Texans vs. Patriots: New England routs Houston on Monday Night Football

The win was the Patriots’ seventh consecutive and helped make an impressive statement: They’re the team to beat in the AFC.

According to the SB Nation blog the Pats Pulpit, Brady and his bunch propelled the team to victory, but, the defense was the most impressive unit.

Fantasy owners should not fret too much over the dud. Performances like this are a rarity for Welker. He had at least 71 yards receiving in each of his last four games, and was coming off a 12-reception, 103-yard performance in Week 13. Welker remains a decent WR2/WR3 in standard formats, and is even more valuable in PPR leagues.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

Hernandez has now caught eight passes off double-digit targets in back-to-back games. He caught multiple touchdowns for the first time since his 2010 rookie season.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

Stallworth signed with the Pats a week ago after Julian Edelman was placed on injured reserve. Monday was his first game appearance of the season, but he did not appear rusty as he made a nice catch over his shoulder and strode into the end zone.

Fantasy Impact: Stallworth probably shouldn’t be on your fantasy radar, despite his big play. There is a reason he was so readily available for the Pats. Don’t expect the Pats’ opponents to roll over going forward like the Texans did Monday, either. Still, kudos to the wideout for making a big impact in an important win for New England.

Lloyd had scored just three total touchdowns on the season before Monday’s outburst. It was his second-most receptions and yards in any game this season.

Lloyd’s fantasy value shouldn’t change as a result of his big night. He hadn’t had more than 45 yards receiving in any game over the last five weeks, making him hard to recommend except as a potential WR3/Flex option.

Ridley has now rushed for a touchdown in six straight games, bringing his total to 10 scores on the season. He had at least 71 yards rushing in five of those games. Vereen has now rushed for at least 40 yards in three of his last four games.

Vereen is still on the edge of viability in most fantasy leagues. He did a lot of damage this week after the Patriots were up big. He may not be able to pick up many garbage-time yards next week.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

Next Texans’ series: same story. Houston was forced to punt after only four plays, and the Patriots’ offense regained possession and imposed its will yet again. Tom Brady marched his team down the field 70 yards in eight plays, finishing the drive with another touchdown pass to Hernandez to give the Patriots a 21-0 lead.

The game went to halftime firmly in hand for New England, and fans were singing the high praises to their fearless leader.

But where was the flag on the contact as Brady slid? C’mon guys, protect him out there please.

Talib is, unfortunately, not a stranger to hip issues. He was placed on injured reserve late during the 2010 season due to a torn tendon in his hip. He has yet to play a full 16-game slate in his career. Talib missed five games earlier this season due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, after testing positive for Adderall.

Josh McDaniels is very excited, you guys.

This particular came on Brady’s second touchdown pass, the one sandwiched between the two Aaron Hernandez touchdown receptions. And it’s only the second quarter, so more are coming. Unless Belichick takes his foot off the gas, which won’t happen.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

(H/T Shutdown Corner)

Here is the complete list of inactives for Monday Night Football.

Patriots:

Tony Santorsa from Pats Pulpit says that Monday’s game is an opportunity for the Patriots to make a statement:

TexansDC from Battle Red Blog says that the Texans will have to be careful when trying to pressure Tom Brady:

Monday, Dec. 10, 8:30 p.m. ET

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

The game, which figures to be a shootout, pits the league’s No. 1 offense (Patriots) against the league’s No. 2 offense (Texans). Both squads have won six consecutive games, and Monday night’s clash could very well be a preview of the AFC championship game.

CBS Sports’ stable of NFL experts lean in favor of New England. Six of the site’s eight experts think Bill Belichick’s squad will come out on top. Clark Judge and Will Brinson are the only two experts to pick the Texans.

The Patriots opened as 4-point favorites, and the line now sits between -3 and -4, depending on the betting service. The moneyline also favors New England, as the Patriots are valued at -175, while the Texans are +155.

Both teams already clinched their spot in the playoffs, so this is a battle for eventual playoff seeding. The teams would have a first-round bye in the playoffs if the season ended today.