However if you really feel that Best will perform as a #1 RB, then you should start him and pick whoever you like better of the pair in Houston.
 
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I don't want to think about this right now, but I really don't want to think about thinking about this at 11:45, hung over, tomorrow.
Just wait until you see if Foster is listed as a GTD week after week with a bad hammy.Not saying he will be, but if. Pass the gun please.I drafted Ben Tate late with the purpose of only starting him in week 1 - If he gets more looks down the road - great!Yes...I know Ward is listed ahead of Tate right now - but my gut says that won't last.
 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?
What if they each get about 70 yards, but neither scores? An entirely possible outcome. Or one guy has a great day--100 and a score, say--and the other gets 30 yards. Too much risk for my blood.
Isn't it just as likely that whoever your RB2 and flex play is gets 70 and no score though? And if one guy has a great day - you definitely have the great day. If you start one you could be ending up with the 30 yards - that's where the risk is and what this would try to avoid.I'd really like to hear an argument that talks me out of it - but that was exceedingly poor and seems backwards to me.
How is it backward? You're using two roster spots to get one team's production. This is only a good play if you expect an even split and the Texans to have a superb day. By hedging your bets I'd say you're limiting your upside.I could see it if, say, you went heavy on receivers early and have weak RBs. Otherwise, you should probably have someone better on your roster already.
It is backward. Mu situation would have me sit RB2 Best and Flex Davone Bess instead of playing Best and one of the HOU guys. It guarantees me that the HOU big game I sincerely expect from one is playing. It's a hedge against risk. Starting Best and one HOU guy is the boom/bust play because I could start the wrong HOU guy and get nothing from him, or I could get it all and have Best.This last post you made that says I'm limiting my upside is exactly it. But your previous post said I was incurring too much risk, which is definitely backwards.Again - I don't want to turn it into a "WDIS Peronalized" thread - my situation is an example and I'll probably make my own decision anyway - but the strategy is something I felt should be discussed. It minimizes risk but also limits upside.
 
I still haven't decided which one to start. I'm actually considering starting both and sitting Jahvid Best.The matchup (admittedly, on paper) looks incredible. I think that one could have such a gigantic game (like Foster last year) that it could be worth it to hedge your bet with both of them. In my case, for example, I would rather get all of the Houston RB production than risk one guy going off on your bench and getting normal RB2 production from a RB2 like Best.Is anyone else considering this strategy? Is it worth it to risk a zero from one to make sure you get the huge from the other? And if they both have very good games, then you're set there as well. Am I wrong in saying that the only downside is a poor game from both, and that seems that the chances of that are a bit less than 0%?
What if they each get about 70 yards, but neither scores? An entirely possible outcome. Or one guy has a great day--100 and a score, say--and the other gets 30 yards. Too much risk for my blood.
Isn't it just as likely that whoever your RB2 and flex play is gets 70 and no score though? And if one guy has a great day - you definitely have the great day. If you start one you could be ending up with the 30 yards - that's where the risk is and what this would try to avoid.I'd really like to hear an argument that talks me out of it - but that was exceedingly poor and seems backwards to me.
Well, I can't come up with a statistical argument to talk you out of it, but something doesn't feel right to me about this. What I guess bothers me is that you are leaving your #1 RB on the bench to minimize a potential loss. Essentially you are betting against Jahvid Best. Now if it turns out you are lukewarm on Best's prospects (for whatever reason) then this RB split makes some sense to me. However if you really feel that Best will perform as a #1 RB, then you should start him and pick whoever you like better of the pair in Houston.
I guess my real problem is that I don't know who I like better. And thus why I am in this thread lol. I think perhaps Ward is the best play since he;s higher on the chart and he has experience, but Tate is such a nice fit for the system...
 
broke down and gonna roll with both as I had just Ward in- Tate at flex over Julio & Jacoby Ford. Just not sure those guys won't have minimal production.

 
Gotta decide between Ward or Felix if Foster is a no-go. Think I have to go with Ward given Dallas' matchup. I would also go Ward over Tate this week, because he'll get the goalline in addition to starting.

 
@AdamSchefter

Texans RB Derrick Ward likely to start, but Ben Tate also will rotate in, and Houston will stay with who gets hot.

 
I have Foster/Ward/Tate as well..

I'm considering starting Hightower (also have MGD) over either...I voted Ward in your poll, I don't think Tate is as polished of a pass blocker/blitz pickup guy.

 
If the game is close I can see Ward getting more touches, but if the Texans have the game under control then it makes sense to see what you have in Tate. Ward if past 30 and by this point they should know what they have in him. Tate has never played an NFL down. If the Texans get control of the game I expect a heavy dose of Tate.

 
If the game is close I can see Ward getting more touches, but if the Texans have the game under control then it makes sense to see what you have in Tate. Ward if past 30 and by this point they should know what they have in him. Tate has never played an NFL down. If the Texans get control of the game I expect a heavy dose of Tate.
:goodposting:
 
HOU should cover the -9pt line but I don't think they're going to build a big enough lead over the Colts to let off the gas. I expect a win but not a blowout like others are projecting. Unless Ward fumbles today, he should get the majority of the touches.

 
Start both strategy has paid of thus far - looking like Tate could take over the 2nd half with a large lead though. Those who predicted a blowout are correct so far.

 

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