Jesse Chatman (FL)

whats the latest on my injury?

Christopher Harris

  (11:04 AM)

Well, the latest I've heard is that Chatman may not start tonight, and that (believe it or not) Ricky Williams will be the man. Chatman's right ankle is bad, and could be inactive. I wouldn't expect Ricky to get a full accompaniment of carries, but I've been wrong before.

Simon (Wyckoff, NJ)

Good morning. Does the Bears' Peterson become an every down back now, or will they use Wolfe on 3rd downs?

Christopher Harris

  (11:05 AM)

Hi, Simon. It's a good point...Wolfe saw his first extended action yesterday. But with Cedric Benson gone for a good long while, it looks like, Peterson is certainly the guy to own. He should be picked up in all leagues. He was already slated to start stealing some of Benson's touches, as he's the better pass-catcher and the better blocker. Now he's the starter, though to be sure, Wolfe could cut into his production a bit. Still, watching Peterson move the pile yesterday was impressive.

Phil (Syracuse, NY)

Is Hackett going to be sidelined again with his injury?

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Hi, Phil. Yeah, the injury doesn't sound good for Hackett. A local paper reported that his ankle is "serious," and it sounds to me like a re-occurrence of the high-ankle sprain which caused him to miss time over the last month. Bobby Engram definitely becomes a viable guy again, and Deion Branch probably is the top fantasy option in Seattle now.

King (IL)

Kevin Jones? Where'd that come from? After 8 carries for about 20 yds in 2 weeks, he goes off? Can I expect the same this week? Looks like Minny can be run on a lil' bit.

Christopher Harris

  (11:07 AM)

Hi, King. Actually, I still believe in Minny's rush defense. It's vicious. I wouldn't expect KJ to get well right away. Now, there are conflicting reports that he might in fact be hurting again...his surgically repaired foot may be bothering him. Overall, though, I think his problems are symptomatic of a larger issue Detroit's having with improved opponents. They're headed the wrong way fast. I would stay away from KJ this week if I had the horses to do so.

Matt (MI)

Vince Young or Eli Manning

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

Hi, Matt. I think it still probably has to be Eli. Young had his moments yesterday, especially early, but his offensive line looks like a shell of what it was earlier in the year, and it nearly got him killed down in close to Cincy's goal line. When you can't look good against the Bengals, you're not worth much fantasy-wise. Manning was obviously bad yesterday, but I'd argue three of his four picks weren't his fault, and his receivers lead the league in drops. That said, he's still got to throw to those same receivers going forward, so it's not like they'll suddenly make him a stud. But given the choice between the two, especially this week when Eli gets a struggling Bears pass defense, I'm probably starting Manning.

Jared (CA)

What do you see from Andre Hall going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:12 AM)

Great question, Jared. Boy, it's tough to know *what* the heck is going on with the Denver rushing situation. Selvin Young's injury doesn't seem like a long-term thing, but you never know, and Hall himself sprained an ankle against Chicago, and might be listed as questionable this week. And then there's Travis Henry, who's suspension is still looming and who can't get healthy himself. I wish I knew the answer...all I *really* know is that if any one back can be named the clear-cut starter this week, he'll be a top-10 option going against a truly horendous Oakland rush defense.

Rick (NY)

"Larry Fitzgerald just isnt the Red Zone threat Anquan Boldin is". What the heck were you talking about?

Christopher Harris

  (11:15 AM)

Hi, Rick. I wrote that...when? I still believe it's true...Fitz is a deep threat, Boldin is an elite possession guy, with fantastic body position...when he's healthy. Fitz's two TDs yesterday were from outside the red zone (and one was on a Hail Mary at the end of the half), but of course, you're right: if we're counting on Boldin to be a red-zone guy, we'd *really* rather not see Leonard Pope get two TDs in a game, as he did earlier this month, or some dude named Ben Patrick cannibalize a score. I really do think Boldin's diminished production (he did have 6 catches for 76 yards, but he didn't score, and he fumbled) is due to his hip. And Fitz has been the guy to own. But he's not really a red-zone guy, is he?

Matt (NY)

Any issues with Skins Def now that Taylor is probably done for the year? (hopefully he does make it through this)

Christopher Harris

  (11:16 AM)

Hi, Matt. Yeah, that's terrible news...Sean Taylor has been shot in his home, apparently during a robbery, and the injuries are considered serious. Here's hoping he's okay. Taylor, of course, had already missed a couple games, and the impact on Washington's defense was obvious: they're playing with a pretty weak safety group right now. Jeff Garcia got hurt and Tampa couldn't capitalize on the mess back there, but Tony Romo sure did. If Trent Edwards gets back in there for Buffalo this week, maybe Lee Evans can find space in the deep middle.

jason (chicago)

im down by 1 point going into tonight, his fantasy players are all done and i have hines ward, you think i will win and keep my undefeated streak alive?

Christopher Harris

  (11:18 AM)

Hi, Jason. Yeah, I think Ward'll be good for a point. Especially with Santonio Holmes out, and Ward's a big-time producer in the national spotlight.

Phil (Syracuse, NY)

With Hackett going down I now have to fill a whole at WR, should I pick up McCardell or Gafney? I'm in a deep 16 team league, not much out there.

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Hi, Phil. My primary league is a 16-teamer...I know exactly what you mean. Given the choice between McCardell and Gaffney, I'd probably choose McCardell. Antwaan Randle El doesn't look too healthy at this point, and McCardell caught another six passes yesterday. Jason Campbell is terrific when he's not screwing up game-winning drives...I seriously think he's going to be good, and that he's going through growing pains from which he'll emerge. McCardell.

Zak (St. Louis)

Willie Parker what happened to him this season ?

Christopher Harris

  (11:22 AM)

Hi, Zak. Well, hopefully he's got a good one in him tonight. Miami's rush defense has been pretty poor on a regular basis, but Parker has been a fantasy disappointment; he gets a heck of a lot of carries, but has a lot of negative plays and rarely seems to get the ball near the goal line. Some of that, I think, is just bad luck; Parker is a guy who seems to get tackled on the one a lot, and then takes a rest while the Steelers score on the next play. But keep an eye on Najeh Davenport. As bad as Davenport has historically been in short-yardage situations, the Steelers have leaned his way on some very short-yardage situations lately.

steve (dc)

who would you play at flex tonight... ricky williams or nate washington?

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

That's a great one, Steve. Hm. I think I'd probably say Washington, actually. I don't believe in Ricky, at least not until he shows me something, and you wouldn't want to have to run against the Steelers rush defense (angry as it is about the Jets game last week) in your first game back in two years. Washington should start in place of Santonio Holmes, and as such should see five or six targets, minimum. But for sure, I could see it going the other way. I'd say I'm 60-40 in favor of Washington.

Scott (MPLS MN)

Dont shoot me in the groin for asking this, but is vernon davis (v.d.) a reliable option in 10-team leagues? Look at that cherry schedule.

Christopher Harris

  (11:25 AM)

No groin-shooting, Scott. It's a legit question. Davis is hovering on the outside of my top 10 lately, and you love seeing him score a shorty yesterday. Still, the real story in San Fran would appear to be the re-emergence of Frank Gore, and considering how much the Niners threw to him yesterday, I worry he's going to take time away from Davis. I haven't done weekly rankings for Week 13 yet, but I have a feeling Davis will be around 11 or 12 among tight ends. Tune in Wednesday to find out for sure (once I've put the research in to tell for sure...).

Riaz, OH

Chris, What do I make of Brees? I benched him for Schaub and he had 4 tds. I don't think I can sit him vs Tampa next week. But playing Schaub vs Tennessee sounds tempting. Whats your take on Brees going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hi, Riaz. Brees has been mega-frustrating, for sure, and he started that way against on Sunday...his first half was just lousy. But he opened things up, took advantage of an injured Carolina secondary, and did what he seems to do every *other* game these days. I'm scared about his match-up against Tampa; that's a very, very good pass defense. As I said in my last answer, I haven't done my rankings for this week yet (I usually wait until the Monday night game is over), but I, too, think Schaub has an enticing match-up against Tennessee. I'm going to have them very close to one another. I'm guessing I'll have Brees higher, but not by much.

Jess (Philly)

Lendale white-what is his problem? Is this reallyu due to Haynesworth being out, or has he lost a step? Is kolby smith the answer to this hurt LJ owner?

Christopher Harris

  (11:29 AM)

Hi, Jess. Well, I don't think LenDale's issues have anything to do with Haynesworth being out; I really do think that this is an offensive line that's started to dramatically underachieve compared to where it was earlier in the season (or maybe it was overachieving then?). White has had two sweet match-ups in a row, and spit the bit on both. Houston would appear to be another great one, but I'll tell you: I don't think White's going to be in my top 10 among fantasy backs this week, just because as you point out, he's been lousy. He'll be inside my top 20 though. And yes, Kolby is definitely worth picking up, though unfortunately he doesn't get to run against Oakland every week. The sledding is going to be much tougher against the Chargers next week.

Mike, TX

Chris, Should I dump A Train for Adrian Peterson (Chicagos) since Lynch will be back soon?

Christopher Harris

  (11:30 AM)

Hi, Mike. You know, I think I'd probably make that move even if Lynch is out longer. I've been on the (Chicago) Peterson bandwagon for months, and I'm glad he's finally getting his chance. The Giants are pretty good against the run, but I'm going to have him as a fantasy starter this week, and I doubt I'd be able to say the same about Thomas, his touchdown this week notwithstanding.

Simon (Wyckoff, NJ)

Chris, talking of borderline top 10 TEs, what's your take on Scheffler? Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:32 AM)

Hi, Simon. Scheffler's sort of a weird case, isn't he? I mean, he was really pretty good for a lot of last year, and suddenly with the arrival of Daniel Graham, he dropped off the radar screen (injuries hampered him, too, to be fair). Now he's clearly the pass-catching option in that offense. I don't think I'll have him in my top 10 this week, because he's had 3, 4 and 5 receptions the last three weeks, which would appear to give him a relatively limited upside in shallow leagues. But he's definitely a name worth keeping an eye on.

Trent (San Fran)

Tuesday deadline. I have been offered T Brady, Lee Evans and Selvin Young for C Palmer, McGahee and Braylon...is this a no brainer?

Christopher Harris

  (11:34 AM)

Hi, Trent. It really depends on what else you've got. Obviously Brady is an upgrade, a *huge* upgrade, a top-five scorer among all positions over the rest of the year. But do you have a different receiver, or will you have to use Evans? Losing Edwards is *harsh*...I love him. If you have to downgrade your starting lineup from Edwards to Evans, I'm not sure it's worth the bump up from Palmer to Brady. I mean, Palmer will *throw*, every bit as much as Brady. Plus Selvin is hurt, so if you'd be counting on him in your starting lineup, I'd have to pass there, too. But if you've got *other* guys who can be starters at RB and WR, I'd pay this much to get Brady.

Dale, PA

Chris, I am worried about Ben Watson. He doesnt seem as much as part of the offense. Should I pick up LJ Smith to start over him now that Smith is healthy and has a good qb?

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Hi, Dale. Don't go crazy about A.J. Feeley being a "good" quarterback and Donovan McNabb not. Feeley spit the bit hard in his incarnation as Miami's starting quarterback (and big trade acquisition), and if he gets the chance (I don't think he will) to start going forward, he'll make Philly regret the decision. As for Watson...yesterday, the Patriots decided to go four-wide-receivers the entire first half, making Watson and Laurence Maroney owners wince. I don't think that'll be the case in Baltimore next week. I'll probably still have Watson rated higher than Smith.

Tom : (Boston, MA)

When can I drop M.Harrisson. With Lynch and Jacobs out last week and Hall available against the Raiders I'd really like to cut him. Is he ever coming back?

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Tom. I wouldn't cut him if at all possible. I have *no* idea when he's coming back. It could be this week, against Jacksonville. There have been noises to that effect this week, how the 10 days off will benefit him, how the Colts were saving him for a key divisional battle. If I could save the bench spot for him, I'd do it. Remember, too, that as I mentioned earlier, Hall sprained his ankle, and so might be questionable this week.

Mike (NYC)

Please dont Spit the Bit and not answer my Question. Is Ryan Grant an every week starter now? Even against Dallas this week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:39 AM)

Hi, Mike. No spitting here. Grant probably is an every-week starter, though you're right, this isn't a great match-up for him. The Cowboys are far more vulnerable to the pass than the run, and they're stubborn enough to keep bringing those safeties and linebackers up, making an air attack mighty tempting. That said, I'm pretty sure no matter what, I'm going to have Grant inside my top 24 this week, which would make him a starter in standard 12-team leagues.

Chip (NC)

Good Morning, Chris! Kolby Smith...have you had a chance to watch the game? I'm curious if his performance yesterday was 'for real' or a product of the Raiders defense? What do you see going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

Hi, Chip. Yeah, I think Smith's big day was more a product of Oakland being terrible on rush defense than the KC O-line suddenly getting awesome, or Smith suddenly finding a form he was missing through the entire preseason. San Diego is a much worse match-up for him next week. I'm going to probably view him as a flex play this week, not necessarily a very good RB2.

David (LA, CA)

I have both Bush and Addai in PPR leagues. Luckily I was able to survive with their injury-impaired workloads. How will both be next week and for the rest of the year? Should I start Kolby Smith for either?

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

Hi, David. Bush's deal sounds more serious than Addai's. Addai sprained his neck, but I don't think there's any way he misses the Jacksonville game. Bush was basically used like a third-down back against Carolina, though he could've scored a late TD and helped his owners a lot, but he avoided contact and stepped out at the one. Right now, I would imagine I'm going to have both Bush and Addai rated higher than Smith (because of Smith's bad Chargers match-up), but I'll keep an eye on the medical news, too.

Paul T. (Cincinnati)

Is it true that Adrian Peterson may be back this week for Minnesota? I've been riding the Chester Taylor wagon as my #2 RB to LDT and my other options are hurt or have bad matchups (Lynch, Ryan Grant, Jesse Chatman).

Christopher Harris

  (11:44 AM)

Hi, Paul. Yeah, it's looking more and more like the Vikes weren't kidding, and that Week 13 is going to be AP's return. Watching him work out (albeit in a big ol' knee brace) before the game, he sure looked like he could move just fine. That said, I think Minnesota is more likely to go back to the kind of arrangement they had with Peterson and Taylor to begin the year, which means more of a straight platoon while Peterson gets himself back on track. Taylor won't be useless, though Ryan Grant might wind up being a better option. Tune in Wednesday for Ye Olde Rankings.

Rick (TX)

Hey Chris! Do you like Gore or Chester Taylor this weekend?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

With Peterson returning (possibly? probably?), I have to say Gore. Carolina's rush defense was pretty good yesterday, but that team generally looks like as much of a mess as the Niners.

Lacey (Minnesota)

If Andre Hall doesn't start this week, who is the next RB in line to start??

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

Hi, Lacey. Probably Mike Bell, I'd think, though Cecil Sapp stole some close-in carries yesterday. Don't forget that Selvin Young isn't critically injured or anything like that, so he could be back, too, and he'd obviously trump everyone this side of Travis Henry. (And yeah, there's still a chance *that* guy could be well enough, and legal enough, to play, too.)

Zac (Alabama)

Will Feeley?s performance last night cause a QB controversy in Philly? As a McNabb owner should I pick up Feeley? I?ve been trying to trade Donovan the entire year and no one will bite so it looks like I?m stuck with him for my playoff run.

Christopher Harris

  (11:48 AM)

Hi, Zac. Yeah, I think you're stuck with McNabb...no one's dealing for him now. I don't think there'll be a QB controversy in Andy Reid's mind; I think he sticks with McNabb the moment he's healthy, and the Eagles still do have a shot at the playoffs, last night's tight loss notwithstanding. That said, if you've got bench room, and don't have a lot of other quality free-agent QB options in your league, there are worse ideas than picking up Feeley. He was terrific last night, and while as I said earlier, I don't trust him at all, we've seen other backup Eagles QBs catch fire after a McNabb injury in the past. I still think McNabb starts, though, probably as soon as next week.

Tim (Chicago)

Do you think Hackett is droppable for Nate Washington? Starting Driver and Walter until Holmes heals up.

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Tim. I don't think I'd do that, at least not until I knew for sure about Hackett. Also, I don't think Washington is a great option, because I'm betting Holmes will be back next week against the Bengals (on national TV). There's also talk that Cedrick Wilson will get a lot of play tonight.

Chris (maine)

Hey Chris. Better DEF from here on out - MINN or Tampa? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:51 AM)

Hi, Chris. I have to say Tampa. I know Minnesota turned in an all-world fantasy day yesterday, and if anyone started 'em, congrats, you deserved a big win. But there are too many weaknesses in that secondary, and Antoine Winfield isn't healthy. Tampa is playing really stingy against the pass, and they were just as ball-hawking as the Vikes yesterday.

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

Is LJ worth an add if I drop say, Anthony Thomas?

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

Hi, Bryan. Good question. The Chiefs are being incredibly tight-lipped about LJ's injury, but the speculation right now is that it's a Lisfranc injury, and if that's the case, he's done for the year. By the same token, those same sources who say it's a Lisfranc say that LJ probably won't need surgery (like Dwight Freeney did), which bodes better for his prognosis for 2008. That doesn't help us much this year, of course. I'm about 90% sure picking up LJ won't do you any good, but that other 10% means if you're looking for a Hail Mary, this could be one.

Rich (Calgary)

Chris, I know handcuffs aren't exciting to talk about, but is Leonard or Pittman the man in St. Louis? I love SJAX but it seems every RB needs a handcuff right now...

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, Rich. I have to be honest and admit I haven't watched the full SEA/STL game yet; I saw the fourth quarter. So I don't have an "inside" answer that you couldn't get from the box score. But it doesn't appear that Pittman got a few carries, while Leonard got none (but did have two catches). Does that mean Pittman's the third-down guy? Could it mean he'd stay the third-down guy and Leonard would re-assume the starting role if Jackson got hurt again? That's my assumption. But I'll watch the tape early this week and see if I can get a better idea.

Mike (Nashville)

Okay, even as a huge Titans fan, I'm giving up on the Titans D/ST. 3 straight weeks of negative points? Without Haynesworth, they look like they did last year...BAD! Dropping them to pick up the Bucs D/ST is a no-brainer right?

Christopher Harris

  (11:56 AM)

Hi, Mike. The good news for Tennessee is now Jeff Fisher seems to be swearing up and down Haynesworth will return from his bad hammy this week. Truthfully, you shouldn't have been starting the Titans this week anyway, not after how bad the pass defense looked against Denver, and how much the Bengals are throwing. But yeah, right now, until we see Haynesworth back (and see if he really was the reason the D was playing so poorly), I'd probably use Tampa as a general rule going forward.

Adam (NY, NY)

you think Peterson comes back this week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

That's what it's sound ing like, Adam. Check the news on ESPN.com for updates throughout the week.

Ryan, Maine

Should I start A.Peterson (bears) over MJD next week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Ryan. I get lots of questions at 11 a.m. on Monday morning asking me to give my rankings for the next week, and my honest answer is: I don't know for sure. I spend Monday and part of Tuesday assembling my spreadsheets for the upcoming weekend, but without the Monday night result, I can't really start ranking yet. So for everyone who's asking me who they should start in Week 13, I have to honestly say I don't exactly know yet, and I'd encourage you to check back and read "The Big Rotowski" on Wednesday and then the "Breakdown" on Friday for my complete thoughts on upcoming games. That said, Ryan, this is a very good question, because the Colts are really doing a fine job against the run lately. I'm still probably going to go with MJD, just because he's got such good touchdown potential. Peterson doesn't exactly have a cake match-up against the Giants.....

Tom (Yorba Linda, Ca)

Short Lightning Round...Campbell or McNabb the rest of the way?

Christopher Harris

  (12:00 PM)

Hi, Tom. Assuming McNabb is healthy this week, I think it's going to come down to match-ups for both the rest of the way. This week, I'd probably say Campbell against Buffalo. But there'll be other times McNabb will be the choice. Wish I had a more clear-cut answer for you.

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Okay, folks, I'm going to have to leave right around noon, or just after, so just a couple more.....

Ryan (Circleville, OH):

Do you think it would be smart to start C. Taylor in my flex along with A. Peterson "the good one" as one of my starting backs?

Christopher Harris

  (12:02 PM)

Hi, Ryan. This is an interesting strategy question. If you love a team's match-up, but are worried about which back will get the actual carries, should you double down on teammates in the same lineup? Normally, I'd be against this, because while it limits your downside, it also limits your upside, and puts a lot of eggs in one basket, considering if the Lions suddenly come up with a huge effort, you can be left holding the bag. That said, I *really* don't think Detroit is very good on defense, and that they've been riding a luck streak that's ending pretty quick here. If you don't have many other quality RB options, this could be a sneaky-good idea, but again, limited upside.

Chris (Boston)

Big night from Big Ben?

Christopher Harris

  (12:03 PM)

Hi, Chris. Yeah, I mean, Miami has really struggled stopping the run. These days, especially when it's come to Pittsburgh games, that seems to lead to an increased focus on stopping Willie Parker, which means there are tons of open receivers. I have to believe Mike Tomlin would *really* like to get FWP going, but I'm sure Big Ben will get his.

Tom (Chicago)

Do you think Rudi is finally getting healthy after yesterday? His playoff schedule is nice!

Christopher Harris

  (12:05 PM)

Hi, Tom. I think there's little question Rudi was a heck of a lot healthier yesterday; it was excellent to see him get 25 carries. Still, he only had under 4 yards per carry, and the Bengals consistently took him out on third downs. He has a very difficult match-up against Pittsburgh next week, and until Willie Anderson comes back, it's hard to recommend him whole-heartedly. But he's verging on RB2 land again.

Christopher Harris

  (12:06 PM)

Okay, everyone. Unfortunately, I have to leave. Thanks very much for coming...I really appreciate it. Again, be on the lookout for "The Big Rotowski" on Wednesday afternoon, and "The Breakdown" on Friday (in which I give my take on how each and every game of the weekend will go...). Thanks again, and I'll see you next week.