AJ Mass

  (2:57 PM)

Welcome to the chat. It's raining here where I am, but no need to be down, we've got the next hour to keep the clouds away, on our way to where the air is sweet.

VB (KS)

Trying to decide on 2QB's this week out of Kitna, Griese and Bulger, who do you like? Thanks

AJ Mass

  (2:58 PM)

Bulger is a good pick this week. Cleveland has a poor pass D and if Jackson comes back even 50%, it's another headache for the Browns to deal with. I'd go Griese as my #2 at home.

Chris (Gainesville)

What kind of value could I get for Joseph Addai right now? I think Keith starts eating into his carries more and more until we have another RBBC, like almost every other team in the league. Could he fetch me a top 10 RB and top 10 wr? Or should I stop worrying so much?

AJ Mass

  (3:00 PM)

I agree that Colts are likely to protect Addai's health a bit with Keith, especially once the Pats game is gone, but it's not going to be a true RBBC. If you're worried, I'm sure someone in your league might want to swap, but I think your fears are a bit exaggerated.

Jimmy (Atlanta)

What are your thoughts on Lewis for the rest of the season? Also, Kyle Brady a good fill-in for TE this week or two risky?

AJ Mass

  (3:01 PM)

It's the Pats. Even the mascot might catch a TD pass. Not risky at all. Jamal Lewis is an average, aging back, who won't crack 100 yards more than twice the rest of the way.

Roy, Denver

AJ...need help. Is Westbrook or Addai along with Jacobs and Driver enough to land me LT? The other guy has no good RB2 or WR2... Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (3:03 PM)

Possibly. But what are YOU going to start as your 2nd back if you give up Jacobs? Do you have another 100+ a game back ready or are you going to be starting a zero? If I get 15 points from each of two backs and you get 25 from LT and that's it, I win.

Mike (Nashville)

What are your thoughts on Kevin Jones the rest of the way out? He's the only guy getting carries on an offense that should put up a lot of points...that's gotta make him a top-15 RB doesn't it?

AJ Mass

  (3:05 PM)

If he gets the carries, then yes. The problem is Mike Martz loves to throw the ball 40+ times a game. Now, the Lions were successful last week with a balanced attack, and if they do the same this week, Jones should be good from here on out. If they lose with the run, or slip back to pass pass pass this week, then I think the trend stays there and Jones' value goes way down.

Gerard (Celebration, FL)

Good afternoon AJ...thoughts on this trade: Maroney for Selvin Young and Colston...thanks!

AJ Mass

  (3:06 PM)

I'd do it. Maroney seems to be less and less of a reliable player. If he goes, he's fine... but his durability really has to come into question. Young will be good once Henry's suspension comes in... assuming it will in a few weeks. You'll be treading water until then, but afterwards should be ahead.

Todd (Boston, MA)

Any word on Rudi this week and beyond? Are we looking at a RBBC in Cinn? Or is Watson a one week wonder

AJ Mass

  (3:08 PM)

I read a quote from Coach Lewis that he wants to run the ball a lot more. Rudi has said he's not sure he will play this week. Put the two together, and you have your answer.

Joe (Chicago)

Do you think Gore's production will pick up a bit now that Alex Smith and Vernon Davis should both be back this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:10 PM)

No. Smith's no great deep threat and having the option to throw to Davis might actually cause more crowded running lanes. Without huge O-Line improvement, Gore will not do better.

Karl (Chicago)

Will Chad Johnson ever catch another TD pass, or will Palmer look his way 4 times/game the rest of the season?

AJ Mass

  (3:12 PM)

He'll get a TD pass eventually. Palmer is a good QB and this dry spell is only temporary.

Joel (Atlanta, Georgia)

AJ...be honest with us...do the questions with catchy intros get more attention?

AJ Mass

  (3:14 PM)

Questions come in at a clip of about 15-20 per minute - when it is slow. While I am typing this answer, I can't read the Q's that come in. It is largely whatever one is nearest the top of the list when I start reading that isn't a duplicate of another Q I've already answered.

Jason (OH)

McNabb or Favre this week? My league scores 6 for TD passes and -3 for INT's.

AJ Mass

  (3:15 PM)

I'd avoid Favre this week. Denver D looked good against Pittsburgh at home, at night, and GB is no Steelers. With huge penalty for picks, too - makes the call easier.

Haden (Memphis)

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is stand pat. There have been 11 trades in my league (12 teams) so far. I have Brady, LJ, Lynch, Jacobs, Plax, S Holmes, Welker, Driver, Witten, Greg Olsen. I want to get in on the action, but think I could only screw this lineup up, not improve it.

AJ Mass

  (3:16 PM)

The only reason to trade is to improve your team, not to deal for deal's sake. If you stand pat and win, do you get the title taken away? No. It's not about "action".

Steven (Indianapolis, IN)

Ever start W. Welker ahead of Ocho Cinco or S. Smith in a 2 WR league?

AJ Mass

  (3:17 PM)

Yes, because Welker is catching 5 balls a game and David Carr is Smith's QB. Not saying Smith is not the better talent, but for fantasy sake, Welker has been winning more games for you.

Jeff-RI

I envy Haden in memphis--we have had zero trades in our league and only one last year! These guys are so tight it is ridiculous! How can I losen them up?

AJ Mass

  (3:19 PM)

You can't fit a square peg into a round hole. If they don't want to deal, it's probably from fear. Keep a list of all the trades you propose during a year that get turned down. Then keep track how those deals would have helped both you and your opponent win more games. Data like that might change a mind or two.

Tom (Detroit, MI)

I'm desperate! Do I try and trade Addai for Larry Johnson or A. Peterson?

AJ Mass

  (3:21 PM)

Why desperate? I have a RB1. Should I trade him for an RB1? Makes no sense to be desperate. Like we said before, trading just to trade, I do not get.

Jamaal (Washington Twp, NJ)

Griese, Anderson, or Cutler this weekend? Also, Berrian (with Griese) or Lee Evans? Thanks

AJ Mass

  (3:22 PM)

No question I go Berrian over Evans. But for QB, I go Anderson. He's been a top 5 QB all season, strangely enough. St. Louis' D scares me not either.

Chris-cct

I heard that Foster did not practice today. If he is out and DeAngelo gets the start, is he a better play over Graham, Fred Taylor, Leonard, or Ahman Green?

AJ Mass

  (3:24 PM)

I think he's an OK start. However, I might go with Green or Taylor instead. Hard to call on Ahman until I know where that game is going to be.

Todd (Fargo)

Please help, Schuab, Warner, A. Smith, or T. Edwards? Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (3:25 PM)

I go Edwards. A) He's definitely healthy and playing. B) He is against the Jets, who he's already beaten. Sure they'll make adjustments, but he's at least seen the players in action before.

Evan (NYC)

Wait a second!! What is wrong with Foster? Why did he not practice today and is a viable starting option for this week? Mcgahee is on a bye and I need Foster.

AJ Mass

  (3:26 PM)

Foster has a bad toe and missed practice. not a good sign.

gregg(philly)

couldn't trade shaun mcdonald high. so...do i keep him as my WR5(who i need this bye week) or is there a hot waiver wire pick that is worth dumping him for: devery henderson, greg jennings, stokley, etc.

AJ Mass

  (3:27 PM)

If Stokely or Jennings were available, I'd run - not walk - to the waiver wire and grab them immediately. But if you are asking me who is on YOUR league's waiver wire --- I am good, but I am not that good.

Kenny (Westerville, OH)

AJ, this is NOT true about Foster. Perfect example of what happened with Jacobs on Sunday. ESPN reported he was OUT, I sat him and it cost me a win. Get your facts straight before reporting...

AJ Mass

  (3:30 PM)

I'm going to break some news to you, Kenny. People, I know, sit down --- sometimes LIE. If John Clayton or another ESPN reporter says that the Giants TOLD HIM that Jacobs will not play and he reports it --- that's not his fault. He's not lying. He's also not wrong. the AP reported that Foster missed practice today. I wasn't there to see. If you weren't either, then either believe me or not.

TL (Jax, FL)

AJ, what are your thoughts on Steven Jackson going forward, now that he claims the groin injury is healed? Is he going to be reliable, or has the O-Line issue diminished significantly the value of even Jackson? Also, would you prefer Lendale White over Jackson this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:33 PM)

Definitely prefer LenDale this week. I'm of the mind that I generally don't start a guy coming off more than one week of injury until he's gotten a game under his belt. That way you can gauge for yourself what you think he'll do going forward. If he looks bad, I'll wait another week. Until you see him on the field, there's absolutely no way of telling.

Mike (KY)

Luckily my non Jacobs start didn't cost me but why is ESPN's ranking on Colston so darn high? That has been costing me all year.

AJ Mass

  (3:35 PM)

I used to love Joel Siegel as a movie critic. You know why? Because every movie he loved, I hated. Every movie he hated, I loved. If you don't like Colston, don't start him. Nobody says you have to set your lineup based on our picks. Sometimes we're right, sometimes not. I think our opinion is more informed than most... but we're not psychics.

Jamaal (Washington Twp, NJ)

Why do so many people say that Roddy White's fantasy value isn't affected much with the loss of Leftwich? Clearly, Leftwich throws downfield more than "Check Down" Harrington!

AJ Mass

  (3:36 PM)

Because the reason that the Falcons passing game has been atrocious has more to do with the fact that Joey has been flat on his back all year. Tom Brady would look awfully anemic behind that lack of protection.

Paul(Donora, Pennsylvania)

AJ, count me among those "scared owners" who is afraid to deal! I have studs like Peyton, Steve Smith, Antonio Gates, and Reggie Bush, but am 2-5. I am only 2 games out of the last playoff spot and am 5th in points however. How often do you trade your studs in your leagues and would you recomend it if the deal in right?

AJ Mass

  (3:39 PM)

If I am 0-7, I look to make a deal. If I am 3-4 I might not. There's a point where you just have to take a chance, because you're losing with those guys, so what if you lose without them. But you still have to get value. If you give up a QB who gets 20 pts a game and start a Qb who gets 15 pts/game instead, then the deal only makes sense if you'll get more than 5 pts per week increase from the other players in the deal.

OB: Burtonsville, MD

The owner in our league who has Brady has been pressing for Moss but won't part with A. Peterson unless I throw in Marion Barber. Has he lost his mind?

AJ Mass

  (3:40 PM)

He's likely in first place if he has Brady, and therefore can ask for whatever he wants... he's not the one who needs to deal. You don't have to give in, if you don't want to.

Mike (NJ)

AJ, if I have LJ, Parker, MJD, Lamont, K. Jones and S. Morris as RBs, is it ok to trade MJD for Gates?

AJ Mass

  (3:42 PM)

I think it's OK Mike.

Brad(PA)

I have both Redskins WRs but I can't bring myself to start either of them. Which WR do I sit this week of the following: Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Muhsin Muhammad? Thanks

AJ Mass

  (3:43 PM)

Poor soul. I'd sit Marshall.Not sure how his psyche will react to his DUI incident.

Chris (Chicago, IL)

In need of WR help!! Pick 2: Vincent Jackson, James Jones, Andre Davis or Kevin Walter.

AJ Mass

  (3:43 PM)

I go Walter and Jones.

Chace (LA)

Greg Olsen or Vernon Davis the rest of the way?

AJ Mass

  (3:44 PM)

Greg Olsen is going to be a Top 5 TE by next year... and he is healthy now in a system that throws to the TE.

Tom (Ma)

PAlmer or Big ben for this weekend?

AJ Mass

  (3:45 PM)

Big Ben. Cincy is just a bad defense. Plain and simple.

Barry (Minneapolis)

I am in a one player keeper league. We don't have to give up picks to keep the player, and can keep them as long as possible. Is AP the best keeper in the league in this format?

AJ Mass

  (3:46 PM)

In other words, is AP the best player in the NFL? Right now, no - it's Brady.

Micah

So with Roy Williams and Galloway not really having consistent numbers week to week in my opinion would do you think its wise to start either Muhammad or Kevin Walter over either of them this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:48 PM)

I think you start Galloway. His production is mostly a factor of whether the other team doubles him or not, and I'm not sure Jacksonville bothers to. Williams is still a better start than Muhammed most weeks, but since they are playing against each other, I might lean to Muhsin.

Andy (CT)

Stokley and Engram for Cedric Benson?

AJ Mass

  (3:50 PM)

Andy, Andy, Andy. Really? You WANT Benson? That brings the total to 1.

AJ Mass

  (3:50 PM)

Lightning round time -- where does an hour go?

Haden (Memphis)

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is stand pat. There have been 11 trades in my league (12 teams) so far. I have Brady, LJ, Lynch, Jacobs, Plax, S Holmes, Welker, Driver, Witten, Greg Olsen. I want to get in on the action, but think I could only screw this lineup up, not improve it.

AJ Mass

  (3:51 PM)

You know Haden, I answered this about 40 minutes ago. Does nobody read anymore?

Mike (northern KY)

Could you pick me a D/ST the rest of the year: Jaguars or Steelers?

AJ Mass

  (3:51 PM)

Steelers. Not sure Jax D will perform well over time if Garrard is out and Gray is in.

Roy, Denver

Westbrook or Addai for the rest of the year?

AJ Mass

  (3:52 PM)

Addai. Bryan's fragility scares me more than Joe's.

Carol FLA

sleeper defenses for this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:52 PM)

Tennessee. Buffalo. Cleveland.

Mark (Phoenix)

WIll the weather in SD affect any of the projections?

AJ Mass

  (3:53 PM)

It's not weather - it's fire. And yes, it might. It depends where the game is played and on what surface.

Mike (northern KY)

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is_________.

AJ Mass

  (3:53 PM)

Brett Somers said "sit next to Charles Nelson Reilly"

Heath (Madison)

Is Garcia a good bye week fill in or is there a sleeper QB to look for on the wire? Also Philly, Tampa or Jags D this week and rest of the season?

AJ Mass

  (3:55 PM)

I think Garcia will do you fine. Certainly shouldn't turn it over. Jags D is good. Just not as good as Pitt D. But Tampa, especially if the running game continues to do OK, could be a sleeper. I like Edwards this week as a sleeper QB.

Matt (Somers NY)

Haden gets answered same question twice, I cant even get one! what gives

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

This is your one. Be careful what you wish for.

Stuart (Brooklyn, NY)

Which two do I sit with Galloway, Marshall, Muhammad, R. Brown and Holmes?

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

Sit Brown and Marshall.

Mike (southern KY)

Ok, my name is not Mike but Mike seems to be the lucky name today. Vince Young, Edwards or Pennington this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:58 PM)

Liar! Your name is Mike. Do not try and deny your Mike-itude. Edwards this week. Not sold that VY is healthy or that Chad will finish the game.

AJ Mass

  (3:58 PM)

Final question ---

Kim Deal (Bako Ca)

Drop one for Chatman: Brees, Roethlisberger, Cedric Benson, L. White, Selivin Young? (Addai and Henry are my 1 & 2).

AJ Mass

  (3:59 PM)

Drop Benson like a Cannonball, my dear.

AJ Mass

  (3:59 PM)

And that's it. Thanks for the Q's. We'll do this again Sunday at noon, and next Wednesday this same time. This chat has been brought to you by the letter M and the number 11.