Week 6 Friday Mailbag

Question 1: Asked by @aglikas

Would you trade Steven Jackson for Dez Bryant?

Answer

If you have a guy willing to do this, then go for it! Bryant is a play maker and Romo looks to find him at all times during the game. He will have some lack-luster performances at times because Miles Austin is back and healthy, but the Rams offense has scared me early in the season and I am VERY concerned about Jackson’s ability to make plays at his age. He definitely still has some gas in the tank, but he lost a step and that makes a HUGE difference on Sundays.

Question 2: Asked by @MFarrell21

Heyward-Bey or Avant this week?

Answer

So this depends on the quality of your opponent this week in my opinion. Avant is the safer play. He is a possession receiver and is less likely to get you zero points. If you need a big day to beat one of the top scoring guys in your league, then you want to start Heyward-Bey.  Haden is out for the Browns and Darrius has seen an increase in targets over the past few weeks. Most all of us have been burned by our trust in an Oakland wide-out, but they do tend to have big games randomly and if that’s what you need, then go for it. The Raiders receiver that I would prefer to start is Jacoby Ford, due to his involvement in the running game and the fact that Oakland is always looking to get the ball in his hands in open space.

Question 3: Asked by @jersymikejr

Branch or Manningham?

Answer

I am not worried about Manningham’s recent drought at all. Cruz is bound to limit his targets, but Mario is a crisp route runner with good size and speed.  I expect him to develop into his role as a possession receiver and still be able to put up numbers consistently. Branch on the other hand is about to see less time on the field with Hernandez back and Brady able to line up in two-TE sets all the time again.