Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

What's up, everyone? Hope y'all had a fine and successful Week 5. I'm moving over to football now and have moved to Tuesdays. Excited about that. Let's begin.

Chris Berman's Apprentice (Bristol,CT)

Who should I use as my flex this week....Sgt. Hightower, Huggy Bear Fargas, or Lance "Less is" Moore?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Sounds like Fargas will start, but he'll still split carries with the other two (healthy) guys. Hightower versus the Cowboys. Hmm, maybe a touch, but ... Moore at home versus the Falcons? He's darned near guaranteed his touches/targets, and you gotta think the Saints wanna roll it up. I'd go with Moore.

Jim (Cleveland)

Need help with a trade was offered Cothery & Stewert for Holt, S. Youg & Favre (my starter is Cutler) should I make this trade?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I think you should be able to get him to throw another useable player in that deal. Maybe RB depth or another receiver?

John, nyc

Hey Brenden, I've been offered two of the following three guys to receive for Jason Witten: Tony Scheffler, Chris Chambers, and Marques Colston. I already have Cotchery, Santonio Holmes, and Lee Evans as my starting 3 WRs. I'd sure love and appreciate your input on the matter, as I'm kind of at a loss, and you're smart.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

"... you're smart." Aw shucks, look at you buttering me up. Looks like somebody is trying to snooker you. All THREE of those players are now hurt. I'm reading Scheffler might have a sports hernia and is already out Week 6, Chambers is set to miss Week 6, and Colston, of course, is still out. I'd hold on to Witten and wave your index finger at that guy.

Martin (Norfolk)

Time to sell high on Slaton?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Depending upon how high. Don't sell him to just sell him -- get someone good, because Ahman Green is going to get hurt again. That we know. But yes, I'm with your approach. Slaton and Green are all set to split carries, and in an offense that often trails early. If you have the RB depth, now is the time to trade him.

Joe (Ft. Bragg NC)

How dumb is giving up MJD for Slaton? I'm trying to work around bye week problems coming up plus MJD's performance and nagging injuries are a concern for me. My other RB's are JLewiw,Burner,Norwood and Hightower

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Well, I don't think it's too smart, Soldier Joe (just guessing). MJD is still guaranteed plenty of touches and was pretty tough down the stretch last season after some sluggish early games. Plus, looks like Slaton is (presently) in a timeshare.

Rob (Memphis)

Pick 1: Graham, McClain, Buckhalter

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Earnest Graham? Yeah, him.

Mike (San Diego, CA)

Houshmandzadeh for Manning straight up? Or wait it out with Schaub and buy low next week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

As in, you would get Manning, Mike? Yeah, I'm on board with that, if so. Looking like Schaub will be able to play Week 6 (after the illness in Week 5), but I certainly don't trust him. As an aside, I'm with the majority, I think (and not TMR), in that I still believe in Manning and am NOT a fan of Schaub.

Wally (Washington, DC)

Assuming Westbrook can't go this wkd, pick 2: Forte @ ATL, Grant @ SEA, or J-Stew @ TB?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Definitely the first two, Wally. Good defenses to run on, and the first two are assured of a lot of carries.

Jim (Miami)

Brendan, need some help this week! With Hass' struggles is it time to throw Orton out there vs ATL?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Boy, I admit that is mighty tempting. But Seattle is saying Hasselbeck is fine, and so is Bobby Engram. Plus, the Packers are without Al Harris and some key defensive options, and the game is in Seattle. I'm a conservative start-selector, but I'd still with Matt.

Ryan (Celebration, FL)

I have Reggie Bush and want to sell him while he is real hot. Thoughts on a Bush and Roddy White for AP trade? Fair trade or too much to give up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

Hey, look at Roddy's numbers. He's been a lot better than most people realize. So yeah, I think it's a bit much, even for A-Pete. But you have a base there. I've learned in fantasy that when big names are tossed around like that, the secondary guys sometimes are glossed over. I'll bet you can get that guy to throw in a pretty nice second option, maybe a White-like receiver even.

Michael (Georgia)

Be week blues, who to plug into my flex (no PPR) this week, Breaston or Engram?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Definitely Engram. We anticipated a number of questions about Engram this week in these chats, but I think he's darned near an every-week starter, given his past success and because the 'Hawks don't have much else to throw to. I think he's money.

JAy (FL)

Need a injury replacement for Sheffler. Should I grab Olsen or Keller? Also Carolina or SD for DEF?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

I definitely like Olson more in terms of week-to-week consistency. I think he's a higher priority on his team's catches pecking order. The defense? Oh, that's a tough one. I'd still probably lean toward San Diego because of the special teams and it being a home game.

Charles(Miami)

Trying to get Ronnie Brown for Marion Barber, how much more, if any can I ask in addition to RB? Roddy White or Chris Johnson too much? What if I throw in Heath Miller and one of Roy Williams/Torry Holt?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

I wouldn't throw in Williams or Holt. Miller? Maybe. But I think just a second player coming back will get it done. And both those guys probably would do it for me. That said, I'd think long and hard before trading Marion. Whatta player! You better get two every-week starters for that guy.

Tim (Fayetteville)

Hey Brendan should I go for this trade if so which TE do I pick? I currently have Fasano. DeSean Jax for Dallas Clark or Owen Daniels. I also have Santana, Steve Smith and A.Johnson

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Hmm, I think you can get a little more for D-Jax. Tight ends, especially in that second tier (which is where both those guys are right now) tend to have lower trade value. But if you need a TE, just ask for another useable WR to replace D-Jax in return.

Robby(ArizonA)

Pick 2- sjax, turner, bush

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

I pick trade. Ha, ha. Boy, tough one. But ya know what, I'm afraid the Skins will suck the life out of the Rams by being on the field, like, 40 minutes of that game this week. Given the talent you have there, I might just recommend you sit S-Jax. That'd be pretty tough to justify -- my first reaction was Turner -- but he is the least assured to do well, in my mind.

Andrea (FL)

Need some bye week DEF help, please. Our league scores D's exceptionally high (i.e since we get punt and kickoff return yards plus the usual, the saints scored 59.40 pts in week 5). I have Dallas as my backup D but they just don't score very high in my league. Who would you say is a good fill in for this week??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Hmm, tough to know who's available in your league, Andrea? But I just mentioned that Rams game ... perhaps Washington (at home) is out there?

John (Los Angeles)

Just trying to get confirmation on Scheffler's injury. Hearing that he'll be out but haven't seen anything definitive. Any help???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I saw the report in the Rocky Mountain News, I believe. The Broncos are calling it a groin strain, and he'll likely be listed as doubtful. But the report talks about him getting evaluated for a sports hernia, and I'm hearing from within it's not looking good for him in Week 6.

Peter (NYC)

PICK ME PICKE ME?. Barber, Lynch, or R. Bush ?. Which one gets me LT?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Well, I'd try to trade Bush. His value is sky high after last night's game, but I'm just not sure: a) He can handle a heavy workload, unlike those other two; and b) Stay healthy for a full season. On a related note, that's a pretty good RB group.

jay (NJ)

i get braylon and stewart for lynch. sound good?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I'm widdit.

Seth Dallas

With Fargas back is Bush a waste of a roster spot now? Who might be a good replacement...Hightower is gone already

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Unfortunately, if you need his roster spot, you might need to drop him. Yes, he's clearly the No. 3 man right now for Oakalnd, even if he is getting short-yardage carries. I think about this a lot: OK, so he's a good bench scorer, but would I ever consider actually starting him? A few weeks ago, I actually did. But right now, no. If there's nobody obvious, keep him ... I hav no suggestions as to whom might be out there. Maybve one of the Giants' backs?

doug (vero beach FL)

I have all day baby...McNabb or Orton...Philly or Washington

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

McNabb. For the record, I still think Orton will go down in flames here soon. I think matchups have made him look good. D/ST? Definitely Washington -- at least this week.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Shoot, can't find the question now, but someone asked about Mewelde and Torain. I'll discuss them both. I think you keep Mewelde. Yup, he did his job -- and he can do it again. There's no guarantee Parker even makes it out of Week 6. And Steelers back are good to own. And I'm not as high on Torain. Knowing Shanny, he'd probably find a way to use ALL FOUR Denver backs about equally. Just can't trust Shanny.

Tom (Baltimore, Maryland, United State of America)

Hey Brendan. What is the biggest comeback you have ever seen for a winless team? I am currently 0-5 with a deep team and has scored the 4th most points in our 10 team league. Is there any hope of making the 4 team playoff?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Yes, there's hope. There's always hope. Just like in the NFL, there's so much parity in most fantasy football leagues. I've seen a lot of teams make it in at 6-7 or something and then win the title. Hey, if your team is good and you lost five straight, you have the same odds at winning five straight, right? Keep up the fight, my brutha!

Tim (Latrobe, PA)

Quick: Rest of year....Warner or Cutler??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Cutler, by a long shot.

T-Felds, Lexington, Ky

Hey Brendon were you in that Caveman movie with Pauly Shore? Help me please--J. Stewart or DMC?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

That was Fraser ... but we're often mistaken. I look like him (cough). I'd probably take Stewart for the rest of the season.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Is Felix Jones a better RB2 option than Edge or Perry this week ?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

At first I scoffed when I read this, Joel. But you know, the way Felix is running, I think you can justify that. I think Edge is safer, but Jones does have more upside. As for Perry, I think he gets into an even split with Cedric Benson -- yes, Benson -- for the Bengals. I'm hearing the Bengals want to make him a steady part of the mix.

Bill, Greenville, Texas

Hail to the Redskins! Theres hardly never any good options on my Wavier wire. Need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sidney Rice or maybe Wade depending on injury report or Camero[MIA WR] [not sure of spelling.] Which would be better? Or maybe another sleeper That might be available

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

Camero -- great car! You know, why not him? Yeah, I think he makes for a good pickup coming off two good games and next playing in Houston.

Ryan (Rochester)

PORTIS TRADE: Would you trade Portis for R. Brown and G. Jennings?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

Oh, I do love my Clint Portis ... but I like the side you'd get slightly more. I'd go for it.

Chris (Omaha)

I'm RB-heavy and WR-lite, and keep getting offered Braylon for Slaton, should I do it? I also have Lynch, Bush, and Ronnie Brown.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Most definitely. I think Braylon bounces back strong, and with him just having a bye week (after some subpar weeks), he's kinda outta sight, outta mind.

JayDee- Boston

Hey Brendan - I'm playing my husband in Week 6 and just gotta beat him! We both have so-so WRs and RBs, so QB could be the deal-breaker. I had Brady (still can't talk about it), and have since picked up Griese and Edwards, and you can see where that got me. On waivers I can get Cassel (at totally suspect SD but still), Frerotte (against lousy Lions but Min WRs??) or Russell (against so-so Saints D) So are you feelin' my pain? Which would you choose?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Yeah, I feel your pain ... but there are probably Tom Brady Owners Anonymous clubs in a city near you of owners who are dealing with the same thing. Which guy to pick up? Ya know, I'd probably say Frerotte. He did look pretty good last night, and if the Lions can make J.T. O'Sullivan, and Kyle Orton, among others, look good ...

ANOTHER PORTIS TRADE:

0-5 here... WESTBROOK for Portis and Braylon????

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Yup. Westbrook is really stung right now, and I think you need to do something to: a) win now; and b) improve your overall depth. That would do it.

Jake (New York, NY)

Am I safe trading McNabb for much needed WR RB help if I am left with Campbell at QB?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Hmm, I don't think you are safe with Campbell at QB -- McNabb has a much higher upside week to week, and I like him much from here on out. Kevin Curtis will return soon. I'd probably wait till Campbell looks good this week against the Rams (doesn't every opposing quarterback?) and go the other route and trade him for WR/RB depth.

Jim (DC)

Does Fred Taylor improve this season, or should I drop him for Fargas or Torian?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Nah, hang on to Taylor. If you need affirmation, just look at his numbers the past few seasons.

Aaron (Elkhart, IN)

Why do defensive TDs count against the opposing defense for fantasy purposes on ESPN.com? This makes no sense!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Actually, I think it's like that on about all sites. I've always felt it was because it was tough to differentiate with the gaming system what should count and what shouldn't. There are so many quirky scores each season ... it's just so much easier to count total points.

Jon (MN)

What tier of wideout should I offer for Earnest Graham? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

Wideout offers for running backs unfortunately don't usually get much traction unless the wide receiver is considered much better than the back.The perception is that fill-in WRs are easy to find off the FA wire (Camarillo, for instance) but that fill-in backs are not. Not necessarily true, but that's the perception. So you better be prepared to offer an No. 2 or at least reliable No. 3 WR to get a back who is a big part of his offense.

Joe (Dallas)

Persistence must count for something. Trade R. Brown for Housh if you need WR help? OR can I do better? Also have Addai, Turner and Parker. What could one of those guys net me?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

I'd do it. I do like Brown more, but I know as an observant fantasy owner that you don't always have to "win a deal" to help your team. Too many of my fellow experts simply look at the guys and say: "Don't do that." But you need to trade a RB and need a WR, and it's nearing make-or-break time for a lot of times. That urgency alone forces you to take this, a deal that's still good for you. (Off the soapbox now ...)

Bob (FL)

Brendan, Should i play Matt Jones (vs. Denver)this week over Andre Johnson (vs. Miami)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Nah, I'd stick with Johnson. Remember, the Broncos still have Champ Bailey, and he has a tendency to lock down hot WRs, especially big ones (sometimes speed guys get to him). And it's looking like Bailey might draw Jonesy.

Rob (Virginia Beach, VA)

I have Portis and Reggie Bush! Kinda frustrating because PR TDs don't count for me (I had Vikings Def... so I actually lost because of Bush... IRONY) Name some players Bush is equal to in value that I could trade him for???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Yeah, this happened to me, too (or something close). I thought return TDs counted, and I was down by, like, 9 fantasy points in the third quarter. Bush explodes for two punt return TDs ... I still lose because it counted on the Saints' defense. Grrrr. Anyway, I'd just look at the guys ranked around him when the rankings come out. Probably more like bottom No. 1 or good No. 2 back territory. I'm on board with you trading him, though.

Johnie (Charlotte NC)

B ROB whatdya think Romo vs Cardinals or Campbell vs. the Terrible Rams? This games between #1 and #2

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

I think Romo is an every-week start. Sooo, Romo.

joe

Dynasty question...... If Favre retires, who gets the nod? Ratliff or Clemens? I thought Ratliff looked good in pre-season. I have no real QB and would be willing to take a chance on either.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

I don't think Favre retires after this season, for one. He'll still have unfinished work. And if he does, I think the Jets find someone else.

Frank (NJ)

Brendan "Fantasy God" Roberts...That got your attention?..Do I accept the offer of Jones-Drew/Holt for Larry Johnson/Chris Perry in a PPR League?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Hmm, that's pretty close ... but yeah, in a PPR league where MJD is even better, sure I'd do it. Oh, and did get my attention. (Whooshing my hair back right now.)

ronanld (ny)

Moore did not produce much last night, could you see Berrrian being a better fantasy option going forward? Also in a trade...Im weak at wr, got offered Plax for Edge and Hines. Pull trigger?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

Moore was thrown to a lot more than the five catches he had, and he couldn't really get loose to gain yards. But I still like Berrian more, mostly because Colston's return knocks down Moore a lot. And I wouldn't do that deal. Hines is still seeing a ton of targets and might be just as valuable as Plax. Unless you get another player with Plax, I'd keep the duo. One more, guys.

Your Biggest Fan (Houston, TX)

The Magic 8-Ball says Rodgers. The question was Rodgers or Favre from here on out? I think I agree...is it a feeling or a fact?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

The Magic-8 ball might say Rodgers, but Brendan's (considerable) gut says Favre. Honestly, I have my doubts as to whether Rodgers can stay healthy considering how hard and often he's been hit this season. With Favre, that's not a problem, and I really love his WR corps. Call me safe and old-fashioned, but I still take Fav-ray!

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

OK, guys. I gotta roll. I have some ESPN projection comments to get on the site. Should be all ready by late this evening. Good luck in Week 6, and I'll holla at ya this time next Tuesday.