Week 8 Friday Mailbag

Question 1: Asked by @Dantvman

I need a flex between Decker, Walter, DeAngelo Williams and Maurice Morris.

Answer

For the sake of consistency I would start Morris.  With Best out he will see the most guaranteed touches of all your options and Denver has not been playing good defense.  Stafford is banged up and while I think he will play and play well, they should look to run to keep the pass rush and specifically Vonn Miller from getting to him more than is necessary.

Question 2: Asked by @DomWinder

I have Matt Cassel & Christian Ponder as bye week replacements for Aaron Rodgers, which one should I start?

Answer

I think this depends on the quality of your opponent.  If you are worried because he doesn’t have any bye week issues and you think you need to have a BIG week to win then go with the upside of Ponder.  Carolina’s defense has not played well at all this season and I think Ponder has a serious chance to have a big game.  Ponder did well last week and seemed to have a connection with Shiancoe, who he targeted 8 times.  If you are not concerned that you need that big game, then Cassel is a much more established QB and despite the bad match up, should do OK. The Chiefs offense has adapted to the loss of Charles and found a way to be somewhat productive.

Question 3: Asked by @yinzers85

I have Hillis, is Hardesty safe to drop now?  I need the spot for a TE to fill in for this week.

Answer

No, I don’t think he is.  Hillis is back this week and from what I am hearing, he should be back to his feature role.  I don’t see this being the case for long.  Even when healthy Hillis has been mediocre at best and with the season slipping away from Cleveland, I expect them to look to develop the young talent and at least share the work load between the two starting over the next couple weeks. I would definitely hold onto him for now.