Christopher Harris

  (10:58 AM)

Hi, everyone. I'm still a bit tired after last night's World Series celebration (yes, I'm a Red Sox man, going on three-and-a-half decades now), but I think I can wrench my baseball-happy worldview to talk fantasy football for an hour or so. Let's get right to the questions.......

Sean (Minn)

Hey Chris, what the heck is up in Cinnci?! Should I trade Palmer while he's still got some name-brand recognition or can he get it done for me from here on out?

Christopher Harris

  (11:00 AM)

Hi, Sean. I haven't watched the CIN/PIT tape yet, so I can only comment on the highlights I saw. It looked to me like the Steelers were protecting against the deep ball, and giving up underneath stuff, and that's what the Bengals took. Palmer certainly won't face as tough a defense every week, and I'm probably going to continue to have him rated as a top-half fantasy starter. But he's not going to be the No. 2 quarterback in football, that's for sure. If you can get someone to give you that kind of value for him in a trade, I'd say do it.

Ben (Minnesota)

Do you see Chris Henry (Titans) getting an expanded role in the offense in the coming weeks? He has run very well in limited action the past 2 weeks and the Titans offense could use a home run threat.

Christopher Harris

  (11:02 AM)

Hi, Ben. Well, you have to like what Henry's done, but to call him a home-run threat is probably a misnomer. He doesn't really have that kind of speed (though I grant you: pretty much anyone looks fast alongside LenDale White). It'll be interesting to see what happens when Chris Brown is healthy; will Henry go back to the inactive list? Either way, Henry is definitely ownable, but I'm probably not ready to start him. LenDale actually looked really good this week.

Doug / Hoboken

Hi Chris, any updates on T Henry tonight?

Christopher Harris

  (11:03 AM)

Hi, Doug. Nothing that I've heard yet. The latest I heard yesterday was he was calling himself a game-time decision, which makes me think the team is basically going to let Henry decide for himself if he plays. That's the bad news. The good news is that one imagines if he does avoid the inactive list, Denver will probably be ready to give him a bunch of carries. I don't think we'll know anything definitive until 7 p.m. ET or so.

Ryan (denver)

Was that the Brees we should expect to see the rest of the season or should I look to sell high on him? I have Garcia and Big Ben as well.

Christopher Harris

  (11:05 AM)

Hi, Ryan. I thought Brees played his best game of the year yesterday, and not just because his accuracy numbers were so spectacular. He looked crisp, he made good decisions, he took the short stuff the Niners allowed him, and he zipped a few important deeper throws exactly where they needed to be. Can I guarantee that's the guy we'll see every week? No, no guarantees, because it's unknown why he didn't play that way until now. But at this point, honestly, I don't think you'd be selling high...I still don't think Brees's value is where it was last year. Garcia might be the guy to deal high. Not that I think he's bad or anything, but let's face it: he's not much of a downfield thrower.

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Hey Chris, what're your thoughts on Donte Stallworth? He definitely hasn't turned in to the weapon on that offense I had hoped for. Can we expect better stats from him in the second half of the season?

Christopher Harris

  (11:07 AM)

Hi, Matt. I think when you own and/or start Stallworth or Wes Welker, you have to understand what you're getting. I don't think you'd have said he was disappointing any of the three weeks before this one, when he scored a touchdown in each game. The fact is: the Pats are probably going to spread the ball around. Heck, Jabar Gaffney got looks yesterday. I would keep starting Stallworth, if you've been doing so to this point.

Riaz, OH

Hi Chris, I know its just Monday but on the surface would you roll with Brees next weekend against Jacksonville or does Schaub vs Oakland sound better? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:08 AM)

Hi, Riaz. At the moment, Schaub's health is a real question, and that'll be what you want to keep an eye on. Certainly, Oakland's defense is easier to play against than Jacksonville's, but Schaub may have suffered a concussion yesterday, and he's now left two consecutive games. With the Texans obviously not playing for much anymore, it's possible he doesn't play next week. (Not definite, just possible.)

Gerald (Alabama)

Deion Branch is available, should I drop Ike Hillard to get him? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:09 AM)

Hi, Gerald. Thanks for bringing up Branch; I think he's fallen off some fantasy radar screens, and while we won't know anything for sure about whether he'll be back for Week 9, my guess is that he will, and he'll be Seattle's No. 1 wideout again. Definitely, I'd do that move.

Chris, NY

Hey fellow Chris, love the chat. Going forward, would you rather have injury-prone Gore or injury-prone Maroney? Maroney has the better chance at big yardage, but Gore seems to have more TD potential...

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

Hi, Chris. Boy, I'd have said Gore right up until this week, but now I'm going to say I'm leaning toward Maroney. The Niners O-line has been dreadful, and once again couldn't do anything to open holes for the game Gore, while Maroney looked like he had the burst back again against Washington. If I may be the first to weigh in on strategy for the Indy/Pats game next week, I think New England's going to cross everyone up and run the ball down the Colts' throat (or at least try to). Maroney could have a nice game.

Jeff, Huntington WV

Chris, I am in a situation where I own both Peyton Manning and Derek Anderson looking to trade one for an upgrade at RB. One team, in particular needs a QB and has both Westbrook and Parker. Do you think Anderson is safe enough to trade, say Manning and Marion Barber for the aformentioned 2 RBs. Is this deal fair and what advise can you give me?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

Hi, Jeff. Anderson probably isn't safe, though right now he's a top-10 quarterback. There's the schedule factor: Pittsburgh and Baltimore are both coming down the pike. Then there's also the Brady Quinn factor: you never know if he's going to get to start a few games toward season's end. (I doubt it, but you never know.) That said, bold moves in championships. Peyton is obviously an unbelievable player, but he hasn't been fantasy gold, and if you could get Westbrook or Parker for him? I might have to seriously consider it. If you could get *both* for Manning and Barber, I'd *really* have to consider that.

Chris (NYC)

Based on what you just said about the Texans, is Andre Johnson worth a pick up? He's available in my league.

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

Hi, Chris. If yours is a super-shallow league, I can see staying away from AJ, just because I don't expect to see him out there playing until No. 18. But otherwise, provided you have a bench spot, absolutely, AJ needs to be owned. Go get him.

Chad (DC)

Who is the better #2 RB for the rest of the year (LJ #1), Rudi, T. Jones. or Edge? Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

Hi, Chad. I'd have to say Edge. Jones second, and then a long way back to Rudi in third.

Mike (Nashville)

You do know that Chris Henry ran the fastest 40 time of any RB at the combine this year right? And that list includes AP!

Christopher Harris

  (11:16 AM)

Hi, Mike. I completely misspoke, and I apologize. That said, I'm still skeptical about Henry (who did post a 4.33 time in the combine), who's never had a full-time gig in his life. But thanks for the correction.

Lee, NC

Do you think Ben Watson comes back next week against the Colts because Owen Daniels is killing me! If he doesnt would you drop Daniels for Donald Lee?

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Hi, Lee. Let's see how Donald Lee looks tonight; I like his situation, because Brett Favre does like tight ends, and Bubba Franks is out. Let's also take a look at Daniels's injury situation; I believe he left yesterday's game, though I haven't heard anything about his condition. Finally, if I had to guess, I'd say Watson has a decent chance of playing next week, because the Pats may have been holding him out of a game they knew they could win yesterday. Let's see the injury reports midweek on Big Ben (Watson).

Gene(San Diego)

Hi Chris. I missed most of Sundays action, because of the fires down here. Just wondering if anyone significant go down with an injury, so that I could snatch up their replacement (Ala Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman last week). Thanks for your time.

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Hi, Gene. Hope you and your family are doing all right. There weren't, so far as I know yet, any catastrophic injuries to very skilled players, a la Ronnie Brown last week. Frank Gore had to leave after reinjuring his ankle, but he did come back for a play or two before it became obvious the Niners had no chance and he sat for the rest of the game. Matt Schaub got crunched and maybe concussed, and Sage Rosenfels came in for the second week in a row. Generally, though, there isn't anyone I can look at and say, "Oh, definitely No. 1 waiver pickup in all leagues" the way I did with Chatman last week.

James, Ca

Chris, do us Sjax owners just have no luck, do you think he will be ok after the bye week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:21 AM)

Hi, James. I think maybe the answer is: both. Jackson looked good (to my eyes, anyway) behind a terribly patchwork O-line while he was in there, but did have to come out with a "bad back," which I'm not sure I believe, because many people claimed it was actually Jackson reinjuring his groin. It'd be pure speculation at this point, but I'm guessing he'll play after the Rams' bye. Unfortunately, though, we're not going to get any definite word on that in the next few days.

Jeff (Atlanta, GA)

hey chris. i've now lost 6 weeks in a row and i'm at a loss on what to do. i'm in a keeper league, so do you think i should cut my losses and trade guys like shaun alexander, steve smith, and travis henry for younger players who i can use in future seasons? Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Hi, Jeff. Man, it's frustrating, isn't it? The good news is you *are* in a keeper league; stinking in a re-draft league is even worse, because there's absolutely nothing you can do. Now, I'm not sure what the playoff situation is like in your league, and how realistic a chance you have if some of your guys suddenly get hot. But assuming a 13- or 14-week season, if you're five or six games out of a playoff spot by now, yes, I think it's probably time to go make some deals that help you for the future.

Melissa, Parma, OH

Hello Chris, quick roster question for you. I have Brees and Warner as my quarterbacks. I also picked up Bulger as my 3rd. After yesterday would you consider dropping him for Lee Evans who is a free agent in my 10 team league?

Christopher Harris

  (11:25 AM)

Hi, Melissa. Yes, I like the idea of a speculative Lee Evans acquisition, though I'm also not exactly ready to annoint Evans a fantasy starter again after yesterday's game. Take away his long touchdown that you could almost call "garbage-time," and he had four catches for 53 yards and no scores, and everyone would be complaining about him again. However, even in a shallow league, I think it makes sense to own Evans, especially if J.P. Losman has to start next week. Evans and Losman have chemistry.

Rob (Chicago, IL)

Should I try to move S. Smith? I mean, how can Carolina not get there best playmaker the ball?

Christopher Harris

  (11:27 AM)

Hi, Rob. I've watched that tape, and I have a two-word answer for you: David Carr. Carr was just dreadful. He makes Vinny Testaverde look 25 years old again. (Come to think of it, if that's the effect Carr has on people, maybe he could come around the office and make some of us old geezers feel young again, too?) The problem with dealing Smith is you're probably not going to get anything close to fair value for him now, given his current quarterback situation. Unless someone bowls you over with an offer, you probably just have to grit your teeth and ride it out.

dave (nj)

chris,i have indy d and welker as my wr going next week should i drop a player and pick up another defense,i was considering seattle d they are available? thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:28 AM)

Hi, Dave. I don't think there's any way I'd start the Indy D next week. Seattle has a suddenly-sort-of-explosive Cleveland offense to play against, but that's a way better option than going against BradyCo.

Tony (NYC)

Hey Chris, Whats the value on Selvon Young now, should i try to seel him high or keep him and hope he produces?

Christopher Harris

  (11:29 AM)

Hi, Tony. I think we'll know more tonight. As I said earlier, it's unknown whether Travis Henry will be able to go. I own Selvin Young in a lot of leagues, and am just hanging onto him on the bench, because eventually I believe Henry will be suspended. The worry in that case, though, is that Andre Hall will take carries away from Young. Still, I think hanging onto him (but not starting him) is the thing to do for the moment, if you can afford the roster spot.

Joel (East Longmeadow, MA)

In a vacume is Clinton Portis for Dallas Clark fair?

Christopher Harris

  (11:30 AM)

Hi, Joel. I don't like the deal for the person giving up Portis. I know he wasn't very good this week, but still, he's a top-15 running back option at the very least every week. As good as Clark's been, I can't think he'll out-produce Portis.

kiran(philly)

By the same token, should I bench the Patriots D?

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Hi, Kiran. That's a great question, and I don't have as definitive an answer. I think the game'll be high-scoring. And I don't think the Pats are as good on defense as they've looked in recent weeks (Miami and Washington). Remember how they were against Dallas? That's what we'll see Sunday in Indy. I don't think they'll get you negative fantasy points, but they're also going to allow some points to ManningCo, and they're not going to rack up a bunch of sacks. If I had other options, I'd probably use 'em.

Mike (NYC)

Any chance Adrian Peterson (CHI) gets an expanded role this season? Benson looks bad.

Christopher Harris

  (11:33 AM)

Mike, you are officially preaching to the choir. In last week's Fantasy Newsletter (which you all may or may not have gotten delivered to your email?), I wrote that Peterson (the Chicago flavor) is one of my favorite speculative pickups for the second half. Benson lashed out embarrassingly at the media after yesterday's game, and he isn't the pass-blocker Peterson is, either. Listen, it's *more* likely Benson gets his act together and turns it around. But I give the *other* Peterson a decent chance of getting more action in the second half. Deep-leaguers, take note.

Chuck (Knoxville)

Hi Chris. Been offered M. Lynch and A. Smith (QB) for Welker + Chatman. Yay or nay?

Christopher Harris

  (11:35 AM)

Hi, Chuck. It's tough to answer trade questions without context, which is why I don't answer tons in chats, but this one lets me talk about Marshawn Lynch, who didn't post numbers against the Jets this time around, but who's still growing to be one of my favorite fantasy backs. He's really tough, but he's also a grinder with speed and great hands...I really wish Buffalo would throw it to him more. It's tough for me to say "definitely do this," because losing Welker would hurt if you don't have a decent starting replacement. But if you do, and you're desperate for running back help, I love Lynch. (Alex Smith is a needless throw-in here...)

Dave (Sacramento)

I gotta believe that Bill Belichick has started playing Fantasy Football, and that Brady is his QB. Why else would Tom be throwing 2 yard TD passes, up 38-0, with 9 minutes to go???

Christopher Harris

  (11:38 AM)

Yeah, Dave, that's been a common refrain around these parts over the past few weeks. It's definitely mold-breaking to run it up like the Pats have, and a few Washington players ranted about it to the media last night. Here's the thing, though: I kind of think that's been a stupid unwritten rule for a long time. What does it even mean? Stop scoring because it's respectful? Frankly, I think it's *more* embarrassing to have a team stop trying while they're playing you. I think it's a pretty good strategy for New England: it delivers a message to their own players (don't ever let up, not *ever*), and it also delivers a frightening message to other teams. I think it's a philosophy change that's overdue. And I'm not even a Tom Brady owner. (Though you're right: Belichick might be.)

Jim (Ithaca, NY)

Hi Chris, I picked up Chris Henry (Bengals) recently, and was wondering when you think he will be a productive start, right away against Baltimore or a few weeks further down the line

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

Hi, Jim. I, too, have owned Henry in a couple leagues, and have been waiting for him. Henry dislocated a finger in practice last week, but it sounds like he'll be okay, and he'll be the Bengals' No. 3 receiver next week against Buffalo. Should you start him sight unseen? I tend to think not, unless you're in seriously desperate straits, WR-wise. I'd probably wait at least a week to see how the Bengals use him.

John (chicago)

Congrats on the RED SOX (i hate being a cubs fan) Im stacked at WR/TE but need rb help (i have jacobs and maroney). Do i deal someone with maroney to upgrade my RB 2. I have S. Smith, Wayne, S. Holmes and Gates. Should i just ride it out with my 2 Rb's?

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

Hi, John. Thanks. Man, it feels good, I gotta tell you. Having your baseball team win is just different than other sports. My analogy is this: being a baseball fan is like being put in a pot of cold water in March, and having the water go up by half-a-degree every day. But October, you're just *roasting*. I felt like my insides were being pulled out through my nose last night when the Rockies rallied. Okay, anyway. This is the time of year when moves like this start to take shape, and make sense. If you're a pretty good, but not great, fantasy team, try and cast a cold eye on your team, and see if you've got any surplus, like John does. Of course, we just got through talking about Steve Smith frustrations, but I still think he's got a lot of value, and it's clear you've got other great players here, too. If you could package, say, Holmes and Maroney, and get Joseph Addai or (heaven forbid) LaDainian Tomlinson? I'd strongly consider it.

Matt,MPLS

What to do with Lamont Jordan? Whats his value right now? Can I drop him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:44 AM)

Hi, Matt. It's ugly, that's for sure. That's another game whose tape I haven't watched yet, but I will, and what I've heard is that Jordan looked slow and indecisive, and that's why the Raiders took a look at Justin Fargas in the second half. I hate the idea of dropping starting rushers outright in any league, even 10-teamers. But you probably can't have Jordan starting just now, even though Houston's rush defense is really struggling.

Jess (Philly)

Is DeAngelo Williams worth keeping on my bench as a hand-cuff or will he ever get the carries he deserves?

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

Hi, Jess. I've been as big a Williams booster as there is in the world over the last two years, but I'm through apologizing for him. I've not seen a player more consistently ankle-tackled than Williams was yesterday. It's unbelievable. I think I finally understand why DeShaun Foster has that starting job...Williams simply isn't very good. Should you waive DeAngelo? Again, I hate dropping RBs, especially RBs who are a heartbeat away from a starting job. I'd prefer to use the bench spot on him, on the chance Foster gets hurt. But I think I finally disagree with the statement that Williams deserves more touches.

Chris (North Haven)

What do I do with Marvin Harrison? Am I forced to hope for a big 2nd half since Id never get fair value for him via trade?

Christopher Harris

  (11:48 AM)

Hi, Chris. Yeah, that's probably about right, unfortunately. I think Harrison probably could've played this week, but the Colts know they have to beat New England, so they were saving him. I think you'll see him in there on Sunday. There have been rumors (and these are *only* rumors, I have no inside knowledge) that Harrison actually underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee during the Colts' bye, and that he's still recovering, a bit slower than he'd hoped. Either way, no, you probably can't trade him.

Chris (Philly)

Is Fargas worth a pickup in deep leagues?

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Chris. In deep leagues? Maybe. I don't think Fargas will ever wind up a starter; the Raiders view him as a change-of-pace guy, not someone who could handle 20 touches in a game. So if Jordan gets hurt, or benched, or whatever, I'd still expect Dominic Rhodes would factor in. So while I don't mind Fargas as a pickup, I wonder if you'd ever actually be able to start him.

A-Rod (not NY)

Would you have opted out?

Christopher Harris

  (11:50 AM)

It sure is interesting. Yeah, I mean, if Scott Boras is telling me I can definitely make more money by opening myself up to free agency, I guess I'd have done it. It's not like New York has been particularly good to Rodriguez (outside the untold millions, of course); the fans were brutal to him until the last month or two of this year, and he never got along all that well with Joe Torre. In the end, for A-Rod it's all about the Benjamins. He'll get a lot.

Jack (NYC)

line-up question for tonight. Assuming Henry is not active, should I start Young or Stokley for my flex?

Christopher Harris

  (11:52 AM)

Good question, Jack. I think I'd got with Stokely, but it's absolutely not a no-brainer. Here's my line of thinking: I'm truly not sure what Mike Shanahan will do if/when Henry is out, either because of an injury tongith, or because of his looming suspension. A lot of people have gone broke betting on what Shanahan will do with his running backs. So rather than be subject to those whims (will Andre Hall play a big role, too, if Henry is out?), I'd rather have the surer thing: at least we know Stokley'll be on the field most of the night, and I frankly think the Green Bay pass defense can be had. Not a no-brainer, but that's how I'd lean.

Smokey The Bear (Orange County)

Hey Chris, only you can prevent forest fires...and man, it has be brutal out here. Seems like firefighters are getting the upper hand. We all need to pray for those 1 million people who were evacuated, the firefighters who fight the fires, and those who have lost their homes and lives. Now onto a more trivial question...In an 8 team league, and I have Gore, Parker, Lynch, and T Jones at RB. Kevin Jones is available. Would you pick up Kevin and drop the other Jones? Also, seems like Gore has officially become a match-up guy. Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:54 AM)

Yes, I agree. To anyone and everyone affected by the fires, here's hoping you all wind up safe and sound, and if we can distract you with a little fun entertainment for a few minutes here at ESPN Fantasy, we're glad to do it. As for your question, I do like Kevin Jones more than Thomas Jones, so that's the move I'd make. As for Gore...I think you still have to start him, at least until we know there's some awful injury. Things might be easier next week at Atlanta.

Joe (San Diego)

Santana Moss's value the rest of the way??? Higher than Vincent Jackson?

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, Joe. I continue not to believe Moss is healthy. If he *gets* healthy, I like him more than Vincent Jackson, who's now one of at least four red-zone targets (which is where most of his fantasy value comes in the first place). Moss's resurgence could start as soon as this week against the Jets. But as I say, he needs to get healthy...let's see what the Washington reporters have to say about his physical condition during this week.

Vellan(Aus, TX)

Similar to a question earlier...Would you start S. Young or DeSean Wynn over T. Henry tonight?

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

Hi, Vellan. If I had to choose one, and if Travis Henry was definitively out, I'd start Wynn. The Pack reportedly worked a lot on the run game during their bye week, and might show a bit more commitment to it against a suspect Denver D-line tonight. Wynn's neck is okay, and Vernand Morency's knee isn't. Ryan Grant sounds like the main guy who could threaten Wynn's touches, but I actually rather like Wynn as a surprise RB2 tonight.

Eddie (ID)

Would you trade Hines Ward for Harrsion? I have Big Ben and Willie on my team already and heat being that dependant on one team.

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

Hi, Eddie. I think I'd have to wait to acquire Harrison, and I probably wouldn't have said that before he missed this weekend's game. Now, while I *suspect* he's all right and will play against New England, I'd really hate to deal for him and then find out this knee thing is a much bigger deal than we think at the moment. I don't mind the idea of trading Ward, especially at the peak of his value. I'm just not sure Harrison is the guy to deal for at the moment. (Then again, it'd be a really bold, ballsy move, and those are the kind of moves that can lead to championships...or the poor house.)

Bob(NY)

Quickie..Crumlper ok to use as a bye wek fill in?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Bob. As a fill-in, yes, he's usable, but realize he wouldn't have played because of his bad knee if the Falcons had had a game this week. Keep an eye on the medical reports. Okay, folks, gotta run, so let's do a couple more.

Mike (RSM, CA)

What kind of receiver should I accept in a trade for FWP?

Christopher Harris

  (12:00 PM)

Hi, Mike. A really, really good one. Parker is a fantasy stud. The touchdowns will come, and in droves. Honestly, you'd have to get a top-five or at least top-10 guy, in my estimation.

Jon (Miami, FL)

Chris should I sit Pats D this weekend in favor of Minny's D?!

Christopher Harris

  (12:00 PM)

Hi, Jon. *Very* tough, because the Vikes get San Diego. Is there another option? I'm going to guess I have at least 10 fantasy defenses rated higher than both of them this week.

Laurie (NJ)

Would you trade Gore and Harrison for Willie Parker? I am desperate for RB help.

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Phew, Laurie, that's tough. I hate trading away stars at the nadir of their value. But to your point, it's also getting to that time of the season where you either have to make a bold more, or forget it. I don't think you're getting value, but I understand doing it, especially if you have other receivers you can play.

Matt,MPLS

Do you like Heap or Olsen as my TE the rest of the way?

Christopher Harris

  (12:02 PM)

Considering Heap's health is such a question mark, I probably like Olsen a little more. If Desmond Clark wasn't in the picture, I'd like Olsen a lot more.

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

All righty, folks, gotta go start doing some NASCAR and football work for *next* week. Thanks again for coming, and I'm sorry not to be able to get to every once of your questions. (There were over 1,000 again this week.) I'm very appreciative of your interest, and I know this is a sweet job I get to do, which wouldn't be possible without all of you. So again: thank you. And if you're feeling especially frustrated about not getting questions answered in chats, remember that if you're an ESPN Insider (which really doesn't cost very much), you have access to our Fantasy Concierge service, where you can send an email and get your individual question answered, *guaranteed*, by an ESPN.com fantasy expert. Thanks again, and I'll see you next week.