Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

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

Noah (Jacksonville)

Which player should I start in the slot...Laurence Maroney or Roy Williams? THANKS!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Well, the Maroney matchup is actually a decent one, but I simply can't trust him right now. Williams gets the slight edge here, and it's because if there's one aspect of the Giants' defense that's weak, it's gotta be in the secondary.

Jason (Orlando)

Branch or Evans this week for WR3?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Lee Evans has a horrible history against the Patriots; he has been held to one catch in four of seven career meetings against them. I just can't go for him, especially if Marshawn Lynch sits, because he'd keep the New England defense at least a LITTLE honest. Gotta be Deion Branch, barring a late setback.

Gooch (Coudy, PA)

I have Ryan Grant and all of the other Packer backs are available too. Should I pick one of them up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

If any is going to make an impact looking forward, it's Brandon Jackson, but I think this is Grant's gig for now. The schedule, by the way, is pretty decent for him, so I'd say there's definite sleeper potential there.

Jake (VA Beach)

Who do you like for the rest of the year? Addai or FWP and Boldin or Cotchery?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

I like Joseph Addai better. Willie Parker has quietly been surrendering key short-range carries, probably as the Steelers look to keep him fresh since he's endured a hefty workload. Not that I don't like him, that just breaks the tie is all. At receiver, I'd go Anquan Boldin. I trust the offense a little more overall, and the schedule is fantastic.

Joel (MD)

Tristan, my trade deadline is tomorrow - another owner wants to trade me Holt for Kevin Jones (head-to-head points league). That would still leave me Chatman or Fargas for my flex, should I make the trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

I actually think you'd be fine if you made that trade. Keep in mind that virtually everyone in the NFC West faces a great schedule the rest of the way, and that's enough depth if you're talking about your flex spot.

Tom (Chicago, IL)

McNabb or Schaub this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

It's Donovan McNabb facing the dreadful Miami defense, but I don't think Matt Schaub should be outright dismissed for fantasy this week. Not many people are going to use him, in a week with no byes and with him having missed time recently, but the matchup is solid and he has Andre Johnson back.

Craig (PA)

Shockey or Miller at TE this week? Miller has the better matchup, but shockey is on a roll.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

Craig, sorry to say, Jeremy Shockey isn't so much on a roll as he simply dominated Roy Williams in Week 10. Of course, Plaxico Burress' health has a lot to do with Shockey's value looking forward, so I'm not trashing him, either. He's a solid guy to use, but Heath Miller is looking more productive in the red zone to date, so I'm going him here.

Sam (Chicago)

Dr. Cockcroft, do you see Ben Watson as an every week start again or do I go based on matchups with LJ Smith on my bench?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

I'm not a doctor Sam, and no, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, either. But I can still answer that question for you! I'm all about the matchups, but I bet Watson is going to be in there more often than not. Smith has been so brittle all year, so I'd need to see something from him before I'd trust him again.

Bob (Augusta,Ga)

McNabb or Bulger this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

It's close, but I'm bucking Marc Bulger's terrible outdoor-stadium career trend and saying he succeeds in San Francisco, as he has historically. It's the one place he seems to be fine, if he's not playing in a dome.

Jim (Albany NY)

Bowe or Boldin? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

I don't like Dwayne Bowe's matchup at all, and I can't trust him with Brodie Croyle making his first NFL start. Go for Anquan Boldin.

Kevin (Manassas)

Brees or Big Ben this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Ben Roethlisberger. The Jets are awful defensively.

Ed, NY

Tristan, Always enjoy your chats. Jesse Chatman or Chester Taylor? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

Keep in mind the Raiders give up oodles of rushing yards and scores, so if you're smarting from the loss of Adrian Peterson, there is nothing at all wrong with Taylor as a sub. The schedule is good this week and in two weeks from now, and I'd say enough so I'd use him ahead of Chatman.

Bill (Dayton)

Wright or Thomas a decent pickup with Lynch being sidelined? Thanks! I love the chat.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Not really, especially not this week facing the Patriots. Funny, I'd actually call Wright the better choice, and that's even if he doesn't start. Not that I want him, but if I HAD to...

Aaron (Wilmington, OH)

Everyone's asking about Boldin today...whose injury scares you less this week: Boldin or Andre Johnson? Am I right to sit them both if I can start Colston & Jennings?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Andre Johnson. The reports are glowing, and the matchup excellent. In that spot I'd pick him and Marques Colston going head-to-head, in a game I expect to be a higher-scoring affair than you might think.

JAmes

What should we expect from Culpepper this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

I know, I know, motivation factor, like when he played in Miami and had five total touchdowns, but I'm not buying into that. Daunte Culpepper is a limited quarterback, playing mostly out of the shotgun, and I don't want a guy in that situation. Reeks of desperate circumstances to use him, though I bet he gets ONE key play and isn't among the bottom five fantasy scorers. (Won't be among the top 10, either!)

Travis (Annapolis, MD)

Bulger or Schaub...this week and for the season.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Marc Bulger this week, and probably in most weeks the rest of the year. Matt Schaub, though, shouldn't be discarded accounting for the schedule. Good matchup-type duo to have on a roster.

Bob (NY):

Hey...Jessica Biel or Jessica Alba...and for this chat...Welker or Santonio.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

Yes please! OK, forced to choose (and I mean EITHER debate), I'll go Alba, Wes Welker. If the Bills clamp down on Randy Moss, as has seemed to be their game plan lately, target the No. 1 receiver, then Welker should go off for a huge game.

Abe (Detroit)

Who would u start K. Jones, Chatman or Henry/Young?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

I'd probably trust Kevin Jones, even against a Giants defense that is better than you'd think. I want no part of that Denver backfield as things stand today, with it a Monday night game you'll need to wait on for Travis Henry's status, and him and Selvin Young likely sharing time anyway.

Anquan Boldin (Arizona)

Am I too much to give up in a package with Ron Dayne and Owen Daniels for Santonio Holmes? Keep in mind my owner has Housh and Fitz as other WR and Pitt's easy 11-13 weeks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

I don't see that as too bad, though there's no reason Boldin can't be close to Holmes in value overall. I suppose I trust Holmes a tad more, and if you're upgrading a little there, it's not like you lose a lot I'd want to have in my lineup (Dayne? Daniels? Eh, matchup types at best).

CJ (Michigan)

Tristan my man! Hackett looked pretty good on Monday -- Would you consider starting him over Santonio??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Oh, he did look good, but with Deion Branch coming back and perhaps cutting into his targets, I'd be a little more cautious about putting D.J. Hackett in Santonio Holmes' class. It's Holmes for this week.

John (Orlando)

Just traded Ward for Holt - who do you think has more value the rest of the way? I figured Holt has more big play potential and Ward is now 2nd fiddle in Pitt.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Hines Ward should be fine, but I love the Torry Holt schedule looking forward.

Jerry (SF)

Tristan, wonderin if you wouldn't mind pickin 2 for me to play (i need a homerun, not consistent 8 or 9 points, playin #1 and need a win bad)...Marshall, Curry (beautiful matchup), Evans, Patten. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

I dunno, Jerry, Ronald Curry's matchup is beautiful? Sure, maybe, but with so many questions at quarterback, and in that offense, really, I can't call him automatic. You want a "home run" type? A boom-or-bust, not the "safe" pick? Seriously, I'd think about David Patten. The Texans are going to be hurting without Dunta Robinson. I know that sounds nuts, and Brandon Marshall is the safer, more consistent option, but you need to go for the higher ceiling, Patten could be almost nothing, or he could explode for a huge day.

Fish (NYC)

Is Steve Smith even playable anymore? Start Reggie Brown or even James Jones instead?? Did I just actually ask that question??????

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

He sure hasn't seemed it. A guy like Smith, you have to just have faith the talent takes over, regardless of the quarterback mess in Carolina, but I don't think it's nuts to pick and choose the matchups with him looking forward. In my lineups I'm probably going Smith. I trust talent over matchups. But I won't be laughing at anyone who picks Brown for this week. Wouldn't shock me at all if he capitalizes on the matchup and has slightly better stats.

Tom (Hackensack)

Tristan, a few questions: V. Davis or Ben Watson...also Tenn DST or SD DST? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

With Vernon Davis complaining about his slim usage in the passing game of late, and the team looking to involve him more this week, I expect a decent bounce-back performance. He gets the slight edge. At D, I'll go Titans. Albert Haynesworth should be back, and facing a shaky, inconsistent offense.

Michael (NY)

What are your thoughts on Ricky? Worth a gamble for 2-3 weeks from now?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I think it's absolutely going to take time for him to get into peak shape, and that could take weeks, not one week. In other words, deep, deep leagues, he's a sleeper. Besides, Jesse Chatman has looked fine in the role, I see no reason that should change. Call Williams a final-four-week handcuff, and I bet that's all he is this year, if he's a factor at all.

Chace (LA)

What do you think of Lenard Pope?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Matchups option, and mainly in that he has the size to be the kind of red-zone target he seemed to be in Week 10. I'd only add him for the idea of using him against porous pass defenses, though. He won't start most weeks.

Pat (chicago)

Would you play Grant or C. Taylor this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I like both matchups quite a bit, but I'll go Chester Taylor here. He's got a prime opportunity to show he's still capable of being an every-down back, and the matchup plays greatly in his favor.

Andrew (NY)

Bob, its clearly Alba. Tristan, in a vacuum would you rather have Gore or Ocho Cinco?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Ah, that pesky "vaccum" word again. Given the choice, and I'll look at this like I'm drafting today, I'd take the starting running back facing the great schedule. Chad Johnson, you know, has really taken a back seat fantasy-wise to T.J. Houshmandzadeh this year.

Dr. Johnny Fever (Cincinatti)

Tristan, please pick two: R. Grant, J. Fargas or T. Jones. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Thomas Jones sits for me. These days, there are precious few running backs I'd trust at all facing Pittsburgh.

Mike, OH

Charlize Theron or Jessica Alba? Brees or Bulger? (I gotta go Theron)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Sorry, Mike, gotta disagree, going Alba. Then I'm going Drew Brees, for the same reason I mentioned before, about the Texans losing their one truly talented cornerback.

Kevin (Manassas)

Please pick two for this week....Holmes, Marshall, Crayton, and Chris Henry.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Santonio Holmes is an obvious choice, facing the Jets. For the No. 2, I'd go Patrick Crayton, against a 'Skins D that has been a bit more banged up and disappointing of late.

Wes (Philadelphia)

HOCKEY QUESTION: Hey Tristan, I am an avid reader of your daily hockey blogs. Thanks for that. Anyway, I am the unfortunate owner of Jonathan Cheechoo. Do you, like other experts, see him never coming around? What kind of value can i expect in a trade for him??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Thanks, Wes. With Cheechoo, as I said in the preseason, and will say again today, you simply have to be patient with him. If memory serves, he has done positively zero in October and November in each of the past two seasons. Give him a month, seriously. He came around late last year, he'll do it this year, too.

foot (chantilly va)

Need a flex play from these dregs: Hilliard (@ ATL, ankle?), Pittman (@ATL, ankle?), AnthThomas (vNE! splitting carries?) or wire options ADavis (vNO), JJones (vCAR, already starting Jennings), Jurevicius, Duckett or KFaulk.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Given those choices I'd probably go James Jones. Best matchup of the bunch.

Lee, NC

Have u ever seen Theron Tristan? She is smoking!!! Ben Watson or Owen Daniels?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Of course I have! Just personal preference is all. No knock there, really. And it's Watson, no doubt. Daniels simply doesn't get the red-zone looks I want to see in a tight end.

Nate (PA)

Who wins in a Fargas for Benson trade or are we all losers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I actually think the guy who gets Justin Fargas. Cedric Benson has disappointed me THAT much this year. Frankly, I'm a little surprised the Bears haven't experimented more with Adrian Peterson than they have.

Harold, Ft. Worth, TX

Grant or Portis for this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

For as much as I like Ryan Grant's matchup, Clinton Portis is on too much the hot streak to sit. He's getting a ridiculous workload. Ladell who?

Marc (Malden, MA)

Would you trade KJones/Watson for Graham?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Nope.

Raul (San Diego)

Sit one R. Johnson, B. Jacobs or MJD

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Raul, I can't trust Rudi Johnson these days. He's running at what I'd call less than 50 percent his usual self, and I'm being rather generous with that number. He has to show me something before I trust him again over either of those other two.

Chuck, NYC

Tristan, can you help me figure out whats going on in the Tenn backfield this week? if lynch is out, who do i start, vernon, deion, chris brown????? ahhhh...help please!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

LenDale White's knee is fine. Jeff Fisher said he's fine, and he's not on the injury report at all so far. Plus, the matchup is exceptional. If Marshawn Lynch sits, though, I'd probably go Deion Branch there. Chris Brown won't get nearly the touches to help you.

Mike (NY)

Please rank for this weekend: Bulger, McNabb or Peyton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Are you REALLY going to think about sitting Peyton Manning, Mike? He's going to bounce back with a vengeance. BIG time.

Doc (NC)

Tristan, please answer this question quickly, as my waiver deadline is in 15 minutes. Ryan Grant or Chester Taylor for the season. Thank you!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Tough one, as both need to be owned. Make sure you put in for both! Overall, I'd take Grant. But for this week, I prefer Taylor, so make the choice on whether you have short- or long-term needs. You can't go wrong with either for Week 11, I just like Taylor a tad better is all.

Steve (MA via E. Hartford)

Will Greg Olsen put up another goose egg this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

I'd be shocked if it happened, but it'll be very interesting to see what kind of chemistry he'll have with Rex Grossman, back in the starting role. Call Olsen a No. 2-caliber tight end for Week 11.

ryan(ind)

who is the better start the rest of the year, b.jacobs or j.lewis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I love goal-line machines like Brandon Jacobs, and am picking him. Still, I want everyone else to be aware that Jamal Lewis' schedule gets extraordinarily soft beginning in Week 12.

frank (gloucester point, va)

following up on Steve's question about Olsen, are either Daniels or Crumpler a #1 TE for week 11?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Nope, sorry to say.

Michael (Charlotte)

Who would you rather have in the fantasy playoffs (weeks 15-17), Big Ben or Brady? I'm worried Brady will be rested. I'm trying to decide on a trade offer (I have Big Ben).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

If Tom Brady sits, I'd imagine it's in Week 17. By the way, his Weeks 15-16 matchups, if memory serves, are exceptional (Jets, Dolphins?). Take that for what it's worth; you can't go wrong with either but why deal the guy who got you this far?

Rod(Philly, Pa)

Are Heap and Gore healthy enough to trust this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

I don't think Todd Heap is, I hear he might sit, but Frank Gore should be fine, and the matchup great.

Mike (Chicago)

Should I start Chris Henry, Bobby Engram, Kevin Walter, or Patten? Pick one please.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I actually like Henry -- assuming that's the Bengals receiver -- this week. He gets a slight edge over David Patten.

Jeff (MA)

Priest, Dunn or Thomas Jones? Evans or Mark Clayton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Ugh, Warrick Dunn. I don't like any of those backs for the week, really. At receiver, though, I see Clayton as a nice sleeper choice, with Demetrius Williams out and Kyle Boller slinging him the ball.

Dan Chicago

Ward or CHenry as #2 WR this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Hines Ward. I don't like Henry THAT much.

Dave - Ludlow, MA

Hi Tristan. Any word on Coles? If he is fine, would you play him over driver? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

From what I've heard, Laveranues Coles should be fine to play. I don't like the matchup, though, and would prefer Donald Driver.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Is TJ Duckett worth a pickup?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Only if you're a Kevin Jones owner who needs to handcuff him. Even if Jones went down with his foot injury, Duckett has proven in the past he's not that great at shouldering a heavy workload. I'm actually not as worried about Jones as some sources.

Kyle (Gainesville, FL)

I need to beat the #1 team in the league to reach the playoffs. Who do I start- Cotchery or Hackett?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

D.J. Hackett gets the slight edge. I just can't trust the Jets going up against the Steelers.

Gerald (Alabama)

Would you play Gore over Grant or C. Taylor?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Sure would! Barring any late injury setbacks, of course.

Hank Blalock (Arlington)

Tristan, bounceback year for me after fixing those nagging injuiries and being the magical fantasy baseball age of 27?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Check back in the spring for my annual "age-27 myth" column. Total myth. Seriously. Blalock is what he is, overrated, and awful against lefties and on the road. Bottom line. Matchups player.

Chris-TC

Ryan Grant, Earnest Graham, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Marshall, or DJ Hackett at the flex spot?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Seems like a good time to go Grant.

Nik (Maui)

Pick two: Chatman, Grant, or S. Jackson.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I think I'd leave Jesse Chatman out of the mix.

bickel(IN)

i need this one tristan. pick 3: coles colston fitzgerald evans.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Tough call because I don't like either the Laveranues Coles or Lee Evans matchups. The gut says sit Evans.

Christina (Chicago)

Bowe or Branch?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Deion Branch.

T (miami)

Trade deadline help. Is Lynch and C Taylor too much for W Parker? I already have Portis and only start 2. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I'd prefer to keep the depth. Not that I don't like Willie Parker, but Marshawn Lynch really isn't THAT far removed from him value-wise.

Flip ( Fl)

Def this week, Det or Chi

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I really don't want either, but I think I'd so Bears there, on the talent alone. I'd do my best to try to find a better alternative first.

Rick (Plainville CT)

Pick 3: C.Johnson, A.Johnson, Holt, Holmes? now and rest of the year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

They're all standouts, top-15 caliber at worst. For this week, I'd probably sit Santonio Holmes. Overall? I'd probably be shopping Chad Johnson, whose name value is ahead of actual value in my mind.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours ... So many to tackle! Still, if you missed out, check back again this afternoon, we'll be here to help you out! Take care...