Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Rex (DC)

Tristan real quick!! Trade Thomas Jones for Welker or Lee Evans in a .5 PPR league??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

If I felt comfortable enough with my running backs, sure, I don't see that being a bad deal for you. I'd prefer Evans. Of course, I admit, he was my "fantasy kryptonite" pick in the preseason, but I think he's shown us enough chemistry with Trent Edwards this year to call him trustworthy each week.

Chris Mpls

Does Rudi Johnson have any value?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Certainly! But not this week, not against the Bears. Depth guy to stash, absolutely needs to be owned. But I'd say if you're expecting better than matchups appeal, you're kidding yourself. Think a handful of flex-spot plays should be your expectation.

Sean (Provo, UT)

Tristan, A guy offered me Westbrook for Chris Johnson and Vincent Jackson. No PPR. Good trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

I know it's scary to buy in on Brian Westbrook while he's hurt, and I love Chris Johnson as much as anyone, but I'd have to make that deal. I always want the elite, clear first-round running back talent. Period.

P(Boston)

I'm starting Perry over MJD this week...am I unsmart?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Unsmart? Eh, doubt I could say that. It's actually a tough call. Carson Palmer's status might have a lot to say about this decision. Still, Chris Perry has pretty much no one threatening his touches this week. I'd say I'd do the same.

Mike (FL)

I just trade S. Holmes and Engram for Andre Johnson...good deal?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Nothing wrong with that. Though Santonio Holmes will get better with time.

Cody Philly

Tristan, according to the rating I should start Cutler over Peyton this week, what say you? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Toughie, and the first thing I'll say to you is you had better start seeking a deal to strengthen another area. You're really wasting resources rostering both of those stud quarterbacks. For Week 5, I cannot ignore Peyton Manning's history against the Texans. Just can't. It's what, 275 yards or so per game and 29 touchdowns with practically no interceptions in 12 career meetings? Can you tell me you don't want a piece of that?

Chris (Kansas)

Michael Turner got off to a real hot start. But if he doesn't produce on the road should I start considering a better option for his road games.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

I don't think this has anything to do with his home/road splits, I think it has everything to do with the matchups he has had to date. Beat up Detroit, and beat up Kansas City. For instance, I see Chicago on his home schedule in Week 6. Do you think he's going to romp like he did in the first two home games? I don't. Conversely, I see a future road game in Oakland. Does that really scare you? Doesn't scare me. Turner will come back to earth, but I think he has proven he's a pretty reliable No. 2 back. I'd only be sitting him against the stiffest run defenses, home or road.

Bill , Texas

Start McClain in my flex, even though they are playing Tenn.?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

It depends on your alternatives but the thing I can tell you is this: If any Raven is to score a touchdown, Le'Ron McClain is a pretty good bet because he's getting so much goal-line work. So I'd say the case can be made, though I bet a lot of owners could do better.

Chris (LA,CA)

What about starting Trent Edwards over Peyton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

C'mon, Chris, no crazy talk.

Mike (Indy)

Will Big Ben regain his form and become a top QB this year? Would you rather have him or Hasselbeck for the year? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

I think the key for Ben Roethlisberger and his mates lies in that Week 6 bye. Seriously, that's going to be so important for this team in terms of resting up and healing. So I guess what I'm saying is I still have faith, and think this team will rebound after the bye, especially noting there are some better matchups ahead after that point. I'd stick with the Steeler QB.

Jay(In Class)

Tristan I'm more focused on this chat than my professor, this guy couldnt teach kindgergarten but can you help me out? Graham or Ronnie Brown for the rest of the year? Would you trade either for Steve Smith? My other running back is Westbrook.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

I hear ya, Jay, I had some boring professors myself. Quality snooze time, especially since that was pre-internet days. Well, or the early, early ones. Anyway, and I'm not just buying into that one-week effort here, even if it sounds as such, but I'd go Ronnie Brown. I said in the preseason I thought he'd be a second-half value play, and we're approaching that point. By, say, Week 10, I see him being the focal point of the offense. Nothing against Earnest Graham, but there's simply more upside in Brown. Still, I'd deal either for Steve Smith if I had that chance. (And I pray you mean the Panthers receiver, not the one on the Giants.) If you can get Smith for Graham, it'd be a steal.

Tim (North Cack)

Ben Roethlisberger or Jason Campbell in week 5?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Ugh. Jon Kitna, anyone? Seriously though, I think I'd have to stick with Roethlisberger in that instance.

Kevin Boss

Am I going to get some decent endzone looks this week with Buress out?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Maybe so, but I bet the running game gets a bigger workload as a result of Plax's absence. Forced to choose among the receivers/tight ends, I'd go Amani Toomer, then Steve Smith, then Kevin Boss (those two are so very close), then Domenik Hixon.

Mike (NJ)

Please rank for the rest of the year...Turner, Grant, MJD.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Probably in that very order.

Lance or Mewelde Moore

Is one or both of us worth picking up and playing this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Definitely both worth pickups, but I'd say Lance Moore is the better Week 5 start. Not a fan of Mewelde's matchup.

Tim

Pick 2: Marshawn Lynch, Steve Slaton, Chris Johnson and Julius Jones.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I would go Lynch and Slaton for this week. Love those matchups.

Jason (OH)

Play Slaton over Westbrook this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Look, Jason, that's a health matter, and therefore tough to decide. My honest, gut instinct is that Brian Westbrook won't be healthy enough to make himself a worthwhile start over Slaton. It's a gut feel, just being totally straight with you. But a glowing report on him, I can't sit Brian Westbrook in any week where he's 100 percent.

Leon (England)

Would you trade Addai for Forte?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

No, and I like Matt Forte a lot. I'm starting to worry a little bit that maybe he's going to wear down a little, because his workload might catch up to him with time.

Rick (miami)

Who'd you rather have for the rest of the year? Matt Jones or Kevin Walter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Gut feel again, but I simply do not trust Matt Jones. That's not a great pass offense and I see the Texans throwing a lot. Walter really isn't any less talented, even if he's the No. 2 receiver to Jones' No. 1 in his offense. I'd take the latter.

Steve Slaton (Houston, TX)

Will there be any room left on my bandwagon after I torch the Indy run defense for 100+ and 1-2 scores?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Good question!

Randy Moss

Am I a top 10 receiver the rest of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

I'd say that's a borderline expectation. Meaning I'm calling Randy Moss a borderline No. 1/2 receiver. I think that's a very fair estimation of his value from today forward.

RJ (Las Vegas)

Who do you like this week, Chris Johnson or Chris Perry???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Well, Chris Johnson is going to play for me in most weeks, and you know, he did beat the Minnesota defense for a good game in Week 4, so the Ravens matchup doesn't entirely terrify me. Neither matchup is that great, so I'm going with raw talent, and that's so very clearly stacked in Johnson's favor.

Zach (VT)

McGahee or T.Jones long-term? They're both killing me right now!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I don't think either gets much higher than a borderline No. 2/flex ranking overall, but forced to pick, I'd go Thomas Jones. A little stronger offense surrounding him, and less competition for touches.

Panicky Paul

What do you see as the future for Torain and Leinart this year? Will they get any playing time and are either one worth stashing on a bench?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

I could see Ryan Torain threatening Michael Pittman's job security, but if you're a Pittman owner, I think you realize the limitations of that role for fantasy. Decent sleeper, but we're talking deep, deep leagues. I'd wait, unless I was in a keeper league or had extensive bench spots. As for Matt Leinart, I honestly believe he doesn't see the field this year unless Kurt Warner gets hurt. And even then, I'm not that optimistic. In almost every one of my leagues, accounting for the rules/rosters, I'd be waiting on both, not picking either up.

DJ (Iowa)

Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I'm still sticking with Edwards. Both good, solid No. 2 receivers, but I just see a little better upside in the former.

Ron (NYC)

Rank these D/ST for the rest of the year: Titans, Ravens, and Vikings?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Defenses are so tough to rank for a full year because their week-to-week output fluctuates so much. But I think that's a pretty fair order you have them in right there. Neither Tennessee nor Baltimore is going away.

Ryan Grant (GB)

Why am I playing like such a Nancy....is it the line or me?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Sorry, Ryan, it's you. But to be fair, you've had some health troubles so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I'd say the bye week in Week 8 might help Grant's cause, but there are some brutal matchups coming up after that. I have faith, but no longer as close to a top-10 back. He's a No. 2, at best.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

My QBs are Aaron Rodgers and Matt Hasselbeck, what do I do for this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Uh, you start Rodgers. Unless his shoulder won't let him play, in which case the decision is made for you.

Sam(NJ)

addai back or bust this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

If anything can get the guy back on track it's a matchup with the Texans! The Colts have historically dominated that team, 11-1 all-time.

Dennis, NY

HELP! HELP! HELP! Tristan my fantasy football team is 4-0. And each Sunday I wake up and flip a coin on whether to start Romo or Cutler. But today I can't decide if I want Subway or Burger King for lunch. Please pick one.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Well, the King is creepy, so it's Subway in an easy call for me. And as for your quarterbacks, well, you really need to make a trade, just like in that earlier question. No one can waste elite resources like this! Just makes no sense, balance your roster. For Week 5, it's Tony Romo for me. Facing Cincy, yes please, I'd love that one.

Russell (Knoxville)

Way too many questions here that the rankings can answer. Tought trade offer here, Tristan: A guy has been offering me SJax for Chris Johnson and either/or Calvin Johnson/Brandon Jacobs. What are your thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

I'd stand pat. Let's pick Chris Johnson and Brandon Jacobs out of that mix, because that's the deal I'd make if I had to. But I see those two backs and say the depth is smarter than taking on Steven Jackson, so I'd stick with what I had.

Andy (VA)

Hey Tristan - Could you rank these QB's for the rest of the season: Edwards, Bulger & Schaub?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

I think it's a clear race between Trent Edwards and Matt Schaub, and you know, I still have faith in Schaub. Marc Bulger No. 3. Weak receiver corps and I don't trust the guy at all in the health department.

Geremy (Washington, D.C)

Hey Tristan-- I really have lost faith in Randy Moss and need help in the RB department (LJ and TJ), so I'm down to wire on a trade for Lendale and Marvin Harrison in exchange for Moss? How does this seem to you? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I wouldn't do it! LenDale White, barring a freak injury to Chris Johnson, is never going to be the go-to back in Tennessee. And I'm not a Harrison fan at all. You'd need to get something better at either spot -- and I'd advise a stronger receiver in that case -- for it to make sense.

Matt

Eat Subway, at least its real food. Whats Julius Jones value going forward? Think he keeps up half this productivity?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

I think Maurice Morris' return is going to significantly cut into his number of touches. Not that Week 5 seems the likely time it happens, with Morris not yet 100 percent. So that means Jones is a matchups play, at best, and I'd actually be advising you sell high on him if you can.

Ryan (PA)

Does Benson eventually take the job away from Perry? If I own Perry do I need to grab Benson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

I might think about stashing Cedric Benson in a deep league, but I don't see a switch happening anytime soon. Benson is depth, in my mind, and I'm not at all a fan of his for fantasy.

ate

Just traded Bush and Favre for SJax. Now have Warner/Schaub and Addai/SJax. Good deal?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

I think you gave up a tad too much. Won't kill your team, but I think Reggie Bush is very much for real, and not that far a cry from Steven Jackson.

Darby Arby

Go somewhere that has Curly Fries, Yum! Who would you start this week in a 2-QB league, Schaub, Ben, Hasselbeck,or Edwards (pick 2). I'm 1-3 and need some help!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Mmmm, curly fries. Making me hungry, and lunch is quickly approaching! I'd go Matt Schaub, who will surely be throwing a great deal in that game, and Trent Edwards, who faces an Arizona defense coming off a horrendous Week 4.

Nice Problem

LT(Mia), Turner(GB), Forte(Det), Graham(Den). Start 3.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Nice problem, sure, but that's a tough, tough call between Michael Turner and Earnest Graham. The other two are no-brainers. And I'd go Turner, and the reason is I don't worry about him losing touches, like I do Graham (Warrick Dunn lurks).

Mike (Bay Area)

Chris Johnson or Jonathon Stewart?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Close race, but I'd go Stewart, because I think he stands a bit better a chance at getting the bulk of the carries of those two. Plus, right now, he's the stronger goal-line bet.

Billy

Any TE sleepers out there you can think of? I know its tough not knowing who is available but I can't take starting H. Miller for another week.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

I hear you, Billy. Miller isn't getting any looks in the red zone, and that's killing his value. For this week, I'd look at Anthony Fasano, John Carlson and Kevin Boss.

FTC (Wash, DC)

Fair trade? E. Graham and Delhomme for P. Manning? It's a 2 QB league, and guy giving up Manning has RB issues.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Fair? Eh, I'm pretty liberal in what trades I allow. You'd pretty much need to be demonstrating some sort of funny business for me to overturn a trade; I want people to have their fun and manage their teams their way. Looking at that deal, I'd take the Peyton Manning side in a heartbeat, knowing it's a two-quarterback league.

Tim (MD)

Hi Tristan. My 1-3 team is nothing but struggling upside guys (Big Ben, Santonio, McFadden, Thomas Jones, Chris Cooley) ... what do you do in a situation like that? I don't wanna do something like trade away McFadden and Santonio for Michael Turner, only to watch DMC win Rookie of the Year and Santonio finish with 12 TDs. What should my strategy be?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Tim, I generally advise patience even when you're staring at a 1-3 record. I also say you should be very watchful of every single roster spot, even the last few bench slots on your team. Beyond that, I know just what you mean. This stuff tends to even out with time, though I can say this: 4-5 games does equal a new trend, and I'd have to seriously consider making a move of a so-so guy if he hasn't done much in that much time. Holmes at least is picking up the pace a tad, and Darren McFadden has had some health problems. I'd stick with them. Thomas Jones, he troubles me a bit, and I might be looking to upgrade that spot.

Dallas Clark

Am I a better start this week than A. Fasano?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

I don't think so, but then I'm not convinced Mr. Clark is 100 percent healthy.

Nick (London)

Even with Perry's less than 3.0 ypc flashing red, you don't think Benson can wrestle the job away in the near term? He has talent if not desire.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

If he has talent why couldn't he flash it consistently in Chicago? I've just seen the guy get chances in the past and not do much with them, so I'm terribly skeptical. Career bust, it seems. I'm not saying it's impossible, and I don't think the world of Chris Perry, but I hear Benson's now a Bengal and just kind of have an "eh" reaction.

John (Florida)

Am I wasting elite Resources? I have been offered Greg Jennings and Packers D/ST for Chris Johnson. My roster at RB/WR/D is; (12 team No PPR) Barber, Chris Johnson, Steve Slayton, Edgerrin James. Brandon Marshall, Steve Smith, Braylon Edwards, Coles, Berrian Chargers D/ST Should I take it, offer Slayton for Jennings or stand pat???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I'd stand pat, and honestly, I don't think you can waste resources at running back or wide receiver. Those slots change so much and depth is so important in these bye weeks, while my point about wasting "elite resources" goes more to the point of rostering two clear top-five quarterbacks. That makes zero sense. It's like owning four closers in a fantasy baseball league and not bothering to trade one or two of them when you're already 25 saves ahead of the pack.

Buzzer Beater (Alabama)

Eagles or Panthers this weekend?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Panthers. Big-time sleeper play. I think the Chiefs might have left a lot on the field in Week 4. Great game for them, but this will be a let-down.

Rebecca (St Louis)

Is DeSean Jackson for real? Would you rather take a chance with him or stick Hines Ward. PPR Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

They are so very close. If it's PPR then I'm going with Jackson, if only because he's the go-to guy in Philly, while Hines Ward has Santonio Holmes to cut into his number of targets.

Eric (CA)

Tony G. or Meachem for WR/TE spot? No PPR.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I like Robert Meachem quite a bit, but it's sleeper status, not as a starter in that instance. Guy to stash, not necessarily to play right now.

Steve Slaton (TX)

Am I a better start this week than Reggie Bush?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

One of the very rare times I would say yes.

jay(NJ)

does jamal lewis rebound to have a good year or would you prefer stewart over him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

I think he rebounds to have a good year, and offers more value to you from today forward.

Jared (SC)

ADP, Addai, Forte, Slaton. Slaton sits?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Yeah, he'd have to. Wow is that a deep group of Week 5 running back choices. I bet these guys all start for practically every other owner who has them.

Mark (San Diego)

Buzzer beater!! Another quick hitter about LenDale, Tristan. How about him straight up for Roddy White. Roddy owner needs RB help but is OK at WR.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I'd rather have Roddy White in that deal. One of the most underrated receivers in the NFL.

Jeff (Boston)

Is now a time to buy low for Willie Parker? or is the knee too scary?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I bet people are going to entirely freak out over Parker's health, and yes, you could scoop him up at a bargain. Just a hunch, I admit, but with Rashard Mendenhall out for the year and depth a problem in Pittsburgh, I think a lot more of Parker coming out of the bye week.

Tony (NY)

Julius Jones or Mcfadden rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Darren McFadden. I'm just not a Jones believer.

Mike (Albany, NY)

Name game, Addai or SJax, for the rest of the season.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Joseph Addai.

bill (NH)

R. Bush or R. Moss for the rest of the season (non-PPR)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

If it's non-PPR, I'd probably go Randy Moss. But wow is Reggie Bush valuable if it is PPR.

Buzzer Beater ???

B. Marshall, Megatron, S. Moss, and Andre Johnson. Which one sits?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

I'd sit Santana Moss of that bunch. Matchup worries me.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. Best of luck to you in Week 5, and take care!