Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! Ah, nice to be back to chat with you after the Thanksgiving holiday. Important fantasy football weeks begin now, so who's got a pressing question? Let's get rolling!

SHELLI (Louisville KY)

Hey Tristan, Love your name: R any of these guys worth a #3 slot the rest of the way? Justin Gage, Sidney Rice, Arnaz Battle, or Keenen Mccardell? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Thanks, Shelli. I'd probably grab Gage of the bunch, as Jeff Fisher has been true to his word, he's getting Gage more involved in the offense of late. Not that I want him, per se, but that's the best choice of that bunch. Problem is, I call all of those guys No. 4/5 options at best most of the time.

Riaz, OH

Tristan, If either Selvin or Henry start for Denver, would you play them over Adrian Peterson of Chicago? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Well, we can't automatically call the Chicago backfield entirely Adrian Peterson's. Who are we to say that? I do think Garrett Wolfe should get a few touches. I think this is the kind of situation where you must track the news, and it sounds today like Selvin Young and Travis Henry will both be active and share the carries. I'm hopeful, though, that Young starts, Henry backs him up, and in that case, yes I want Young. The matchup is fantastic.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Hey Tristan.. Big game for me? Would u play AP is he's playing? I can play Dayne or Kolby Smith??? And....Brees or Warner? Thnx Man! Ur the best!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Sure would. I believe Adrian Peterson will play, get at least half the touches and be fine accounting for the matchup. Sure, Tennessee's run defense has struggled of late, but I can't trust Ron Dayne over Peterson's upside. Can't do it. Nor can I go Smith, whose real reason for the breakout was that he was facing the Raiders. I won't discard Smith, but I won't use him over Peterson, either. ... Oh, and, Warner at quarterback. Great matchup.

Jess (Villanova)

Any news on if Gado starts for Miami this sunday? If so should he ne started over K. Smith, T. Jones or Lendale White?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

I really think that Jesse Chatman is going to find a way to play that game. Samkon Gado is only there just in case things go sour with Chatman, and yes, there is absolutely a chance of that. No way I use Gado, even as a starter, ahead of a guy like LenDale White facing that matchup. I think White bounces back nicely here.

Spyder Money (CA)

Any word on if S.Holmes will play, If not is N.Washington a decent fill in?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

He's hopeful of playing, but I'm not counting on it. Also, I'm hearing some early reports of more bad weather in Pittsburgh, not to put everyone in a panic about all your Steelers, but I don't see how they'd push a less-than-healthy Santonio Holmes if the conditions are anything like they were this past week. Nate Washington isn't a bad choice as a one-week sub. Think deep leagues, though.

Joe (Indy)

H. Ward or P. Crayton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Hines Ward owns the Bengals. 'Nuff said.

ryan (denver)

Why is Reggie Bush ranked so low? I'm obviously starting MB3, but would you start Cedric Taylor or Kevin Jones over Bush this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Well, Bush has a terrible history against the Bucs, for one. He has 173 total yards and no scores in three career games against them; Tampa Bay really seems to have his number. Plus, his shin has to be considered an issue, accounting for how he was used in Week 12. I assume you mean Chester Taylor there, and no, I can't use him over Bush, but I think I would use Kevin Jones, because he'll catch passes too, so that alleviates some of the fear of him facing that stiff run D.

Ryan (Boston)

Tristan, need a 1-week replacement on D so I'm stuck with GB in the middle of tonight's shootout. Who do you like more, Seattle or Tampa? And do you think T. Jones finally scores this week? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

I like the Buccaneers just a little bit more, and it's probably because they have a pretty decent history defensively speaking against the Saints, if memory serves. As for Jones, if there's any week for him to do it, it's this one. I'm going to say no, he does not, but that's only because I'm getting increasingly skeptical about his ability.

Jake (Augusta, GA)

RB2 dilemma. Play Grant tonight in a so-so matchup? Or roll the dice on either Chatman in a great matchup or AP CHI? Gotta win this week.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

It's not just a so-so matchup, it's a bad matchup. That's actually the one aspect of either team on offense I don't like for tonight, and I would indeed sit Ryan Grant for Adrian Peterson the Bear. Close, but I just have my worries about Grant's matchup.

Jay (Largo, MD)

Good morning Mr. Cockcroft, I have Brian Westbrook as my starting running back and I would like to know who you would start second out of these three: Kenny Watson, Jesse Chatman, or Samkon Gado?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

For this week? No way you use Kenny Watson. No way. So it all comes down to whether Chatman is healthy enough to play or not. Decision will be made for you, but hey, the matchup is a good one at least. (Flex-wise for people in general.)

Ed, NY

PLEASE HELP!!! Tristan, who is the best play between Schaub, Bulger, or Brees this week? Thanks!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Well, Marc Bulger probably isn't going to play, so that rules him out. It's close otherwise, and in these key weeks, while I'm worried about Drew Brees' matchup, I cannot play against his hot streak. What is it, 17 touchdowns in his past seven games? Yup, just checked, that's the number.

Jeff (Iowa)

Tristan, you have ignored me more times than my children, but I will keep trying. My three RBs are Addai, Bush and MJD. Which two should I play Sunday?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Jeff, tell your children I'm sorry I ignored them ... Not intentional, just a lot of questions each week! Anyway, Joseph Addai, if given the green light, is a no-brainer. And I want Maurice Jones-Drew, too. Again, if memory serves, as I don't have the stats right on hand, I believe he has a very nice history against the Colts.

Paul (RI)

My sensible side is telling me I should get someone to backup D.Anderson for my run into the playoffs (my choices are Warner or Schaub). However, that would mean dropping an RB, and I like the ones I have. My bottom three are C. Taylor, T. Jones and Jesse Chatman. I also have All Day, Rudi, Graham, and Fargas, Do I have to drop one of the three? Which one? Which QB should I pick up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I wouldn't get too worried about Derek Anderson in the upcoming playoff weeks, as I'm convinced he's legit. Still, as I advise everyone, depth, depth, depth! It's key to winning, period. Kurt Warner has incredible matchups ahead, and is a fine choice to have on hand just in case. I would actually let Chester Taylor go of that bunch, seeing as Adrian Peterson is about ready to take back over the bulk of the carries.

Mark (Cibolo TX)

Any word yet on Haynesworth status? Need the TENN D, but they are useless with him out of the lineup.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

Last I heard Albert Haynesworth sounds pretty likely to play. Again, it's all in the practice reports. Friday's is key. And I agree, his presence is big-time for the performance of that overall defense.

Jason (Indiana)

Tristan please help me out here, Who is a better play, Matt Hasselback or Eli Manning?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

I won't touch Manning in Chicago. Period. I watch him play each week, I've seen the second-half numbers (28 touchdowns, 36 interceptions, 64.7 rating) and I have all sorts of worries. Funny, these are actually my two quarterbacks in the GMC league, and I've been using Hasselbeck almost exclusively for weeks now.

Lee, NC

How do u feel about the Rams defense vs Atlanta? Sneaky play or stick with Tampa vs the Saints?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Well, the Rams are actually playing better, but I just can't go getting pretty like that. Stay safe in these weeks, go Bucs.

Mike (Montgomery)

Which sleeper RB would you target: Fred Jackson, K. Watson or G. Wolfe?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

It depends exactly what type of thing you want, a guy most likely to help you now or a speculative guy for the final five weeks? In the fantasy postseason, I don't mess around with speculation, I go for the right-now. And that's Jackson, who could surprisingly earn a start this week against a reeling Washington defense.

Andrew (Boston)

Ok, Tristan, so given your worries about Grant's matchup, sit him for A. Gonzalez, Chris Henry, or perhaps Jacobs in the flex?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

No. Well, actually, if Brandon Jacobs makes a miraculous recovery and is given the go-ahead to play without limitations, OK, then him, but otherwise, no.

Laura, DC

Am I the only one nervous about starting ADP this week? I need to pick two: ADP, E. Graham, K. Smith, and T. Jones. I can't believe I'm still including Jones, but he is playing Miami. Your picks? thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

No, you're not, after all, the Lions are a top-10 run defense (how about that!) and there is absolutely a chance either Chester Taylor starts, or the two split carries. I just think Peterson is fine to use, not as a No. 1, but a No. 2/flex type behind a strong starter on a fantasy team. In your case I think you've got a lot of decent choices, but I'll actually go Earnest Graham and Peterson. I love Graham's matchup.

Chad (TN)

What about SJax??? I'm up in the air between him and Adrian Peterson.... And if I win, I'm in the playoffs

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Steven Jackson is a top-five start. Simply a no-brainer, no limitations there.

Scottie (Biloxi, MS)

How affective will Maurice Morris be this week is Alexander gets the start over him? Should I bench him for lets say Thomas Jones or Fred Taylor?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I'm a bit worried that the Seahawks will either straight split the carries for these two, lean much more heavily on the passing game with both a bit banged up or Morris will sit entirely. Jones is just a safer Week 13 choice, barring some surprise changes in the practice reports Friday.

Adam (Chicago)

Alright Tristan, I'm sweating this week. Housh or Jennings? Willis or Grant? First week of the playoffs. HELP!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

No sweating, Adam! Confidence! Winners are confident, even in spite of such worries. T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He rises above the matchup, and is healthy enough to play. Willis McGahee. He's the focal point of the offense, and therefore doesn't get taken out of the equation early. See? I'm confident, now you can be too!

Reggie, Boston

Why would morris sit??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Ankle injury, so his Friday practice session will mean a big swing in his Week 13 value. Keep tabs!

Matt (Glendale, CA)

Hey Tristan, would you start Rueben Droughns over the Viking AP? Or perhaps pick up Fred Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

No way!

Dave(Tampa, FL)

Is there a chance you would start Cutler over Favre this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Hate Jay Cutler's matchup and think Brett Favre should be a-OK in a game that should be focused on the passers. Go Favre. I can't wait for that game.

Eric (DC)

Do you see Marshawn Lynch coming back next week to help me out in the first week of the playoffs? I know he is out this week but I saw Jauron saying that he has started running and cutting but he is not cleared to go full contact yet....You think he might go against Maimi in week 14?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Well, I'm no doctor, Eric, sadly. I do think the Bills are smart to take every precaution with Lynch, and who knows, it does seem like this plan has it just about right that he'd be a strong bet for a Week 14 return. Your example is precisely why I recommend depth on a fantasy roster.

Kevin (Manassas)

So would you sit Big Ben and start Brees because of the possible bad weather?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Nope, because in spite of the horrendous field conditions, Ben Roethlisberger made smart decisions and showed me enough to have confidence in his raw ability. The matchup is oh-so-favorable for him, and I think the Steelers do a better job keeping the field game-ready this week. And even if it's less-than-great, I bet it hurts the running game, putting the onus on Big Ben to get things done. I love that matchup, he's my choice.

Brian (MD)

After getting burned by Ward/Miller last week Im reluctant to double up in Pittsburgh again. Should I go Lee tonight over Miller?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

I'm granting an official "fantasy writer's mulligan" to the Steelers' offensive players for that Week 12 disappointment. The field conditions were awful. I expect better this time, and as I just said with Big Ben, I think the passing game stacks up oh-so-nicely this week.

Ezra (New York, New York)

Because of a tie... I'm half a game out of the playoffs with 2 games left. Pick two Westbrook, Edge, Ryan Grant, or Kolby Smith. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Well, Brian Westbrook is an obvious weekly must-start. Tough call for No. 2, between Grant and Edgerrin James. I like the Arizona passing game matchups better than James' matchup, so I'm actually going to go Grant here. I don't want to totally trash the guy, after all.

Zac (Alabama)

I saw Andre Johnson was limited in practice yesterday. Any concerns there? My next WR would be Jennings so my decision has to be made tonight.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

There are always slight concerns when a player misses practice, especially something that was bothering him earlier in the year. I'm not ready to panic over Johnson yet, and besides, I bet you can snatch a guy off waivers on Sunday in the worst-case scenario. Stand pat for now.

Eric (State College, PA)

McGahee's horrendous matchup enough to sit him for the split carries of Selvin Young or Kolby Smith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Horrendous? And split carries for Smith? I'd dispute both of those. The only reason Willis McGahee's matchup looks "horrendous" is that the Patriots take most runners out of the game early. But as I noted earlier in the chat, McGahee pretty much is the Baltimore offense, so I see no way the team shuts him down. To me, Young only gets the call here ahead of him if he's declared the starter, and Travis Henry and Andre Hall get poor late-week health reports.

James, PA

Wes Welker or Deion Branch?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

In no way do I fear the Baltimore secondary. Wes Welker.

Morris, NY

HEy Tristan, with a win, im in the playoffs after starting 1-5. Need some serious help. Which 3 WR do you play . . .bowe, engram, galloway, B. Edwards, L. Evans? Any chance T. Jones finds the end zone this week or this season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Way to go, Morris! It's why I tell people, never, ever give up. At the very worst your pride is on the line. I go Joey Galloway, with his incredible history against the Saints, Braylon Edwards, a no-brainer weekly choice, and Bobby Engram, who generally seems to step up when the Seahawks' other receivers are hurting. As for Thomas Jones, I still say not this week, but it's one of his best remaining chances. I can't see him staying shut out all year, but one for the season wouldn't shock me.

Jim, Cali

Hey Tristan - Warner or Big Ben this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

There's one situation in which I go Kurt Warner, only one: Sunday morning, you wake up, watch the pregame, the weather in Pittsburgh is awful. That's the one time I go Warner. I love both matchups but it's too early in the week to fret about the weather with Ben Roethlisberger.

Melissa, Parma, OH

Does Marvin Harrison finally play in week 13?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

I really doubt it. Go get Anthony Gonzalez, incidentally, as he's not a bad late-season sleeper for depth. I bet you can find better this week, but I just like Gonzalez as a depth pickup.

Ryan (denver)

So I realize i'm loaded at WR, but help me out. I"m starting Wayne and Welker for sure, but for my #3 I choose between Burress, andre johnson, and galloway. I'm leaning towards Andre Johnson. Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I would agree with you only if Johnson doesn't show any more signs of issue with his knee the remainder of the week. After all, I find Joey Galloway an exceptional fall-back option if you have any worries at all late in the week.

Mark (Baltimore)

Tristan - given your previous statement on depth it looks like I should dump either Dayne, Jacobs, or Berrian for a backup QB but which one? Garrard, Campbell, Rivers are available.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Nah, stand pat. My comments on depth are more centered around owners who sit on unused roster spots. Never, ever waste a roster spot. Even in the case of Marvin Harrison, I think his owners have to seriously consider letting him go at this point. As is, I own him in one league and held him too long!

Mike (Nashville)

Trying to clinch my division this week! Pick 3 of these RB's to start: S-Jax, T Jones, K Jones, Chatman.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

I think that's going to end up being decided for you if Jesse Chatman sits or is clearly limited heading into the game. If he gets a green light and favorable health reports, I'd take him over Thomas Jones, but I'm not counting on it happening.

Larry (Omaha)

Bears DEF a good start this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Good? Eh, so banged up and underperforming. Good enough? Sure. There's the Devin Hester factor, and with Eli Manning the opposing cornerback, there's a strong chance of some turnovers being created. It all depends on what your league's scoring system rewards most.

Brian, Boston

Who wins tonight and whats the score?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Cowboys, hmmm, let's say 34-24? (I might be slightly underrating the Packers, of course.)

Ron (NY)

Chargers D or Giants D this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

I actually like both, but with Rex Grossman the Giants' opponent and the running back situation in Chicago still anything but certain, I'm going to give New York the edge.

Mark (Chicago)

How can you not count on Chatman getting the green light? He was upgraded to probable and has been practicing well this week.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

I take nothing for granted. I actually hadn't heard an official upgrade to probable, but you are correct, Jesse Chatman has had some decent practice reports, and frankly, that's the only reason I'm even willing to discuss him today. I would call Samkon Gado the clear starter right now if not for Chatman having a decent week thus far. Still, a lot of practice time to go, the key Friday session, for instance, so this is one you have to watch. I need to see another solid report before totally green-lighting him. Those kinds of injuries can absolutely limit a guy.

Brad (Santa Barbara)

Tristan, Always start RB over WR in flex but we're 1/2 ppr so Engram or Dayne? Ten or Was defense?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Well, not always. Every league has a different circumstance based on the scoring, and if the running back is underwhelming, you go receiver. I still think Ron Dayne is a tad safer choice for you, though. As for the defenses, much as it pains me to say it, the Redskins probably have a bit more on their mind than bringing elite effort to the gridiron this week. They have been playing poorly in recent weeks besides. We could see a fired-up Washington team as likely as we see a completely distracted one, and I just don't like risk, especially not at a key time of season like this.

Dave (Dallas)

Tristan, these Thursday starts always make these decisions tougher... which 2 to start out of Driver, Ward, and Holt?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I like Hines Ward's and Torry Holt's matchups best of that bunch.

Matt (Boston)

(I know, I am a big Cntrl+V User) Bulger not playing leaves me in bad shape, who should I pick up on waivers in a deep league? Tavaris Jackson, Joey Harrington, Trent Edwards, Grossman, Boller or Clemens?.. This is the worst set of QB's I have ever seen.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Oh my. Yes, those are some weak alternatives. I'd actually think about going Gus Frerotte if he's available, but of those choices, I do like Kellen Clemens' matchup the best.

RJ (Hartford)

Does your comment about the Skins D, for equally for Portis? I presume so... thus Fargas or Grant is the better option, in your opinion?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Sigh, yes, unfortunately, I do have that worry with Clinton Portis as well. Now, I don't want to totally discount the Redskins, it's just that I see them playing with heavy hearts, and that's a little bit of an unknown in terms of determining their statistical potential. They could be great, they could disappoint. I do love Justin Fargas' matchup, though, and would give him a slight edge here.

Jake (Denver, CO)

Would you trust Willie "No TD" Parker this week over Chester Taylor, Dayne or Grant?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Yes I would, unless the reports on that field on Sunday are equally horrendous to this past week's game.

Craig (PA)

My playoff life is on the line, WR3 Evans or Curtis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

I cannot trust Lee Evans right now, especially not with a quarterback change, I simply cannot do it. I would rather see my team go down with Kevin Curtis, but on the bright side, I am confident he can offer you No. 3 numbers.

milo (DC)

trust TB or Detriot's D?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Detroit's is a matchup play, and I don't really trust this matchup all that much.

Colin (Rochester, NY)

Short simple 1 word answer is all I need: Edge or Driver for flex?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Hmmm ... Close, but Edgerrin James.

E (Texas)

Tristan, thanks for the info. Would you rather go w/ Fargas, Kolby Smith, or Earnest Graham this week? Rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I like Justin Fargas best for this week, and I think of all three as matchup types the rest of the year. Off the top of my head I have a feeling Graham is going to be the most valuable overall the final five weeks. It's a hunch, though.

AJ (MN)

Who would you go with for this week. Romo or Anderson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Tony Romo. You just can't sit a guy with his talent.

Jennie (NYC)

B.Marshall or Kolby Smith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I'd prefer the running back there. Not wild about Brandon Marshall's matchup.

Cody Philly

Tristan, quick one, Willis or Peterson (Chi)? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Willis McGahee. There's a ceiling on his potential, but not enough to have me concerned enough to sit him.

Dan (queens, NY)

Pick 2: Crayton, Berrian, Bowe??? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

I'd sit Dwayne Bowe of those three.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and best of luck to all of you in your Week 13 matchups!