AJ Mass

  (2:57 PM)

Greetings and salutations, all. We've got an hour to get to as many fantasy football questions as we can. And remember, the last team to arrive at the pit stop MAY be eliminated, so try and keep up.

atlanta, ga

Is Javon Walker worth picking up? Any news on when he will return?

AJ Mass

  (2:58 PM)

Mike Shanahan said that it's not looking good for this week, yet AGAIN. It's not promising, unless you own Stokely and Marshall.

Jess (Philly)

What is up with Lendale will he be ok this weekend? Who is better the rest of the way, B. Marshall, Ike Hilliard or C. Henry, D. Driver?

AJ Mass

  (3:00 PM)

They're saying it's not a serious enough injury to keep him out Sunday, which is good news. I think Henry can only get better as the year goes on and the Bengals continue to play from behind with that awful D.

Mike (Indy)

Wasn't Jacobs a goal line back last year?? Why is he losing goal line carries this year?

AJ Mass

  (3:01 PM)

Jacobs was big bruiser and change of pace to low to the ground Tiki... that's why the Giants tried him. But when he runs he's too vertical, and that's not effective in the red zone.

Frustrated in (NJ)

My 1st round draft pick (Frank Gore) has been a BUST so far this year, but at the same time I have a hard time benching him. Should I sit Gore this week in place of either Vargas or Grant, or should I stick it out with him??? Need some input?.THANKS!!

AJ Mass

  (3:03 PM)

Do you get extra points for your players depending on what round you drafted them in? Of course not. Once the season starts, Gore is just another guy on your roster. I'd sit him (on a short week) and go with Grant.

Adam, DC

A bit of a (good) dilemma. I've rode Tom Brady to fantasy glory, but via a sneaky trade, picked up Roethlesberger to cover Brady's bye week. Question is: do I trade Big Ben, or use him as cover towards the end of the season?

AJ Mass

  (3:04 PM)

1) You've "ridden" Brady to fantasy glory. 2) While you probably don't need Ben hereon out, if he's on your roster, then he's not on anyone else's roster. That's a win-win to consider.

Javier (Lodi CA)

I like McGahee's matchup vs the Browns this week, but the Raven's offense as a whole just scares me. Would you start Steven Jackson at the Niners instead? Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (3:05 PM)

I go Willis. Not sure Jackson is really back back.

Mike- San Diego

I just traded Thomas Jones straight up for Roethlisberger? Fair deal?

AJ Mass

  (3:06 PM)

Not a good move for whoever agreed to that one. Does he want Cedric Benson for Randy Moss, too?

Jason (NY):

AJ, please answer my question, this is my fantasy season potentially at stake!!! Schaub or Warner as a sleeper QB this week and beyond...?

AJ Mass

  (3:08 PM)

I'd go Warner this week for sure. Cincy is awful and he seems somewhat healthy. But longterm, with Johnson coming back, and the questions with Boldin in AZ, it's close.

Rick (TX)

Who do like more for the rest of the season: DJ Hackett or Bobby Engram?

AJ Mass

  (3:08 PM)

Hackett. He's a No. 1 talent who will be playing No. 2 once Branch gets back.

AP, Jersey

AJ, I have a trade pending that I have to make a decision on. Chad Johnson, Brandon Jacobs, and Jamal Lewis for LT. Good deal?

AJ Mass

  (3:09 PM)

Depends on who you're starting instead of Lewis and 85. You can't properly evaluate deals without that info.

Tom ( SoCal )

AJ, I have a chance to trade C.Henry(WR-Cincy) for either W.Dunn or Chatman. Which do I ask for? I'm an AP owner. Thanks for your input.

AJ Mass

  (3:11 PM)

I think I'd go Chatman. Dunn might get more yards the next two weeks, but if Norwood comes back healthy, I can't imagine the Falcons not seeing what he's got, leaving Dunn out in the cold.

Josh (Maryland)

Is Garrard playing this week? Is so, is he worth starting? (my other QB is VY)

AJ Mass

  (3:12 PM)

He should be, barring any major setback. But for this week only, I consider starting VY.

David - Fl

C Taylor? What is his value? Is S. Smith and C. Benson for C. Taylor and H. Ward fair? Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (3:14 PM)

Considering AP is out 2-4 weeks (and let's face it, if the Vikes are out of playoff race by then, why would you risk bringing him back?) Taylor's value has never been higher. So, your trade is incredibly lopsided and I would pass if I were the one getting Smith and Benson.

Laura (Bethesda)

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Please rank Ron Dayne, AP (Chi, duh), Stecker, and Duckett for the season. Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (3:15 PM)

Dayne 1 (most likely to start at some point) Stecker 2 (Bush is fragile) Duckett 3 AP 4 (lovie loves Benson)

Chris-CT

AJ, how about that brother-sister team on The Race?!? A little too close if you ask me! Also, I am 3rd in my league in points, but currently in 8th place with a 4-6 record and 1 game outta the playoffs!!! How do I deal with this injustice!?!?!? Its driving me crazy!

AJ Mass

  (3:16 PM)

Welcome to fantasy football, Chris. Get used to it. It's not fair. Ask anyone who lost last night because of Arnaz Battle getting credit for a ball he didn't come close to catching. And it's all about the Goth Couple.

T (miami)

Pleas help with these 2 trades. I am commish in a 10 person league. Should I approve a trade of Gore for W Parker? Also, is T.O. and Portis for R Moss a fair trade? Thanks

AJ Mass

  (3:18 PM)

If you do not think either party is cheating, you DO NOT veto. Period.

Gabe (Birmingham, AL)

is t.henry worth a spot on my roster, i haven't used him in weeks and i've missed out on grant and chester b/c of this albatross!

AJ Mass

  (3:19 PM)

I think that clock is about to strike one and the mouse will run down. Hickory Dickory Dock. Young's the better runner anyway - even if suspension doesn't come, Henry may not get as much action.

Drew, San Antonio

AJ, Would you trade C.Taylor for K.Keith. I own Joe Addai. Thanks

AJ Mass

  (3:20 PM)

No. I'd hate to be stuck with the decision on which Colts RB to start each week as the year progresses. I keep Taylor and rest sure he'll get carries for the next month at least.

Phil (Chicago)

Is it time to put a fork in Shawn Alexander or could he still have an impact this year.

Mo Morris, (Rainy Town)

Am I for real?

AJ Mass

  (3:22 PM)

I think Alexander's best days are indeed behind him for this year, at least. I'd shut him down personally and see if he can recover by next season's camp. Morris didn't exactly wow me last night, but I'd rather ride him and rest Shaun as long as possible as long as Seattle keeps winning --- if I were Holmgren, that is.

Ray (NY)

AJ, who do I start this week - Boldin, Marshall or Branch? Also, could be a dumb question, but Favre or Bulger? Favre is great, but the 49ers suck.

AJ Mass

  (3:24 PM)

I go Boldin against lousy Cincy D and hope he performs well. Branch? Still no guarantee yet he plays. Marshall? Don't like him and Cutler. 49ers are not as bad defensively as you think. Offensively, yes they are putrid, and it is that awfulness that wears out the D. A few sustained drives would do wonders for them. I go Favre.

Eric (Seattle)

I hate when people complain about total points. Is that how the NFL works?

AJ Mass

  (3:25 PM)

Well, yeah, if there's a tie in head-to-head.

Mike (Los Angeles)

AJ, Patten @Houston or Hackett vs Bears?

AJ Mass

  (3:26 PM)

I like Hackett.

victor

does grossman coming back help the running game of cedric benson or will cb continue to be a bust?

AJ Mass

  (3:27 PM)

He couldn't rush for 100 yards if you gave him the ball 50 times. Maybe if Rex finds Berrian and Muhsin deep early, that can open up the field a bit, but even then, I can't expect much.

Lacey (Minnesota)

Was Witten's performance this week (he got me a measly one point) a sign of things to come?

AJ Mass

  (3:29 PM)

No, I think you got caught in a bad matchup. Giants pass rush is so effective (best in the NFL) that they countered by keeping Witten back to pass protect. The shouldn't need to do that against Washington or the Jets next week.

Jason (Boston)

Total points is the main tie-breaker in head-to-head? I thought that it was whichever GM had the highest scoring player that week. Or head-to-head play in terms of tied records for playoff seeding.

AJ Mass

  (3:30 PM)

Poor Jason. Listen, every league has its own rules. There's no "universal tie-breaker". My comment was only to point out that net points does come into play at some point in the NFL's tie-breaking procedure.

Chris (Philly)

In response to Eric about total points. The thing is, having the most points means your team is really good, you drafted well, manage well and pick good starting rosters every week. You can't play defense in fantasy, so you can't control how many points are scored against you each week. It's frustrating to manage very well and have the most points but possess a losing record. That's why people complain about it.

AJ Mass

  (3:31 PM)

Word.

Rebecca (STL)

Before Schaub got hurt, I played Schaub and Rivers based on matchups. Now, Rivers looks horrible. Do I rely on Schaub now? or do I still have to consider Rivers?

AJ Mass

  (3:32 PM)

You don't have to do anything you don't want to Rebecca. But you should always consider all your options.

Rich (Orlando)

AJ - Which RB to go with LT this week - Jacobs, MB3 or Selvin? Which 3 WRs this week - Wayne, Edwards, AJ, Holmes? Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (3:33 PM)

Jacobs should have a huge day. As for WR, I avoid AJ until he actually plays a game.

Craig(Atlanta)

Dude, you stink at chats. You don't answer any questions and tell people to consider all their options. ESPN should consider their options and not bring you back next year.

AJ Mass

  (3:34 PM)

Dude, you stink at chats. You don't ask any questions. You should consider your options and not join my next chat tomorrow at 3 pm.

Jay(RI)

AJ, this could be your toughest flex spot question all season!!! Ryan Grant, Earnest Graham, Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe, or DJ Hackett?

AJ Mass

  (3:35 PM)

Hackett 1. Graham 2.

Sarah (Bellaire, Michigan)

AJ!! Trade offers coming up the wazoo! Give Kitna up for Schaub and Selvin Young? Give up Lee Evans for Rudi Johnson?

AJ Mass

  (3:36 PM)

I'd go for getting Selvin. As for the other deal, it depends how deep your roster is at WR, but I think I'd hold on to Evans.

Gabriel (CA)

Gore is killing me and even though he has a good schedule coming up, I think I want to drop him for Chester Taylor. What doyou think?

AJ Mass

  (3:37 PM)

Personally, I'm surprised Gore lasted the whole game. He looked like James Caan after that scene in Misery at certain points. I think Taylor goes the rest of the season, so I make the deal.

Dan (KC,KS)

For the love of all that is holy. Palmer or Hasselbeck. Which do I keep and which one do I trade?

AJ Mass

  (3:39 PM)

Seattle's just gotten Hackett back and Branch to come? Matt is the man.

Ben (Mil)

Please help a loyal ESPN reader on the trade deadline. I give up Gore/Plax and get Jacobs and Marshall. jacobs would be my #1 rb, along with Chester, Fred T and Dayne. My other wr's are Fitz, Jericho and Berrian

AJ Mass

  (3:40 PM)

I do that in a heartbeat. Every week there is no guarantee either Gore or Plax come back after halftime in their uniforms. That's a headache I wouldn't want.

Billy D (NY)

The only person with worst advice than you on this site is Hector and Victor

AJ Mass

  (3:41 PM)

Indeed, nobody has worst advice than me does.

Jennifer (New York)

Hi AJ, I have 6 WR's and play 3. Could you help me out? Chris Henry, Bernard Berrian, L.Coles, Santonio, Driver and Lee Evans. Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (3:42 PM)

I like Santonio. Driver will get yards, but not too many scores... Henry looked good, but I'd go with Berrian. Rex and Bernard seem to click for some reason.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Hey Aj! Give me a TE which has better upside.. Pope, Crumpler, McMichael, LJ Smith? I'm saying Smith just casue he has always been McNabb's favorite target!!What do u think??

AJ Mass

  (3:44 PM)

Smith is healthy for the first time all year. That's why he's now a good play. I concur, but what do I know - you might find best advice someplaces elsewhere.

Jared (Orlando)

For the stretch run, Please rank these RB's? Duckett, T Bell, M Hicks, M Robinson, or Stecker?

AJ Mass

  (3:44 PM)

Stecker has the best chance to see action, with Robinson close behind, but really, if these are the guys you're considering, you're in a world of hurt.

Pollo (Ca)

I hate haters! (what?) AJ...got a lot of worries at my #2 RB. Whatcha think for this week: Henry/Young, L. White, or Chatman? For the season?

AJ Mass

  (3:46 PM)

If you knew who was starting in Denver for sure, I'd go there. For the season I think you go with the winner in that contest too, which I think will be Young.

Michael (memphis)

will harrison be a better start over k. curtis this week? or any waiver pickup?

AJ Mass

  (3:47 PM)

No, Curtis is a better play. Even if Marvin goes, there's no telling how long or how well. This nonsense about "if it was a playoff game he would have played" from Dungy is getting old.

Henry (KY)

AJ, who should I pick up at wr, Cotchery or Chris Henry?

AJ Mass

  (3:48 PM)

I think if Henry is available you grab him. Teams can't cover all three Bengals and just like a Wes Welker, Henry gets the most benefit of that fact.

MJ

AJ, Graham or Taylor this week and rest of year?

AJ Mass

  (3:49 PM)

I think Taylor. Graham has been good, but Atlanta is actually a fairly good defense.

Tom (Da Burgh)

Hey AJ, which 2 RBs do I start behind Brandon Jacobs this week? Gore, S. Jackson, Holmes, Chatman, or Young(if Henry is out). THANKS!

AJ Mass

  (3:51 PM)

Jackson and Young. And why not let this be the kickoff to the Lightning Round!

Save My Season

I need a win against the #1 team! Eli or Schaub? Ward or CHenry?

AJ Mass

  (3:51 PM)

Eli and Hines

J-Snort (Guam)

I likes your advices! What's the upside on Priest the rest of the year? I have an offer to give up Selvin for him.

AJ Mass

  (3:52 PM)

No, sir. Holmes won't last the whole season. Keep Selvin.

Larry (Omaha)

TE - Olson, Pope, Crumpler, King?

AJ Mass

  (3:52 PM)

Greg

Gary (Boston)

Pick 2 of 3 please for next week. Bush, K. Jones, or Chatman. Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (3:53 PM)

Keep an eye on Jones' injury. I think I sit him.

Ed (NYC)

McGahee, Jacobs, Parker, Graham--Best 2 of the group for rest of year. Thanks

AJ Mass

  (3:53 PM)

Jacobs and Parker

Pink T(boston)

Gore, Fargas or Boldin at flex?

AJ Mass

  (3:53 PM)

Fargas

Jim (Cambridge, MA)

plax or colston - rest of the year

AJ Mass

  (3:54 PM)

Colston

Kim Deal (Bako)

I hate haters too! Turn off the computer, change the channel...jeez! Start two: A. Gates, Crayton, Patten, and Stallworth. Thanx!

AJ Mass

  (3:54 PM)

Gates and Patten

Jeff (Iowa)

Edge or Donte at the flex?

AJ Mass

  (3:55 PM)

Edge

Bob (NJ)

Please pick 3: Steve Smith, Cotchery, Hines Ward, Hackett, Chambers. Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (3:55 PM)

Ward, Hackett and Smith

Bill (Syracuse NY)

Packers DEF or Pats DEF?

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

Pats D

Julie (Traverse, Michigan)

I'm a lover - Kitna or Favre this weekend?

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

Favre all day.

Dave (Orlando)

Does it help to keep resubmitting or does it just annoy you? Need 2 from the following; C Taylor, Edge, Chatman, T. Jones and Foster. Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (3:57 PM)

Little bit of both - depends how frequently and if the Q has already been answered. Edge and Taylor.

Sam (TX)

Marshawn Lynch or Ryan Grant this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:57 PM)

Grant. Lynch too risky both health-wise and Pats-wise

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

Warner or D. Anderson this week? Season?

AJ Mass

  (3:58 PM)

Warner this week. Anderson for the season. Time for one more....

Thirsty Mike (Atlanta GA)

Trade Hackett/Henry WR's for Ryan Grant or Priest/LJ? Need a backup RB.

AJ Mass

  (4:00 PM)

It all comes down to need. If you truly NEED a RB, you swing the deal... but I don't think you're necessarily getting full value.

AJ Mass

  (4:01 PM)

That's the buzzer gang. We'll do this again tomorrow. If you can bring your bestest Qs, we'll try not to worst it up for youse guys. Thanks to all who particpated, and we'll see you then ext time on Villa Allegre.