Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Iman, IL

Tristan, Any word on Travis Henry tonight? I also own Young. I would rather have Henry going obviously.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:01 PM)

You would? I don't know that I would. Frankly, and this is as a Travis Henry/Selvin Young owner in a league or two, I would like to see what we've possibly got in Young looking forward. Besides, even if Henry plays, it's clear he's going to be limited. I'd say check the inactives around 7-7:30 tonight, though it sounds like Henry will play. If he does, I'm thinking a split of the carries, and Henry would still be the better choice for fantasy.

Teddy (WI)

What is your take on Chris Henry (CIN)? Drop Chatman or Graham to get him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:02 PM)

Potential No. 3 receiver on a team that has two GREAT options at the top two spots? He's worth adding in deeper leagues, but doesn't sound like it's true in yours. You can't cut either starting running back.

Tony (NYC)

Whats up Tristan, Im tired, make the next hour go by fast. Is Bailey out tonight? If so, big game for Favre?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:03 PM)

Champ Bailey is a game-time decision, so again, check the inactives list, about an hour before the kickoff. If he's out, sure, I'd say the Broncos have enough problems -- particularly in terms of pass pressure -- that Brett Favre should be fine to use. No HUGE game, but a good one.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Tristan, Do you expect Brandon Jacobs and Kevin Jones to remain consistent the rest of the year ? They have taken the sting away from losing SJax a little.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

Well, I can tell you that the Giants' schedule does get tougher after the bye, but it's not a brutal one on a runner. I'd say Jacobs can be consistent, assuming full health, and really, with him it's the injury risk that worries me, not a case of consistency. I'd stick with him but cross my fingers. As for Jones, love the guy as a No. 2, with upside for better, and I look ahead for him and see a good handful of strong matchups. I bet he's consistent for the most part, with the exception that he's not explosive in those Packers, Vikings and Chargers matchups I see in several weeks.

Liberty, Philly, PA

Do you think Ben Watson comes back for this showdown in Indy? I am starting to think Belichick and Dungy saved Harrison and Watson for this one. What do u think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:07 PM)

Wow, a lot of Benjamin Watson questions today. Sure, that could be the case, two extremely good teams with no need to push less-than-100 percent players. Wouldn't shock me at all. I'm no doctor, though. I bet each team continues to take every precaution. Why rush a guy who's not 100 percent when you're undefeated? Clearly they're both doing fine without those players.

Eric: (Minneapolis)

Tristan, Is Jacobs, Foster, and Crumpler enough to offer for Lynch and Winslow? He needs rb help, and I could really use a tight end.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

I don't think so, but then I see Brandon Jacobs and Marshawn Lynch as pretty close. I actually think I'd rather have Lynch, though, considering Jacobs is a mild health risk. But it's the rest of the deal that makes me say no. Alge Crumpler has been awful and now he's hurt, and DeShaun Foster hasn't done much to impress me. Those two for Kellen Winslow? No thanks! If you can do it, good for you, but I wouldn't count on it.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

When do I pickup Matt Cassell? The Pats will probably start him in week 17 right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:10 PM)

Come on, Lane, it's WAY too early to start worrying about this kind of thing. Sure, maybe, but do we really need to be worrying about Matt Cassel at this stage of the season?

Wes Welker (Foxborough)

Should I be worried about the return of Ben Watson? I mean, my production skyrocketed 3 weeks ago, which just happens to coincide with Watson's injury. It also seems that i've been making my living off of the underneath routes (just like a TE).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

Interesting point there, Wes. It's pretty good of you to warn your own fantasy owners about your upcoming decline in value. I'm not exactly on the same page; there's SO much to go around there in New England, you should be fine. But that's no coincidence; I do think Welker becomes a tad more the matchups play when Benjamin Watson returns to 100 percent (which might not be right away, keep in mind!).

John (NYC)

Better production the rest of the year Shockey or Cooley?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

Toughie, because I like both players, and I'd say Jeremy Shockey in a heartbeat if it weren't that Eli Manning seems to be obsessed with Plaxico Burress in the red zone this season. Incredibly I'm going to say Chris Cooley, because Jason Campbell simply loves the guy and the schedule looking forward is favorable.

Tom (Toronto)

Hey Tristan, with Chicago on a bye this weekend is Atlanta defence any good for week 9?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:14 PM)

I never trust the Falcons defense. Interesting thought: I've seen the Chargers out there in a lot of leagues, and love the matchup. I like Tennessee's and Washington's, too.

Jay (MA)

Is this guy Echemandu from the Texans going to get some PT? Should I drop a Sammie Morris or Graham for him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Adimchinobe Echemandu? Try spelling that one; makes Doug Mientkiewicz look easy by comparison. I wouldn't bother; it's still Ahman Green's role when healthy.

Lee (Philly)

Who would you rather have the rest of the season, Kenny Watson or Norwood?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

Can I say both? Because my first instinct is Watson for now, Jerious Norwood for later. And you know, I'm not entirely convinced Kenny Watson can be discarded outright for the later, either. Underrated guy, performing pretty nicely. If you MUST choose, it's him, but I love the late-season Norwood upside.

Kyle (Hobbs NM)

Should I play Lee Evans over Steve Smith this week? I know it sounds crazy at first, but Losman will look for Evans while Carr inexplicably refuses to throw to Smith.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

While I don't think that's the automatic call it used to be, I still can't sit Steve Smith, not even for Lee Evans facing a fantastic matchup on paper. Smith HAS to get this turned around. David Carr is a fool if he doesn't start winging the ball Smith's way soon.

Micah

Do you think its wrong to stockpile say K's if your opponent next weeks K is on a bye?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:19 PM)

Yes, because I think it's a silly strategy to ever waste more than one roster spot on a kicker unless your league's rules specifically require you do so. If you're worried about a kicker beating you, you've got a lot to worry about with your team.

Mike (RSM)

Is FWP for Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes or Larry Fitzgerald a fair trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

Fair, sure, and given the choice I want Fitzgerald and his great upcoming schedule. But I do think the guy who gets Willie Parker makes out best. The schedule for him is pretty nice, too, with the exception of the Baltimore game in Week 9, and the Patriots game in Week 14. Beyond that, I see a lot of reason to expect more outings like the one he just gave you.

David Carr's mother

I didnt raise no fool.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

Ha! Then please, kind mother, give your son a call and remind him the name "Steve Smith," won't you please?

Mike (Nashville)

Hey Tristan. With Lee Evans and Marques Colston starting to play like Lee Evans and Marques Colston, I have a bit of a dilemma at WR. Out of Colston, Evans, Roy Williams, Derrick Mason, and Crayton, which 3 do you like best going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

I always play matchups at receiver, bottom line. If you have the luxury, you make changes based on the matchups, it's much smarter than simply sitting on the same two guys. Roy Williams is the closest thing to a weekly start, I'd think, then Mason, then probably Patrick Crayton.

Rebecca (STL)

A followup on Henry/Young. If Henry is active, would you still start Young or do you see Henry as not only healthy enough to play, but to perform well? I won't have access to change anything until after about 6-6:30...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

I really do not think Travis Henry is going to perform all that well, but at this point, what choice do you have? Frankly, I don't see tonight's game being a standout from a running back perspective. I'm not sure what you're saying your choices are, but if you have to pick early, I'd probably go the safe route, take Selvin Young and hope Travis Henry has a setback. I don't really want either, unless Young is the starter, though.

Luke (From Boston home of the The World Champion Boston RedSox)

Gore and Gonzo for McGahee and Plax, which side you like better?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Congrats to your boys, Luke. As for your question, I do have mild questions about each back, but a few more about Frank Gore, in a weak offense. Plus, I love what Plaxico Burress has been doing. I'd take the Willis McGahee side.

Chris_CT

All systems go for Brandon Marshall tonight? I am .30 points behind in my macthup!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:26 PM)

I hadn't heard anything to suggest Brandon Marshall wouldn't play, and even though I don't know your league's scoring system, somehow I have a hunch he'll AT LEAST be good for that 0.31 you need to win.

Theo Epstein

My team has the highest payroll of any world series winner ever. Chew on that, Yankee-haters.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

Doesn't inflation have a little to do with that? Still, I imagine this means it's officially time to retire the talk about the Yankee payroll the years they won. Hey, all good teams. Not much more you can say.

TreDay (Little Rock)

WHO'S THE BEST SEATTLE RECIEVER GOING FORWARD???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

Deion Branch, when he's healthy. Otherwise, I'm still sticking with Bobby Engram. I still have a great deal of respect for the chemistry he and Matt Hasselbeck have. It's going to keep him more consistent than the boom-or-bust alternatives.

A-Rod (I'm Free, I'm Free, Thank God Allmighty, I am Free)

Tristan, where I am going?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:29 PM)

The gut says Angels. It's all in the gut, though. And for fantasy, it's not going to change how I view him one bit.

Bob (MD)

Would you trade for an upgrade at RB if you were relying on Maroney and Norwood alongside Addai? I have 4 Good Receivers in Randy Moss, Larry Fitz, Donald Driver, and Marshall. We start 3 WR!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

I sure would. Laurence Maroney concerns me greatly. Believe it or not, I'd actually shop Randy Moss for a top-tier running back. Not that I dislike the guy, but the Patriots HAVE to cool off to a certain extent, they're terribly deep in the receiving corps and his value couldn't possibly be higher right now. You should get top dollar, easily fill your gaping hole, and still have three excellent receivers, top targets on their respective teams, on hand.

kiran(philly)

Bench one for next week. Curtis, Colston, or Burleson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

I'd bench Nate Burleson if only because of how badly his stock seems to be slipping in Seattle.

Geoff-DC

So, you say Favre will have a good game. Prediction please. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

Granted, the numbers can swing wildly depending on the health of Champ Bailey (and to an extent Dre Bly), but I'd think 225 yards, two scores, though with a pick, probably. Again, solid, but not outstanding.

Jeff (MI)

Norwood, Keith, or Fargas, I need 1 of them this week due to byes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

In that case it has to be Jerious Norwood. I don't really trust Kenton Keith going up against the Pats.

Paul (Chicago)

Cutler, Rivers or Garcia this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

Well, I like the Jay Cutler and Philip Rivers matchups better than I do the Jeff Garcia one, and I'm going to go Cutler in a slight edge. I think more of the Lions' success in Week 8 was a result of Brian Griese's mistakes than the talent turning itself around.

Len, PA

Is Tory Holt a "sell high"? he had a great game yesterday, so it can't get higher, but I have my doubts about him going forward...isn't it just a matter of time before the Rams just shut him down?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Well, it depends on what kind of value you can get for him. If you deal him with the same kind of regard a Larry Fitzgerald gets, then sure, he's a sell high. Not so much because I think he'll be shut down, but instead because that Rams team is a mess, with a terrible O-line and a starting quarterback who simply can't stay healthy. That leads to inconsistency for guys like Holt, I think.

Scott (Chicago)

KEEPER QUESTION!! My season is already over. In a PPR keeper league, how would you rate these 5? Bush, R. Brown, Jacobs, LJ and Peterson(Min). Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

I have a feeling, and guessing in terms of today, ranking this strictly for 2008, that the ranks will go Adrian Peterson, Brandon Jacobs, Reggie Bush, Larry Johnson, Ronnie Brown. The first three have exceptional keeper potential, I'd say.

Lacey (Minnesota)

How do you think Donald Lee will do tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

Well, the Broncos allow more points to tight ends than anyone, so that's a factor. Still, Lee isn't consistently enough involved that I'd call him a GREAT play. Maybe he catches 4-5 passes, takes 'em for 65-70 yards.

Frankie (San Francisco)

Dump Greise for Cutler rest of season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

I still look at both as matchups plays, and it all depends on your league's scoring system, since Brian Griese can be brutal to own in leagues that penalize for interceptions, fumbles and/or sacks. Jay Cutler is probably just a little safer.

Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ)

Who do you better the rest of the year? Gore or Kevin Jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

That is so much closer than I could ever imagine but I can't help but look at Frank Gore's schedule, realize it's a favorable one and think he gets the slight edge.

noah, nj

deshawn wynn was named no.1 rb for GB, and it was said the packers are working are getting their run game more involved. do you like him going forward for the rest of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

As a flex play, matchups consideration, sure. Beyond that, no thanks. Boosting his carries from 10-12 a game to, say, 15-16, still isn't enough that I call him a big breakout candidate. He's worth owning, but there's a definite ceiling here.

Dale, Hoboken

Do I platoon Romo and D.Anderson for the rest of the year ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

Well, sure, as I'm never opposed to considering matchups, but off the top of my head I'm going to bet Tony Romo is in there an awful lot more often for you than Derek Anderson. To me, Anderson's only getting the call when he faces a matchup as cozy as his Week 8. I'm thinking something much like Week 17, when he gets the 49ers and Romo gets the Redskins. And even then, that week doesn't matter in a lot of leagues.

Ken-New Jersey

Jamal Lewis will star in the fantasy playoffs-true or false?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

I'm not a doctor and I can't forecast the future in terms of players' injuries, but putting those risk factors aside, true. I like the schedule Weeks 14-16: @NYJ, BUF, @CIN.

Ron, Seattle

Same with Derek Anderson and Big Ben?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

Ron, I am simply a guy who is not afraid to play matchups at ANY position except running back. That's the bottom line. I'll fully admit, Ben Roethlisberger is also probably going to be in there for me a lot more often than Anderson, but I am not discarding Anderson, either. I bet he has a matchup or three too good to ignore, and that's the angle I'm trying to get at here. He's a solid backup, with starter potential in some cases.

Lee (MN)

Tristan, I'm up 2 with Favre playing tonight. Is it unethical to sit Favre in favor of Hasselbeck at this point?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

Does the other team have anything left to play? If you are up two and Brett Favre is the only remaining player on either side, then no, it's not unethical. Win, win, WIN! That is the bottom line. Period.

Atlanta, GA

Drew Brees or Phillip Rivers in week 9?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

I'm going RIvers, because EVERYONE airs it out against the Vikings. Plus, the San Diego receiving game looked quite a bit deeper this week with Chris Chambers around, didn't it?

David (DC)

If you where starting a deep keeper league right now, who would be your number one WR?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Probably Reggie Wayne. A guy in his prime working with an annual Pro Bowl contending quarterback on a team that's always among the best in the game in terms of passing.

Steve (NYC)

Someone dropped L. Jordan.....what is your opinion of him for the rest of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

My opinion of LaMont Jordan is that his back absolutely needs to heal if we're to trust him again looking forward. I truly believe that's what's going on, he's not 100 percent. And when he's not, he's a flex/borderline No. 2 at best, that's it. A true risk.

Derek (Cleveland)

Would you rather have Brees or Hasselback for the remainder?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

Matt Hasselbeck. More consistent and I love his remaining schedule.

John (NYC)

Trade Tomlinson for Portis, Henry and Young? My RB2 is Graham.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

I don't like trades where I'm giving up BY FAR the clear No. 1 player in the deal. Bottom line. In your shoes I'm simply scouring the waiver wire as closely as possible for running back depth. Play the matchups right in your No. 2 and flex spots and you should be fine with LT leading the way.

Chris (North Haven)

Its looking more and more like my keeper league dynasty is coming to an end (3 championships in 5 years). When do I pull the trigger and trade guys like Shuan Alexander, Marvin Harrison, and Torry Holt who just aren't producing this year? I hate to do it because Id have to sell low, but isnt there a time where you have to blow it all up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

Well, I'd hope for your sakes that Alexander can rattle off a good game or two here with some good matchups ahead, then you can sell him off noting how fantasy-friendly his remaining schedule is. I'd wait a week or two, because he HAS to get at least a little better. As for Harrison, again, another guy I think you need a good game or two from. I do worry about those two the most in terms of the future. They're getting up there, Alexander in workload, Harrison in age, though Torry Holt, he'd be the one I'd be more likely to retain.

Derek (Toronto)

Lightning round! Kitna or Bulger for the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

Jon Kitna.

Big B (Norwalk, CT)

R. Wayne and K.Watson for McGahee. Too much to give up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

I think so, it's a little too much. Mainly because I wouldn't be at all shocked if that starting role is Kenny Watson's the remainder of the year.

Ed (J'ville)

TRISTAN, need some help in our league. What's the ruling in keeper leagues for guys who are dropped and picked up by another team? Does their draft status stay with them? I say this because I snatched up Ronnie Brown, but if he's going to cost me a second rounder, I'd rather throw him back out there for somebody who can help me now.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

Ask your commish. Those rules should be decided well in advance of your season. In my leagues, generally speaking, our rule has any guy claimed off waivers retaining his draft status. If he CLEARS waivers without being scooped up, he starts fresh. Of course, that's only my league. Yours could be different, and should have that outlined clearly.

Mark (Chicago)

Gore vs. Atl next week or Willie Parker vs. Baltimore?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

You know, I think I'd actually ride the Parker hot streak in spite of the matchup. I worry about Frank Gore right now that much.

Mike (Nashville)

Thunder Round! Pick 3 for the rest of the year: S-Jax, T. Jones, K. Jones, Jesse Chatman...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Kevin Jones is a no-brainer, and you know, since it's three and I'd assume you get two running back spots and a flex, I'm going with Steven Jackson based on his raw talent and the schedule, risking that he might have injury issues the rest of the year. Too much upside not to take. As for the final pick: Incredibly, it's Jesse Chatman. I just don't like how the Jets or Thomas Jones looks so far, the schedule isn't great and Chatman should be more useful when matchups allow.

ken, ct

Good thing for you that Daube didn't play Colston, huh?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Ha! Very good point, Ken. Sadly, Daube's trade didn't go through the voting process in time for him to squeak into the lineup. Whew. I cut a break!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. We'll be back again tomorrow to keep chattin' with you, so see you then!