Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone! Key week here for fantasy football folks, so let's delve right into those questions...

Zachary (Pittsburgh, PA)

Should I start Carson Palmer against the Rams defense or Derek Anderson against the Jets defense.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Both good, but I'll go with Palmer. Somehow, I still trust him just a bit more, and besides, I think it's Jamal Lewis' day to shine against those Jets.

mike (Fair Lawn NJ)

any word on portis' status for tonight? injury report has it as a shoulder injury. thought it was an ankle.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

I heard shoulder was the reason for him being limited during this week, but no reason I see for him not playing tonight.

Jimmy (Florida)

Should I start Gore or take a chance with Chris Brown? I have to win this week!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Well, if LenDale White is out, which is possible, it makes Brown more appealing, but still, I can't sit Frank Gore.

Zachary (Pittsburgh, PA)

Is it okay to start Earnest Graham and Adrian Peterson (Minnesota) this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Of course! I call 'em both top-10 starts among running backs, in fact.

Brandon Jacobs (NYG)

Will I start this week? Lineup needs to be set today!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

I doubt it, and even if Jacobs plays, Reuben Droughns has been getting loads of goal-line work, and that detracts from Jacobs' value, being a little less than 100 percent even if he does play. I bet they share the workload if Jacobs plays at all.

Lara (AZ)

You wouldn't sit Gore for McGahee and Kolby Smith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Well, see, that's different. I rank both of those guys ahead of Frank Gore.

Jared-New York

Serious Ethics Question with playoff implications on the line?.I am the commissioner of a league in which I was given the tie-breaker vs. someone in my division who beat me head to head and scored more points. However, I had a better divisional record and was given a bye instead of the other manager. I argue while we may not agree with the current settings, changes should not be made during the season. Do you feel it is unethical to change the settings or not, please explain?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

It is unethical to change league settings during a season, bottom line, I'm sorry, but that's something you note down and fix during the offseason. You can't do it now.

Jess (Philly)

I thought Lendale was probable and supposed to start Sunday? Any new news? Also, Who should I start at wr 3 bryant Johnson or C. henry (cinci)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Well, he is, and the reports are good, but at this stage of the season, anyone bit nicked up could change between now and Sunday, and warrants close attention to the news. That's just the way it is in December. I think White plays, though. I'd also go Henry, because I like the matchup quite a bit. So passer-friendly.

Matt (B'ham, AL)

Will Roy Williams play another game this season, should I drop him or keep him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

If he does the best report I read had him possibly playing in Week 17. I wouldn't cut him for someone useless, but if you see a guy you absolutely need, I think you must consider letting Williams go.

Tim (Towson)

I know this is crazy, but ... Gates or Cooley? Cooley's getting 80+ yards every game ...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Yup, that's crazy. Sorry, just nothing else I can say to that. You play elite players during the fantasy postseason, bottom line.

Spinrad09

I picked up Tampa Bay D/ST to augment Indy for the playoffs. Which is a better start this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

Both are pretty good, actually, but I'd go with the Colts. I'm simply not a believer in Kyle Boller, and boy, is that a tough schedule to have to play back-to-back prime-time games against the Patriots and now the Colts.

J (Arkansas)

When can I put Marvin Harrison back in the lineup?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Once he returns to action, and then offers up a decent-to-good statistical outing, then it'll be safe. So I'm asking for a lot, I know.

Moses (RI)

Is the Buffalo D a better start this week than Seattle?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Defenses can swing wildly depending on what you're expecting from them, but I have a feeling the Seahawks are going to be a little more valuable for you.

Bondi (LA)

Assuming that they're all healthy (don't know why you'd assume that, but let's just go with it), who do you start this week out of Bulger, McNabb, and VY?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Assume nothing during the fantasy playoffs. Seriously, if you do, you're going to look like a fool. Stuff changes, players are more nicked up, weather has an impact, etc. As things stand today, I'd go Bulger if he's cleared to start. I like that matchup.

Brian (VA)

My championphip hopes ride highly on Reggie Bush, will he come through for me? at least double digit points?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

Sorry to disappoint you, Brian, but I have a feeling if he cracks double digits, he'll barely do so. The matchup does look good on paper, but I see a less-than-healthy Reggie Bush taking the field lately, and no reason that's about to change right now.

Rick ((Texas))

Better play, Hines or Crayton. TE Ben Watson or Dallas Clark? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I don't think there's any question Hines Ward and Dallas Clark are way too hot to sit.

Louis (DC)

What is Lynch's status? Is he going to play? Would he share carries with Fred Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

The last report I read had him being healthy enough to play, but again, things change. He's close, at the very least, and I do think if he plays, yes, he'd share somewhat evenly with Jackson. Why should the Bills push him unless he's absolutely 100 percent?

Mike

Fargas or AP (Bears)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Call me crazy, but I actually think Adrian Peterson is going to offer you the slightly better stats this week.

Mike (Nashville)

Need some serious help with my WR2 and flex spot this week with Roy Williams going down...pick a WR2 and a flex out of these guys: Kevin Jones, Chatman, Evans, Crayton, Bryant Johnson.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Well, again, check status on Jesse Chatman, and if he's good to go, I'd take him as the flex, and I'd go Patrick Crayton as the No. 2 receiver.

Jon (San Diego)

You say you like AP of the Bears better than Fargas. What about AP over K. Smith in a PPR league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Nope. I'm not trying to build a big Adrian Peterson buzz here. OK, I am, but only for the Vikings' Peterson.

Jackson (Tuscaloosa)

You're crazy.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Thanks, Jackson! Sometimes, I wonder whether I am. But hey, crazy game requires a crazy mind.

Linda Chicago

Sit my Pats D this week? Tampa is available for pick up.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

I am so underwhelmed by what I've seen of the Patriots' defense, if there's any aspect of the team that troubles me of late, that yes, I'd make that swap for this week.

Jason (Indiana)

Quick pick 2, Jamal Lewis, Ryan Grant and Steven Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Oh boy do I hate to leave Lewis on the sidelines for this one, but I can't see any way anyone would have Grant or Jackson benched for Week 14.

Matt (New York)

Pitt or Arizona D this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Ugh. And honestly, Matt, I'm having a very hard time getting off the "ugh." Still having a hard time. OK, if I must, I'm taking the talent, and that's Pittsburgh. But first, I'm doing anything I can to dig deep into that waiver wire, maybe the Jags, Broncos, Bills or Seahawks?

Tom (SoCal)

S.McDonald or S.Holmes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I think Shaun McDonald is just a tad safer for this week, if only because his role expands with Roy Williams out, while Santonio Holmes is still working back to full health.

Travis Henry (Denver)

Now that the dust has settled...u think I might be a good option the rest of the way? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Good? No, probably not. Good enough? Maybe. I don't see the rest of the Denver matchups all that running back friendly. I'd need to see a great schedule to call Henry "good."

Corey (AL)

14 TEAM LEAUGE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!! HELP!!! Better Flex this week. Grant, A.Johnson, or S.Jackson.. Thanks Tristan!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I might seem completely crazy here, but I like Ryan Grant's matchup so much, I have to think he's the best choice. It's so tough to say him ahead of Steven Jackson, but I like being bold when you're talking about two top-10-overall picks for the week.

chris (ma)

pick 2 out of 3...Addai, AP (minn), Grant...thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Joseph Addai sits. Worst matchup of an oh-so-talented bunch.

Mike (ATL)

Tristan, Brees or Ben this week? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Drew Brees, but that's a close one.

Mike, Reedley, Ca

Hi Tristan, McGahee or Fargas as a # 2?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I'd go with Willis McGahee. New England sure didn't trouble him a week ago, so reason Indy should, either.

Ben Roelisburger (Pittsburgh pa)

hey me or brady. I got luckey in the draft.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Boy is that luck. Tom Brady never, ever sits for me. Unless the Pats sit him.

Chad (D.C.)

Do you expect the Brady led teams to be unbeatable in the playoffs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Sadly, Chad, yeah, so long as that's not all they boast on their rosters. Tom Brady's matchups are absurd; other than this week he's got what, the Jets, Dolphins and Giants left (and I might have the order wrong)? That's quite fantasy-friendly a schedule.

Paul (Philly)

Please, oh wise one, help! All these guys asking questions seemed to be stacked at RB. NOT ME! Pick 2 RBS: Fargas, Edge, Kolby Smith, Gore or Lynch? A cheesesteak will be sent UPS.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

You're not stacked at running back? I'd say you are. Kolby Smith seems pretty obvious. I'd probably go Edgerrin James and his nice history against the Seahawks for the second. I gotta wonder, how do cheesesteaks hold up through the mail? Hmmm...

Sean (Philly)

A Carson Palmer led team may be able to keep up with Brady. STL, SF, Cle to finish up.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Oh, absolutely, and I do think even a Tom Brady team needs a respectable remaining roster. Thing is, most teams I know led by Brady are pretty sound. But I do love Cincy's remaining matchups.

Joe ( Chicago)

Am I crazy to play Chester Taylor and All Day AP over Addai and Gore?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Well, not crazy with Adrian Peterson, but I'd say so with Chester Taylor. I'd keep Joseph Addai in ahead of him.

Slim (Charlotte NC)

Pick one to go with Brady in a 2QB league: Grossman, Redman or Boller. Yuck.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Ugh. Though, I have to admit, Luke McCown had a pretty nice game against those Saints, so in a desperate spot like that, Chris Redman isn't as bad as those alternatives.

Devin Hester (Hallas Hall)

am i worth picking up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Not really, and that's accounting for leagues where you get points for return touchdowns. Owning Hester is the effective equivalent of a lottery ticket, and while I know that's fun, it's not the smart kind of move to make in the fantasy playoffs. Besides, don't you think teams are already trying to kick away from Hester enough these days?

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Hey Tristan! always love ur opinions.. Should I start the Steelers Def.. playoff time.. I expect like 10 points! or go with another fill-in one! Thnx Man! I'm 11-1... I WANT THE CHAMPIONSHIP!! lol

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

I think you should, but not this week! The Patriots are the one opponent that make their opposing defense and absolute must-sit no matter who it is. OK, the Colts are about there too.

Duane (Toldeo)

Any fantasy value in tonights matchup. Please tell me Berrian is worth a WR2 start.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

No. 2/3, sure, I'd call him that. The Redskins are dealing with a short week, have heavy hearts and have been struggling in the secondary of late. I'd also call Adrian Peterson a good No. 2 running back, and Clinton Portis a must-start.

Jimmy (Hartford, CT)

Tristan - Portis or Peterson tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Clinton Portis.

Scott (Fort Wayne)

Baseball question: How does signing with the Dodgers affect Andruw Jones' value? Where would you rank him compared to Byrnes, Pierre? Do you think he'll be an elite slugger again this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

My writeup on this should be up shortly, but I don't think the move to L.A. really changes that much for Andruw Jones. It's all in health for him. If he's looking good in the spring, sure, I bet he bounces back. I have a feeling he'll be more like a .260-hitting, 30-35-homer kind of guy. Good, not great, probably slots in behind Eric Byrnes, ahead of Juan Pierre in terms of value.

Taylor ( Seattle, Wa.)

Chicago 0r Washington in tonight's game? Why?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I really think the quick turnaround is pretty rough on the Redskins, and almost unfair, really, which is why I'd go Bears.

Marc Bulger

Would you pick me over Eli this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Assuming full health, absolutely. I want no part of Manning right now, not until he shows me something to believe he can offer useful fantasy numbers in the month of December.

Nathan-CLE

Need Playoff help, Crayton, Steve Smith, or Curtis at WR2?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Man, I can't believe we're now at the point where sitting Steve Smith is a legitimate question. He's the safe play here, but the upside play is Patrick Crayton, and I put 'em right around even. Choose based on the structure of the rest of your roster, safety vs. upside.

Dave (NC)

TE Q- Donald Lee or Heath Miller? I think Miller will be in blocking more than catching passes, but Farve has more targets to throw to...am I over thinking?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Well, remember that the Raiders are softer up front than in the secondary, so Green Bay's best plan of attack is to pound the ball on the ground. I think that limits Lee's appeal, and in Miller's case, he's absolutely a red-zone option, more so than most tight ends in the league. I can't sit a guy like that.

Tom (Miami, FL)

What is your opinion regarding JaMarcus Russell... my starter is Tony Romo and Shaub was my back-up. I'm in a limited keeper league and I can't keep Romo... D'Oh!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

I'd take the chance, especially if you have the open roster spot. The Raiders might not be much better next year, but Russell could be a keeper for a long time. I bet he's the favorite to start next Week 1, and is a matchups type in 2008.

Tony (Houston, TX)

Desmond Clark or Olsen tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Forced to choose, I go with the fact that while Greg Olsen has two more targets than him the past four weeks, Desmond Clark seems to get Rex Grossman's eye in the situations that really count, like in the red zone. Not that either is a great play, but Clark has a tad more chemistry with Grossman, I think.

Matt (ATL)

Would you play Norwood this week, i think he could be a real sleeper, bench a gore or a either buffalo rb for him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

I agree, he's a sleeper, but the matchup isn't as golden as it might seem, and I don't entirely trust Bobby Petrino to give him enough touches to make a big impact. I'd say if Buffalo splits the carries evenly, then I'd go Norwood, but otherwise, if it's Fred Jackson starting, I'm taking him first. (Same if Marshawn Lynch gets a firm commitment as a starter.)

Vinny (nyc)

Tristan - I'm in a bind with Boldin out and S.Holmes questionable. Would you roll the dice with Berrian or S.Moss tonight in case Holmes is out (I have N.Washington on my bench as well)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I don't see Bernard Berrian as a bad choice at all out of that bunch, and that's even if everyone is healthy. I say go with him.

Mark (The Chi)

Travis Henry or Adrian Peterson (Chi) in a non-PPR league? Also Roddy White or Deion Branch at WR3? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Peterson, and I absolutely love the Roddy White matchup, and yes, that's even with Chris Redman throwing to him.

Joe (Detroit)

Campbell tonight or Clemens sunday??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Yeesh. I actually see a little sleeper potential in Kellen Clemens. Everyone throws with success against the Browns.

Big D Chicago

Go with the 'I never practice' Plaxico or Chris Henry in a very pass friendly game vs. rams?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

There might not be a single person out there who will tell you to sit Plaxico Burress for Chris Henry ... Except me. OK, I'm sure someone else would, but it's an odd call I know. Still, I watch Burress play a lot, and he is without question hurting the team playing at less than full health.

Jeremy (DC)

Who do you sit here? Chester Taylor/Chatman/Shaun Alexander-thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

I don't know why everyone is so big on Taylor, because he's going to lose touches to Adrian Peterson now that the rookie is healthy. Taylor's a flex option at best, and the obvious choice to me to sit.

Monticello, AR

Lighting Round! Andre Johnson or Brandon Marshall?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Andre Johnson.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Best of luck to everyone in your playoff matchups this week, and thanks for your questions! Sorry if I couldn't get to yours, so many to tackle in this key week.