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.

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Question 1: Asked by @Steel_Thoughts

I have Mendenhall. Should I play Shonn Greene this week or pickup Isaac Redmen?

Answer

I would pick up Redman. The Steelers have strayed too far from their identity as a run-first team. Now that the offensive line is completely unable to protect Big Ben, they NEED to get back to their running ways to slow the pass rush to help try and keep Roethlisberger healthy.  I think Tennessee will end up winning this and eventually Pittsburgh will need to abandon the run to try and catch back up, but Greene has not been too effective and he still has to share some of his work with LT. Redman will be the guy and the match up doesn’t scare me too much, so go with him.

Question 2: Asked by Zack the Redskins fan

I have MJD and picked up Deji Karim, his back-up, off waivers.  Someone just dropped Demarco  Murray and I have Felix Jones.  To pick him up I would have to drop Karim… would you do it?

Answer

Jones hasn’t missed a game yet, but he was a little banged up and saw some limited work.  This meant more work for Murray and Choice, but neither of them has stepped up and become the clear #2. Jones and MJD are both likely to miss some time, but the handcuff that I would want is Karim and this is why; Your much worse off if you lose MJD as opposed to Jones and the Jaguars are much more committed to the running game with Blaine Gabbert running the offense. We know who will see the work in MJD’s absence and its at best a time share for Murray should Jones go down.

Question 3: Asked by @Sproles86

Would you drop Torain for Daniel Thomas?

Answer

I sure would! Thomas has had trouble staying healthy, but the running game is going to be the focus for Miami. Henne is done for the year and Matt Moore is not able to do any more than try and manage the game. Thomas is the one bright spot left in Miami and if he can stay active for some extended time, he could develop a rhythm and become a top 20 back based off how he has played so far. Torain might not see another snap all season. He also might be the feature back the rest of the way. Too much guess-work, I’d snatch up Thomas.

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Question 1: Asked by @Magnific_ANT_1

I wake up this morning and I’ve been offered Julio Jones for Tim Hightower. What about the Helu factor. That’s has been a reason for me wanting deal Hightower.

Answer

I would not do this deal. Helu is likely to stay in his change of pace roll as long as Hightower is able to keep up this production. I do not think Julio Jones is going to be overly productive this season.  I would have liked to see him have a big scoring play already and think his progress will be a little too slow to be a big fantasy-factor this season.

Question 2: Asked by @aglikas

Crazy thought, putting in a waiver claim for Ochocinco and dropping Hines Ward. Are you in favor of this?

Answer

I think it is a very smart move. Ward is old and his production has dipped too far with the Pittsburgh offensive line playing so terribly. Chad might not be playing well right now but the Patriot offense is a machine and I didn’t expect very much from him early on. Ward has no chance to break out, but Chad still has time to get his act together and become a valuable target for Brady.

Question 3: Asked by @jersymikejr

Cam Newton, Matt Ryan or Kevin Kolb?

Answer

This is a two man race between Ryan and Newton in my eyes and it is REALLY close. I don’t discredit Cam for last week’s game in a monsoon… he did get the win after all and posted decent fantasy points.  Ryan has a safe match up here and I have to give him the nod against a bad Seahawks team. Newton has potential for a bigger game this week, but I think Ryan will get you over 15 points for certain and the rookie is always more likely to implode and do nothing.

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Question 1: Asked by Blake via email.

I currently have Eli Manning as my QB and Colt McCoy is available. Should I add Colt?

Answer

I definitely would.  Eli has looked terrible and has some serious injury concerns at WR.  I do not see how he has a good game against the Philadelphia all-star secondary and think McCoy is a better option to start most every week.  I would not drop Eli though as depending on the match ups for certain weeks, he will be a better start and the Giants are capable of getting it together and finishing the season strong.

Question 2: Asked by @Jersymikejr

I see you have Cam Newton in your top 10. Does that mean I should start him over Kevin Kolb or Mark Sanchez?

Answer

Yes sir, I think that Cam should be able to pick apart the Jaguars secondary while Blaine Gabbert struggles early to find a rhythm.  The Jaguars have been particularly bad at covering even moderately talented receivers and Steve Smith should have little trouble getting open and making some big plays.  I think your Panthers are going to get their first win and I wouldn’t be too surprised if it wasn’t close.  Another nice feature of playing Newton is that the Panthers have seemed to be unable to open rushing lanes for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart so far this season and the Jags have played solid rush defense.  Even late in the game, Carolina is going to have to pass to ensure that Jacksonville isn’t able to mount a comeback.

Question 3: Asked by @mike_campbell

#Broncos WR Brandon Lloyd or RB McGahee this week versus #Titans?

Answer

Lloyd is the biggest weapon this offense has and while McGahee fits the John Fox scheme well and looks to become the lead back, he will still share his work with Moreno and Lloyd has far more upside.  I was really impressed with Lloyd last season and considering he was a big part of the passing game in week 1 and I do not see it as a fluke.

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Question 1: Asked by Bruce.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. OAK) or Josh Freeman (@ MIN)?

Answer

This is a tough call and one that could go either way. I have Freeman with a slight edge here.  The Tampa Offense is more consistently productive than Buffalo’s is and Minnesota was barely able to keep their offense on the field in week 1.  As far as I am concerned both players are VERY good QB2 options this week, but either guy should do pretty well.  You should trust your gut!

Question 2: Asked by @MFarrell21.

Dwayne Bowe, Steve Smith (carolina). DeAngelo Williams, Cadillac Williams. Need one WR and one RB. Thoughts and why?

Answer

Bowe won’t be able to repeat last season, but he certainly will do better than last week.  And I also don’t think Steve Smith isn’t going to be able to repeat last week either.  I would start Bowe this week as he faces a Lions secondary that is vulnerable to the big play and the Chiefs are going to be looking to make a statement and show they are still a playoff caliber team.  As for the RB choice, I would go with DeAngelo Williams.  We know what his workload will be and while it may not be likely that he has a huge day, I think he is the most likely to get you into double digit points.  This is definitely one of my “play it safe” calls so if your a risk-taker, Caddy is still a solid option this week with a bit more upside.

Question 3: Asked by @aglikas.

Would you trade Reggie Bush 2 get Dez Bryant? I have AP, Steven Jackson & R.Grant. I need WR’s BAD! WR’s are Maclin, Driver, H.Ward, S.Rice.

Answer

In a heart beat.  I think Bryant is going to be the top fantasy WR in Dallas this season and that is not my way of saying that Miles Austin will be a slouch.  Reggie Bush is almost a sure thing to miss a few games to injury this year as he is playing on a natural play surface and that is rougher on the knees and ankles of these fast, quick-cut backs. In addition, if both players do play 16 games this year, Bryant will score significantly more points than Bush.  Great job of negotiating this one, don’t wait to pull the trigger.  He might wise-up.

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Question 1. Asked by @Dantvman

@BigJim_SFL with no manning, should i play d branch or d amendola over austin collie?

Answer

Without Peyton, I don’t trust Collie very much.  Manning made a lot of the Colts better players than they can be without him.  I’m not saying that Collie wont be a factor anymore, rather than I want to see him play some in this new offense before I risk starting him.  Amendola is third on the depth chart at receiver so this week he’ll be covered by either Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie or Asante Samuel… I’d just sit him down as I think the Rams are going to get crushed.  That leaves you with Branch, who is a fine play considering Tom Brady is still the QB in New England.

Question 2. Asked by @KifuTheGREAT

@BigJim_SFL I must decide to play Braylon Edwards or Mike Sims-Walker. Any suggestions. Thanks.

Answer

Sims-Walker is too risky against the stacked Eagles secondary and with Crabtree injured I think Edwards has a decent chance for a big game.  To me, the choice is pretty easy as Edwards is both the safer pick and he has higher upside.

Question 3. Asked by @MFarrell21

Who to start as my 3rd WR in a PPR league? Amendola or Harvin and why?

Answer

Amendola is third on the depth chart and likely to face off against Rodgers-Cromartie. I don’t like this match up.  Harvin does also have an unfavorable match up, but he has a more reliable QB and running game to take the pressure off the passing game.  Also, he is the only viable receiver for McNabb to throw to and I expect them to use him.

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Question 1: Asked by @NYLivinCAMind

Can’t believe im asking but: pick 3 NON-PPR: Arrelious Benn, Sidney Rice, Joe Webb(no joke), Greg Jennings or Larry Fitzgerald.

Answer

Well KJ, being playoff time… it is not a good idea to take a big risk on this decision.  It looks more and more like Rodgers is not going to be able to go in this game, so I will assume he does not for this answer.  I would start Sidney Rice, Greg Jennings and Larry Fitzgerald.  I have seen a lot of chatter about using Joe Webb in leagues that allow him to be started as a WR.  I want to caution everyone about this: DON’T DO IT! It seems like a really good idea, but mostly because it feels like you are cheating the system.  It’s just not worth it worth the risk. In last week’s game Webb was 2 for 5 with just 8 yards passing, despite adding a 16 yard scramble we did not see enough good to think he can be a valuable fantasy-option and the playoffs is the worst time to get “cute” and make a mistake.  Same thing with Arrelious Benn, despite a big game he just hasn’t proven he can provide value on a consistent basis… maybe after this week if he does well he will be worth the risk.

Question 2: Asked by @Beave623

RB help..I have Turner, Hillis, Foster & DMac…can play 3…heard Foster having hip issue. Advice?

Answer

To my other readers, me and Clyde talked some on twitter about his lineup.  He also has Andre Johnson and Roddy White! I made a comment about trading one of these stud RBs for a WR.  In most cases, this is the right decision.  It is very difficult to make the right call when trying to decide between 3 of 4 running backs all ranked in the top 5 and trading one for a WR will help you spread out your talent to the other positions you may be weaker.  Clyde however has elite talent at every position and has no need for a trade, so on to the tough decision! I would sit Hillis here and I will be updating my rankings to show this later today or tomorrow morning.  The reason is, with Colt McCoy at QB the Browns have extra options for their offense.  McCoy was a very smart game-manager in his previous starts and I expect him to play at a high level again.  The Bengals are their opponents for the week and their secondary is what is ailing at this time and through the air is how I expect the Browns to challenge them.

Question 3: Asked by Chevis420

What 2 should I start out of these 4: Benson, Goodson, Hightower, PT. Really torn between benson and goodson…

Answer

Well, I actually like Hightower here!  It is tough to make a gutsy call and shy away from someone that got you this far, but the Panthers have the 25th ranked rush defense and are allowing 132 yards per game.  After such a dominant performance last week, I think it is reasonable to expect something in the area of 80 yards and a TD.  Wells clearly is not the x-factor that I thought he would be this season.  It has become clear that Hightower is the guy they trust the most as people try and save their jobs. You can see my answer and the answers of others on Fandemic.

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Question 1: Asked by Ben92175

Big desision here for playoffs. What WR should I start, Sidney Rice or Jacoby Ford?

Answer

Well, the playoffs are about trust and even though he has only had one big game this season… I just trust Sidney Rice the most!  If you lose this week you have to think about why all off season and with the Raiders’ wide receivers being known for inconsistent production, I see no reason to take the risk.  Rice’s performance last week was physically dominating and with the chemistry he had with Favre last year, he is a better risk to take.   You can see my answer and the answers of others on Fandemic.

Question 2: Asked by Andy

I have Jamaal Charles and Michael Turner as my starting RBs, but I don’t know if I should use Brandon Jacobs over Knox and Ward for my flex spot!?

Answer

Well Andy, I am not much of a Brandon Jacobs supporter… but it is hard to not take notice after his performance last week.  I think he has earned himself an increase in carries as well as solidified his role as goal line back. Since Knox has been inconsistent and Earl Bennett is developing into Cutler’s favorite target as well as Hines Ward not being able to post elite numbers yet this season, Jacobs is your best option.  Do not look for another 100 yard performance, but he is very likely to find the end zone and should have 40-50 yards or so as well.

Question 2: Asked by Anonymous

How should I value Hakeem Nicks if he returns this week against Minnesota?

Answer

Well, it is starting to look more and more like he will be playing… so great question!  It also looks like the G-men will have Steve Smith back, but I would play it cautiously with both of them.  Closer to Sunday we will know what roles to expect each of them to play… but Nicks is a beast in the red zone and if it is not expected that his role would be limited, then I would say he is a top 15 or so option.  Given his injury, I don’t think he will be used in his full role his first week back. If that is the case, treat him more like a flex play… but a very good one! (just outside the top 20)

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Question 1: Asked by @derease

I have Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart, who would you play Sunday?  My playoff berth depends on this weekends games. Thanks

Answer

Well, I really don’t see much decision making for you to do here.  When playoffs are on the line you gotta go with the guy you trust the most.  This means, that if AP is active… and there is no indication that he will be seeing limited work then you must go with Peterson.  The injury did not look severe, but there is some minor concern that he could agitate the injury and miss extended time down the stretch.  With that said, Peterson is such an elite back that you will need to play him against the league’s worst rush defense in the league.

Question 2: Asked by @smcgraw406

Debating picking up TE Boss NYG or starting Cooley WAS. What do you guys think?

Answer

Well, this decision will largely depend on your position in your league and how important THIS week’s win is for you.  If you have clinched a playoff spot and the win isn’t hugely important… then I would keep Cooley and not waste a roster spot on Boss.  Kevin Boss only has such high value while Smith and Nicks are both inactive.  Manningham is not a big physical receiver like Nicks and doesn’t make for a great red zone target for Manning.  Kevin Boss is the best suited receiver on the Giants to get open in the end zone and he has the trust of his QB.  However, once Nicks is back… this all goes out the window.  You can see my answer and the answers of others on Fandemic.

Question 3: Asked by @Bauer2

Obomanu or Nate Washington for Week 13?

Answer

The biggest factor in this decision is still unknown.  If Kerry Collins is active, then the decision is much tougher.  With Rusty Smith at QB, the Titans offense looks inept and talentless.  Collins has been with the team long enough that he is able to run the offense efficiently.  While Mike Williams is out due to injury, Obomanu should continue to be very productive. Go with him for now, but re-evaluate this closer to game day when Collins’ status is known for sure.

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Question 1: Asked by @NYLivinCAMind

Start 1: Bradford, Ryan or Cassel?

Answer

Even though Matt Ryan is a beast at home, I have to give the nod to Cassel here.  Ryan has a much taller-task to overcome with the Packers coming to town, than Matt Cassel faces by going to Qwest Field.  The Seahawks have the NFL’s 30th ranked pass defense and are allowing an average of just over 16 fantasy points per game to the opposing QB.  With the recent emergence of Dwayne Bowe as an elite WR for the Chiefs, Cassel finally has a reliable target on the outside to make big plays and help him convert on longer 3rd down attempts.

Question 2: Asked by Connor

Due to some inopportune injuries I really need to add some WR depth with huge upside down the road for the playoffs.  Who should I pickup: Steve Breaston, Blair White, Nate Burleson, or Davone Bess?

Answer

These are some pretty decent options for pickup.  Steve Breaston has been surprisingly consistent with the number of yards he is able to build up by the end of the game.  The Cardinals are a losing team and are typically forced to go to the air at the end of the game in effort to stay competitive.  To me, the stand out here is Blair White, however.  Austin Collie has had some serious issues with staying healthy and with Pierre Garcon not being the same go-to-guy that he was last season… there are a lot of targets to spread around in Indianapolis.

Question 2: Asked by wtb2612

Pick 2 to start (RB2 and FLEX): Keiland Williams, Mike Tolbert, Mike Goodson and Darren Sproles

Answer

You’re going to need to keep an eye on the status of Ryan Torain for the game this week.  As of now, it does not look as if he will be able to play (he is currently listed as questionable however) and Jonathan Stewart should be back to compete with Goodson for carries in that struggling Panthers offense.  Tolbert and Williams, due to injury, should be the ones to see the most carries and are on better offenses which are more likely to be in a position for them to score a TD. You can see my answer to this question and the answers of others on Fandemic.

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