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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

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

Jeremy (Miami)

If Addai is a go, do I start him if my best alternative is Sammy Morris?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

I think Joseph Addai's practice reports are going to ultimately decide this. He's my pick if he's fine before Friday, but I like Morris' matchup. He'll be my pick if there's any doubt Addai won't be 100 percent.

Matt (PA)

Favre or Delhomme to start this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Brett Favre but that's close.

Chris - Westbrook Owner

What up Tristan?! Trade Hightower to cuff Westbrook with Buckhalter in PPR league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

I wouldn't. I see the creative thinking here but handcuffs aren't the be-all-and-end-all. If the backup you own is more valuable than the handcuff you need to get, there's nothing wrong with that. And I like Tim Hightower. Have since Day 1, still do today, and almost assuredly will more tomorrow.

Todd(Madison)

Orton,Rivers or Roethlisberger this week

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Ben Roethlisberger, and it's not close to me. He had two touchdown passes in each of two games against the Bengals last year.

Bob (PickMeville

Pick one to start at FLEX spot: Thomas Jones, Chris Johnson, Braylon Edwards. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

The running backs are great choices, but I'll go Johnson. Higher upside. Kansas City's defense cannot stop the run.

chris (Georgia)

i picked up Shaun alexander..good move or bad?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

If you're a Clinton Portis owner, are in a deep league (say 12 teams) and have an extensive bench, sure, it's good. But that's not a glowing recommendation of the guy. I didn't get excited when I heard the news.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Is Willie Parker probable this week? How healthy do you think he is at this point (percentage)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

At least 90. In other words I'm fully confident in him as a borderline No. 1/2 running back. Around 10-12 overall at the position.

T (Buffalo)

Everyone said McClain had a terrible game, but what do you really expect from 2 carries??? Do you hold onto him at this point, or bail for a guy like Derrick Ward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I hold onto him, because Ward's best chance at big fantasy value is if Brandon Jacobs gets hurt ... and if that happens, I see him assuming a role that is very much what Le'Ron McClain's is right now.

Mel (NY)

Rodgers is my backup. I was offered R. Moss for him. Should I jump on it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Depends who your starter is, but I don't see that being a bad deal if your need is at receiver. Randy Moss can still be a very good No. 2 fantasy receiver from today forward.

Billy (NY)

When does Shockey become an playable TE again?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Well, I don't like the reports I've read this week, and with the Saints playing it safe with Marques Colston in Week 6, I could see that being their strategy with Shockey in Week 7. Let's say Week 8 is the time you can slot him back in there.

Jimmy T (Brentwood)

How about a Yay or Nay vote? Should I trade Harrison and Gonzo for Ca. Johnson and Shockey. Either I'd be playing the matchup game with Harrison and Galloway or Shockey and Carlson, Yay or Nay?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

I'm saying yay. But that's because one big Marvin Harrison game doesn't have me convinced.

Rich (NJ)

another close QB call Garcia or Brad Johnson this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

It's not close for me. It's Jeff Garcia. I'm sorry, but no matter what case you want to make about Brad Johnson, fact remains that he's 40, we don't even know that he has the arm strength to do this anymore and at best, he'll be a game manager type like Garcia was a year ago. Garcia's matchup is every bit as favorable, so I'm taking him. It's way safer.

Matt (Sacramento)

Santonio Holmes at the Bengals, or Colston at the Panthers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Interesting call on Marques Colston, because we don't know exactly how healthy he is going to be. For that reason I'm going Holmes, because the matchup says he can be a good No. 2 receiver. So can Colston, but I see more risk there.

Greg (Toronto)

Tristan, can you please give me some trade advice? Which side would you rather have Gore and Berrian v Forte and Calvin Johnson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

The former. I do worry a bit whether Matt Forte is going to cool off down the stretch because of his hefty usage in the season's early weeks.

Wes Welker (Bummerville MA)

Am i worth anything anymore? Or is Lance Moore or Devin Hester off the waiver wire worth more?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Absolutely. And I think your matchup this week is tremendous.

Russell

Hey Dude - Which 2 RB's this week: Lynch, Slaton, or T. Jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

I'd actually leave Thomas Jones to the sidelines in this event. For as much as I like that matchup, I cannot sit Marshawn Lynch for Thomas Jones, just can't bring myself to do it. It's just a little too crazy-talk. And Steve Slaton is a no-brainer for Week 7.

Dan Pittsburgh

What are your thoughts on Jeff Garcia as a bye week fill in?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

I just recommended him over Brad Johnson, and Johnson plays the Rams' awful defense. That speaks volumes.

Kenny Watson (cincy)

I looked good in my limited play last year. Are you going to start me over fumble prone perry and the bust benson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Well, I don't call the shots in Cincy. But for the record, I think Mr. Watson warrants a closer look in that offense. Big sleeper, and I did not forget how good he looked at times in 2007.

Eli Manning

Is it too early to say if I'm good to go for this weekend?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Every report I've read says you're good to go. So I'd plan accordingly.

Rumsfeld (Washington DC)

although the country is safe, the bears have been killing me lately in defense. green bay or arizona any better?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Rumsfeld comes out of hiding! I knew the lure of fantasy football would bring him out. As for the question, not this week. Come to think of it, no, not at all this year.

birdman (boston)

No Roy Williams comments yet? Does his value go up tremendously with his new team?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

You got the first one, Birdman. And no, I don't see a big change in Williams' value. But I had him as a No. 3 fantasy receiver anyway, and as the No. 2 in his offense to Terrell Owens I can't see him getting the targets to improve his status. Not this year, at least. Interesting how he got that extension, and is assured of being there longer than T.O. Hmmm, interesting to see how that plays out. One thing that does help with Williams: I think his value had a chance at declining if he stuck in Detroit. So the deal pretty much keeps him stable, and that's a good thing.

Brian (Lincoln, NE)

Is the weekend Holt breaksout with no DBs in Dallas or roll the dice with Colston?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

I think this is the weekend Holt breaks out with no DBs in Dallas. Because you said it pretty nicely, Brian.

birdgirl (NY)

No TO comments yet? Does his value go down tremendously with the new addition to their team?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Tremendously? No. Is he going to be the No. 1 receiver at year's end? No, that's not going to happen, not now. He's still a reliable No. 1. Plus the offense is so deep, this could actually help keep him consistent. No double-teaming. Besides, if you worry about a change to the game plan, don't, because the last thing you want if you're a Cowboys coach is to have an unhappy Terrell Owens.

Tone Loc (Jersey)

What about my boy Megatron - what is the fantasy impact on the big trade. Im in a PPR.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

That's a little difficult to explain in a couple of sentences, because while this is huge for Calvin Johnson, the loss of Jon Kitna could be comparably rough on him. Good chance he'll have some quiet weeks where the opposing defense keys on him entirely. Just be prepared for that. But in terms of fantasy potential, the sky's now the limit for the kid. I love what the deal means for Megatron.

Craig (Pittsburgh)

Which one do I leave out? Randy Moss, Brandon Jacobs, Santonio Holmes, Thomas Jones, or Sammy Morris?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I'm wondering whether Moss will consistently draw Champ Bailey in coverage, so there's a little risk there, but I'd have a hard time letting that concern make me sit the guy. I'd sit Santonio Holmes. I know I recommended him earlier, but then I also admit he's not quite the caliber of these alternatives, not this week, as Hines Ward has historically been the guy who beats up Cincy.

Chris (TX)

McClain or L. White this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

LenDale White. Though check the status of his shoulder. I'm not worried, but you need to do your homework every single week.

Dave - NYC

What's wrong with Santana Moss? Is he still a no-brainer start every week going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I think it's a combination of defenses focusing more attention on him and the fact that better O-line play has allowed Chris Cooley to break free of a blocking role to resume catching passes. That cuts into Moss' targets. Does it kill Moss' value? No, but it makes him that matchups-susceptible No. 2/3 borderline receiver I've been calling him all along. Folks, he is not a No. 1.

Jared (CA)

What do you expect from Trent Edwards this week, returning from a concussion two weeks ago?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

A largely unpredictable game, accounting for the severity of that injury and the fact that the Chargers are such a Jekyll-and-Hyde defense. It's not the kind of player I want to trust for fantasy, but I'd say he's worth your while in a two-quarterback league.

Joe (NY)

Big Ben or Schaub this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Ben Roethlisberger but I positively love Matt Schaub's matchup. And I love his matchup next week, too.

John (TEXAS)

P. Manning or Schaub? Schaud plays detroit so I was thinking that it will be a great fantasy matchup

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Don't get cute. There are quite a few quarterbacks I'd use Matt Schaub over -- Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, Jake Delhomme, to name three -- but I won't put him in over Peyton Manning.

Mike

Which one of these guys should I start this week? Sammy Morris, Megatron, or Jamal Lewis.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

MEGATRON (add echo).

Jane (Vegas)

Colston for Thomas Jones or should I offer Ryan Grant? Would you rather have Shockey or Owens Daniels??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I'd never, ever deal Marques Colston for Jones, but I love Colston for the remainder of the year. He's gonna be huge. Top-10 receiver coming out of the bye through year's end. I'd offer Grant, he's somewhat comparable to Jones. And it's Owen Daniels for me at this point.

Jon (TX)

Heh. Alot of folks high on Schaub this week. I have to start Either Engram or Ocho this week due to byes, who would you go with?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

For the record, if Schaub himself is driving his bandwagon, I'm in the passenger seat. Check my past chats, and my talk about him since the preseason. I hitch my wagon to some strange guys -- like Justin Masterson in baseball -- and I like to remain faithful. Just for the record. As for your receivers, I'd actually go Bobby Engram. Seattle will throw a lot, and I loathe "Stinko's" matchup.

Marcus (Germantown, MD):

Roy E. Williams owner: Mason a safer start this weekend? One jump-ball from Brad and Roy's got Mason numbers...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

I wonder a little bit about how quickly Williams will get settled into that offense. Nice little "E" addition there, Marcus, by the way. Don't confuse him with the safety on the same ream, Roy L. Williams. How glad are people in IDP leagues that this trade didn't happen before draft day, by the way? Could you imagine that, two Roy Williams on the same team and you pick the wrong one? Ouch. Anyway, I like Derrick Mason's matchup. Miami's secondary is paper thin. Until I see how Williams is being utilized in that offense, I can't advise that.

Mike

You recommmend Engram even though Hasselbeck (and Hackett?) are out?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Yes I did, you read that right.

Marc (Northridge,CA)

Is it time to drop Patrick Crayton???...If I do who is a better pick up..Donnie Avery, Josh Reed, Rashied Davis, or Deion Branch???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Yes, it is time. Crayton is hurt most by the Roy Williams trade, there's no question about it. I think Avery is an intriguing little sleeper, but adding Branch seems smarter to me. As a just-in-case move.

Ant (Washington Heights)

My league counts kick/punt returns. Is Johnnie Lee a decent pick-up as a bye week replacement?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Ehhhh, I bet you could do better, but if you're saying it counts yardage, yes, Johnnie Lee Higgins is a tad underrated. With Oakland's receivers so shaky, I think he has to get a few more looks in the coming weeks.

Jacob (Virginia Beach) ame

Send Reggie Bush n Roy Williams, Receive AP n Roddy White? i have Reggie, LJ at rb, Plax, Roy Williams,Lance Moore for wr

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Yes please. I see those as two guaranteed upgrades for you at both positions.

Chip (NC)

Tristan- Following up on what you've said about Engram and Colston today...Do you like Engram more than Colston this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

No.

Kyle (MD)

Hi Tristan. I've heard some other experts recommend trading AP. They said they'd rather have Portis or MB3 for the rest of the year. Now, obviously, Portis and Barber are beasts, but would you trade AP straight up for either of them?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

That's 100 percent an opinion question. My opinion is, give me Adrian Peterson. But you're talking potentially the one-two-three finishers in fantasy points this season. If you have a personal preference I always advise you go with it, if the players are practically equal.

Jim (Miami)

Hey Tristan. Is Orton enough to net me either Lee Evans, D Bowe or Boldin in a league where Pass Td's are 6 pts and the other owner only has Ryan after losing Romo?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

I sincerely doubt it, but you just never know with trade offers. I'd probably throw back a lesser receiver to entice that other team.

Jeb (Syracuse, NY)

Whats the word on Willis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

The Ravens are playing it very close to the vest. Sorry, Jeb, wish I had more for you. I don't like his Week 7 matchup, for the record. Flex play at best, and he'd need to practice fully this week to earn that status for me.

Tim (Latrobe, PA)

Tristan -- PPR League: Berrian (@ Chi), Braylon (@ Was), or Welker (vs. Den, MNF on ESPN and ESPNHD at 8:30 Eastern).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Each is a good play, but I'm riding the Braylon Edwards hot streak into Week 7. It feels right. He looked great this past Monday.

Mike (MIA)

I wish Jerry Jones was in my leagues... Is it a good time to trade for Romo (I don't want to over pay like Mr. JOnes)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Considering reports that Tony Romo might consider playing through this with a splint -- and for the record I think if he does maybe it means he misses only two weeks instead of four -- yes, yes, yes, do trade for Tony Romo.

Kevin (Ann Arbor, MI)

Cuttin it close. Drop Torain for Pittman?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Of course. Michael Pittman now has his shot to take this job and roll with it.

Jay (Boston)

Somber sox fan could use your advice before my head explodes pick 2 Grant, Bush, Slaton projections suggest first two but Slaton vs Detroit is so tempting?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Sorry, Jay, hang in there. Your team isn't out of it, though it's not looking very good, I admit. Josh Beckett's health is the key, said it last night, will say it again today. Steve Slaton is starting for me over Ryan Grant, no doubt about it. I don't care what the projections say.

Nick (Philly)

Tristan! Answer this question and you will be blessed with fortune and showered with good blessings. Warner/Roddy or Brees/Colston for the remainder? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Mmmm, fortune. Latter two. Close in value, each of those guys by position, but the safety of Drew Brees trumps Kurt Warner's huge weekly upside.

Mike (LA)

Defense question. NYG is ranked #1 for the rest of the year, but they get Philly and Dallas in my playoff weeks? Try to trade them or trust that they'll play decent?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

It's a worry, sure, but I do advise people not to get too caught up in playoff-week matchups, at least not before, say, Week 10-11. Might be worth shopping them around, but I certainly would not be discounting the No. 1 defense, not today. Great defenses come out to play, even against the potent offenses.

Nathan (Raleigh, NC)

Buzzer Beater: Should I keep Moore around with Parker back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

If you have the bench depth to keep a handcuff type, then yes, I would do so. It's simply safer.

Adam (Jersey)

Tampa D/ST had another 3 picks and a TD this week. Is the only concern with this team the lack of sacks?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Well, that and the Weeks 8 (@DAL), 13 (NO) and 16 (SD) matchups. And it's not like they're giving you zero sacks, what do they have, 11? Good defense, certainly top-10 unit.

Alex (MI)

Walter or Hester?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

I'd rather have Kevin Walter, but Devin Hester's value is absolutely on the rise.

please help

I've sent this message like 100 times already.I traded Michael Turner for Chris Johnson.. Bad move there?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

I'm not at all a fan of reviewing trades after the fact. Putting that right out there. It proves little other than to validate your move or else rip you for doing something stupid. I don't like that deal. Just my reaction. But I can also say it's not totally dreadful. Not like you got taken, I just have Turner a bit higher.

George W. u gotta asnwer the pres

What do you think about Randy Moss and Torry Holt? Should i try a 2 for 1 deal to get a more consitent wr. I have boldin and eddie royal too.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

Well done with your spelling, W! I think you're fine depth-wise at receiver. You can see what's out there, feel out the market, but I find it hard to believe a team can't survive rotating those four receivers.

Bob(NY)

GORE FOR CUTLER. VETOABLE? TY

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

Nope.

Jim (Minnesota)

ive been offerend Hester for Dunn - im in need of a productive WR - good trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

Sounds like a good chance buying in on Devin Hester. Again, he's an interesting up-and-comer fantasy-wise.

Jess

But Chris Johnson in a keeper league is as good as Turner...correct?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

Yes, but that was not the question. I'd argue he's better in that format.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:07 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours, as I always say, so many to tackle, and not a lot of time to do it. Don't forget, we'll be back this afternoon to chat with you again, so please do stop by. Take care!