Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:02 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Let's roll right into the questions...

Chris_CT

Is Andre Hall worth a roster spot if I don't have Selvin Young or Travis Henry?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

I doubt it, unless your league is awfully deep in terms of bench spots. Frankly, while I see some sleeper potential in Hall, Selvin Young is going to get all of that work should Travis Henry get suspended, and only once he does would Hall be a handcuff consideration for Young owners. I'd say that's about it, and it's not significant enough.

Lee, NC

Hi Tristan Whats your take on JP Losmans nice matchup vs Cincy? Do I play him over Brees at home vs a tough Jags defense? Thanks man!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

I don't think it's a terrible play, but then based on what I saw from J.P. Losman early in the year, I wouldn't trust him, not yet. Drew Brees is just a little safer for your needs.

Dirty Frank (Chicago)

Would you consider using Keving Jones over Addai this week based on their matchups?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

I'd consider it for a moment, because it's closer than you'd think, and then I'd say Joseph Addai brings too much to the table to sit him against a bit of a challenging matchup. I don't see how an offense like that of the Colts won't move the ball fairly effectively, even against the Patriots. I'm thinking high-scoring affair.

Ernest (SD)

Julius Jones or Jerious Norwood as my #3RB the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Norwood simply has to get more carries in the upcoming weeks, HAS to, doesn't he? I'd go for the upside here. Jones simply doesn't get enough work in key situations to keep over an upside option.

Nate (DC)

Tristan, Is Big Ben a bad play on MNF? What do you expect from him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:07 PM)

Bad? No. Not elite? Yeah, I'd say he's not elite. The Steelers are a bit too tough for the Ravens to handle, I think, plus the Ravens are often susceptible to the pass. I bet Ben Roethlisberger sneaks in a few key gains, enough to make him worthwhile, though there are better options for Week 9.

Judd (Boston)

Tristan, should I go with Roddy White vs Carolina or DJ Hacektt vs Cleveland?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:08 PM)

Well, Judd, Roddy White doesn't face Carolina, he faces San Francisco. That's not a bad matchup, and I'd go with him, mainly because I want to take a wait-and-see approach with a guy like Hackett. After all, Deion Branch is also expected back, and I'd think he and Bobby Engram are Matt Hasselbeck's top two targets for the week.

matt (nyc)

Kenny Watson or Ryan Grant for a flex??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

For this week? I'd go Watson. The Bills have played some inspiring football recently, but I still look at them as a bit soft on the defensive side. Plus, and people don't talk enough about this, but Kenny Watson really IS the go-to guy in Cincy right now. He's running better than anyone is giving him credit.

Darrin (Boone, NC)

If Travis Henry plays this week, should I go with Young or Maroney as my RB2

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:10 PM)

Laurence Maroney, because he'd get more touches, but then I'm not convinced Henry is going to play. If he sits, that's quite the sleeper matchup for Selvin Young.

Dave(GA)

Pick 2. MaGahee,L.White or Barber III.Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

I love the LenDale White matchup, and given the choice, I think I'd go with the player I expect to get more touches, that being Willis McGahee. McGahee and Marion Barber are close, though, if only because Barber stands at least as good a chance of scoring a touchdown.

Jack (Torrance)

Trade Maroney for Hasselbeck, would this be a good deal? Pro's and Con's...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

Not as bad as you'd think. With Shaun Alexander not his usual self, more pressure is being put upon Matt Hasselbeck to perform, and the schedule is awfully passer-friendly, from what I've seen. Another pro: The Patriots are currently a pass-happy offense, and tend to lift the carries from Maroney when they near the goal line. The cons? Well, I don't think of ANY quarterback but Peyton Manning and maybe one or two others as every-week plays, while I think of most running backs as that. Is Maroney? No, probably not, but then you didn't mention what depth you have there. Straight value, sure, I'd make the deal, but that's probably a roster-based decision for most.

lenny, PA

I love Jamal Lewis' week 14-16 schedule...should I try to trade for him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:14 PM)

Hey, I love it too, but again, I don't hurt any of my chances at getting in the postseason in exchange for strengthening my postseason matchups. Anyone's tradeable, I think, except for maybe LT and Tom Brady. Even for them, there's a price. I'd check in with Lewis' owner, but please, don't put yourself in a hole in Weeks 10-12 in exchange for better in Weeks 14-16. Crazy things happen once you get to those weeks anyway. Get there, then worry about it.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Hey Tristan!! My only weakness is @ TE. I have Jeff King right now. Who has a better 2nd half: King or a guy like Scheffler who seems to be getting Denver's goaline receptions??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

Well, Nick, the only thing I can say in Jeff King's favor is that David Carr seems to constantly flip the ball in his direction lately, instead of going to Steve Smith, but I wouldn't trust that in the long haul. Tony Scheffler, the problem there is I think he's getting more looks because Javon Walker is out and using him deepens the Broncos' pass attack. Will that keep up? Probably not. I'd go Scheffler for now, but you need to keep scouting for the long haul. One thing that amazes me: Greg Olsen is available in a lot of leagues.

Joe (San Diego)

Stokley is still available in my league... is he a better WR3 option than James Jones or Vincent Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

Better than Jackson for now, sure, but not necessarily better than the underrated Jones. I'd make the Brandon Stokley-for-Jackson flip, because at least while Javon Walker is out, Stokley benefits as a No. 3-type matchups consideration.

Mark (Madison, WI)

Would you trade Alexander, Roy Williams for Travis Henry and Steve Smith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

Nah. Shaun Alexander, for all the risk, doesn't bring the risk of Travis Henry being suspended for the year. Plus, Steve Smith is not looking at all good with David Carr slinging him the ball. It looks like Carr again in Week 9, incidentally. Yuck.

Francisco (San Juan, PR)

Will Ryan Grant be a good #2 RB for this week @ KC ???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:19 PM)

No. 2? Hmmm, sure, he's about in that class, though the back end of it, I'd say. Watching him run Monday night, I saw some very good things, and that's in spite of the awfully favorable matchup he faced. He looked better than anything I'd seen in the Green Bay backfield to date. He's a must-add, and sure, I'd call him borderline No. 2/flex, right in there.

Alan Boston

Is it time to cut ties with Ahman Green? I could use the roster spot and I?m getting the sense that every time he touches the ball he?ll be doing so with a fork in his back.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

The Texans ARE concerned about his balky knee, and I've been worried about him all year because of all the workload he has endured over the years. Can you cut Ahman Green, though? Hmmm, I have a tough time cutting anyone proclaimed his team's starter. For Ryan Grant? I'd think about that. For lesser than that? I probably would not, barring fabulous running back depth.

Todd (Chicago, IL)

Best Waiver Wire Pickup for the stretch run: K Watson, J Fargas, F Taylor, or D Foster, and in what order?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

I'm going to say in that very order. Kenny Watson actually deserves a lot more credit than he has received of late, probably in the No. 2 class of running backs. Justin Fargas should be stashed in all but the most shallow leagues, too.

Ralphie(Columbus, OH)

Settle a score here THC. PPR league, who wins this deal: Lynch and Housh for FWP and TO?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:22 PM)

I actually feel like the side that gets T.J. Houshmandzadeh wins ever-so-slightly. And that's mainly because the Steelers have on occasion lifted Willie Parker near the goal line, with the ridiculous number of weapons they have in those situations, while Marshawn Lynch is pretty much the best thing the Bills have going right now. It's close, though.

Rick (Lone Star State)

Game of the year!!! which TE, Watson or Dallas? Trade Selvin for Norwood? Thanks Tristan

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

Dallas Clark. No question. Benjamin Watson is coming off an injury and Wes Welker has done too much running the underneath routes to hand over much of those looks to Watson. I'd also pass on that trade. I still feel like we're going to get some clear starts for Selvin Young looking forward, and remember, Denver has historically been a running back machine. There's too much upside there.

Joel (Ellensburg, WA)

Wes Welker, should I sell high on him or keep him for the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

Again, Joel, EVERYONE has a price. If you can pawn him off for some solid running back help, I'd consider the deal. But I wouldn't be selling Welker off at anything less than a No. 2 receiver's value, at the very least. I bet he's that every week the remainder of the year. That offense is THAT stacked.

Dave-R.I.

You seem to be pretty high on Marshawn Lynch. Is he someone you would target in a trade? I could offer Holt for him(which would leave me Roy Williams, Santonio, Bowe, and Marshall at WR).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Well, Dave, maybe I am, though I still call Lynch something in that borderline No. 1/2 running back range. He's around there, like 10th at his position, I'd say off the top of my head. If I could deal Torry Holt, who actually does scare me because of the health concerns and how dreadful that offense has been, sure, I would do that. A running back is far more likely to win you your league, and that's probably why I sound so favorable regarding Lynch. I like guys who are workhorses, have touchdown potential and are reasonably consistent.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Does LaMont Jordan have a good week? Do u see his carries drastically lessen that he shouldn't be of any value!? By the way..Greg Olsen was drafted in our league! lol

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

Maybe. If there's any matchup in which he could be solid, this is it. I'm not gambling on him as any higher than a flex option. He's a No. 3 running back, accounting for my great concern about his back. I really think Jordan is not right these days, and Justin Fargas is absolutely going to eat into his workload soon if that doesn't improve. He's risky, good matchup on paper or not. As for Olsen, no shock there. I'm thinking more in terms that he has been since cut in a lot of ESPN leagues.

Tim (Rochester, NY)

Who is the better start this week, Graham(TB) or Lewis(CLE)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

I'm going to say it's Jamal Lewis, who is a bit underappreciated as a No. 2 running back. That's assuming he's 100 percent healthy, of course.

Linda IL

Do you like Vernon Davis this week and going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

I do, and I'm just continuing to ride that bandwagon. I just love Davis' raw talent; I think he's capable of, with time, becoming one of the best tight ends in the game. Great sleeper potential, and at worst, I'd say he's maybe the sixth to eighth best tight end from this point to season's end.

JJ, Mexico

Hi Tristan? a Fan from Mexico city here. would you give welker and crayton in exchange for Lyncha and Colston? I have TO and Wayne and can use some help on RB, I have Henry and S Jax, thanks!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:29 PM)

Based on your situation, yes, I would make that deal. Granted, Marques Colston sure seems like a frustrating receiver to own, as inconsistent as he is, but I think you do yourself some good accounting for your receiver depth.

Raymond-PA

Flex spot bingo!!! Earnest Graham, Ryan Grant, or Dwayne Bowe?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

I'll go with Grant. I want to ride that hot streak, because I do see something special in him.

dan NY

if all 4 are healthy and start...who sits with Gore, Mcgahee, Selvin Young and Watson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

That's actually asking a lot of Frank Gore, to be fully healthy. If they're ALL 100 percent -- and note, I said 100 percent -- Selvin Young is going to sit, because he's the least proven of the talents, I think. But I have a strong suspicion the decision will be made for you, and it's actually that Frank Gore is a little less than his typical self and you should avoid him. I'll go 50/50 bet between that, or Travis Henry plays and then Selvin Young should CLEARLY ride the pine for you.

Scott (DC)

Watson didn't practice today and Johnson did. Change your opinion of Cinci backs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

A little, sure, but I can't make a clear forecast on a player's health for Sunday on Wednesday. I'm being honest here, I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. I do think the likely scenario has Kenny Watson healthier in time for Sunday, and Rudi Johnson again very limited, but this just goes to show why you must always track the practice reports. The diligent owner is doing that, because this stuff changes EVERY day.

Nick (NY)

With the risk involved, do you trade L. Coles for M. Harrison straight up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

Oh yes. I just cannot give up on Marvin Harrison entirely, not yet. The Colts are merely taking every precaution with him. If you can afford to take this gamble, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised in the latter weeks of the season.

Braylon (Kansas)

Is Hines ward and Lamont Jordan too much to give up for kevin jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Not really, that seems about right. Shame that Jordan's stock has slipped that much, but the fact remains, since his first sign of back troubles, and I'm trying to recall this off the top of my head, he's ballpark 2.0 yards per carry since then. It might be worse, in fact.

BOB(NY)

Quickie..Curtis or Marshall? Lynch or McGahee? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

I love the Brandon Marshall matchup, and I positively love the Marshawn Lynch matchup. 'Nuff said.

Eli (NY)

I keep hearing sell high on Plaxico. Any truth to that?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

That's only because he can't possibly get better than this, can he? Plus, people worry because they constantly see him listed on the injury report and missing practice time. I don't worry so much about his health; it's all taking precautions, I think. Eli Manning seems to love the guy, keeping him a strong back-end No. 1 receiver every single week. Again, everyone has a price, if you get elite, top-five receiver returns, sure, he's a sell high. But I don't think he's going in the tank, not by any means. Just more likely he's maybe No. 10 overall at the position from today forward, accounting for a schedule that does get a tad tougher.

Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)

Do you think I will be a Top 5 WR in '08 Fantasy drafts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

Yes. That's how good a season, and how much chemistry, Braylon Edwards has had so far, and had with Derek Anderson.

Rebecca (STL)

With B. Jacobs and J. Chatman on bye, I need a RB to start with F. Gore (leaving Morency on bench). Should I pickup Fargas or Faulk from FA?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

I'd rather have Justin Fargas given those choices, because if LaMont Jordan kicks that game off slow, Fargas WILL get touches, and the matchup is awfully fantasy-friendly. It's a desperation play, sure, but I think Fargas touches the ball at least 8-10 times in Week 9.

Doug_Ohio

If Jamal Lewis is an underappreciated No.2 running back, does that make him a top flex option?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

Yup.

Joel (MI)

This is tough... Pick three to start, Marvin, Santonio, Evans or Stokely ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

I'll go the conservative route with Marvin Harrison, even if he gets a glowing health report before Sunday. I simply can't trust a guy like that coming off such missed time facing one of the best defenses in the league. The other three, their matchups are too good to ignore. OK, well, maybe not Santonio Holmes' matchup, but he's too talented to sit.

Mike (Nashville)

Hey Tristan, what's the word on Todd Heap's hamstring? Is he coming back this week? If so, do you like him better than Chris Cooley? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

Last I heard Heap is still battling those issues, and there's a real chance he'll sit again. A less-than-healthy Heap is not the kind of player I want, and certainly not over Cooley.

Brad (FL)

Should I start Peyton Manning or Derek Anderson this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

Manning is simply not sitting for me. Ever. He's just too talented, I'm sorry to say. Besides, he has three straight wins against these Pats, and at least 300 passing yards in each. He has mastered this matchup in recent history.

Ryno (IA)

Do I give FWP for Housh? Left with Jacobs, MJD, and Kjones.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

If you need the receiver help, sure. Fair deal. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the best receiver in fantasy right now, and I see no reason he declines much from that status, if he does at all. You've got the running back depth to spare the move.

Kelly-Bridgton Maine

Do you like Jamal Lewis better than Earnest Graham?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

Yes I do, and that's without me being all that big a Lewis fan. I know, I said he's a No. 2 in my mind, but the bottom line is, I see him being great when the matchup calls, so-so when the matchup is challenging. That's the kind of player he is, but the difference between these two is that when the matchup favors Lewis, I see the ceiling as much higher. And that's the kind of player I want in fantasy, the guy most likely to win me a week.

Matt (NC)

Bigger upgrade: Stallworth to Galloway or Dallas Clark to Gates?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

Dallas Clark to Antonio Gates.

Dave (Captiva Island, FL)

None fantasy related...but who do you got the Colts or the Pats winning this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

I've got the Colts winning. Home game, great recent history against the Patriots. Plus, I bet most everyone else is going to pick the Pats, and ride the hot streak. I want to be different. I bet this is a heck of a game, though, and a high-scoring affair.

Jack (NYC)

Roydell Williams or Shaun McDonald?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

I'd like Williams SO much better if it were Kerry Collins slinging him the ball. Really, I would. But since he's not, it's McDonald for this week.

Mike (Vegas)

Who is the better start this week. Lee Evans or Roddy White?????

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

I think this matchup is fantastic for Lee Evans this week, and he's on a nice little hot streak. Plus, he and J.P. Losman flashed a little of their late-last-season magic late in Week 8. Nice breakout potential here.

Matt (Durango)

Pick 2 this week: Parker, Edge, KJones. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

I'd sit Edgerrin James. I know Willie Parker has that dreadful history against the Ravens, but I think that Steelers offense is much deeper than the ones of 2005-06, and it's going to be too tough for the Ravens to handle. That helps Parker's cause.

jermsDC

Start Big Ben or D.Anderson? C.Johnson or Boldin?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

I'll go Derek Anderson, who people really do need to start believing in except when he faces a stiff pass D. Also, I'd go Anquan Boldin. Not wild about the Calvin Johnson matchup, against those skilled Denver corners.

Steve(Boston)

Drop Benson or Chatman for Lee, Shiancoe, or King. Need a TE with Shockey on bye.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

You really, really should try to find someone else to cut first. If you MUST, though, well, I suppose it's Jesse Chatman, because his team is, um, not good. I'd really hate to do that myself, though. Among the tight end choices, Jeff King gets my slight nod for Week 9.

Dan - San Jose

Housh is better than Randy Moss?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Yup, sorry Dan. I'm not saying he's head-and-shoulders better, but I see such consistency, and so many throws coming his way. It sure helps his cause that his team's defense puts the Bengals into passing situations so early and so often in games. The Pats, they're not afraid to spread things around.

mark (dc)

Harrison or Evans?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

For this week? It's Lee Evans.

jermsDC

Thanks for your picks! I meant Boldin or Chad Johnson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

Ha! Sorry about that. I keep forgetting there are two useful "C. Johnson"s. It's Chad Johnson here. I like the matchup better.

louis (Rochester, NY)

2 out of the 3 this week: AP, lynch or kevin jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

Adrian Peterson's matchup, incredibly, dictates that you sit him of those three.

Geoff-DC

Who to start in the same game: Hasslebeck or D. Anderson? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

I like Matt Hasselbeck just a little bit better of those two. The matchup is a little more fantasy friendly.

Ted, NYC

PLEASE: I have to pick between Jordan and fargas at flex, who should i go with this week. And at WR, Patten or Michael Jenkins. THanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

Sadly, you need to take the guy officially declared the starter, and for now that looks highly likely to still be LaMont Jordan. I can't take a backup over a starter, unless there's overwhelming upside that puts him ahead (like Marion Barber or Maurice Jones-Drew, I mean). David Patten gets the slight edge for me at receiver.

CG LA

Raiders d this week? Worth a start against Houston?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

You know, I've actually been considering that one as a sleeper. I don't think it's a crazy thought. The Texans are that much of a mess right now, and their quarterback (Matt Schaub), two running backs (Ahman Green and Adimchinobe Echemandu) and a receiver (Andre Johnson) are quite banged up.

Lara (AZ)

hmmm... who to bench this week Colston, Curtis, Mason, H Ward???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

I'd sit Derrick Mason. Get this: In 16 career games against the Steelers, he hasn't scored a touchdown. Ugh.

Chris (Laramie, WY)

Titans or Steelers D this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

The Titans defense going up against mistake prone, conservative David Carr? Yes please.

Does it matter? (Anywheresville)

In a vaccuum, S.Jax for K.Jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

I just traded Steven Jackson, myself, so that tells you something. He's in a bye week and he's questionable for the week after that. I say you need good points now, and these two are awfully close as it is. In fact, I'm going to tell you this: I like Kevin Jones quite a bit better. Make that deal quick!

Eddie (Sheboygan, WI)

Is there a reason why Kevin Walter is typically ranked 30th each week by the espn staff? Given his performances the past five weeks I would guess he'd be ranked higher. Is it because of the 1 touchdown, because his yards and catches would seem to indicate a higher ranking.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

Well, for one thing, that's a No. 3 receiver consideration. It's not a terrible rating. But to be fair, the Texans have teased us quite a bit with saying "this is the week Andre Johnson returns," and that makes us lower our Walter appeal weekly. Johnson's going to be the focal point of the passing game once healthy, but this week? Probably not. Not a great matchup for him, though. I'd say 30th is about right.

Dan - San Jose

Atlanta's defense isn't great, but the 49ers offense is TERRIBLE. Is the ATL Defense a good bye-week replacement for my NYG Defense?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

No, but I'd say Oakland's, Tampa Bay's and Washington's are, at least of three I've seen available in a good handful of my leagues this week.

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 ... Always so many, but we keep trying to get to as many as we can! We'll be back again in the morning, 11 a.m., to tackle more of your questions, so be sure to stop back in then!