Week 16 Friday Mailbag

Question 1: Asked by Ray

I need 3 of the 5 wide receivers.  Fitzgerald, Wallace, Brown, L Robinson, D. Jackson.  My gut says Fitz, Wallace and Robinson. What would you do?

Answer

I think Fitz and Wallace are no-brainers so stick with them for sure. The third option that you should consider is Brown.  With Mendenhall not performing up to expectations this season, Pittsburgh has looked to the passing game on offense.  They have really turned to both Wallace and Brown and each of them have responded in a big way. Assuming Ben plays, he will have a better time against the Rams defense as opposed to the last game against the 49ers and Brown gets too many targets to not play against that secondary.  With Laurent Robinson playing in a fair number of two-receiver sets, he is bound to see more attention than most slot receivers.

Question 2: Asked by Eric

I am playing for the championship.  I have to start one of the following.  Marshawn Lynch, Victor Cruz, or Dez Bryant.  I have to start two of them if Chris Johnson is not able to play.  Could you rank them for me?

Answer

I rank em Cruz, Bryant, Lynch. It is tough to sit Lynch after the last 5 weeks he has put together but I don’t think has hardly any chance at success in this one. He faced the Bears last week, a top 10 rush defense, and managed just 40 yards.  This week he plays the 49ers, who are by far the best rush defense in the league.  What saved Lynch’s fantasy value last week was two short TD’s but San Fran has yet to allow a rushing TD at all this season.

Question 3: Asked by @Steel_Thoughts

WR, Pick 2. D.Bryant(Vs PHI), Wallace(Vs STL), S.Moss(Vs MIN) or D.Thomas(@ BUF)? NonPPR

Answer

Wallace has a great match up and is a great start.  Demaryius Thomas is very likely the guy I would go with.  He isn’t as proven or consistent as Bryant and it is a VERY close call but he has had a string of really good games and I think he is sure to have a decent yardage total this week against the Bills. Targets are being spread thin in Dallas this week and against the Eagles in town, Dallas is going to focus on the run a bit more than usual.  Trust your gut though, this is a VERY close call. They are right next to each other in my rankings and both in the top 20.