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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your fantasy football questions this fine morning...

Jeff (Iowa)

Tristan, do I just play matchups the rest of the season with Warner or Rodgers, or can I make one of them a definitive starter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Nope, matchups. But if Kurt Warner gets hurt at any point, as he so often does, it'll make your decision for you. I'd call that a pretty nice quarterback combo.

Mike (Baltimore, MD)

Any information on Joseph Addai? Should I go out and pick up Rhodes? Thanks for the help.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

We probably won't know anything definitive until mid-week practices begin, but when I see a guy miss three quarters' worth of game action with an injury he supposedly aggravated -- the Colts said afterward it was a mild issue suffered in a late-week practice -- I have to be a little concerned. I'd guess Addai will be questionable for Week 7, and yes, I'd pick up Dominic Rhodes, certainly. One of the week's top pickups, probably, even if it's just to keep Addai owners safe.

Adam (CT)

Hey, what would you reccomd giving up if I wanted to trade for D.Brees? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

A really good running back. Could you imagine what Drew Brees might do once Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey return -- and they might be back a week from now, remember? I'd say if you can get Brees for any package that excludes LaDainian Tomlinson, Marion Barber, Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, Clinton Portis or Brian Westbrook, I'd be all over that deal. Anyone else, I'd call fair game, off the top of my head.

Malik (Tucson, AZ)

I have been offered trade to give up Chris Johnson for Eli Manning. I am counter-offering, with giving Johnson, Gates and Bruce for Manning and Fitzgerald. I would then grab Carlson off the waiver wire and use my remaing RB's of L.T., Slaton, T. Jones, McFadden and Rhodes. Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Seems fair enough to me. But I wouldn't be afraid to make the originally proposed deal, either, if you need the quarterback.

Willis McGahee (BAL)

How does my knee look Dr. Cockcroft?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

It looks like a knee, Willis. (Let's face it, I'm no doctor.) Some of the Baltimore media are painting a picture that this was one of these "banged-up," "precautionary" kind of exits for McGahee, so maybe this isn't so bad. But the Ravens are being pretty hush-hush about it, so it's hard to know for sure. I bet we'll hear a little more in Monday's press session. And besides, Le'Ron McClain should already be owned in most every league.

Marques Colston (NO)

Put me in coach! I'm ready to play...next week...right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

Frankly I was surprised that Colston didn't play this week. All the late-week practices pointed to him being ready to go, even if in a limited fashion. So yes, I'd say it's a pretty strong bet he's in there for Week 7, and I think at pretty close to 100 percent at that. Maybe it'll look smart that he was held out the extra game!

Owens: Alex, La.

What's up with Bobby Engram and a big fat zero this weekend??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Two words ... er ... one name: Charlie Frye. It's a little surprising that Engram had a doughnut in that one, because he's usually Matt Hasselbeck's most trusted, reliable, consistent receiver. Fluke game if Hasselbeck is fine for Week 7, so let's place all the blame for this on Frye.

Kevin (Phoenixville PA)

Please HELP, Pittman or Torain going foward??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Easy to say, sure, but I want the guy performing right now, and that's Michael Pittman. I keep saying pick up Ryan Torain in deep leagues with extensive benches, but Pittman has done enough to show he's a trusted option in short-yardage situations that he'll be fine for the long haul. Less explosive potential, but Torain has missed a lot of time. You'll be waiting awhile. Maybe a month before he's an impact guy, if he is at all. That counts for something.

Jay(Philly)

I know Fragile Fred got hurt but what is the chances of MJD getting a lot more carries now going forward? I think he's a top 7 back if he gets the majority of the carries in J-vill.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Considering how much of a mess Jacksonville's offense looked in, say, Week 2, when the O-line losses were seeming especially devastating, I'd say the team's gains the past couple of games are extremely encouraging. I'd say Maurice Jones-Drew did exactly what he needed to in relief of Fred Taylor this week to get more looks. But if Taylor is healthy -- check status -- I still see this being a virtual straight split of the rushing chores, like it was in each of the past couple years. In other words, MJD is back, but I wouldn't call him the go-to guy, the 20-carry back. He'll be in the low teens most weeks, but with explosive potential.

Peyton Manning (ind ,in)

Can everyone stop discounting me. We all have our stretches, but hey I'm fine now. Top Balt defense - whatever.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Yup. Can't say it better than that.

Chris (Orlando)

Follow uo on Engram......Keep Engram the roster over ocho no-show or Vincent Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I'd probably keep Bobby Engram around over Vincent Jackson, because, again, Engram has flashed such chemistry in the past with Matt Hasselbeck, while Vincent Jackson, talented or not, remains behind Antonio Gates and Chris Chambers in the receiver pecking order. And when I'm evaluating comparable fantasy talents, I think I'd prefer the No. 1 option in his offense than the No. 3.

Jeff: (Durham, NC):

Is there any value left to Mwelde Moore or Buckhalter going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Absolutely. Is Brian Westbrook any guarantee to play every remaining game? Maybe, but that's a must-have handcuff situation with Correll Buckhalter. Nice game by him. Establishes he must be rostered. As for Moore, I see less value there, but Rashard Mendenhall's season-ending injury does assure Moore a chance at that role, that "change-of-pace" gig to Willie Parker. I'd keep him around if my bench was deep enough, but it's Buckhalter first, and easily.

Mike (Indy)_

Does Tony Gonzalez get traded? And if you think he will where do you think he will end up? And surely his value will sky rocket on any other team....wouldn't it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Put me in the camp that says no big-ticket trade is coming before tomorrow's deadline. If we see anything, I bet it's something small like a bit receiver -- a Shaun McDonald -- changing hands. All the rumors I've read have the asking prices way too high for a move to get done. Just my gut instinct.

DGA

Thomas Jones...complete fluke??? Or finally realizing his potential in that offense?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

I ran the numbers in my Gridiron Challenge preview last week, but Jones has extraordinary totals in his first few games fresh off the bye historically. So I'd ride him for another week or two, then I'd sell high. Jones' matchups in Weeks 7-8 are positively extraordinary.

Chris Perry (Sucksville)

Why am I still getting carries?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I think it's because Cedric Benson has had two weeks to learn the offense, besides the fact that he's awful blocking, meaning he can't be used at all on passing downs. Perry has looked terrible the past couple of games, so let's say that if not in Week 7, then by Week 8, Cincinnati will be headed back to the dreaded committee, with Benson and perhaps even Kenny Watson getting involved.

Brandon (San Antonio)

Will Ryan Grant ever get into the endzone this season? Arghhhh!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Total bust, I hear you, and sorry to say I was totally wrong on the guy. To be fair, he has had health issues dating back to the preseason and combining that with his holdout I can see why this is lingering. He'll get better -- one has to think he can't help but improve -- but his ceiling is as a No. 2 running back. And I'd be playing the matchups entirely with him, while also handcuffing him to Brandon Jackson.

Pappa (Hartford, CT)

Hi Tristan, could you please help a novice Dad trying to help his 14 year old with some Fantasy Football advice? My son has Manning and Favre and wants to deal one for a running back upgrade over Thomas Jones. Could you please suggest who should be dealt and who we might expect in return? Thanks so much!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I hope to get my son into fantasy football once he reaches that age, so sure, glad to help! I'd probably part with Brett Favre. Peyton Manning's perceived value is a tad lower than his actual value, so I wouldn't want to potentially sell low on him. Top of my head, I might offer up Favre for Matt Forte. Or Jamal Lewis.

Josh (San Jose)

I feel like an only child begging for attention in these chats. Should I pick up Rudi Johnson for Chris Perry?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Josh, I mention it a lot, but we get tons of questions, and only a limited amount of time to answer a small percentage of them. Sorry, it's nothing personal! I do my best. As for this question, I'd stick with Perry, not that I like either back all that much. Cincinnati's offense might look pretty miserable right now, but I don't see a lot of reason to get excited about Detroit's running game, either, and Johnson is still No. 2 on that team in my mind. Stand pat.

JTM (New Orleans)

Keep Braylon Edwards or drop him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I'm going down with the ship on Braylon Edwards. Sorry, simple as that. I know it's frustrating but you'd look like a fool if you let him go, another owner picks him up, Brady Quinn sneaks in as a starter and then he takes off. Way too much talent to not think he can be, at worst, a top-25 fantasy receiver from today forward. And that's being awfully conservative about it.

Jack(NY)

Tristan, who dou you like best for the rest of the year: Fragile Fred, McAllister or Fargas?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I'm not a Deuce McAllister fan, period. Have said it a lot on these pages, will again. He's No. 3 of these. No. 1? It's Justin Fargas. That's a deep running game Oakland has, and a lot of fantasy-friendly matchups looking forward. It's at flex status generally, but that's a decent thing to have.

John (MI)

Am I going to be fine playing matchups between JTO and Hasselbeck, or do I need to deal now for a QB upgrade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

My feeling is that you're going to need an upgrade, barring the rest of your roster being rich in talent. That's possible, but it's the only way a team like this is going to win; you can't mix and match quarterbacks when your running backs and receivers aren't carrying you most weeks.

Ben (NY)

I didnt get a chance to watch the game, did E Graham get hurt or is Dunn the man in Tampa now?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

No, Byron Storer did and that forced Graham into the fullback role, which limited his number of touches. No injury with Graham, and I'd have to think the Bucs will sign a player more suited to fill the fullback spot if their current guys aren't healthy for Week 7. So I wouldn't worry too much, though Warrick Dunn is indeed a bit of a vulture of Graham's carries. Say, a 2:1 ratio of touches most other weeks, Graham favored.

Ray (Dallas, TX)

Romo broke his pinkie and is out 4 weeks. Does this devalue all Cowboys players?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

That is the rumor floating around now -- or at least the report we have on the site, according to ESPN's Michael Smith. I'd say it's somewhat devastating to Dallas' offense, but to be fair, it's still a pretty deep one. Brad Johnson would take over if this is true, and I'd say the impact is that an offense that was top-three in football drops to more like No. 10 or so in those missed weeks. Stay tuned.

Mark, Ohio

Is S. Breaston a good start when Boldin, comes back? I am in a PPR and return yards league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Love him in that format. Very underrated. A talented return man and he can't help but continue to be involved in the Arizona offense judging by his recent returns. He's No. 3 in a pass-friendly offense, so I'd say a definite pickup.

Joe (St. Louis)

Pick up Johnson? If Romo is true.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Of course, but he's matchups-worthy only. Just being tabbed the starter on a great offense doesn't automatically make you a solid fantasy quarterback. Still, if Brad Johnson indeed is starting in Week 7, he faces the Rams. Drooooool.

Shaft (Columbus OH)

Do you think Bernard Berrian is a must start the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

No, but he's looking like a pretty good No. 3 most weeks, and is getting awfully close. I admit that I'm a matchups player at receiver, once I get past, say, the top 20 or so players at the position. And Berrian's right behind that cut-off.

Joe (SD)

Needing to deal Cutler for a WR. Is his value high enough to demand a top 5 receiver?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Yes. Receivers A) don't generate the points quarterbacks do, and B) aren't as consistent from week to week in terms of fantasy points.

jeff (ct)

Your thoughts on Schaub...? I have Schaub and Eli and would *LOVE* to unload one to upgrade a RB spot.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

I like him a lot more than most people do, call him just outside of the top 10 in overall quarterback value and think his next couple of matchups are extraordinarily attractive. You can see I'm raving about the guy, so talk up those matchups a ton. Or else wait until he slices and dices the Detroit defense in Week 7 and then deal him.

Andrew (Everett Wa)

Harrison had a nice day, points-wise, but only three catches. Fluke, or can I count on him in playoffs (has some sweet matchups)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Too early to think about fantasy-playoffs matchups, especially since before this week Marvin Harrison looked awful. Week 6 was an encouraging sign, but I need to see more before I'd buy in as a "I trust him two months from now" type of player.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Pitt or SD D/ST going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

San Diego's defense is looking way too boom-or-bust most weeks for me to take it over Pittsburgh's.

Wendell (Liverpool, UK)

Do I give up Jay Cutler and Deuce for Drew Brees?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I would. But I'm a big Brees fan.

Dave - Detroit

Time to dump Roy Williams? Any more trade rumors on him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

The last rumor I heard had the Lions demanding a first-round pick for him, in which case I see no way he's leaving Detroit in the next 24 hours.

Matt - Baltimore, MD

Who's got the better chance to turn their season around? Torry Holt or Roy Williams.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Torry Holt. He'll have better quarterbacks throwing him the ball, he has a new coach who seemed to breathe some life into his team (even if not Holt himself numbers-wise) in Week 6 and he's in a division that guarantees him pretty soft matchups.

Jon (KC)

Thoughts on Kevin Curtis going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Good matchups play if he can stay consistently healthy. I'd pick the guy up for depth.

Derek Anderson (CLE)

So does Brady Quinn finally take my job tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

I've been calling for Quinn to start in Week 7 for several days now. Tonight? Could see it late in the game if it's ugly enough. And the Giants can make an offense look pretty darned ugly. Quinn must be owned, I think, just in case.

Mark (sunny st pete, fl)

AHHHHHH, HELP! Romo is out for 4 weeks?!?!?! Who is a better fill in for week 7 from waiver...Garcia, Cassel or Romo's back up Johnson and who after this week, Garrard or Ryan or stick with the fill in from this week?? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Sorry, Mark, it's a tough break I know, but this is manageable for you from the sound of it. I'd actually go Jeff Garcia for Week 7 of those choices. He faces the Seahawks, which is a nice matchup, and it's a home game to boot. After that, David Garrard's matchups are the best for Weeks 8-10. I think you'll be fine, not Romo-esque but you'll make it through this.

Chad (NY)

Matt Ryan a viable #2?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

I'd say close to it if not that. He's looking like he's getting acclimated quicker than anticipated. That said, I still would have a hard time recommending him to start unless the matchup was great. He's more of a No. 2 if your No. 1 is a stud, like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees or Jay Cutler.

Andrew (Everett Wa)

Any word on Gage's injury coming out of bye? Where does he rank rest of season if healthy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Reports I have say he's going to play in Week 7, and the matchup is favorable for him, at Kansas City. I see him as a possible No. 3 fantasy receiver when the matchup is middling-to-strong, which means he belongs on most fantasy rosters. But I couldn't use him every week. If I had to estimate, I bet he's in the No. 30-35 range at his position. Which is still pretty good.

Tom (Dallas)

Buzzer Beater!! Would you trade Slaton or T. Jones for Cutler? My QBs now are Campbell and Garrard and I think I can use an upgrade.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

In a heartbeat, and I'd probably make it Thomas Jones of those two.

Tony (VT)

Where has TO and Marshall gone? They are projected each week to be top 5 receivers, but consistency has been a major issue for them. What gives?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Extra defensive attention. Brandon Marshall by the way, was targeted 18 times, if my eyes weren't deceiving me. It was close to that if not exactly that. That's a bona fide No. 1 receiver, folks. Period. Remember what I said earlier about receivers being less consistent than quarterbacks? Bingo. This is why. You just have to remain patient, I know it's frustrating but these guys are too good to not come around.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

(Caveat on T.O., of course, is the Tony Romo injury. But I'm talking today through season's end, not just through Week 10.)

Jeff Garcia (@ SEA)

Won't I be handing the ball off to my RBs in this blowout?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

A) It's home, not in Seattle. B) Would you really start Matt Cassel or Brad Johnson over him? I wouldn't. They're not worlds apart rankings-wise, but I just can't trust those other two. Johnson, to me, is no more than a No. 2 quarterback, period.

MW (NY)

What is the latest on trent edward? is he worth storing on the bench as a no. 2 Qb if cutler is my starter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Well, I'd keep him around, sure, barring there being a very interesting quarterback out there -- and in most leagues there are not -- but the early word says he's not looking like a good bet to play in Week 7. Not that a Jay Cutler owner should worry about one missed week, if it's not Cutler's bye week (and it isn't).

R. Moss (Boston)

Am I done or am I a buy-low candidate?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Randy Moss is a boom-or-bust receiver I'd be slotting in as a No. 2 fantasy receiver. He's not a No. 1 guy anymore, not with Matt Cassel looking awfully inconsistent, but he's not trash, either. Use that as you evaluate whether the deal is "buy-low" or not. What I'm saying does not declare the guy done.

GRAAAHH

my team scored 70 points less than projected! 70 points!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Sorry, "GRAAAHH" -- great name! That's fantasy football for you. I've heard many such a story.

Steve (San Francisco)

Keep Warner and trade Brees or vice versa?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

Vice versa.

Alon (Brooklyn)

Hi Tristan. I have a trade offer of me giving Lynch, Mushin, Nedney, and C Taylor for Wayne, D Jackson (phi), Z Miller, and Hightower. I desperatly need WR's and have enough RB's. Is this a fair trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

If you have enough running backs, I think that's a great trade for you. Tim Hightower is the sleeper of that deal. Well done.

Jason (Nashville)

Romo owner has terrible backups. Offer Delhomme or Schaub in a trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

I'd offer Jake Delhomme but then I made an earlier point about my like of Matt Schaub and his matchups the next couple of weeks.

Shaun(NYC)

What effect do you think Quinn taking over would have on Winslow?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

Hey, anything's better than the status quo. At least that's what I think. Can Kellen Winslow possibly get any worse fantasy-wise than he has been for the past month? That's my thinking.

Brandon (San Antonio)

What's for lunch today Tristan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:07 PM)

That's a very good question, Brandon, and I should go look! Maybe a sub of some sort. Anyway, time to wrap it up on that note, and go look into the lunch thing. Thanks for all your questions, and again, sorry if I didn't get to yours, I do my best to get as many as I can! Take care folks, and I will see you again right here on Wednesday. And as a special note for you baseball fans, check in tomorrow night during the ALCS game -- I'll be doing a live chat during that one, available in our Gamecast!