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.

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Question 1: Asked by @Steel_Thoughts

for 3rd place. Pick 2 to start (position doesn’t matter) S.Moss(@NYG), D.Thomas(NE), Mendenhall(@SF) or Spiller(MIA)?

Answer

I am starting Demaryius Thomas and Mendenhall in this situation.  I could see benching Mendenhall for Spiller but the Bills offense scares me at the moment and the only guy I trust is Stevie Johnson. Mendenhall has a tough match-up in front of him and he probably won’t make too much happen but all it takes is one big play on an outside run or a screen play and he’ll be fine for you.  Its a gut call on my part but Mendenhall is worth the risk here in my opinion.

Question 2: Asked by Connor

I need a TE for this week, preferably one that has a chance to get me more than three points. I currently own Heath Miller and have 2 options on free agency that stick out, Gresham and Celek.  Who has the best shot at a nice game this week?

Answer

I would go with Gresham here.  I think that regardless of match up he is the most ownable of the three and with St. Louis as an opponent this week he is likely to do just fine.  There is a concern that the receivers and backs will all be doing so well that they don’t need the TE but Gresham is Cinci’s best possession receiver at the moment and I don’t think they can afford to not use him.

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Question 1: Asked by @E_RICHT5F3LD

There are a ton of options at QB in my league who should I go with? Tebow, Moore, Sanchez, Smith, Flacco, Dalton, Fitzpatrick or Rivers.

Answer

I would have to say that it’s Tebow time!  Unless your league has some goofy scoring, I would take the consistency that Tebow provides.  His rushing ability has made it so that he is able to put up a solid point total every week.  This week he faces off against a tough Bears D but they should be able to wear down Chicago’s defense by keeping their offense off the field.  Without Cutler or Forte to help extend drives and win the field position battle on offense, I don’t see how they are able to bottle up the consistent and punishing run-game of the Broncos.

Question 2: Asked by @JoshVitale

Who do I start at Flex: Plaxico, Benson, D.Moore or K.Smith (if healthy)? Or should I just quit #fantasyfootball?

Answer

Quitters never prosper Josh… Play Benson.  He has a rough match up and while he is probably going to have a mediocre at best week, he is a feature back and therefore will see enough carries to make him worth the start.  We can reasonably expect A.J. Green to force Houston to respect the deep ball and this will open a few running lanes for Benson.  Whether or not he disappoints will come down to whether or not he punches one in but I think you have to play him in the playoffs, where risks tend to back fire.

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Question 1: Asked by @E_RICHT5F3LD

Who do u think I should start at RB out of… Foster, MJD, Murray and Sproles? I need 3 of 4.

Answer

I am sitting Sproles here if I was you. Keep your expectations low on Foster this week but Sproles is the only guy that I wouldn’t call a “stud”.  These should be your three regardless of match-up.  New Orleans is pass-first and Sproles’ touches are limited. He has been a great weapon for them and I am sure they will continue to use him a fair amount but the other options are all feature backs in their offense.

Question 2: Asked by @bdavis712 and Eric via email.

Should I start Victor Cruz, Jordy Nelson or Andre Johnson?

Answer

This is a really, really difficult decision you have this week.  I have Cruz 10th and Nelson 11th in my rankings and you are going to have to trust your gut.  The reason why I would go with Cruz is simple, the stats.  Green Bay is currently ranked 31st in the NFL in pass defense and this is due in large part to what fantasy owners call “junk-time”.  Basically, after Green Bay has the game wrapped up and out of reach, the opponent just keeps throwing the ball on every play and the Packers sit in prevent defense and essentially allow a lot of yardage.  The secondary is definitely weaker than it has been in years past but not quite as bad as 31st. The nice thing is, junk-time counts just as much as anything else and even if Cruz has no catches going into the 4th quarter, there is no way he finishes the game that way.  Green Bay on the other hand will likely have the game locked-up and be running out the clock by the end of the game.  This limits Nelson’s chances and makes Cruz a slightly better play in my opinion.

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Question 1: Asked by @bereninga

Should Spiller start over Ogbonnaya or Hardesty? I have all three.

Answer

I think I would, unless Hardesty AND Hillis are both inactive this week. The sheer number of carries that Spiller is bound to get combined with his big-play potential give him enough upside.  The Browns face a very stout Bengals defense this week so yardage will be tough to come by. If there is a time-share as well, then I think I would rather take the chance that Spiller breaks a big run off on the Jets.

Question 2: Asked by @Dena_Beth

Pretty sure I know the answer but should I play Victor Cruz and Steve Smith for my Wide Receivers and sit Santonio Holmes?

Answer

This seems right to me. It is admittedly close between Cruz and Holmes but with Manningham banged up and listed as questionable, I think that Cruz is bound to see an increase in targets.  Cruz has been coming along really nicely and progressing with each game. He may be a bit hit-or-miss but he has manage enough consistency that I think you need to start him and take the risk.

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Question 1: Asked by Zach

Hey so with Schuab being out the rest of the season (most likely) how do you think this affects Andre Johnson?  I Remember Fitzgerald delt with a bad QB and went from a #1 WR to a #2 WR last season… of course they did not have a huge running game like Houston but still, should I worry at all about AJ going forward?  I am in a PPR league.

Answer

You certainly should be worried but I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. You mentioned how Fitzgerald slid last season and I think that is the worst case scenario.  On pure talent alone I do not see him dropping below WR 2 status, no matter how poorly Matt Leinart plays. The two-headed attack of Foster and Tate will clearly be the primary focus of opposing defenses and this should lead to a few deep passes throughout the game.  There really isn’t anyone else with the deep threat capability of Johnson on the Texans roster, so he should be good for a decent yardage total and a score in most every game the rest of the way.

Question 2: Asked by @UofMnumber1Fan

Brandon Marshall or Denarius Moore at WR2?

Answer

I write a lot of cautions against the Raiders’ receivers ever since I started this site and while Moore has admittedly looked really good this season and even with Palmer, I don’t think you can afford to bench Marshall here.  He has been targeted a lot recently and has really started to develop a chemistry with Matt Moore. Last season I wrote about how Matt Moore was able to make Steve Smith a viable fantasy option in Carolina because even though he is NOT a very good QB, he trusts in his top guy and gives him an opportunity to make plays.  The Bills secondary has allowed a lot of yardage all season and with Reggie Bush providing a rushing threat that is worth paying attention to, Marshall will have his chance to make a big play this week.

Question 3: Asked by @Shaban09

Let’s say vick’s out. Do I go with Bradford or V. Young?

Answer

With how mediocre Bradford’s play has been this season I have to say you should play Young.  Philly’s offense is VERY QB friendly and if you remember the recent past, Kevin Kolb was always able to put up good fantasy production as a fill-in. The Eagles just pass so much that the numbers are bound to show up by the end of the game and the Eagles will be able to keep a very similar playbook to what it is when Vick is out there.  In standard leagues, I don’t think Bradford is an own-able QB.

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Question 1: Asked by Valeri

Should I start Tim Tebow or Ryan Fitzpatrick this week? Thanks.

Answer

I have to give the nod to Tebow.  Fitz has a fairly decent match up against the Cowboys secondary but with LT Demetrius Bell still looking like he will be sidelined again, I am concerned about Demarcus Ware severely limiting his ability to extend plays.  This game will become about Fred Jackson for the Bills.  If Jackson gets going, the pass rush should need to respect him enough that Fitz can make the big play.  Tebow on the other hand IS the running threat that slows the pass rush and McGahee doesn’t hurt.  Even if Tebow plays bad, he is almost a lock for double digit points because he will be giving you 5-6 in rushing yards alone.

Question 2: Asked my @MFarrell21

Benson vs Pitt or Donald Brown vs the Jags with Addai likely out?

Answer

It has to be Benson. Not many guys see 20-30 touches per game and Benson has fresh legs after the Bye and his one game suspension.  Pittsburgh’s defense has been playing better as of late, but they are far from as lights-out against the run as they have been in recent years.  Start Benson with confidence this week but do not expect too much from him.  Be happy with 70 yards and hopefully he finds the end zone.

Question 3: Asked by Zach

Hey so what’s your take on Ryan Mathews? He did not get nearly as many carries as I expected him to last night, probably a result of his injury and the Chargers wanting to ease him back into play – as you stated in your love/hate list; but what do you think about going forward, after a 10 day stretch do you think he will start getting the bulk of carries again?  I have Starks on my bench and depending on how he plays this next game, I may consider playing him over Mathews week 11.

Answer

I think Mathews is doing fine. He only had 6 carries, but I am not really surprised that they split the carries evenly. Both backs were running well and if Tolbert can be productive, he will see touches.  Mathews was averaging 5.7 yards per carry last night and had it not gotten out of hand and San Diego would have continued to pound the rock.  My only issue with Mathews is health so if he is active and practicing all week, I think you have to start him. Especially over Starks who is on a by far pass-first team and sharing some touches with Ryan Grant.

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Question 1: Asked by @Shaban09

I just picked up D.J Ware.. im bare on RB this week with Mathews out.. who do I start.. Tomlinson or Ware?

Answer

This is a really tough call. Neither options is very good at all but I have to give the nod to Tomlinson. The bottom line here is that we just do not know how the carries will be split for the Giants.  In addition, the Giants will likely be attacking New England vertically in the passing game and the number of carries that there are to go around is very probably going to be low this week.

Question 2: Asked by @Dantvman

I need some trade advice.  I’m in 1st, guy in 3rd is offering me Garcon for Fitzpatrick.

Answer

This seems like a guy trying to sell-high on Garcon. Fitz’s value has dipped as Freddie Jackson has really taken over as the primary focus of the Bills’ offense, but he remains a GREAT backup and I don’t see any reason to give him up for a receiver that you would likely not even use in a Bye-week jam.  Hold tight and reject the trade.  If you don’t want to keep Fitz, shop him around to the rest of the league. I would think you are able to get more for him.

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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.

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Question 1: Asked by @Sproles86

Who do I start between Daniel Thomas, Jackie Battle, and DeMarco Murray at RB

Answer

I would start Daniel Thomas. The Dolphins are going to struggle in the passing game and they will NEED Thomas in order to be competative against the Broncos. I do like Denver to win this game with Tim Tebow at the helm, but it would surprise me if it was a blowout and Miami’s offense needed to become one-dimensional.

Question 2: Asked by @Aglikas

Bottom Line – if you were in need of a WR would you trade Cam Newton for Wes Welker?

Answer

I do hate these “inside a vacuum” questions without too much insight into the rest of your team but the short answer is yes. I do not think Welker continues this mind boggling production that he has had early on in the year, but I do think he is a top 3 receiver at the end of the season and Cam is very likely to fall outside the top 5 at QB. I do think that the QB position is more important to have a “stud” than WR but since you very possibly have a very good QB sitting on your bench to start in place of Cam.

Question 3: Asked by Zack

I have a chance to get Demaryius Thomas off of free agency and I am not sure who I should drop.  It is coming down to Dexter McCluster or Brandon Gibson, which guy should I cut?

Answer

Gibson. The Rams receivers that I want to own at the moment are Brandon Lloyd and Danario Alexander. The only other guy I might consider is Greg Salas in a PPR format. The Rams have yet to score more than 16 points in a game this entire season. Thomas’ upside makes him very worth the pick-up over Gibson. Good luck!

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