Keith Lipscomb

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon! Hope you're cool with the switch to me on Tuesdays instead of the TMR. I'll do my best to hold up my end for y'all.

Jon (Orlando, FL)

Hello Keith. I currently have the #1 waiver priority in my league and was wondering your opinion short/long term on the best pickup out of Le'Ron Mclain, McAllister, M. Moore, Rudi Johnson? Appreciate the help and keep up the good work

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:04 PM)

I think Rudi Johnson and McClain are the best bets going forward. McClain because poor Willis McGahee just can't seem to avoid suffering some sort of injury each week, and Johnson because the team apparently wants him to shoulder the load (or at least most of it). I suspect the Lions could go back and forth on this one, though, if Rudi doesn't produce in the next few weeks. So, I would grab Rudi first, then McClain, just based on opportunity.

Jeff (Stratford, CT)

I have made the wrong call on each of these EVERY WEEK so far!!! Help Me: (QB) Griese or Schaub (RB) Grant or C.Johnson... Thanks...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

Those are easy guys to make the wrong call on, Jeff, so I can see how it's worked out that way for you. This week, Griese's got a nice matchup against a soft Denver D ... and while the Colts D is very different without Sanders, I'm siding ever-so-slightly with Griese, because they may be forced to throw a little more on the road. A little bit of a gut feeling there. And since the Ravens run D is so tough, I'd give Grant one last chance to do more than 20 yards, but only because of the Ravens D.

Brian (NC)

So your not buying McAllister as a legit flex play?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

Actually, I do think McAllister can warrant flex play, but I just don't expect him to get that many touches most weeks. I'm thinking 11-14 might be more common, and he should get the goal-line carries. I don't love him for a bunch a yards, though.

JJ Smooth (Bay Area)

Hey K-dog You think JTOsully at home vs NE is a better play than Schaub vs Indy?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:12 PM)

Not really. I like Schaub a bit more and the Texans have actually been able to score their share against the Colts in recent years overall. And all his best targets are healthy right now.

Jeff (Vegas)

To piggy back on the other Jeff's question, how about Slaton versus Graham this week? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

That's a pretty tough question, because I like both guys this week. Slaton is the better big-play option and the Colts are allowing nearly 200 yards rushing per game, so I'll give him the slight edge over Graham, who is still sharing with Warrick Dunn.

Jeff (Birmingham, MI)

I have Farve on bye with Cassel as my backup. Should I play Cassel or pick up one of the available : Kitna, Orton, Schaub, Griese, or Pennington.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:18 PM)

I'm giving Cassel another shot this week, especially against a 49ers defense that shouldn't be able to stop Randy Moss and Wes Welker. I'm not convinced that any of the available guys will outperform him for sure.

Dupree (OH)

Is this Moore guy on the Saints for real? Better to use your 1# waiver spot on him over McClain?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:22 PM)

Well, he does have very good hands and since he's the one moving the chains for the Saints in the passing game, Brees will continue to look his way. But he's not a big-play type of guy, so I don't think he'll score multiple TDs often. I like him the next few weeks, until Colston comes back, at least. McClain's value is tied to McGahee's health, to some extent, as well. It really depends on team needs in that situation. But if you're looking for a flex, I'll lean toward Moore for this week, since the Saints will have a hard time running against the Vikings.

john from hoboken

who would you play, muhsin muhammad or chris chambers?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

I think Steve Smith has the bigger game this week against the Chiefs, and Chambers should enjoy playing against his former team. I'll go with Chambers.

Vic (Kailua, HI)

Does it look like Westbrook is a go for this week?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:24 PM)

Still hard to say at this point, Vic. However, I suspect that even if he IS able to go, that won't be anywhere close to his normal self. If I had to say right now (which I do, I guess, huh?), I'd look at other options.

Mike (So Cal)

J.Stewart or B Jacobs this week?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

More time-shares ... don't you love 'em? I know I do. I'll go with Stewart, because the Chiefs have really struggled badly against the run, while Seattle has actually been decent in that regard.

Dan (New York)

Do you think Felix Jones will actually get into the game plan this week? Worthy of a flex play?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:28 PM)

You gotta believe that coach Phillips looked at the stat sheet and game film and said, "Wow ... I went TO crazy". And against a team like Cincinnati, I think Jones could supply a big play or two, so yes I still think he's worthy of a flex play this week.

Sean (Kansas City)

If Anquan Boldin is out, will Breaston put up Boldin-like numbers?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

Well, that's asking a bit much, in my opinion, especially against a better defense than last week in the Bills. But as the No. 2 receiving option on a team which likes to pass, I think he's still see his share of targets and could be worthy of a flex play, depending on how you're affected by byes this week. A little chancy, though.

Marge (123 Fake St.)

Kieth, What percentages of people in these chats do you think use fake names in an effort to get you (or whoever goes through these) to notice them? Dominik Hixon a good sneaky play this week? Over Crayton?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

That's a good question. I actually don't look at the names until after I see the question often times. But I like Steve Smith better than Hixon, as far as Giants receivers go this week. Since Cincinnati's defense is hardly staunch, I think Crayton's performance last week might pursuade me to keep him in there this week ahead of Smith, though.

Jim (NC)

Meachem, Gage, or Walter in week 5?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:35 PM)

I'm going with Walter there, Jim. I think the Texans will move the ball against the Colts, while the yards will be tougher to come by for Gage and the Titans. Meachem is a big-play guy only, so I usually have a hard time recommending such a hit-or-miss type of guy over someone who gets more targets.

Paul, NY

Driver or Engram on Sunday?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

If Engram makes it through the week just fine and is ready to roll, I'd play him. I'm sure Hasselbeck's looking forward to getting him back.

Alan

I just traded away Rivers and SJAX for Palmer and LT... am I in trouble?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:38 PM)

You are if Palmer's elbow's a problem all year and LT can't get back closer to 100%, but I'm sure you know that already. I'm afraid time will have to tell on that one, Alan.

Mark (BAMA)

Hey Keith! Does Amani Toomer make a solid plug in play this week for Plaxico owners?? Any new respect for the Alabama after they man handled Georgia?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:40 PM)

Oh, don't get me wrong, Mark. I certainly wasn't disrespecting the Tide ... but I doubted them twice this season and I will doubt them no more. And yes, Toomer makes a solid play simply because he's technically the No. 1 option for Eli.

David, (FL.)

What's up with Thomas Jones? He looks awful.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

Yeah, he's definitely not providing what many hoped. The good news is the Jets play the Bengals and Raiders after the bye, so you'll have two more weeks to give him a shot.

Josh (Maryland)

R.Bush,J.Stewart,Forte,LJ, WHo do I sit?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

Assuming you have a flex and you're asking me for one guy to sit, it would actually be LJ for me. I think at least Bush could still be a factor in the passing game against the Vikes and I think Carolina will do a good job on Johnson. I like Stewart and Forte, so I wouldn't sit them.

Jason (Cleveland, OH)

Does Matt Hasselbeck rebound w/his receivers back and become a decent fantasy starter at any point?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:48 PM)

I definitely think he does. He's a QB who makes the most with what he's got and if Branch and Engram stay healthy, I think Hasselbeck will return to being a top-10 QB the rest of the way. But the way Seattle's health situation has been, that could be a big if.

James (Providence, RI)

Just read that Rudi is the #1 in Detriot on another site. Kick Smith to the curb now?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

I think you have to downgrade him for now. It's always possible the team goes back to the youngster, but for now, he's not worth much.

Larry (Big D)

Who is the better option in Seattle going forward Branch or Engram?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

Engram, because he's closer to 100% and doesn't have a knee reconstruction to come back from.

Scott (Minneapolis)

Is TMR being slowly eliminated due to the slumping economy (no more flex rankings or Tuesday chat) or is he just commiting more time to 90210? Is Pierre Thomas droppable for Michael Bush? Would you rather have Cassel or Bulger on the bench?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:52 PM)

No, he's grabbing the Thursday 3 p.m. ET slot, so no worries. He's not going anywhere. And I think Thomas is droppable for Bush at this moment. There have been enough injuries in the Raiders backfield that Fargas and/or McFadden could battle them all year. And I'd still rather have Cassel than Bulger at this moment, since Bulger just doesn't have the weapons Cassel does.

Paul (FL)

Do you feel loyalty to any players? I'm considering trading MJD but he is the main reason why I've won my last 2 championships. Do you think he's turns it up at the end of the season again?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

I'm really disappointed that he hasn't received the number of touches I think he should be getting in order to be effective ... and yes, I know that line isn't in the best shape. I think Del Rio will get around to getting him the ball more often going forward, but I also thought he'd have a better game vs. Houston.

Kyle (MD)

Would you trade away Michael Turner and Donald Driver to get Ryan Grant, Steve Slaton, and Steve Smith?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:57 PM)

I think I would, Kyle. I expect Turner to have his ups and downs all season, depending on the matchup, while Driver is definitely inferior to Smith. I think Grant or Slaton should be able to give you a comparable matchups play on any given week.

Abe (Detroit)

Sorry if I'm posting too much I've never had a response before. How do you feel about owning players on the same team? I own Slaton, Owen Dainels and just picked up Schaub because I'm lacking at QB. Should I look to trade one of these guys or would I be ok playing all 3?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

Really, it depends on the matchup in a particular week, Abe. I'm not big on having my eggs in one basket usually, but if it's a high-powered offense it can work. The fact that one is a TE isn't so bad, really, and if it's only for one week against a Colts D that's allowing yardage ... It's not something I would do regularly with an offense like the Texans, though.

matt (philly)

Hey Keith, whoch one do i start at my flex this week: Lance Moore, Matt Jones, or Le'Ron McClain

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

If McGahee is going to be fine, Tennessee's D is good enough that it's hard to start a back who's splitting carries like McClain would. I think Moore is more likely to get more targets than Jones, so I'd side with Moore, but I don't absolutely love either guy in Week 5.

Ryan (Newark, DE)

Is Ryan Grant the perfect buy-low candidate or just not good?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

I wish I knew the answer to that one for sure, because I own him in a few leagues. I'm giving him a couple more weeks because I make a decision on him, but if he can't run against Atlanta Sunday, maybe I'll only give him one week! :-)

Drew (Chicago)

Hey Keith. Is it worth keeping Kevin Smith on the bench (keeper league) or do I drop him immediately for a guy like Le'ron Mclain or Matt Jones?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

That really depends on your keeper rules, Drew. If you can keep many players and you get to keep him in the round you took him (and you took him late), then he's worth hanging onto. Generally, I play for that particular season, even in keeper leagues, because injuries are so prevalent in football that nothing is for sure going forward. So, if you really need depth at WR, I like Matt Jones provided things go in his favor at his Oct .10 court date. The schedule is favorable after this week for him.

Kevin (Memphis)

What do you think about Isaac Bruce for the rest of the season? Real deal regardless of age? Should I drop him for K. Curtis?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:07 PM)

The Eagles seem to be easing Curtis back into the mix the way they did Reggie Brown ... and it just seems like the Eagles WRs could be streaky from week to week, once Curtis is back to full health. I would hang onto Bruce right now, if it were my team because it's always possible Curtis could have a setback once he gets back into game action.

chris-ct

Do you like fantasy Basketball or Football better? Should I trade Aaron Rodgers for Steve Slaton? I have Brees as my starter. Or could I get more for Rodgers?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:08 PM)

They are really two different games, but I'd say football, because of the head-to-head environment ,mostly being played on one day. Easy to follow and get into for everyone in the league. I think you could've gotten a lot more last week for Rodgers, but with his health up in the air, maybe Slaton is all you could get. Not the worst thing in the world, if you really need RB depth. Just hope Brees stays healthy!

Scott, Green Bay

In Berry's TRM column, he says it is safe to drop Trent Edwards. Do you agree? Do you still like Derrick Anderson more than Edwards?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:09 PM)

I don't like Anderson more, because I don't think he'll be a starting QB for too much longer. That right there puts Edwards higher on my list the rest of the way.

dre (nyc)

Whats up Keith? Im struggling at wideout and at 0-4 need to improve ASAP. Only trade I can secure so far is edge for Marvin straight up. Was edge's game an abberation? Will Harrison be worth the move? help a brotha out!

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:11 PM)

Well, when you're 0-4 sometimes you just have to push the buttons and see if it works, ya know? Edge isn't likely to score that many TDs this season and while he'll still get yardage, if you're struggling that badly at WR, then maybe Marvin gets it going again with Peyton here soon. It's worth the gamble at this point.

Rico (Orlando)

Branch or Crayton the rest of the season if I am deep at WR?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:12 PM)

Branch has more upside, no question. But he could also have trouble with his knee and give you next to nothing. I think it's worth the gamble that he returns to health at some point, though, and gives you a few good games.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:13 PM)

I stuck around for a bit longer, with the poor connection slowing things down (sorry about that). But I have to run now. We'll do it again next week. I think I'm moving to a new Monday home starting then. Have a nice remainder of the week!