Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Eagles vs. Texans

The Philadelphia Eagles have outscored the Houston Texans by 18 points over the course of the season, while allowing 10 fewer. That goes a long way toward explaining the difference in record between the two teams, with the Eagles at 5-2 and the Texans at 4-4. Sunday, they face off, with the question being whether that difference will tighten or loosen.

The Eagles are expected to get their No. 2 running back, Darren Sproles, back for Sunday's game after missing Week 8 with a sprained MCL. For the Texans, running backs Arian Foster and Alfred Blue and wide receiver Andre Johnson appeared on the injury report, but all are expected to be fully active Sunday.

Start 'em: It hasn't been anywhere near a career-best season for LeSean McCoy so far -- only one double-digit fantasy day since Week 2 -- but he's still in the top 10 at running back, because of the bye weeks as much as anything. ... Jeremy Maclin has to have proven himself by now. He's averaging more than 13 fantasy points per game, and that's even with a one-point outing. ... Cody Parkey just keeps putting up numbers. Six of seven games with at least 10 fantasy points from a kicker is inspired. ... The Eagles' defense really struggled in Week 8, but had been really good before that.

Start 'em?: How much has there been to like about Nick Foles so far? He's has two games of 20-plus fantasy points. He's averaged 12.5 the last four games. He's a reasonable QB2, but not a whole lot more than that. ... Zach Ertz is right in that group of tight ends that stretches from, say, No. 7 at the position to No. 14. He's a justifiable start, but not an obvious or exciting one.

Sit 'em: A reasonably productive game out of Darren Sproles wouldn't actually be a huge shock, but considering he's fresh off of an injury, this seems like a time where it would be prudent to let him produce on the bench. ... Every once in a while Riley Cooper and/or Jordan Matthews produce some numbers, but nothing has been close to consistent enough to even consider fantasy use.

Start 'em: DeMarco Murray gets the headlines, and rightfully so, but Arian Foster has been just as good since returning to full health. He's one of the top running backs. ... Against a generous Philadelphia pass defense, both Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins are really attractive fantasy options.

Start 'em?: With consecutive double-digit fantasy days, and four out of eight this season, Randy Bullock has kicked his way into fantasy relevance. ... With Jadeveon Clowney a question mark, and not a lot of great performances this season, the Texans' defense isn't an outstanding play.

Sit 'em: We've only seen one truly abysmal fantasy game out of eight chances from Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he also really seems to lack any real upside. He's as "meh" as a quarterback can be. ... Foster's fantasy owners should invest in Alfred Blue, but there's not a great reason for anyone else to do so. ... There's just nothing out of tight end in Houston this season. Garrett Graham has been the top guy, and even he has only 12 receptions. Just stay away.

Start in every league: LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Cody Parkey, Philadelphia defense, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins

Start if you're desperate: Nick Foles, Zach Ertz, Randy Bullock, Houston defense