Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

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

Ben Bernanke (Wall Street)

Hi Tristan, Markets are a mess...I'm investing fully in my fantasy team now. For the remainder of the season would you rather have K Curtis or J Galloway?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Kevin Curtis, because at the moment, Antonio Bryant is slated to retain the starting split end job even after Joey Galloway returns to health. And I don't like the idea of Galloway either shifting positions or dropping to a reserve role.

Nate (Chicago)

Who are some receivers I should go after if I have no need for Hightower?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Who doesn't need Hightower? Guy can rip a seat out of a car. What can't he do? Seriously, though, I'm still a believer in Tim Hightower for the long haul. I bet there's a start (or four) in his late-season future. But if you must add receiver depth -- hey, every league, team and roster is different -- I'm big on the aforementioned Bryant, Josh Morgan and Donnie Avery right now.

Matt (PA)

Here is a toughie Tristan...Brett Favre or Jake Delhomme this week? The JEts may run more than throw and ARZ D is coming off a bye. Please HELP!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

I agree with that assessment of the Jets, though it's important to remember that a lot of defenses come out to play with the extra week's preparation time. Still, Arizona's defense gives up passing yards and scores in bunches, and the game is in Carolina. So I'm big on Delhomme for this week.

Justin: Tampa, FL

Would it be a bad thing to have both Chris Johson and LeDale White starting for the next couple of weeks? They play Indy this week and Green Bay next, both with poor run defenses.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Nope, not a bad thing at all.

John Boy (Cincinnati)

Hey Tristan...A lot of us play in 2QB leagues and the wire can be pretty thin at times. What QBs currently not starting could you see having a job at one point this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Jeez. I play in a two-quarterback league and even I don't dig so deep as to roster clear backups, at least not if I can help it. Though I admit, I had Brady Quinn on that team until I had to let him go to address a bye-week problem. So Quinn, obviously. Also, I could see Drew Stanton and Shaun Hill getting a start at some point this year. Not that I'd go crazy over those latter two.

David (Fayetteville NC)

Is it safe to start S. Morris this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Latest news I have was that he wasn't limping after Monday night's game, so that's a promising sign. But we'll know later today, after practice reports come out. I'm not that worried, and love his matchups looking forward, so he's getting my a-OK barring any more problems with the knee.

Nick (Philly)

Tristan! Taking into account respective playoff schedules, would you trade Warner, Roddy White, and Addai for Big Ben, Andre Johnson, and Brandon Jacobs? Thanks! Oh yeah, go Phils!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

Ridiculous to put too much stock into playoff schedules right now. Sorry, just the way I see it, get there first and foremost. And when I see a deal like this, where there's tons of risk in the former three and much less in the latter three, I make the deal playoff schedules or not.

Adam (Toronto)

Deep league/bye week fill-ins... Who's the better WR pickup for this week? Floyd or Morgan? Do you see either having a pretty good day? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

I see both of them having usable days, but Josh Morgan is the one we know right now is going to start. Malcom Floyd needs Chris Chambers to sit again to get the thumbs up, so take that for what it's worth. Given the choice, I think Morgan is simply safer overall.

Dan (New York)

Tristan, I need 1 or these for a start, which one? Antonio Bryant, Reggie Brown, or Torry Holt?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Gotta be Bryant. Dallas' secondary is a mess.

JJ, Tx

Hey Tristan, thanks for your time. Im very desperate, is Addai ready to go? or should I start Benson or Rhodes? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

I'd be surprised if Joseph Addai plays this week, to be honest, and the complication here is that's the Monday night game, so unless either Addai gets the go-ahead to play before Sunday or you own both Addai and Dominic Rhodes, you can't afford to wait. Fortunately, you were smart, you handcuffed your Colts running backs, so I'd be patient and hang in there until Monday. Bad matchup, sure, but I can't sit those guys for Cedric Benson, who just doesn't overwhelm me talent-wise.

Rebecca (STL)

Start JTOsully or Cassell this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Matt Cassel, but both of those choices make me a little nervous. I prefer them as No. 2 options.

Tom (NY)

Jamaal Charles or Kolby if LJ can't go? I need a bye week fill in and waivers is thin!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I want no part of the Chiefs' backfield; the Jets' run defense is vastly underrated. Still, if you must, I'd go Smith. Week 7 demonstrated that he is the clear favorite for carries over Charles.

Michael (NC)

Rank them until the end of the year - Slaton, SJax, Thomas "the train" Jones, Chris Johnson

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Well, it's Steven Jackson first, then it gets tough, because each of the other three represents a solid No. 2 fantasy back. I'm going Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, Thomas Jones, because the latter two I've been talking up as sell-high candidates. And Jones' age and tendency to go quiet in the touchdown department have him the least attractive long-term of the bunch.

Zales (Chicago)

Cutler owner in a 10 team league. Who are the best upside starters you would consider filling in for him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Without having any idea what's out there in your league, lower-level quarterbacks I like for Week 8: Jason Campbell, Jeff Garcia, Matt Cassel, J.T. O'Sullivan. If they're all gone and you must "hail mary" this, Ryan Fitzpatrick, but that reeks of desperation.

Jennifer (Jersey Girl)

GO PHILLIES!!! Would you consider starting McGahee against Oakland over LDT considering McGahee's breakout performance last game and LDT's clear need for the bye week to rest his toe? I'm struggling with this one.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Reports that McGahee's knee still isn't 100 percent trouble me, and have me hesitating to call him a top-tier back in any week. So for that reason, no, I cannot start him over LaDainian Tomlinson. They're both limited by health issues, but I don't think there's a person out there who puts McGahee in LDT's talent class.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Speaking of those Phillies, lots of their fans in the chat today! Any Rays backers out there?

Brady Quinn (Jacksonville, FL)

How long does Anderson keep his job?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Too long. But I think barring a miserable Week 8 he's got two more starts to blow this before it's Quinn time. The Browns are way too patient.

Dave (GA)

any word on Steven Jackson's injury?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Well, Jim Haslett was optimistic about S-Jax in his press conference Monday, so I can't get too worried about it. He'll be on the injury report for sure, so keep tabs, but doesn't sound like a serious thing to me.

Adam (Miami)

If FWP comes back this week and starts, is Mewelde Moore worth keeping on my roster?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Big "if," Adam. But to answer your question, yes. Moore is going to see a larger role spelling Willie Parker than you think; maybe he'd assume the goal-line chores like Jerome Bettis did back in the day. You never know, but I'd call him a useful handcuff seeing as how Parker has missed this much time already.

Perpetually ignored (Anywhere, USA)

Why you buggin'? Any recommendation on a sleeper DEF for the remainder of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

I don't ride "sleeper defenses" for the long haul. Just not how I play. I sniff out the weekly matchups as I can, and I make it work. And this week, it's the Jets for me. Huge matchups play. As for ignoring, don't take it personally, as I've mentioned before but will repeat, lots and lots of questions being asked, and only a limited time to answer them. I try!

Kenny (Houston)

I am not a Rays fan, but I know I am not a Phillies fan. Whatever happened to lights on lidge as we knew him, he nearly cost us our World Series birth. Tristan, Greg Jennings for Big Ben when I have Donovan and inconsistant Brett Favre?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Change of scenery, best I can tell you, Kenny. Those can work wonders for a guy sometimes. Happens in all sports. As for the trade, with your quarterbacks, no way I make that deal.

Brian (TX)

who is the better handcuff for portis, betts or alexander?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

I'll go on record saying that Clinton Portis doesn't require a handcuff, but if you must choose -- and certain leagues are this deep -- it's Shaun Alexander.

Mark (Chicago)

Tough bye week situation - who would you recomend at flex this week McFadden or Josh Morgan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I loathe Darren McFadden's matchup, so take that for what it's worth.

Matt (CHI)

Fargas, S Morris (assuming he's healthy) or J. Stewart at the flex this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

To sum up my Sammy Morris feelings, if he's given the go-ahead for this week, he's a definite start for me. Almost top-10 worthy.

Mike (NYC)

Shockey sat out Saints practice today. Was this planned, or a sign of a setback?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

I think it's more a sign of a setback, because he left the Week 7 game early with a hernia. Something to watch. Love the matchup this week if he can play, but I'm not sure he will.

bangers and mash (london)

do you know what the condition of the field will be like in london?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Excellent question, Mr. Mash, because if you remember last year's game in England, the field was positively atrocious. In my opinion, an unacceptable surface for NFL competition. For that reason I can't imagine the field hasn't been better tended to this time around, but checking the weather reports is vital to determining the outcome of that game. And while yesterday it looked like clear sailing this weekend at Wembley, now the reports have a 60-percent chance of rain for Sunday, according to the Weather Channel's official Web site. These things change and get clearer by, say, Friday, so check back, but it's absolutely something to check.

Kevin (Rays fan)

You seem high on Bryant! Would you play him over Bowe or Boldin (assuming Boldin plays)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

There's a Rays fan for us! Yes, I would, over Anquan Boldin, because even if Boldin does play, I think it's going to take him a game to get fully back into the swing of things.

Derek

Is this trade vetoable? Calvin Johnson for LaDainian Tomlinson? Thanks Tristan.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Answering the "vetoable" part of this question: No. If you want to know which side I prefer, it's the running back.

Robert (Eugene, Or)

Looking ahead to week 9, I am going to have severe bye week issues (Delhomme, Gore, J. Stewart, D. Williams, M. Colston) meaning i will have to start every bench player on my team. My only other two healthy RBs are Barber and McClain. K. Smith is available. Should I drop McClain, who will be playing Cle, to pick up Smith, who will be playing Jac, or hold on to McClain?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Robert, I think you're looking at the wrong game for whichever "K. Smith" that is -- but I have to assume you mean Kolby Smith? And here's the problem with that: We don't know yet how long Larry Johnson will sit, and if LJ returns in Week 9 (if not this week), then you let go a goal-line guy like Le'Ron McClain to get a guy who will barely touch the ball. Too risky to me. I'd stand pat but remain ever mindful of what's out there.

Ryan (Rochester)

PLEASE: Both have good matchups. Coles or Bryant this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

That they do, but my gut tells me the Jets will focus more on the running game against Kansas City, while Tampa is going to need to throw a good share against Dallas. Close call, but that's how I'll decide it.

Randy (CT)

GO RAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Actually, american league fan, but gotta love there story) Ok, heres one for ya, Tristan DON'T HIDE FROM THIS ONE!! Let's see how good you really are. Lets assume all are healthy... Pick 2 this week: Slaton, Graham, Lynch, C. Johnson or Sammy Morris. I know, I know...need to trade away one of these guys (not to mention I have Brees AND Rivers) but its much more fun creating havoc for myself Sunday mornings while I second guess a lineup. Builds character.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

"Builds character"? OK. That's a new one to me. Anyway, I'd go Steve Slaton and Chris Johnson. Fantastic matchups, and if I'm that deep, it's a matchups fiesta for me every Sunday.

Vic Mackey, Farmington

Who has more value with Bush out, Stecker or Pierre Thomas? Deuce is not available...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Hopelessly devoted to Pierre Thomas I am. He deserves another chance to show the Saints what he's got, and I think he'll get that chance now.

Distressed LT Owner Dallas, TX

I need some help would you start any combination of these RBs (2 RB 1 Flex) and leave LT on the bench until after his bye week? My choices are - McGahee, Brown, Graham and the aforementioned Sammy Morris

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Given those choices I can't see going any other direction but LaDainian Tomlinson, Ronnie Brown and Sammy Morris (if healthy).

DGA

Time to give up on Palmer? I've got Trent Edwards and Jason Campbell, so its not as if I'm set at QB, but how much longer do I waste a roster spot hoping this guy plays again this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Maybe it makes sense for some to wait out Carson Palmer's injury, but I just can't see him playing again this season. He's checking with all sorts of doctors and the Tommy John surgery rumors have been flying for weeks now. I just don't see Palmer returning this year, so I wouldn't be afraid to let him go if you need the roster room.

Kaleb(Fargo)

I have Cutler on a bye this week and Garcia is my back-up Hasselbeck just got dropped. Have you heard if Hasselbeck is gonna play and if so would you rather have Garcia or Hasselbeck

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Matt Hasselbeck is going to be questionable at best for this week, and I'd be a bit surprised if he does play. Jeff Garcia's matchup is fine to use.

Andrew (Philadelphia)

Morning Tristan! The injury to Reggie Bush left me with a tough decision. Who would you start alongside Barber & MJD in a PPR league: Lendale White, Deuce McAllister, Sammy Morris, or Torry Holt?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

That is a tough decision because I'm torn between LenDale White and Sammy Morris. So I think I'd let Morris' health determine that spot for you. If he's cleared to start and shoulder the bulk of the Pats' rushing workload, it's gotta be him. Otherwise, if there's any doubt about his health, I see no shame in "dropping back" to White.

Jeb (London)

What do you expect out of Javon Walker this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Maybe a No. 4/flex worthy receiver week. The matchup isn't a favorable one for him, but if the Baltimore corners are all sidelined again, it's not an unfavorable one, either. And Walker did step up with a pretty decent Week 7. Not a guy I'd toss to the side, but again, my rank demonstrates how hesitant I am to trust him.

Matt: (Mesa, AZ)

If you were to receive one of these WR along with Chris Johnson in return for Greg Jennings, who would you rather have? Santonio Holmes or Dwayne Bowe? I'm scared of KC QB but PIT's schedule is quite a bit tougher...thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Either one is going to make that a steal of a deal for you, but I prefer Bowe to Holmes at this point. Chiefs will be throwing a lot this year.

Jack (Pitt)

I have Romo and there are no suitable options around as a backup. Can Pennington handle the load until Romo's back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Chad Pennington doesn't excite me in the slightest, but at least he's not going to hurt you, which is a lot more than you can say for the other quarterbacks ranked around or beneath him. And hey, Pennington's Weeks 9-10 matchups are pretty favorable. Not the worst fill-in, even if he lacks upside.

Alex (NH)

Wut Up Tristan! help a bro out. I have to choose between Deuce or Cotchery this week. what would you go with, the RB or the WR route?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I'd go with the running back, because, again, I don't see the Jets leaning as heavily on the pass this week. They'll get off to an early lead and run, run, run.

Craig (TX)

Tristan, should I be looking to deal Jacobs before he starts a stretch of tough matchups... if so, could I get Lynch straight up for him or would I have to include someone like Housh or Bowe?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I have Brandon Jacobs and Marshawn Lynch ranked pretty close to one another, and I guess I'd agree that I slightly prefer Lynch if only because we know he's the primary back there, with no significant threat of lost carries. But it's close enough that, no, I would not include anything else.

TRISTAN HELP!!! (MN)

Big Trade, need your thoughts: LT/BMarsh for Barber/Steve Smith (the good one). The owner has been offering Westbrook - would you rather have BWest or LT? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Well, I'd prefer Brian Westbrook to LaDainian Tomlinson at this point, but I'd rather stick with the Marion Barber side if that's what I had! Both receivers are top-tier guys. So why bother taking on running-back risk?

Mike (LA)

Are you concerned about Slaton wearing down towards the end of the year or is Ahman Green taking some of the carries going to help him stay productive?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Good point, Mike, and I do think it can help keep him fresher. Still, it puts that position in a possible timeshare looking forward, and I hate those. It's that reason more than anything that has me suggesting Steve Slaton as a sell-high guy. And even if Green goes down again, argument then becomes that Slaton wears down. Just a lot of risk. Besides, I see that as a pass-heavy offense looking forward.

Dan (New York)

McNabb or Campbell this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Donovan McNabb. Huge matchup.

Will - TX

AT THE BUZZER!!! FLEX HELP: B. Edwards(@Jac.) or D. Rhodes(@Ten.) this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Braylon, and that's even if Joseph Addai is entirely ruled out.

j\

Peyton Manning or Kurt Warner THIS WEEK ONLY?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Kurt Warner. Peyton's matchup, ugh.

You gotta help me (FL)

Should I trade Colston/J. Stewart for S. Morris/Berrian?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Not a chance. Way too much long-term risk.

Buzzer Beater

Sit one Slaton,Westbrook,Portis,T Jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

I hate to do it but I can't see this being anyone but Steve Slaton.

Darryl (Kansas)

Buzzer Beater !!! Need a flex and WR: MJD, Coles, L. White, Plax, Roddy White Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

I'd have a hard time not going MJD and LenDale White there.

THC Lover (No, not you)

Pick 3: Ward, Welker, Coles, Bryant. Thanks much!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

I'd leave Laveranues Coles to the sidelines.

Steve (Milwaukee)

Rank these for PPR this week: Cotchery, Holmes, Mason.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

In that very order. I don't like Derrick Mason with Nnamdi Asomugha probably shadowing him.

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, so many to tackle as always! Take care everyone, good luck in Week 8 and enjoy that World Series starting tonight ... I'll be chatting Saturday's game for those of you who want to stop by!