Question 1. Asked by @TheRealDVance

@BigJim_SFL DeSean Jackson or James Jones this week?

Answer

DJax for sure. With Maclin playing like garbage, Jackson has been the go-to threat. He’s still a very hit-or-miss player but now that he’s the primary receiver, he’s safer than he’s been at any other point in his career for fantasy owners.  This WILL change but Jones’s circumstance is even more murky.

Question 2. Asked by @fantasyranker

@BigJim_SFL My lineup conundrum is at flex this week. Brandon Lloyd vs. Jackie Battle. And I’m leaning Lloyd. Is that what you’d do?

Answer

Lloyd.  I put absolutely zero weight in what a website depth chart says. If Mathews wasn’t the lead back, I’d believe it when I heard it straight from Norv’s mouth. I do think Battle seeing work, especially at the goal line, is NOT a fluke and will continue.

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Question 1. Asked by @2RudeRogers

Thinking about benching DeSean Jackson for Ramses Barden… Thoughts? #fantasyfootball

Answer

I hate to say it but that’s just crazy talk.  Bradshaw is back so Ramses is now at best the 4th target on this passing game behind Cruz, Bennett and Bradshaw.  He also carries zero value when Nicks is in the line up.  The news that Nicks is doubtful means that Nicks’ owners should scoop him up but I still think your only using him when Nicks is a game-time decision and ends up being inactive. He would have to really prove to me he can be productive with Cruz and Nicks on the field before I considered him roster-able for non-Nicks owners. I don’t think there is much of any chance he is better than Manningham was this season and he only ever was a poor flex play.  Jackson certainly has a good chance at being a low-scorer and maybe Barden DOES out score him but it’s still a bad bet and I’d be worried that Jackson blows up the one week I don’t play him. That’s kind of the price you pay for drafting a big play receiver, you’ve gotta start him every week.

Question 2. Asked by @plamorte

If Nicks and Garcon sit I have to pick 2 from Hankerson, Wright and Simpson.

Answer

I would rather play Barden than Hankerson to sub for Nicks because you can make up your mind when you have the status of Nicks. So go scoop him up if you can and drop Wright for him.  Now that Britt is coming back, even though this week is in doubt, Wright’s value is dropping fast.  I certainly have zero confidence in him this week on the road against the Texans.  I am admittedly not a Hankerson fan either (I like Aldrick Robinson more than Hankerson) but I am a HUGE fan of the match-up against the Buccaneers who are the NFL’s worst pass defense thus far. It also helps that since the Skins are the 2nd worst pass defense as this could really devolve into a shoot out.

Question 3. Asked by @AOrton10

Do I start Jamaal Charles against the Chargers or LeSean McCoy against the Giants? #fantasyfootball

Answer

So it’s close but these are two clear-cut must start players. I have to say McCoy, with Vick struggling, the offense is all about McCoy and he is a LOT less risky.  I am really concerned that it will be near impossible for you to  pick the right guy every week.  I am VERY curious who the other RB is that your playing and I am assuming there isn’t a flex spot open for Charles to play in?  Assuming the other RB is a better option and there is no flex spot, you should trade one of these two guys to pick up a must-start, elite player at a different position.

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Question 1. Asked by @mafmsu.

@BigJim_SFL Lance Moore or Eric Decker in my flex spot, I think both are due to find the end zone.

Answer

Keep an eye on Colston’s status for this game as we get closer to game-time.  He has been affected on the field so far and I personally think that as a result, Moore is the guy to start here.  If Colston is indeed inactive for the game, then the balance shifts even farther in Moore’s favor here.  Thomas has been Peyton’s favorite target and while I expected that to be the case, I thought it would take 5 or 6 weeks for them to develop that chemistry.  Compound that issue with a REALLY difficult match-up this week and Moore just feels like the safer guy AND the guy with more upside.

Question 2. Asked by @gibbyp2.

@ BigJim_SFL donnie avery wr or kenny britt wr

Answer

These are some pretty poor options this week in my opinion. If Collie is out for this game then Avery is a fine option but I am concerned that the targets will be pretty evenly split between the two. I am probably playing Avery anyways due to a great, soft match up against the Jags. Make Kenny Britt prove that he is back to form before you take a chance starting him.

Question 3. Asked by @Shaban09.

@BigJim_SFL was offered decker for welker in non-ppr league. Thoughts?

Answer

I don’t think that this is a good idea. I can understand trying to bail out on Welker but the Hernandez injury is going to force Welker on the field.  The Pats simply won’t be able to line up with two tight ends that often and we should see Edelman and Welker on the field a LOT more often in this game.  You should wait a couple of games and see if you can’t get a better value on your trade.

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Question 1. Asked by @bereninga

@BigJim_SFL I have V. Jackson, A. Brown, V. Cruz and Steve Johnson. I can play 3. Who can I depend on?

Answer

I say you sit VJax this week.  He’s VERY hit or miss and just too risky for me to play over such solid guys. To be fair he is a very viable option given that he has a significant chance to be the highest scoring of the bunch but I think he is also by far the most likely to have 0 points on Monday too.   Cruz and Brown seem to be a tier above the rest so let’s talk Stevie Johnson here.  Johnson got it done last week for fantasy owners despite a terrible game for the Bills as a whole.  Yes, it was junk-time but he was also facing a considerably better defense than the Chiefs have for his week 2 match-up.

Question 2. Asked by Jersey Mike Jr. @ThaSPORTSKRIB

Who is my best option for my flex out of Shonn Greene vs. PIT, Alfred Morris vs STL, Coby Fleener or Jeremy Kerley?

Answer

Well, I’m drinking the Alfred Morris kool-aid this week. I put some good stats in my love/hate list post for this week as for why.  I awknowledge that he is a significant risk but I think the signs are there to make it worth it. Greene has a BEAR of a match-up and so does Kerley.  Also with Kerley, I fear that Sanchez is every bit as bad as I think he is and won’t be able to maintain half of last week’s production down the line.  Fleener isn’t really in the running here in my opinion but my answer is Morris.  For what it’s worth, Greene if you disagree that Morris is THE GUY in Washington.

Question 3. Asked by @MFarrell21

@BigJim_SFL pick two of the three.  Bradshaw, Sproles, Donald Brown.

Answer

I think Donald Brown was a great draft day value this year but that’s because he went REALLY late for a starter and lead-back. He just hasn’t been overly productive with his carries but he DOES get plenty.  I think Brown is a value because he’s a guy that you can rely on in a pinch and simply put, you aren’t in a pinch.  The other guys are just safer AND have a higher upside.

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Question 1. Asked by @gibbyp2

@BigJim_SFL Laurent Robinson WR (JAC) or Justin Blackmon WR (JAC)?

Answer

I love Blackmon in his first ever pro-game. He has vaulted to the top of the depth chart in Jacksonville and had some early chemistry with Gabbert in the preseason.  Minnesota allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers (25.1 points per game) and I think that Gabbert will be able to move the ball reasonably effectively. Robinson’s success last season was at least partially due to the Cowboys offense and plethora of quality wide-outs to draw coverage from the defense.  I do not think he will be Gabbert’s favorite target or the highest stat-producer because he is at the top of the depth chart currently and this will draw attention and double teams.  Robinson won’t crack my top 50 until he proves that he can handle being the #1 guy, which I don’t think will happen.

Question 2. Asked by @Skinny7878

Start Rivers or Cutler? Someone/anyone HELP!! #FantasyFootball #FantasyFootballForLife

Answer

This is one of the few tough questions I’ve faced so far this week. To get right to the point, I say play Cutler.  The Bears offense is going to be productive this week.  Yes they are going to run more than usual, but the connection between Cutler and Marshall is legitimate and these two guys WILL be connecting throughout the game.  Rivers on the other-hand has a pretty weak receiving corps and is facing a better secondary. Rivers IS the more talented of the two but I just don’t see him as the better play this week.

Question 3. Asked by @TheRealDVance

@BigJim_SFL Trade question for ya sir. I’m wanting to get Willis McGahee but he is wanting Jordy Nelson. He is also throwing in Lance Moore.

Answer

This is simply too high of a price to pay. I like McGahee and I think you can talk him down off of Nelson. He knows that he is asking too much and is just fishing for a great deal.  If he is serious and won’t talk more reasonably… just walk away. McGahee isn’t going to suddenly become a top 10 guy now that Peyton is in town and you can just wait a while and play the waiver wire lottery in the mean time. Or look to another team to make a trade.

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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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