Christopher Harris

  (11:01 AM)

Hi, everyone. Thanks for coming on the Monday of Thanksgiving week. Lots to get to, so let's dig right in......

Train (OAK)

Clearly Holmes is no Chester Taylor, but based on what you saw from the Oakland D and from Holmes yesterday, what kind of numbers do you see him putting up against the Raiders? For that matter, what do you think Taylor can do against the tougher D of the Giants? thanks!!!

Christopher Harris

  (11:03 AM)

Hi, Train. The operative factor for Taylor yesterday was twofold: (1) the Oakland defense is a joke; (2) the Minny O-line is very good. I wouldn't say Priest Holmes is "no Chester Taylor"...I think they're both okay. Holmes will be a startable player this week because of the great match-up; Taylor will be more borderline, but still startable because of that O-line.

Chad (DC)

Since it looks LJ will be out for the year, which 2 rbs should I play every week, Rudi, Thomas Jones, or Edge. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.

Christopher Harris

  (11:05 AM)

Hi, Chad. Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. Edgerrin James should probably be in there every week for you. I don't think I can give you an every-week starter between Jones and Johnson. Unfortunately, they're equally disappointing, and they have equally terrible match-ups in Week 12 (Dallas for Jones; Tennessee for Johnson). I guess you have to try and play match-ups with 'em the rest of the way. This week, I'll probably have Jones a *little* higher, but I'd bet neither will be inside my top 24 for fantasy rushers.

AC (FL)

Do you think Javon Walker will be a factor down the stretch? How about Terry Glenn?

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Hi, AC. I give Walker a better chance of contributing than Glenn. He's supposedly going to try and practice at full-speed this week in advance of trying to play against the Bears, but how Denver performs tonight might dictate whether an aggressive timetable makes sense. As far as I know, Glenn isn't really close, and it's not clear he'd shoot past Patrick Crayton anyway.....

Jon

Are you SURE LJ is done for the year??

Christopher Harris

  (11:07 AM)

Hi, Jon. No, I don't think anyone's sure about it. He has a broken bone in his foot...while the Chiefs haven't directly confirmed this, I believe it, because LJ himself has been quoted as telling teammates. But I don't think it's a break in a bad spot, and it could be healed in time for the fantasy playoffs. I wouldn't drop him yet, for sure.

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

Is this the Santana Moss we should expect from here on out?

Christopher Harris

  (11:09 AM)

Hi, Joe. I wish I could say yes. But Washington's offense is probably going back to its conservative ways starting next week with Tampa Bay, which means Jason Campbell isn't going to get the chance to follow up on his career day. Listen, the fact that Moss was able to go with his litany of injuries is awesome, but at this point, his inconsistency still makes me think he's something along the lines of a WR3 with good upside.

Mr.Lewis(Clev)

When do I get some respect???

Christopher Harris

  (11:11 AM)

For sure, Lewis looked better against the Ravens this week than he did against the Steelers last week. However, I still don't love what I see from him...too many tiptoes at the line of scrimmage, too much hesitation on too many runs. Hey, you can't argue with results; this is a pass-first team that moves the ball, and Lewis can be a battering ram on select plays in a game. It's worked for him, TD-wise, pretty much all year. Also, I basically like the Browns' schedule pretty well. Lewis is a borderline RB2 in my book...I just wish he was a little more consistent.

Fonzie (Milwaukee)

Heyyyy! Is Plaxico worthless the rest of the way? Whoaaa!

Christopher Harris

  (11:12 AM)

Fonzie just bumped the juke box, and it *totally* went on! Okay, so no, I don't think Plax is worthless, but I've watched that Giants tape, and he wasn't lying about how bad his ankle felt after the Dallas game. He looked a wreck. I'm going to drop him in my rankings this week, but I doubt I'll remove him entirely from the ranks of my presumed fantasy starters (that is, the top 24). They still throw it to him a lot, and he still catches the ones he can get to. He'll give you production, just probably not TD-every-week production.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Our trade deadline is this week. I'm out of the post season but have some guys that can play. Is it OK for me to deal my good players for some lesser ones if it can help someone down the stretch?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

Hi, J.B. If you're in a keeper league, and can trade for a young player you think will be good for you next year, go for it. But if this is a league where you start from scratch every year with a new draft, I wouldn't trade anyone. Let the playoff teams duke it out with the players they've acquired; don't upset the balance of power. It's a little boring, I know, but it's the right thing.

Jon (FL)

What are the chances that AD plays another down this season? Seems unlikely Minnesota would risk it when they will probably be out of contention by the time he is ready to return. Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Christopher Harris

  (11:15 AM)

Hi, Jon. You bring up a really good point, and I don't think there's any way of definitively answering the Peterson question, but if I'm a betting man, I think Purple Jesus is back by Week 13 or Week 14. Brad Childress has had a disastrous year, and at this point, he'd do well to win a few more games to ensure his job'll still be there for him in '08. Again, no guarantees, but that's my guess.

Jess (Philly)

Should Chris Henry be an every-week starter? I benched him for Driver based on all the analysts rankings and of copurse Henry killed Driver's numbers.

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Hi, Jess. It's a tough call. If you've been reading my Big Rotowski article (and The Breakdown on Fridays) each week, you've noticed I've come around on Greg Jennings as a better fantasy option than Driver (I think Driver's actually a better player, but he's not the deep threat Brett Favre likes, and he gets all the attention). Chris Henry had a serious case of the dropsies yesterday, but you're right: he's had two good (fantasy) games since he's been back. I don't do my rankings for the next week until tomorrow night; I think it'll be pretty close between Driver and Henry this week. The fact that the Bengals play Tennessee doesn't help Henry.

Jeremy (CA)

Is Benson turning his season around and providing value and upside going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:19 AM)

Hi, Jeremy. I went to the University of Texas for grad school about a decade ago, so I have a soft spot in my heart for UT guys. Which probably makes it surprising that I've been such an unabashed Benson hater this year. Even yesterday, when he scored that long TD early...after that, he really wasn't very good, and I read in the Chicago papers this morning that the plan next week is for the Bears to give Adrian Peterson the third series of the game next week to see what he can do. Sounds like that situation could evolve into a timeshare if the *other* AP can perform. I wouldn't be counting on Benson for a lot of upside the rest of this year.

trevor ( s.f. bay area)

do you think that moss's 4 td's last night had anything to do with t.o. scoring 4 touchdowns. its seems like there might be an unspoken rivalry between the two because brady went for moss 5 times in the endzone.

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Hi, Trevor. The thought did occur to me, as did the thought that since Fox made such a big deal out of T.O. playing defensive back on the Redskins' last play, Moss got put in there for the last play of Buffalo's first half, too. The truth is, though, that Brady's been looking at Moss in the end zone all year (hence the 16 TDs), probably most because, well, he's really, really good.

Brandon Jacobs (NYG)

WHAT IS UP WITH MY HAMMIE!!!!???

Christopher Harris

  (11:21 AM)

Jacobs told reporters that the hamstring problem that drove him out of yesterday's game is "minor," but that's not the words of a doctor. It sounds like Jacobs will be okay, but you definitely have to be concerned with the fact that this guy doesn't seem to be able to finish games.

Erik (Boston, MA)

If you think Peterson could be back by week 3, you're crazy. LCL are much harder to rehab than lcl's and he has a grade 2-plus tear. That's a severe tear, as bad as it can be without reaquire reconstructive surgery. Add to all this the fact he's the entire franchise and the vikings are going anywhere, there's NO WAY you see him again this year. As Eric Karabell has already pointed out.

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Fortunately for you, Erik, there are many voices now at ESPN.com, so there can be some folks you agree with, and some folks you disagree with. Sounds like you're a Karabell man, which is tremendous. I appreciate you deigning to attend my li'l ol' chat. Anyway, FoxSports has reported that Peterson will begin running underwater *today*, and if he comes through that all right, he may be allowed to run on the field in practice tomorrow. Perhaps you think this is crazy, but it's the truth, my friend. Have a great day.

Tyler (Orlando)

Better pickup at this point? Chris Brown or Adrian Peterson (Chi)!

Christopher Harris

  (11:25 AM)

I think we'll be better able to answer that question after tonight's game, Tyler. If you had to make a decision this very moment, I'd say Peterson (but then again, I've been saying that for a month, and it hasn't helped folks yet). But we'll have to see for sure how LenDale White looks, health-wise, tonight. If White is hurt again, then I'd probably answer Brown, because he'd be just about the only guy the Titans would have.

Nick (NY)

I keep trying... Please, please, please answer!!!! Schaub or Warner this week? Rest of the season?

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hi, Nick. Sorry, I know it's frustrating...there are an awful lot of questions. It's also hard to answer questions like this because I haven't done my weekly rankings for Week 12, so I don't have a definitive answer for you. For the rest of the year, I'd lean toward Schaub, though.

dan (chicago, illinois)

who will get more carries on monday night? Selvin Young or Travis Henry?

Christopher Harris

  (11:28 AM)

Hi, Dan. I'm guessing Selvin Young, but it sounds like both guys are going to be active, and the Broncos could just decide to ride the hand of whomever's hotter. It's a mighty tough one to predict. Henry probably isn't 100% healthy, but he's going to get suspended this week, I think, so Denver has no reason to save him.

Nick (NY)

For the record, I'm a Harris man even if you don't have the smart looking glasses...

Christopher Harris

  (11:28 AM)

Well, thanks, Nick. I'm wearing glasses now; my vanity simply procludes me from wearing them on TV.

Steve (MA via E. Hartford)

How much longer should I watch Hackett put up good numbers before playing him over Boldin and his sore hip?

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Hi, Steve. Well, this week I can't imagine you were *too* disappointed, considering Boldin scored a touchdown. Hey, I'm completely on the Hackett bandwagon; in fact, he was my guy in our weekly "Alone On An Island" article, where each ESPN.com fantasy person is given one player they rated much higher or much lower than everyone else...I had Hackett a lot higher. I had Hackett 17 among WRs this week, and Boldin 20. I'll probably have 'em pretty close again this week. They're both running against bad defenses this week, but Boldin gets that Niners match-up which might be too sweet to pass up. Tune in for the Rotowski rankings on Wednesday.

Tom (SoCal)

Hey Chris, With the 49ers offense being so horrible, Is Gore even worth playing anymore? Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:33 AM)

Hi, Tom. It sounds like the STL/SF game was an other pitiful offensive display yesterday, though I have to admit, I haven't watched it yet. The Niners went pass-happy, though, and got away from the run pretty early, which is pretty dumb when your quarterback is Trent Dilfer. If you have other options than Gore, I can see sitting him for a week against the Cardinals to see what's up there.

Jason (Bridgeport, CT)

Is my question too hard? Who would be next in line if Maroney or Faulk goes down?

Christopher Harris

  (11:35 AM)

Hi, Jason. I guess it's probably Heath Evans, but hopefully New England won't need to find out. There are have been rumblings that Corey Dillon wouldn't mind coming back, and I guess they could consider that option if they get unbelievably desperate. (They're still mad at him for being in bad shape last year.) I think Maroney's okay, and that holding him out in the second half with a bad foot was precautionary in a blowout.

Geoff-dc

Why does evil Bill hate Maroney? The Pats say he had a hurt foot, he says he didn't. He was primed for his 1st big game of the year and didn't play much. Thoughts?

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Well, I'm not in that locker room, so I don't know for sure, but everything I've heard and read indicates he hurt his foot, but not badly, and the Pats essentially took him out because it was a blowout. That's not the definitive word, though. Keep an eye on the injury reports.

Walter (Boone, NC)

Is Ricky Williams a sudden pickup for fantasy managers in trouble?

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Boy, I don't think so, Walter, I don't think the Fins are going to use him much, and heaven knows Jesse Chatman and/or the O-line isn't what's ailing Miami most. (Hello, quarterback!) If you're in a deep league and have a bench spot, I guess it's not bad to take a flier, but this would be the *ultimate* flier. I don't think 30 y.o. backs who quit the league and stunk in the CFL have the makings of good NFL players.

Kerry (Nebraska)

Will McGahee continue to put up good numbers?

Christopher Harris

  (11:38 AM)

Hi, Kerry. yeah, I think so. I mean, he's putting up really good, solid numbers, with very little fluctuation...that's perfect for a fantasy RB2. Hopefully you can pair him with a much more explosive player, who can erupt, but might occasionally also throw in a stink bomb. That's a good combo.

Mr.Boombastic

The Droppables...McNabb, Gore, T.Henry, and Plaxico. Am I crazy?

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

I don't think I'd drop any of those guys unless you're in a *really* shallow league. Now, would I *bench* some of 'em? Sure. Gore might ride pine depending on what else you have at RB, and if you're very deep at WR, I can see giving Plax and his balky ankle a break. Henry might be *really* droppable in a few days, if/when news of his suspension being upheld comes out.

Tim (Santa Monica, CA)

OK, I've had enough of the roller-coaster known as McNabb this season. Am I crazy for playing Schuab the rest of the way... or especially next week with the Eagles traveling to NE next week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

You're not crazy, Tim. I had Schaub one notch higher than McNabb this week, and I'll *definitely* have him higher next, because of the match-ups. (Schaub gets Cleveland's mediocre secondary, and corner Eric Wright will probably be out for the Browns.)

Steve(Boston)

Happy Holidays! If Lynch is a no go this week do I start Chatman or Mo Morris? Can trade for Fargas. Do you see him a beter play giong foward over the other 2 if Lynch doesnt return for a few weeks? Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

Hi, Steve. Again, I haven't done my ranking for this week yet, but let's take a look at this from a "rest of the season" perspective. I obviously don't love any of those guys, but Morris probably winds up third on my list, simply because it's not his job. Eventually, Shaun Alexander will return (I suspect) and get a chance to be the full-time guy again. Between Chatman and Fargas? Oakland has a slightly more favorable schedule, to my eyes, for defensive against RBs, so I might pick him. But it's close.

Coty (LA)

Is there some stigma against FWP when the Steelers play away? I mean, he hasn't been horrible, and he had his best game fantasy-wise away, but he should have done much better against the teams he has faced. Is he just not running as well this year, because he is definitely getting the carries?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Coty. I hear you...I had Willie Parker as my No. 1 fantasy back of the week, and he laid an egg. The Steelers aren't play well on the road at all, and I don't believe they're an elite team. I *want* to diss Parker this week, but he's got a home game against the terrible-rush-defense Miami Dolphins (0-10) on Monday night. He's *got* to be good in that one. Doesn't he?

Ryan DC

People who come on this chat to whine and complain are as bad as people who go out to dinner and expect to have a bad time and ask for their bill to be comp'd at the end. Thanks for your work Chris and the rest of the ESPN crew.

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

Except, of course, you're not paying to be in this chat. But still, thanks, Ryan.

Chad (TN)

What about Lynch...is he playing this week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

I don't think we know anything yet, Chad. I think the ankle sprain is supposed to be pretty severe. If I had to guess, I'd say no, but really, the only thing to do is keep an eye on whether he practices this week.

Mike (Indy)

Berrian had a good game yesterday. Can we expect more games like this or am I giving too much credit to the Bears?

Christopher Harris

  (11:48 AM)

Hi, Mike. Berrian directly benefits from Brian Griese's absence and Rex Grossman's bigger arm. Griese just can't stretch the field enough to make Berrian a useful player; remember, it was Berrian who set the fantasy world on fire much of '06 when Grossman was starting. I think Berrian is the most valuable receiver on that team, but Denver is a tougher secondary to run against next week....

JP (NYC)

I have won 8 games in a row after starting 0-3 and have moved into 2nd place a game back. Is my team unstoppable?

Christopher Harris

  (11:48 AM)

Most definitely, JP.

CC (CA)

What are the chances that Mo Morris continues to produce? He Looked good yesterday.

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, CC. That's another game whose tape I haven't gotten to yet. In the Monday night game against the Niners, despite putting up some nice numbers, I thought Morris looked a little lost as a feature back...a very nervous runner who made cuts even when he didn't have to, who tended to cut *away* from his holes and blockers. But he did score that nice TD run this week, and as I say, I haven't watched the tape. I'll weigh in with my thoughts on him in the Breakdown this week for sure.

Geoff (Denver)

You say Plaxico is benchable, but not droppable -- what if Javon Walker, Lee Evans, Engram or even Santana Moss are available?

Christopher Harris

  (11:51 AM)

Hi, Geoff. I guess it depends on what you've got on your fantasy bench right now to start over Plax. For me, the optimal scenario would be that you've got someone good enough on your bench to start, sit Plax for a week or two to see if his ankle gets better, and then potentially go back to him in your fantasy playoffs, because when he's healthy, he's a beast. And if you *don't* have another WR on your bench right now who meets that description, might I suggest dropping one of the backup WRs you *do* have at the moment, and using him (say, Lee Evans?) and put Plax on your bench.

Chris (Michigan)

Howdy Do......would you play Lendale or Selvin tonight....Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:52 AM)

Hi, Chris. Knowing what I know this very moment about Young and Henry possibly splitting carries, and thinking that White's leg is okay, I'd use White, because he's from the Denver area and wants to make a big splash in his hometown, and because Denver's defense is bad against the run. But if you can get late word that White might not be 100%, that might make me re-think it.

David (LA, CA)

A couple of non-Braylon-like games for Braylon, although it was against 2 good defenses. Should I be worried?

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

Hi, David. This is what wide receivers do. I wouldn't be too worried. I mean, Roy Williams had his fantasy owners jumping out of the boat there for a while, but he's back. Edwards is simply getting the attention due a superstar, and there'll be weeks where he doesn't produce like a stud RB. But he'll also have weeks the rest of this season where he absolutely carries his fantasy teams.

Jennie (NYC)

NEED HELP TONIGHT!!! Lendale or Marshall to get me 13 tonight?

Christopher Harris

  (11:54 AM)

I think I'd probably say LenDale White, but I've got a known pre-existing bias toward RBs, because you at least know they'll get their chances. As I said before, hometown kid, bad rush defense, that leads me to White.

Chuck (NYC)

who;s the better lynch abckup to have..a train or wright?

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, Chuck. Based on last night, I'd have to say Thomas. Wright's only meaningful carry of the game, he took a huge hit on the sidelines, fumbled straight up in the air, and the Pats took it back for a touchdown. That was the last we saw of Wright.

Spyder Monkey ( CA )

Chris, Do you think D.Branch is a reliable WR3 now that he's back and healthy? Thanks for your input.

Christopher Harris

  (11:56 AM)

Hi, Monkey. I do...I think especially in that offense, there's room enough for both Hackett and Branch to be valuable, fantasy-wise. Keep an eye on Matt Hasselbeck's ribs (well, not literally, but you know what I mean), because if he has to miss time, my answer would change. But at this point, it sounds like he'll be all right.

Dan (DC)

Has Marion the Barbarian dropped off the fantasy radar???

Christopher Harris

  (11:56 AM)

Hi, Dan. No, I don't think so. He's not scoring like he was, and the Dallas offense got pass-happy yesterday (and against the Giants), but I think that had a lot to do with the opponent. I bet we'll see a Barber TD on Thursday against the Jets.

Jacob (Providence, RI )

I own Palmer and Cutler, Neither of them have been great lately! Should I grab Warner also and play matchups the rest of the year or just always use Palmer?

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

Hi, Jacob. Palmer over Cutler, for sure. And honestly, with as pass-happy as Cincy has been (especially having to play from behind so much), I think you'd have to start Palmer no matter what. He made some bad mistakes yesterday, but his receivers didn't do him any favors (Johnson's fumble, Henry's key late drop). He'll get so many chances to excel, I think Palmer has to be your guy.

Turkey (the dinner table)

Help a Turkey out before he gets cooked....... Boldin or Santonio--Which would you trade??

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

Probably I'd trade Boldin, because I'm not sure about his hip. He's also easier to sell as a fantasy commodity, since he's been doing it for longer. I really like them both a lot.

Owen (Naperville, IL)

I have very limited moves left but I can get Schaub...would I ever play him over Palmer though?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Owen. Again, I don't think so, just because Palmer is throwing so darned much. Schaub is good, but probably not as good as Jason David and the Saints secondary made him look yesterday.

Eric - CT

BIG Question: Some idiot dropped LenDale? Who should I drop to pick him up Graham, Chatman, or Benson????

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Hi, Eric. If you'd asked me last week, I'd probably have said Graham, because I was quite worried about what Jon Gruden was going to do with Michael Pittman returning. But yesterday it was pretty clear Graham is still the guy in Tampa. That leads me to Benson. I know he's the one with the great pedigree, and he's the guy who scored a long TD yesterday. I don't like it, because Benson has more perceived value than actual value, which makes him a good trade candidate, but I'm guessing Benson's going to wind up lowest-ranked among these guys more frequently than not the rest of this year.

Gary (IND)

Kenny Watson, keep or cut??

Christopher Harris

  (12:02 PM)

Hi, Gary. Well, Watson actually had nine carries to Rudi Johnson's eight, so I guess you keep him, though it's hard to answer definitely not knowing what's on the rest of your roster or the depth of your league.

Bill (Baltimore)

Who is better for the season in a ppr league- Fargas, M. Morris or C. Taylor?

Christopher Harris

  (12:03 PM)

Again, Morris is probably third, because I think Shaun Alexander *will* reclaim his job for a while eventually. Taylor is clearly the superior pass-catcher, but there's a chance Peterson comes back late in the year. I think I'd say Taylor, though. Even if Peterson does come back, you know Chester will catch some balls.

Fred (NJ)

Shaun Alexander was actually cut in our league. Worth a pickup (I would drop chatman, graham, or grant), or let him go (also have jacobs and fast willie)

Christopher Harris

  (12:03 PM)

Fred, I think I'd let him go. Just because I think Alexander will be given another chance doesn't mean I expect him to excel. I like the three guys you mention more than Alexander, to be honest.

Paul (KC)

Help me fill in the blank with a proper value Running back.... Trade Boldin for _________. Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

Mm. LenDale White. We'll see how smart that looks after tonight, Paul.

JB (Villanova)

Has T. Jones turned the corner with Clemens at the helm?

Christopher Harris

  (12:05 PM)

Hi, JB. I know watching him rush for over 100 yards against a brutal Pittsburgh rush defense was nice, but I'm still skeptical. I don't think he's suddenly an RB2 in fantasy, to be honest.

Chad (Cincy)

I'm in danger of being benched! Competeing against Randy Moss, TJ Housh, Santonio Holmes, and D. Driver. I've been out there with Randy and TJ most weeks, but with fantasy playoffs and with Chris Henry back, I worry I might ride the pine. I know it doesn't help that I haven't seen the end zone in weeks and then I fumbled yesterday, but I AM THE MAN! Should I worry about losing my job to Santonio or Donald?

Christopher Harris

  (12:07 PM)

I wouldn't bench Chad Johnson for Driver, not with the focus that Green Bay seems to be giving Greg Jennings. Holmes, though? Good question. This week I had Holmes as my #12 WR, and Johnson as my #13, but that had something to do with perceive difficulty of opponents. I can definitely see trying to play matchups between those two guys. As I've said, I haven't done my rankings for this week yet (I wait until after Monday Night Football), but I'd imagine those two will be really close for me again this week.

Nathan-CLE

Any word on Kevin Jones playing Thursday. IF he does play is he a decent Flex?

Christopher Harris

  (12:08 PM)

Hi, Nathan. Yeah, I think Jones is going to play Thursday. I just don't think it's a very good match-up against Green Bay. If you'd asked whether I thought he was a decent RB2, I might have said no, but as a flex in a 12-team league, I think you could do worse.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

Is Green Bay a must start D/ST the rest of the way?

Christopher Harris

  (12:09 PM)

Hi, Ben. It's hard to say *anything* with absolutes about fantasy defenses, but I've consistently had Green Bay in my top 10 pretty much all year on a weekly basis. I think they're pretty much a no-brainer start most weeks, including this Thursday against Detroit.

Don (Lauderdale)

lightning round---Hackett or Branch for the season?

Christopher Harris

  (12:10 PM)

Hi, Don. I guess if I have to pick one, it's Hackett. He's come back from his injury with power, and he's living up to all those sleeper articles we all wrote about him this summer.

Mike (Vegas)

Real quick Christopher, have you heard any news on McNabb? Is he going to play against the Patriots. Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (12:10 PM)

Hi, Mike. It sounds like McNabb will be able to go on his sprained ankle. That doesn't mean I'd start him if I had other choices, though.

austin (illinois)

should i be weary to trade for shaun alexander due to his inconsistency this year?

Christopher Harris

  (12:11 PM)

Yeah, Austin. I wouldn't do it.

Rebecca (Stl)

boxers or briefs?

Christopher Harris

  (12:12 PM)

Along these lines, has anyone noticed that in the "Sports Illustrated" "Pop Culture Grid" thing they do every week, pro athletes have been asked this question and they more consistently seem to answer "Commando"? Is this the new way to look "cool" (and/or sweaty) for young single millionaires?

Cindy (SLC)

Leather or Lace?

Christopher Harris

  (12:13 PM)

Again, the sweaty question has to be relevant here.

Christopher Harris

  (12:13 PM)

Okay, everyone. I wish I could keep chatting, but past experience tells me this chat room will disappear in a matter of moments. So one more, and then I must away.

Jeff (Parker, CO)

Which banged up runner's a go on Turkey Day -- Grant or Jones?

Christopher Harris

  (12:14 PM)

Good question, Jeff. I'm not sure, but hopefully we'll know more tomorrow. Grant walked off under his own power on his sprained ankle, which is a good sign. I think Jones will play, and if I had to guess, I'd say Grant will play, too, though I'm less sure about that. Clearly, if he goes, Grant is a better option.

Christopher Harris

  (12:16 PM)

Okay, everyone. Thanks very much for coming to my chat. I know it's annoying/frustrating when you ask a question and it feels like it's being ignored...but there are just *so* many questions, it's impossible to get to 'em all. I promise to do better the next time. And I also thank you very much once again for your interest. This is a great job, and I wouldn't get to do it without your interest and support. I'm truly grateful. Check out my weekly positional rankings on Wednesday with "The Big Rotowski," and I'll be publishing two "Breakdown" articles this week...one for the Thanksgiving game on Wednesday, and the rest on Friday. Thanks again, and have a happy, safe holiday.