Christopher Harris

  (10:56 AM)

Hi, everyone. Thanks for coming this morning. I'll get to as many as I can, and I'm startin' early. So let's get right to it......

Bremerton, WA

Please help me Chris. Is Shaun Alexander going to pull things together this year, or do I need to rid myself of the Shaun Stain in Seattle? Thanks in advance!!

Christopher Harris

  (10:57 AM)

The problem, of course, is that even if you decide you have to rid yourself of Alexander, you're just not going to get a lot for him. As of this morning, he's 21st in fantasy points among RBs. Ugliness. I don't want him on my team, because he just doesn't look explosive. But you probably can't drop him, either, unless you're in a super-shallow league.

Mike (indy)

Any chance Kenny Watson will keep the starting job when Rudi gets healthy again?

Christopher Harris

  (10:59 AM)

Hi, Mike. Well, there's some debate about how healthy Johnson is right now. I'd say Rudi definitely gets touches when he's healthy, but it's not going to strictly be his job anymore. Watson is a better pass-catcher, and probably a better overall fit for the Bengals' offense. Johnson will deserve to be ranked higher when he returns, which I guess means I'm saying he'll start. But Watson will still have value.

Scott (Chicago)

Hi Chris...what the heck is going on with Marc Bulger? I know his O-line is weak, but this is just getting ugly. Drop him? And what are his long-term prospects? Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:02 AM)

Hi, Scott. I do think that first and foremost, the problem with St. Louis' offense is the line...it's destroyed by injury, and isn't getting better anytime soon. Bulger was just under attack for so much of the game...he was sacked seven times, I think, and threw three picks, was pressure about a jillion times.... I don't think Bulger's going to be startable in too many games for the rest of this year, honestly. If you see something out there on the waiver wire that looks usable, I'd consider dropping Bulger.

Conor (philly)

Graham or Bennett in Tampa? Who gets more work?

Christopher Harris

  (11:04 AM)

Hi, Conor. I liked Graham a lot this week in Detroit, and he rewarded his owners with 92 yards rushing and 99 yards receiving. A score would've been nice, but still. It's not always going to be such smooth sailing...Detroit's D is very generous to opposing backs. I think Bennett's workload will increase as he gets more familiar with the offense, and if I had to guess, I'd say we're looking at a platoon. For the next couple games, though, I still think it's Graham.

Brian (LA)

Is Boldin now healthy? I started Curtis over him and got burned.

Christopher Harris

  (11:05 AM)

Hi, Brian. Yeah, Boldin's healthy, and scored a shorty again on Sunday...he's a great red-zone threat. I, too, had Curtis four notches higher than Boldin for Sunday's games, so I was burned as well. It'd be nice to see the Eagles' offense do something in the red zone, eh?

Geoff (NY)

Any news on Ronnie Brown?

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Hi, Geoff. I know he told reporters he was worried he'd torn a ligament in his knee, but that x-rays were negative, which is a good sign. Torn ACLs don't *always* show up on X-rays, but they usually do. He'll have an MRI today, but Jesse Chatman should be owned in all leagues as of this moment.

Seth (Charleston, SC)

Tough Question: If Gore's injury (ankle) is more serious than it showed yesterday and he can't go in wk 8 does Robinson take the majority or do you think it will be Hicks or an equal timeshare...?

Christopher Harris

  (11:08 AM)

Hi, Seth. First off, there are papers on the West Coast that are already speculating Gore will miss a game with his bad ankle, so this is a useful conversation to have. During training camp, Mike Nolan pretty much said he'd go with Maurice Hicks as an early-down back and Michael Robinson as his third- and passing-down guy if Gore got hurt, though the speculation has been that Robinson has been creeping closer to a full backup job. I suuspect Robinson would have more value, but that he wouldn't be a pure starter.

Ryan (Buckhead)

Chris, I used Heath Miller because Winslow was on a bye. Who is the better option the rest of the way?

Christopher Harris

  (11:09 AM)

Hi, Ryan. Good day to have Heath Miller! I would still say Winslow has more value...he's an even bigger part of the Cleveland offense that Miller is in Pittsburgh.

jeremy(ohio)

should i pick up pennington or plan to start schaub on romo's bye week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

Hi, Jeremy. Well, I wouldn't 100 percent count on Schaub. He *says* he'll be all right for next week, but he had to come out this Sunday because of back and hip problems, which led to Sage Rosenfels leading a massive Texans comeback. If I had to guess, I'd say Schaub will play, but you have to keep your ear to the ground on that one. As for specific Week 8 rankings, I haven't done 'em yet. My weekly rankings will be up on Wednesday, and then updated on Friday...I honestly haven't thought about the match-ups for next week very much yet.

wii (ohio)

I can claim san diego off waivers. Currently have bears. Who do u like better the rest of the year?

Christopher Harris

  (11:12 AM)

Hi, wii. I probably like San Diego a little more, but the better question may be: what the heck were they waived for in your league? Anyway, I'd have a hard time dropping the Bears defense outright. I might try and see if I could trade 'em?

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

What can I expect out of Steven Jackson when he comes back?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

Hi, Joe. Well, I don't think you're going to be able to expect a full "Steven Jackson" type of year. As I mentioned earlier, the problem in St. Louis is the injured O-line, and that's not getting better any time soon; three starters on the line are already out for the year. You'll start Jackson, but you'll just hope for No. 2 RB production.

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

When do you recommend picking up Cincy's Chris Henry? It's a deep 16 team league.

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

Hi, Joe. I'd probably say now. I'm in a deep 16-teamer, and I actually drafted Henry and have had him on reserve all year. He'll be eligible to apply for reinstatement after next week's games, and while it sounds like he's still potentially getting involved in some questionable activities, there's a chance he's the WR3 in Cincinnati soon thereafter.

Steve (NY)

Is Joe from Alabama slipping somebody $50 bills?

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

No. These fifties in my waistband were already there. (I honestly don't look at names.....)

James, Ca

Chris, Derek Anderson was just let go, i want to pick him up, who has more trade value for me, Eli or McNabb?

Christopher Harris

  (11:15 AM)

Hi, James. I'd have to believe Manning would bring you more in a trade, but that's because, well, he's more valuable, and is playing better. I'd still probably rate Anderson below both Manning and McNabb for the season, but McNabb is teetering. He looked much better last week than this.

Ryan (Buckhead)

Chris, looking to get a great buy low candidate. Should I deal Alexander for Selvin Young or Maroney straight up?

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Hi, Ryan. Well, I really think all three of the guys you mention are buy-low candidates. Young hasn't done anything in the NFL yet, and doesn't even have a starting gig until Travis Henry finally gets suspended. If you could get Maroney for Alexander, though, I'd do that. Maroney's on the upswing, career-wise, and Alexander's on the downswing. Obviously, you're right, Maroney's a big risk because of healthy, but he's clearly in a great offense.....

Jason (Syracuse, NY)

Does Pierre Thomas' 24 yd TD run earn him more touches?

Christopher Harris

  (11:19 AM)

Hi, Jason. Regular readers know I've been pumping Thomas for a few weeks, since Deuce McAllister got hurt. Ah, vindication. Thomas has actually scored in each of his last two games (the other was a fumble recovery). I don't think the Saints will be committed to using him as a regular, Deuce-like player any time soon. But he's a better change-of-pace from Reggie Bush than Aaron Stecker is. He's worth owning in very deep leagues, and worth watching in other leagues.

Eric (CT)

Chris, i've been trying to get this answered for weeks! Which defense should I trade, Baltimore or Pittsburgh? And what type of RB should I expect in return?

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Hi, Eric. In a vacuum, independent of match-up, I probably like Baltimore's defense better, though there will be weeks when match-up dictates Pittsburgh. As for what kind of running back you should get in return: that's pretty much an impossible question to answer, because I'm not in your league...I don't know the league size, the scarcity of fantasy defenses, etc. I know I wouldn't give up a good solid fantasy RB contributor for *any* fantasy defense, because they can be so hit-and-miss.

Chad (Winona, MN)

Why is Brandon Jacobs such a wuss? Any word if he can play Sunday?

Christopher Harris

  (11:22 AM)

Hi, Chad. Let's be nice to big, tall Brandon. Seriously: this dude's six-foot-four. Not too many backs that size make it without getting hurt in the NFL...he's massive, but he's a huge target for hitting, too. He aggravated his ankle injury in the fourth quarter of the Giants' easy win yesterday, and lost late carries to Reuben Droughns. In the past couple weeks, he's been able to overcome and play...it's too early to know if that'll be the case in London next week as well.

Mike (pittsburgh)

would you drop javon walker in a 12 team league?

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Hi, Mike. Good question. If you're really needing something else, and/or don't have any IR slots, it's worth considering. It sounds to me like Week 12 or (more likely) Week 13 would be Walker's return game, and then he'll have to get himself in shape and confident with the knee thereafter. It's not sounding good, especially since the Broncos aren't exactly a great team, and may not have tons to play for late in the season. Still, unless you're desperate for a roster spot, Walker is a high-upside dude.

Ed, NY

Chris, please help!! Is Lee Evans back? I was thinking of picking him up. My other recievers are Wayne, Cotchery, and Welker. Drop Bulger for Evans? My other qb's are Brees, Schaub, and Warner.

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hi, Ed. Evans did catch five balls for 98 yards, the longest of which was a 54-yarder, and it was a sight for sore eyes to have him look comfortable with Trent Edwards. Is he "back"? I dunno. I tend not to get too dazzled by the one-game return to prominence, but I think owning him (not necessarily starting him) is a good strategy. I think you can safely drop Bulger to pick up Evans, and then keep him on your bench for another game, and see what he's got. Your three WRs ahead of him look pretty good to me.

Brandon (NY)

I can't believe Chad called me a wuss! I'd like to see him tackle me even with my aggravated ankle, I would bulldoze him!

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hey, I hear you, Mr. Jacobs. The Internet makes people brave.

Eric (DC)

Quick one......Should I bench Roy Williams till he starts performing? Doing well in my league but am getting concerned when I start him and he is putting up nothing...I have Welker, Marshall and Crayton on bench....Is Welker every week now in replace of Williams?

Christopher Harris

  (11:29 AM)

Hi, Eric. Argh, it's hard to give a definitive answer. Roy Williams is a stud, and while he's been disappointing for a couple weeks since the Lions' bye, I would have a really hard time benching him. I know Welker's turned in a couple great games, and I know how frustrating it can be when you leave a high-upside guy like that on your bench and then he goes off. But the Pats are a devious little team when it comes to fantasy contributors, and I'm yet to be convinced Welker is a definite every-week start. Remember: in Week 3 he had three catches for 22 yards and in Week 4 he had four catches for 19 yards. I predict that there'll continue to be weeks like that, and if you start him over Roy Williams in such a week, you'll be a sad, sad buckaroo.

Chris (MI)

Is Kevin Jones a good start against the formerly-stout Bears D?

Christopher Harris

  (11:30 AM)

Hi, Chris. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't done my projections/rankings for Week 8 yet, but Kevin Jones is a starter now, and he'll be going against a banged-up Chicago defense (which, admittedly, could get quite a bit healthier in the next couple weeks). He'll be in the top 20 RB ranks, for sure.

Jason (Va)

What the heck happened to Patrick Crayton? Sign of things to come? I traded T Holt for Marshall/Crayton because I needed WR depth

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Hi, Jason. As I was just saying with Welker, the issue with guys who aren't their NFL teams' No. 1 receivers is that they will be, by their very definition, up and and down. It's not realistic to expect Crayton to produce T.O. numbers...heck, even T.O. doesn't produce T.O. numbers every week. It's frustrating, but I'd keep Crayton in there most weeks. Not next week, though. Dallas is on a bye.

Alex (Albany)

Chris, is it even worth starting Kevin Faulk next week? I picked him up last week as a bye week fill in and got almost nothing.

Christopher Harris

  (11:33 AM)

Hi, Alex. No, I don't think Faulk is a fantasy starter. First off, Maroney is playing, and though it's unclear exactly at what percent he's operating, he's going to get touches. And even if Faulk is the guy who gets more touches, he's *not* getting goal-line carries. He's a third-down back, so in PPR leagues, I can see using him. Otherwise, I'd probably avoid.

John (Cloquet, MN)

Would you start Palmer over Romo for the rest of the way, considering that I have Ocho Cinco and Housh at WR?

Christopher Harris

  (11:35 AM)

Hi, John. It brings up an interesting point. First off, I've got Romo and Palmer very close to one another almost every week, so for the sake of discussion, let's say they're about the same level of fantasy value. That being the case, I'd probably go with Romo most weeks, to diversify risk. Sure, it's awesome when you own the QB and both WRs, and they produce. But when they don't, you're dead in the water. Romo is good enough and produces well enough that I think he'll give you Palmer-esque numbers most weeks, but you won't be dead in the water if the Cincy receivers don't produce, because you'll have another NFL team's QB.

Aaron (Cincinnati, OH)

Chris, what do you think of Jericho Cotcherys value if Clemens gets the starting gig? It sounds like Mangini might make the switch.

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Hi, Aaron. It would be for the best if he did make the switch; the Jets are going nowhere, and Pennington just doesn't fit the profile of a guy who can take a team on his back (he'd be a swell caretaker QB for a rush-heavy, defensive franchise). Frankly, I think Cotchery's value only goes up if Clemens gets the job. Pennington and Laveranues Coles have a special bond, and the QB looks Coles's way a ton. I think Clemens would probably even things out a little between the two receivers.

Matt (Miami, FL)

Should I pick up Warner for the rest of the way as my backup and drop Garrad?

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Matt. Yes, I'd do it. I know the elbow injury is a little scary, but you don't need Warner as a starter right away, and his upside is much higher.

Isaac (Milwaukee)

Fill in the blank... Marvin Harrison __________ tonight.

Christopher Harris

  (11:39 AM)

I love Mad Libs! Um...a noun? Red-Snouted Macaw? Ahem, anyway. I don't have any sort of offical word...he's officially a game-time decision. At this point, you're probably locked into playing him; if you're deciding between him and Reggie Wayne, I'd start Wayne. They're going to get him in uniform, get him out on the field for pre-game warmups, and see how his knee is. Sorry I can't be more definitive.

Dana (Boston)

Would you rather own Wynn or Chatman going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

Hi, Dana. Let's see. The answer to that question could get a *lot* easier in a few hours, depending on what Ronnie Brown's MRI shows. If Brown is hurt badly, it's Chatman for me, easy. If not, and Chatman continues to be a reserve (albeit an effective one), I'd probably say Wynn, just because he'll get more carries.

Paul (Kansas)

Hi Chris! As a Travis Henry owner, is it worth trading Lamont Jordan for Selvin Young at this point?

Christopher Harris

  (11:41 AM)

Hi, Paul. I understand where you're coming from, but I think that's giving up too much. Jordan has played very well this year, and I'm unconvinced that Young will definitely be the main guy in Denver. Folks who watched him at the University of Texas know he was a lot better when the Longhorns used him 10 to 15 times a game; he's not really built like a feature guy. I wouldn't be surprised to see that job go platoon when Henry's suspension finally comes down.

JC, Winnipeg

Hi Chris - when do you think Childress wises up and gets Peterson 25 total touches on a weekly basis? 12 carries after a 200+ yard game is beyond insane.

Christopher Harris

  (11:42 AM)

Hi, JC. Well, at least Brad Childress tells no tales. He said exactly what he was going to do, and he did it. I guess you can look at it two ways. On the one hand, if the Vikings really are trying to win now, they'd get Peterson in there and ride him. But if they understand they're rebuilding (and the fact that Tarvaris Jackson is their quarterback probably gives them a hint), maybe they understand Peterson has only so much tread on his tires for his career, and it doesn't make a lot of sense to run him into the ground right away. Also, AP isn't good enough yet in pass protection, and Minny would like to avoid getting Jackson killed. The split will continue.

Lamont (Oakland, CA)

Is Rhodes going to keep on stealing carries from me, or were the coaches just going for a different look against a tough Chief run defense?

Christopher Harris

  (11:44 AM)

Good question about LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes. I'd say Rhodes is probably going to continue to dig into Jordan's carries, but that Jordan is still the starter. Listen, the Raiders paid some dough for Rhodes, and they probably need to see what they have in him. He made himself a lot of money in the Super Bowl last year, and while you and I know he stinks, Oakland seems not to.

Chace (LA)

Muhammad or Berrian. Who is the better fantasy player for the rest of the year?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Chace. It's close. For upside on a game-to-game basis, it has to be Berrian, because he's a downfield threat. But Muhammad would appear to fit Brian Griese better...Griese doesn't have Rex Grossman's bigger arm, and so isn't going to wow you with a ton of deep balls to Berrian. I'll probably keep rating Berrian a little higher most weeks, so I guess I'd say him. But I understand the argument for Muhammad, too. (Note also that Berrian is a free-agent-to-be, and those guys tend to play pretty well....)

Javier (Lodi CA)

McNabb is KILLING me!!! Start Big Ben at Cincy this week??

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Javier. Yes, definitely. Cincinnati's pass defense is awful.

peter (Ashville, NC)

Kitna's 5 points cost me my game this week. I have Derek Andersen on my bench. I'm reluctant to make the switch. Should I be?

Christopher Harris

  (11:48 AM)

Hi, Peter. You're one of many folks asking about Derek Anderson. Anderson has been good, but you also have to remember that we've got the memory of his big game against Miami from a couple Sundays ago in our mind, and New England showed you yesterday what we should think of the Miami secondary. I like Anderson this week against St. Louis, and maybe even against Seattle the week after that, but then come Pittsburgh and Baltimore, which will go rougher. Meanwhile Kitna has Chicago, Denver, Arizona, Giants, which would appear to be a little easier. I could see Anderson this week, but then Kitna thereafter.

Lee (MN)

Chris...what's your take on Belichek's putting Brady back in the game after Cassel's INT? I think it's bush league.

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Lee. I'm a Patriots fan, and I couldn't agree with you more. It was silly. Imagine if Brady had gotten crunched by Jason Taylor under such a circumstance? Just because Matt Cassel throws a pick to make it a 21-point game, you put Brady back in? Really weird move. I'm not really so much concerned about bush league, because you do what you need to do. But a guy cools off, takes off his eye-black even, and then you put him back in to lead a final TD drive, which is basically meaningless? Don't like it.

Joe (San Diego)

Guaranteed Brady is Bellicheck's fantasy QB.

Christopher Harris

  (11:50 AM)

Exactly, Joe. He was getting some ESPN.com fantasy updates, heard Kenny Watson had scored again, and quickly had to get one more fantasy TD from Brady.

Jake (Atlanta)

I'm thinking I can ride Big Ben the rest of the year if I can package Carson in a deal for LDT or Peterson. Maybe even Brady. Ben has a very favorable schedule with two Cincy games, Cleveland, Miami, NY Jets, St. Louis...

Christopher Harris

  (11:51 AM)

Hi, Jake. I liked the way Roethlisberger looked in the second half yesterday, but I was concerned with how much he seemed to be throwing it up for grabs in the first half. That needs to stop. That said, if you could package Palmer and, say, your RB2, and get a Tomlinson? Heartbeat.

Boose (Louisville, KY)

Should I trade S.Holmes for Brees? Brees has looked good the past few weeks and Holmes should decline with Ward back.

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

Hi, Boose. Hm. Good question, and tough to answer without knowing your league and your depth. But I probably wouldn't do it just yet. Brees was okay yesterday, but he didn't look as good as he did in Seattle, at least not to my eyes. The pass to Henderson was a beaut, but I felt like he left other points on the table. San Francisco and Jacksonville present two pretty good pass defense the next couple weeks (especially Jacksonville). I'm not 100 percent sold yet, and from the way the Steelers kept looking Holmes's way last night, I think your worries about him are unfounded. He may just be the top WR in Pittsburgh.

Skipples (Andover)

Hey Chris, love the Rotowski rankings and comments! Do you like K. Warner as a backup/matchup fill in for Big Ben the rest of the way or say J. Garcia who has been spot on?

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, Skipples. Thanks for the compliment. I think it's going to matter just a couple times for the rest of the year. As you say, I think Big Ben is going to be your guy most weeks, with maybe some second thoughts against New England, and maybe Jacksonville. Those two weeks, Garcia has Houston and Atlanta, while Warner has Seattle and New Orleans. I'd say I like Warner a little more under those circumstances.

Maitiu (DC)

Hi Chris. Have some bye week issues. I have T. Jones and D. Ward. Do I drop one for K. Keith or K. Watson. Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

Hi, Maitiu. I hate dropping starters, especially starting RBs, for bye weeks. Obviously, the answer really depends on what else you have a RB, but I wouldn't like to drop either of the guys you mention. Do you have a spare WR or TE you could drop instead? Of the two guys you mention, clearly Watson should be owned, though again, I'd have a hard time owning him over the two guys you talk about dropping.

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

Okay, folks. Just a couple more. I started early 'cuz I knew I'd need to end on time......

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Is it safe to drop Leonard? I need some bye week help and need to lose some bench players. Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

It's hard to say it's absolutely safe, because we don't know whether Steven Jackson's definitely coming back, and next week's game against Cleveland should present some opportunities for the Rams' running game. But if you're desperate, and wouldn't start Leonard anyway, I can see the logic. Jackson will be back in Week 10 at the latest.

Joe (Boston)

Holt=back to must-start?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Joe. For me, he never left. He's probably the only guy on that offense I wouldn't hesitate to start every week. They're invested in getting him the ball, and he's just so darned talented. Always start him, I think.

Thomas Jones (NY)

Will I EVER find the endzone?

Christopher Harris

  (12:00 PM)

It's a familiar lament for Jones owners. He scored six in 16 games last year in Chicago. Yeah, he'll score. But he won't be mistaken for LaDainian Tomlinson any time soon.

JC (reading MA)

leonard or graham?

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Graham, probably.

Chris (Orlando)

D Clark or Winslow the rest of the year?

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Hi, Chris. It's a heck of a nice problem to have. I'd see if I could trade one, and hold onto the other. Take a look at Clark tonight. If he has a huge game, see if you can get a TE-desperate owner in your league to deal for him.

Josh (Seattle)

Vernon Davis or Greg Olsen the rest of the way?

Christopher Harris

  (12:02 PM)

Hi, Josh. The Niners offense just looks lost to me. I have to say Olsen.

Tony (NYC)

LIGHTNING ROUND!! Driver, Colston, Kitna for Brady and Harrison is it vetoable?

Christopher Harris

  (12:03 PM)

Well, it's not a good deal for the person giving up Brady and Harrison, in my opinion, but no, I wouldn't wield the veto on that one. Harrison has been very down so far this year, and there's tons of potential in the three guys the other team is getting. I'd rather be the one getting Brady here, but it's not a veto.

Andy (NY)

BUZZER BEATER! Any chance Andre Johnson plays this week?

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

Hi, Andy. Yeah, there's a chance. The word at first was: wait until after the Houston bye (so not until Week 11), but I get the sense he was pretty darned close this week. If I had to guess, I'm 60-40 that he'll go this week.

Christopher Harris

  (12:05 PM)

Okay, everyone. Sorry I couldn't get to more of your questions...there were 1,300+ this week, and my fingers are only so nimble. But I'm very appreciative of the fact that you all came and asked so many, and as always, I'm humbled by the fact that I get to do this as my job. It wouldn't be possible without all of you, so thank you very much. My weekly rankings will be out on Wednesday (The Big Rotowski) and then on Friday I'll write The Breakdown, which is an in-depth take on every NFL game from a fantasy perspective. Thanks again, and have a great and healthy week.