Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! Key week here for fantasy football, so let's kick things off ... Who's got a question?

adam (baltimore)

rudi johnson or marshawn lynch?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Lynch is going to get the carries, Fred Jackson or not, and I like the matchup, against Cleveland. It's close, though.

CALLING ALL EXPERTS

Dude, I'm flippin' out here on who to start. The unpredictable Frank "The Tank" Gore or Kevin "I hate Martz" Jones? Thanks!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Well, if there's any time for Gore to shine, it's this one, against that sorry Bengals defense.

Mike (Cleveland)

I'm torn here on who to start as my second receiver as both are good options: Galloway or Marshall. PPR league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

You can't bet against Brandon Marshall right now, especially not with Brandon Stokley and Javon Walker now both nicked up. What's it been, 32 targets for Marshall the past three weeks? That's huge.

Rick (Houston)

BAL def vs MIA or NYG vs WAS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

If there's any time the Ravens defense is going to shine for fantasy, it's this week. But it's not the top defense, not by a long shot. Baltimore has allowed more than 30 points a game on average since the bye, but call it a nice spot-start week.

Jake (VA Beach)

Jacobs, LenDale, Selvin, or A Gonzalez at flex?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Tough one because I actually like each of them slotted at flex for most people, but I'm going to slide both Brandon Jacobs and LenDale White up a notch to "good No. 2 option," then I'm going to say White is the better bet of the two. Kansas City's run defense is in quite the slump.

Nathan-CLE

What do you expect out of Darius Walker tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Flex value, period. You should try to find better first, but forced to use him due to a thinning out of depth, I see no reason he can't get into the 70s in yardage, with a little better than 50/50 bet at scoring.

Chris (St Louis, MO)

Hey Tristan what do you think? Garrard or Rosenfels and at TE Daniels or Watson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

The quarterback question is a scoring-system question, and I don't know yours. If you penalize interceptions harshly, go safe with David Garrard. But I have a feeling there's a bit more upside in Sage Rosenfels, so there's that. Safety vs. upside, your call, really, based on the system mostly. At tight end, I like that Owen Daniels matchup for once.

Rebecca (St Louis)

Is it safe to start Andre Johnson this weeek against Champ? My other options are Holmes and Roddy White.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Sure is! No reason he can't break off a couple long gains, especially since Denver doesn't generate a whole ton of pass pressure on the quarterback. He'll get open.

John (TN)

Who's a better flex? Lee Evans, Kolby Smith, or AP(Bears)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Evans. I love that matchup, can't stand Adrian Peterson's (the Bear, this is), and Smith is a little nicked up right now.

MAX

AGonz or Curtis? This is for the superbowl!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

I really think the Colts are best off putting the focus on Joseph Addai, and if that helps them mount a big early lead, Gonzalez is going to disappoint. I'd go Kevin Curtis, it's just safer.

Kyle (Columbia, MD)

Hey Tristan, gotta figure out who to start at my WR/TE flex position - Cooley, Santonio Holmes, or Shaun McDonald? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

If Holmes were healthier I'd like him, but he's not, so it's Chris Cooley there.

Dan, NY

Would you start Hasselback or take a risk and start Warner this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

They both face tremendous matchups and are top-tier quarterback starters (after the obvious guys, of course). So, again, that's a scoring-system decision, because Kurt Warner throws interceptions. Warner has the higher upside, but has more risk, so again, safety vs. upside, and the league system should decide it. Me? I probably want the upside.

teddy (honolulu, HI)

PLEASE PLEASE Pick 3 - Coles, Santana, Crayton, Curtis, Sidney Rice, & Mark Clayton. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

None is a stud kind of option for this week, sorry to say. Sidney Rice and Mark Clayton quickly get knocked off this list, and I can't trust Santana Moss right now, not with Todd Collins throwing him the ball.

Josh Miami

Need 3 Stecker, Young, KJ, MJD,or D Walker?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I'd go Selvin Young, Kevin Jones and Aaron Stecker, if only because Maurice Jones-Drew has taken a back seat to Fred Taylor lately and faces a dreadful matchup, while Darius Walker is still unproven, quality matchup or not.

Shane Falcon, FL

Hey Tristan, who should i start as my 3rd WR Gaffney, Curtis, B johnson(ari), or J Walker.....to go along with Fitz, & Holt?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

I actually see a decent share of sleeper potential in Bryant Johnson here, because I can't see both Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald playing, and both playing at 100 percent at that.

Lacey (Minnesota)

This seems to be the hot question of the day on the ESPN message boards: Selvin, Henry, or Stecker?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Well, I like Selvin Young better than Travis Henry, simply more upside between those two, and Mike Shanahan's frustrations aside, I still think that backfield has more to offer than Aaron Stecker for Week 15.

Kyle (Minneapolis)

Chester or Darius Walker (If Dayne doesn't play)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Chester Taylor. Really, both of those Vikings can be useful accounting for good matchups. And this is a good one, because the Bears are grossly overrated as a defense, and were shredded by these Vikings the last time they met.

Dan (Philly PA)

Tristan - question regarding your choice of K Jones over D Walker. In this case, isn't it safer to go with the RB that will definitely get carries? We've seen how Martz handles the run game. Walker should be guaranteed carries. Do you feel that Henry also ranks better than Walker?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

You've got a point Dan, but I also think it's asking a lot to think that Darius Walker is going to be guaranteed 20 touches in this game. Adimchinobe Echemandu still lurks and could easily steal a noticeable chunk of the work to ease Walker in slowly, so I don't want to get overzealous with my expectations. I do like Walker better than Travis Henry, though.

T (Bos)

Ward or Marshall

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Brandon Marshall. Too good a matchup, too great a hot streak.

Joe ( NJ)

Hi Tristan, big decisions that involve tonight's game, please help! Big Ben or Cutler tonight? Pick one WR3: Crayton, Gaffney, Patten? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I actually really like the Jay Cutler matchup. Houston isn't strong at all in the secondary, and he sure looked good in Week 14. Roll with that. Also, at receiver, I'd go Patrick Crayton. Jabar Gaffney is oh-so-tempting, but that can be such a frustrating mix of receivers to forecast, other than Randy Moss, of course.

The Dude (CA)

Talk me out of starting Jamal Lewis over Brian Westbrook or All Day, please.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Funny, I just was prepared to say "no," because there's no way I'd use Lewis over those two, and then I realized you WANT to start Lewis over one of those two. Um, don't. Brian Westbrook is a must-play every single week, and Adrian Peterson, that's the kind of guy you ride every week, bad Week 14 or not. And by the way, he trashed the Bears for more than 200 yards on the ground the last time they played.

DG, Argentina

Flex pick one: Chatman/Gado, Chris Brown, or AP(Chi)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Um ... Punt? Seriously, though, you're kind of cornered into using Adrian Peterson (the much weaker one). I wouldn't touch any Dolphins running back against Baltimore, nor do I want a backup in Chris Brown.

Ray (NY)

Going against Brady this week. I have Favre and Warner, and am thinking about going with Warner because of the potential to match Brady's gonzo stats. Smart?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

You don't set your lineup based on keeping up with your opponent, you set your lineup based on the best opportunity you have to generate stats. Brett Favre is still a little better option of the two. Sure, it's close, but the only way I'm going Kurt Warner is if my league doesn't really penalize at all for interceptions. Even then, hard to use him over a guy like Favre.

Kevin (Portland)

Justin Gage or Lee Evans? Does it matter that my opponent has to start Vince Young?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Again, doesn't matter. I really don't care who my opponents are playing, and you shouldn't, either. It's Evans here, no doubt.

Andy (CT)

Risk starting Darius Walker @ flex over T Jones, Mo Morris, A. Gonzalez, or Chris Brown?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I'd take the shot, sure. None of the other matchups stand out to me enough that I'm excited about them.

Mark (Pittsburgh)

Good switch there from "no I won't talk you out of it" to "no, don't do it"!! Need 2 from Grant, AD,and McGahee??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Yeah, Mark, you caught that, eh? Those double-negative type questions, they can fool you at first. Anyway, with regard to your dilemma, Ryan Grant is a must start. Can't sit a guy this hot and with this good a matchup. And, um, Adrian Peterson must be used this week. No doubt in my mind he bounces back. And even if he doesn't, you went down with one of the game's best overall talents in your lineup in a disappointing week. There is zero shame in that.

Brian (NYC)

Playoff time, tough matchup. Who do I go with at RB? Foster, Fred Taylor or Darius Walker?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

I don't see DeShaun Foster being on many championship teams, if he's on any teams still left alive, really, and Taylor's matchups are awful and he shares carries. I'll go Walker and hope he capitalizes on the matchup.

Jarrett (Flemington, NJ)

Tristan, with the weather forecast for the NY/NJ area this weekened am I crazy for considering Gore over Jacobs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

I wouldn't call you crazy even if the weather were fine!

Matt (Chicago)

How concerned should I be about Tony G's ankle? I obviously don't have a backup TE and the two best ww options play tonight. Ugh.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

I haven't heard a lot to suggest that Tony Gonzalez will sit, just that he was a little limited in practice, which seems par for the course for a little less than healthy studs this time of year. It's the Friday practice that matters, and no, I wouldn't grab one of those Thursday guys and use them ahead of Gonzalez, who should be good to go.

Jay (MA)

For a Flex , Would you use a D Walker over a Wes Welker given the possible storm coming here on Sunday?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

No, I don't forecast weather specifics three days before a kickoff. You might get sketchy details, but until Sunday there's no way to really know for sure. Welker is the better choice, no question about it, so the smart play is to pass on Darius Walker for now, and in the worst-case scenario, find a plug-in Sunday.

wes, boston

crotchery or bryant johnson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Jerricho Cotchery might be limited, so the decision could be made for you. I think this is a call that could easily change, but for right this second, I bet Johnson is going to be the better choice.

Tom (SoCal)

Tristan, E.Graham over Addai or Westbrook this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Not a chance, and that's with me liking Earnest Graham's matchup, too.

Ryan (Springfield, MO)

Playoff advice! Pick 2: Ryan Grant, Willie Parker, Adrian Peterson (Min)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Parker sits. Don't like the matchup at all, though most will be forced to slot him in as a No. 2 or flex choice.

Tom (Miami, FL)

I am still hanging on to Larry Johnson... Is it time to cut him loose?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

The Chiefs keep stringing us along, and that makes it tough to let the guy go, but if you see something you absolutely must have and you have nothing else to part with -- something I'd find a bit surprising -- I don't think it's a crazy idea to cut Johnson. He wasn't even close to playing this week, which doesn't bode well for the final two.

John(NY)

Tristan..fill in the blank... the fantsy star of tonights game will be ( ).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Oh boy, so many could fit there. I am going to say it's Brandon Marshall.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

And by the way, that's not necessarily that he has the most points per se, more that he's the best choice comparative to the expectation.

Travis (Stillwater, Ok)

Who should I start; Derrick Mason, Reggie Williams or Chris Henry

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Williams' matchup is too poor and Henry is too ice cold to use either of them over Mason, still getting a consistent number of targets.

Adam (Houston)

As far as defenses go, which looks better: Cincy vs 49ers, Arizona vs NO, or.... do i dare? Miami vs Balt..

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

I don't like any of those three one bit, way too much risk involved, but forced to pick I'm taking the Bengals, if only because the 49ers are a mess on offense these days.

Pat (Chicago)

QB Quandry - Trent Edwards (@ CLE) or David Garrard (@ PIT)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Go ahead and laugh if you want, but I sometimes like to take chances when digging this deep, and will take a shot on Edwards' upside play facing that soft matchup instead of going the conservative route with Garrard.

Roger (Chicago)

I need ten points from each of my WR's..please pick two: Coles, Gonzo, CHenry, Patten, Reggie Williams, Javon Walker or Bryant Johnson. Please help!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Ten points! Oh boy. Well, unless it's a PPR league, then I can see it. I bet Bryant Johnson has the best shot of that bunch at double digits. Then a healthy Laveranues Coles. And if Coles can't play, it's gotta be the red-hot Anthony Gonzalez.

Derek (Hershey)

2 Questions....Lynch or Gore and Edwards or Redman? Thanks Tristan!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Frank Gore, because he'll get more touches and he faces a great matchup. Also, Trent Edwards. No way I want Chris Redman active in these weeks.

"a mess on offense these days"

Yet you advise Gore over Parker, who just put up over 100yds on NE, please explain! Does Jacobs fit in their above either?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Willie Parker faces the Jaguars and he doesn't have a touchdown in what, six games? Remember, teams often get up for the Patriots, bringing a higher degree of effort, so that could certainly be the case. I just see a letdown coming for Parker this week. Frankly, I'd even prefer Brandon Jacobs to him, though Gore's ahead of Jacobs for me.

old man winter(northeast)

Tristan...Peyton or Hasselbeck, also need 2 out of Selvin,J.Lewis,Rudi J. and M.Lynch. thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Peyton Manning is never sitting for me, bottom line. Must-play, every week. At running back, Jamal Lewis is a must-play, and your other guy should probably be Marshawn Lynch. A little safer choice than Selvin Young right now.

Matt(Toledo,OH)

Why don't you like the Cincy D this week? They are going against a Rookie QB and first time started. So you like Titans over Cincy I take it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

I sure do. I just don't see enough talent on the defensive side of the ball in Cincinnati to call it a "great" fantasy play. Matchup says fine, if you're desperate, but I'm going to call you desperate if you choose it, bottom line. There is definite risk involved, just keep it in mind.

Bill (Bronxville, NY)

Tristan, who would you go with Dallas or Baltimore for your defense this weekend? Please help!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

I'd probably go Ravens, against Cleo Lemon and the Dolphins. Baltimore's weakness is in the secondary, and I hardly see Lemon and his underwhelming receivers picking it apart.

Andrew (Toledo)

If Ryan Grant is a must start, then do I bench Jamal Lewis or Stephen Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I guess you'd have to sit Lewis. Don't you have a flex spot? They all should be starting for you.

Jason (Atl)

Who's more likely to get 2+ TDs this week: Cutler or Garcia?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Jay Cutler, no doubt. In fact, I'd be shocked if he doesn't get two.

joe newton

mcnabb or rottenberger?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Aw, that's harsh on our boy Big Ben, isn't it? It's not his fault that he had to deal with horrible field conditions thanks to the weather, and then a dreadful matchup. This schedule is rough on him, but I still think he's a little safer play than Donovan McNabb. Close, though.

chris boston

lendale or selvin

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I am probably the biggest LenDale White backer for this week, seriously. I call him one of the best No. 2 options for Week 15, ahead of Selvin Young.

John (NYC)

Lightning round - sit one out of Rudi, Fargas, Edge, Young

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Sit Edgerrin James then, unless we hear some word that Justin Fargas won't be healthy enough to play at full speed. The best way to attack the Saints is through the air, so I see James being minimally involved this week.

Cherry (PR)

Will Furrey finally have a week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Oh, he'll have a week. Everyone who plays will have "a" week. But a good week? Nah. Bad matchup. The Chargers apply pass pressure and have strength in the secondary.

Lightning McQueen

Lighthing Round - Sage, Edwards or Eli?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

For as much as Eli Manning frustrates me, I'm not going to sit him facing this matchup for one of those two. Just can't do it. Hey, at least it can be said that Washington's secondary is slumping, and Eli knows he can lock down a playoff spot right here.

Overthinking it (In the Playoffs?)

Housh over Mason, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Yup! Don't overthink it. I don't think any thought is even necessary there.

Jess (philly)

Can you give me a sleeper TE pick to get for the weekend?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I love Owen Daniels' matchup as an under-the-radar play, though he might be taken in most leagues. Ummm ... Daniel Wilcox? It's a crazy position.

Matt (Nashville)

Thomas Jones or Adrian Peterson (chi) this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Wow do I dislike both of those matchups. Hey, at least Jones has looked respectable on occasion this season. Gotta go with that.

Jason (Orlando)

What about a sleeper D for this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Does Seattle's still qualify? Seriously, folks, the first thing I should point out is that in such critical weeks of the fantasy season, the last thing you want to be doing is getting pretty with defenses. Don't go nuts here.

AJ (Chicago)

Owen Daniels has been underrated! He's good most weeks. Anyway-Warner or Big Ben and Rudi or Fargas?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Yeah, he just doesn't score touchdowns, but that matchup, it's quite good. I like Daniels more than most. I'd also go Kurt Warner, and Rudi Johnson.

Eric - Ohio

Hi - Talk me into starting Gaffney over Driver or Mason. Thx.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I cannot do that, Eric. I just cannot. Jabar Gaffney over Derrick Mason maybe, but I think Mason stacks up too nicely against the soft Miami secondary.

Hal (Jersey)

Santonio or Travis at flex??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Who is that, Travis Henry you mean? Guess you gotta go him, because hey, he could earn some goal-line touches. Santonio Holmes really didn't look 100 percent to me, far from it in fact, in Week 14.

Teddy

I really want to start Plaxico, but I am scared he'll put up a stinker. My other option is Hines.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Plaxico Burress actually looked better in Week 14 than the month before it, and I think that bodes well for him coming into this favorable matchup. I'd take the chance.

Jeff (NYC)

Sit 1: Fargas, C. Taylor, Driver

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I think a healthy Justin Fargas will still be your best choice of that mix.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours, still so many rolling in to tackle! Best of luck to all of you in your fantasy football playoffs...