Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Fine day for some fantasy sports talk; we're nice-'n'-heavy on fantasy football, but remember, as always, if you're nice, I'll even sneak you in a fantasy baseball or hockey question! Let's get started!

Ed, NY

Tristan, Would you take a chance on Bulger this weekend or stick with Brees against a tought Niners Secondary? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:02 PM)

I like the Marc Bulger matchup, actually. Problem is, that's ALL I like about Bulger for Week 8. In other words, if I had someone like Drew Brees, whom I trust a little more right now, I'd use him first. Bulger's a wait-and-see type to me, because I'm not convinced he's fully healthy, and that O-line has been a disaster.

Richard: (Portland, OR)

Do I start Maroney over Graham at flex now that Maroney is off the Pats injury report? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:03 PM)

Well, no, not necessarily. After all, Laurence Maroney faces a Redkins defense that's pretty tough, and I'm not fully convinced he'll be the every-down, workhorse back this week. Earnest Graham's matchup isn't as bad as it looks on paper, and I actually feel a tad better about him for this week somehow.

Jimmy (tulsa)

Good afternoon...Everyone kept touting Owen Daniels at TE, yet he's only earned 13 points in our format all season. Is hs still worth keeping, or drop him for someone like Dez clark or D Lee? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

Well, part of that is Daniels not scoring a single touchdown to date; he's been thrown to a great deal, every bit as much as any other tight end (OK, except Antonio Gates and a couple others). I still like Daniels, but he's not elite. He's more like your No. 10 choice at the position, and at tight end, to me, that's a spot where you exploit matchups. Desmond Clark, to me, is a Week 8 sleeper. He gets plugged in over Daniels, though it doesn't mean I make the swap outright.

Raul (San Diego)

Sit one...Maroney, Jacobs, White

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

It's gotta be Laurence Maroney, accounting for the matchup and his still working back to full health. The other two look too good for Week 8 to sit 'em.

Andy (CT)

Jon Kitna owner: Should I trade for K. Jones if the Lions start running more?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think it's a smart move at all for a fantasy owners to own BOTH the Lions' starting quarterback and running back. I'm all over Kevin Jones as an underrated choice for the season's second half, but there will be weeks where the game plan is pass-heavy, and some where the game plan is run-heavy, as was the case in Week 7. That's frustrating to have in your lineup at the same time, and you know, I actually am starting to feel Jones is the smarter player to own of the two.

Eddie (Help, ME)

great stuff on the podcasts the past few days with you and eric... in a ppr league, should i deal c. cooley and b. jacobs for a. gates and l. white?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

Thanks, Eddie! We had fun with those, glad you enjoyed them. (OK, shameless plug, I know.) I would make that deal, but only if I was pretty confident in the other running backs I had around the Jacobs/White spot. To me, Brandon Jacobs is better than LenDale White, but let's give White props, he has done a nice job building up his status. I call Jacobs a borderline No. 1/2, and White probably a No. 2 in most weeks. The difference is likely not as great as the drop-off from Antonio Gates to Chris Cooley.

Melissa, Parma, OH

Tristan, I only have Wayne and Welker on my roster at recievers. Who would you pick up between Evans, Cotchery, and Branch off the waiver wire? I only have one slot left.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:10 PM)

I like Jerricho Cotchery best of that bunch. I know, not a ton of touchdowns, but it's a good system, he gets his catches, and I tend to think those things even out a bit over time.

Lightning Round

Calvin Johnson or Hines Ward this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

Lightning round? Already? Jeez, this chat went fast. Ward all the way. Love the matchup. Of course, I require you to monitor his status, just in case of any setbacks.

Jason (Baltimore)

Hi Tristan.... who should I sit? LT,APeterson(MIN), or RBush?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

That's a ridiculous backfield you've got there. I'd say you sit Reggie Bush given the choices. I just think a tad less of him raw talent-wise.

Shahnaz, Chicago

Is Ben Watson ever coming back? Any news on him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

He's out for this week, and it might be a couple more, but I'd be patient. In that offense, there could be some great things ahead for him.

Alon (Brooklyn)

Galloway or Curry? Ben or Mcnabb?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

I think just a bit more of Joey Galloway's matchup of those two. Ronald Curry hasn't impressed me much since Daunte Culpepper took over. At quarterback, I'd go Ben Roethlisberger. That's a great matchup for him.

Eric (Groton)

Stallworth or Berrian this week? The rankings are staggered.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:19 PM)

I'm thinking Bernard Berrian. He tore up the Lions for eight receptions in their last meeting, and did well against them last season, too. No reason he can't do that again; he'll simply get thrown to far more frequently of the two.

Sam (las vegas)

Whose defense do you like better this week? Jax or TB?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

I'll give the slight edge to Tampa Bay here, and for two reasons: One, they're at home. Two, they're facing a Jacksonville team with some real questions at quarterback, and with its best offensive weapon (Maurice Jones-Drew) possibly limited.

Chaz (Scranton, PA)

Brandon Marshall and Greg Olsen enough to get me LenDale White in a trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

It should be. Marshall is a pretty decent weekly No. 2/3 receiver (and I lean a little towards the former), while Olsen is useful tight end depth. It's not like White is a stud, here.

Lightning Round 2

Quick, Top 3 BUY LOW RB's or WR's

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

Lightning round is like 30 minutes away! Ah, OK, you know what, off the top of my head I'll throw you some names, and if they don't reach three per position, well, it's because you called the segment of the chat wrong! Larry Fitzgerald, nice schedule coming up. Kevin Jones, workload on the rise. D.J. Hackett, again, good schedule, can only get healthier late in the year. And the aforementioned LenDale White.

Gray (Chicago)

BASEBALL: Tristan, the Indianswill likely decline Paul Byrd's option, but Adam Miller was not listed as a potential 2008 rotation candidate. What does this do to his value next season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

Well, Miller battled some health issues this season, which stunted his development. Plus, there's the whole reliever experiment thing. I bet he comes into spring training with a lot to prove, they work out his role there, he begins in Triple-A and becomes a call-up candidate by June. Best way to look at him for 2008.

Dennis Northcut ( Jacksonville, FL)

Can our back up QB throw? Is he really as bad as he was against Indy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

No, but he's not as good as David Garrard, either. And when you're talking Garrard, you're not talking about a stud, but more a consistent game manager.

Mike (DC)

Which QB should I ride the rest of the way (No neg points) - Eli or Hass?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Matt Hasselbeck has a much, much better schedule. Take that for what it's worth. Plus, with Shaun Alexander struggling of late, Hasselbeck could be a key to that team's chances in the second half. Him by a slight edge.

Chad Pennington (NY)

Keep thinking I am going to the bench and your opponents will keep getting the points!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:26 PM)

Good matchup again. It needs to be said. Do I exploit that? Sure, in a six-team bye week, it's a consideration. All I can say, though, is that it's a risk, because a slow start could mean an early hook. Again, take that for what it's worth. I'll throw you a name I like better this week: Derek Anderson.

Mark (Houston)

NO Steven Jackson questions??? C'mon Tristan, SJax is back! Thank goodness, but is he a good enough play this week over Maroney, tho?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

Yes. Really, that's all I need to say regarding how those two compare. I like the Steven Jackson matchup. He won't be his old self right away, but facing the Browns will absolutely make him look like a reliable No. 2 option.

Gary (Washington, DC)

Pair Addai with Keith and sit Kevin Jones or MJD (if MJD is injured)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

Nah, it's going to be Joseph Addai and Maurice Jones-Drew, if MJD is given the clear go-ahead. If he's even remotely limited, though, I have no problem with Kevin Jones stepping in for him.

Jim (NYC)

Pick my poison Tristan. Stokley or Darrell Jackson this week? S Graham or Bironas? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

Regarding the kicker thing, not a lot to get worried about. The only thing I can say to you is I like the Titans offense, as it pertains to the kicker, more with Kerry Collins under center. Go Shayne Graham. Also, I'd go Brandon Stokley. I think he's a little safer bet these days.

Nathan (San Jose, CA)

What do you think of this trade: give up Harrison and E. Manning for McNabb and Reggie Wayne?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

I'd make that deal, but then I was a pretty big Reggie Wayne backer in the preseason. To me, the quarterbacks don't offer you much difference in value, but you get a little safer in terms of receivers.

Michael (Charlotte)

What QB's have the most favorable schedule during the fantasy playoffs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

I don't have my schedule grid right in front of me, but in being asked elsewhere about one particular player, I want to ease Tom Brady's owners' concerns that if memory serves, he has two great ones in Weeks 15-16. I believe Jets-Dolphins.

Nate (Chicago)

You like Hasselbeck over Eli...what about Rothlisberger?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

Ben Roethlisberger over both. But it's not by a HUGE margin.

Mark (maryland)

What are your expectations of Wynn the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

Decent flex option, but nothing to get too excited about. I think with him, you exploit the matchups, and probably hope for better most weeks. I kind of lump him in with how I feel about DeShaun Foster, in general.

Matt (Miami, FL)

HELP!!! DeAngelo Williams or Kenny Watson?!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

I'm not wild about either matchup, so I'll go with the guy getting the bulk of the carries. I'm not sold that Rudi Johnson is going to be a Week 8 factor, not by any great amount, so it's Watson.

Derek (DC)

Is there anyway Tom Brady loses a step?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Absolutely. He's not going to throw 62 touchdown passes. He's simply not going to. For one thing, the schedule gets a bit tougher, and Bill Belichick has a way of switching up the game plan to keep opposing defenses off track. I'm not condemning the guy, not at all, but he'll slow down. He'll still be useful! But he'll slow down.

DeAngelo Williams

Why is nobody talking about me when I'm gonna be the biggest sleeper in the second half of the season!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Ahead of Jerious Norwood? Really? OK, maybe I'm just hoping the Falcons wise up and realize Warrick Dunn is a waste of prime carries.

Ryan (PA)

Hey Tristan, I just traded T. Jones for Henry because I already have Young as insurance. Good move?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

Seems fine to me. I'm beginning to wonder whether Travis Henry's status will be threatened at all this year, assuming full health, of course, but really, as long as you also own Selvin Young, that's a fine backfield tandem to own.

Jim (Chicago)

Follow up to Derek (DC)'s question, if BB changes the game plan, does that make Maroney a better play for the rest of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

Oh, he'll have to get better, without question, but I'd be prepared for inconsistency with Laurence Maroney. Again, the schedule gets tougher, and the other thing is that if/when Sammy Morris returns, he'll be a factor again.

Kevin (Houston)

Is it a bad move to play the Skins D against the Patriots this week. I really don't want to drop them

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

I think so, yes. Sorry, Kevin, just being honest.

Marc (Philly)

Watson or Chatman this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

I actually like Jesse Chatman a bit better of the two. Sure, he might be taken out of the game early in a lot of weeks, but I see no reason he can't be an adequate flex option in many upcoming weeks. Good matchup for him here; I could see 60-65 yards and a score.

Flex Help (Balt, MD)

Who to start at flex in PPR league? Shockey,Foster, DeAngelo Williams, or Chatman. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

I feel very good about the Giants' matchup in terms of the passing game, and that'd lead me to look Plaxico Burress' direction first, but I think the matchup is strong enough that Jeremy Shockey is a standout, too. One of the few times I'll ever say go with the tight end.

Chris (Portland, OR)

Pitt D or Tampa D?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

Tampa Bay's.

MILITARY MEMBER IN IRAQ

S.JACKSON OR BENSON TO START THIS WEEK?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

Steven Jackson. Cedric Benson needs to show me something before I ever call him an elite fantasy option.

Jack (Richmond Hill, NY)

Andre Davis or Mushin-head this week and going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

It's probably going to be Muhsin Muhammad, both this week AND looking forward. Muhammad matches up rather nicely against the Lions, though I'll admit, I am sure that once or twice looking forward, Davis will look like a better play. The problem I have with him is that when Andre Johnson returns, he'll diminish Davis' role in the offense.

Gordon (Ft. Lauderdale)

Toomer, Walter, or McDonald this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

None is a throwaway for Week 8. In deep leagues, give each a look. I'd go Amani Toomer here, though. The Dolphins are THAT dreadful in the secondary.

Fred, NY

Yo T, would u play Turner this week? maybe a monster 4th Q?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

Maybe, but I don't like banking on garbage-time stats. For one thing, the Texans do play with a lot of heart, and I wouldn't say they'll get outright embarrassed, especially not with the Chargers' practice sessions getting thrown out of whack this week. I'd say try your best to look elsewhere first.

Jake (atl(

Is it a good idea to start the QB of a team in which your opponent has multiple recievers? I have Ben and he has Santonio/Heath Miller. It handicaps him, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

It can, but it all depends on the scoring system. And really, you shouldn't care that much about what your opponent does. To me, ALL of those guys are must-starts on either side, and that's what counts here.

Tim (Simi Valley)

Tristan-should this trade be vetoed in my league? LJ for A. Green and Galloway. both teams are 3-4. thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

No, but then I like people to have their fun with trades, barring anything outrageous, and all I can say to that is that I think Larry Johnson's former owner made a mistake. I like his upcoming schedule.

Matt nyc

Berrian, marshall or kenny watson for a flex spot???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

Bernard Berrian.

Joe (phoenix)

Kellen or Heath this week at TE??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Ooooh, is that a tough one. I do think Kellen Winslow stands as good a chance at a touchdown as Heath Miller this week, and if that's the case, I then look to the fact that he gets more balls thrown his way, so I have to pick him.

Matt (NJ)

In a PPR league please choose 2 from Parker, MJD, Lamont, and Watson.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Willie Parker is clear-cut. For the second, Maurice Jones-Drew's status will decide it for you. It's him if he plays. It's LaMont Jordan if he doesn't.

Jeff (Ann Arbor)

If Rudi plays this week would you start him over Kenton Keith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Rudi Johnson would need to have a glowing report on his health before I'd call him trustworthy. It's a terrible, terrible matchup for a guy coming off an injury and effectively serving in a backup role.

Darrell ( NC )

I need a plug n play Defense - Buffalo, Philly, Denver, or Cleveland?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

The Eagles. Adrian Peterson could give them fits, but I could see a couple picks/sacks of Kelly Holcomb to help make up for it.

Dennis (Hanover, VA)

Tristan, do you think Anderson (vs. St. Louis) is a better play than Palmer (vs. Pittsburgh)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

No. But it's not as far off as you'd think!

Paul (Boston)

Santonio and Najeh for Shaun Alexander, who did better?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

Seems pretty fair, actually. The way Alexander has looked lately, it'd seem natural that the team getting Santonio Holmes makes out like a bandit. But there's something to be said for Alexander, an experienced guy in a decent offense with a solid second-half schedule. Really, I think that's pretty close, which is amazing considering how those two were regarded in the preseason.

Tristan's friend....(randolph, NJ)

Hey Big T! Got a flex question for you...Pick 2 out of Colston, Maroney, or Chatman...Thanks dude and by the way your daily notes in baseball this year were excellent and really helped. Keep up the great work!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

Thanks, Tristan's friend. Forget your name or something? I'll have to check my address book for Randolph ... I'd go Marques Colston and Jesse Chatman there.

Lightning Round

Pick 2: SJax, Willie, LenDale.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

There you go! NOW it's the lightning round! Man, do I hate to do this, but I must leave Steven Jackson on the sidelines here. I like the other two matchups too much.

Al (StL)

I have Heath Miller. Should I trade Gates for Reggie Wayne?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

That seems pretty fair to me.

T (Dallas)

Any chance Chris Henry gets enough carries for TEN this week to be a desperation RB2?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

Only if Chris Brown is ruled out, and the early reports say he is going to play. Even then, desperation is the operative word here.

Joe (HI)

Deangelo or Benson this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

For as much as I have my doubts about Cedric Benson, I have to go with him here, because he'll get the heftier workload.

Chris (NYC)

Portis or Kenny Watson this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

I don't like either matchup but it has to be Clinton Portis here. A little better pure talent.

Mork (Ork)

Need to sit one: T Jones, T Henry, MJD, K Watson. Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Sit Kenny Watson, unless, of course, Maurice Jones-Drew is ruled out.

Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ)

What the hell is wrong with Santana Moss?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

A ton of drops. Bad hands? It's pretty uncharacteristic of him. I have to think that kind of thing changes with time, but it does mean for now he takes a nice, cozy seat on your bench in Week 8.

Kyle(Newport Beach, CA)

Pennington vs BUF or Kitna at CHI

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

I'll go Jon Kitna; the Bears no longer terrify me as a matchup.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. Don't forget to check out today's podcast; some nice little tidbits for you in there, with me and Eric Karabell! (Again, shameless plug, I know.) Take care, and good luck in Week 8!