AJ Mass

  (10:58 AM)

Good morning gang. We're ready with coffee in hand (or more precisely, in mug) and will answer your fantasy football Q's for the next hour. We can discuss the latest Commish Court article, the ESPN midseason mock draft, or the latest OLTL superstar... so let's get this party started shall we?

Zack St. Rose Louisiana

Will Drew Brees be a fantasy football mvp

AJ Mass

  (10:59 AM)

I selected Brees at No. 5 in the midseason mock, so obviously, I hope so. My feeling is that if he's getting 300-yard days regularly without Colston and Shockey and Bush, then as this trio slowly come back into play, he has to at the very least maintain that output, if not improve it.

Aaron (Knoxville)

Good Morning AJ: Big Ben is usually my starting quarterback, but with all his ailments I'm looking to use someone else this week. Who's a better selection in your opinion: Chad P or Sage R? Thanks for the advice.

AJ Mass

  (11:01 AM)

Benching Ben is probably wise this week, because it's not looking great for him - gametime decision at best, I think. I'd go with Chad over Sage. Not that Sage can't be valuable for the entire length of his starting tenure, but not so much versus Baltimore.

Bob (OH)

Defensive question for you. My league scores D/STs strictly on turnovers, sacks and scores. Points allowed only comes into play if they pitch a shutout, which is rare. In this case, might the Rams be a decent play against the Jets? STL has pretty good stats in those areas, and NYJ gives up quite a lot.

AJ Mass

  (11:02 AM)

I agree - forget the shutout issue, because those are extremely rare. Favre do throw the picks, no? If yardage is not a factor, then by all means go with them.

Frank (Santa Monica, CA)

Since you aren't on the Composite Rankings, could you please rank these Tight Ends for this week: Boss, Lee, Olsen. Philly seems to be the most favorable for TE, but I wonder if Grossman is gonna favor the short passes. Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (11:04 AM)

I'm not on the Composites, so I don't compile a list per se... I think in general, tight ends are a coin toss, except for the top tier, but I agree with your assessment that Grossman will throw more to the TE, the problem is, I think that helps Desmond more than Greg. I'd take a chance with the hot Boss.

Matt S., Houston, TX

Hey A.J., Is there a chance I will play again this year and be effective, or should I be dropped in all leagues for someone like Rosenfels, Quin or Thigpen (who has a great fantasy playoff schedule).

AJ Mass

  (11:06 AM)

If you have the roster spot, then by all means keep Schaub... but since he's not likely to return until the Fantasy Playoffs are underway, I think it's more important to worry about making it into the post-season. Therefore, I'd cut the dead weight for a player who might be able to help me today.

Dan the SF fan

Why so low on Ryan Grant this week? Last year against a better rush defense he had 119 and a score. This year he is the only guy to have over 65 against them. He had 92 yards against them.

AJ Mass

  (11:08 AM)

Who said I was low on Grant this week? I've yet to say a word about him. The reason Grant has done well against the Vikings is that the Packers have been so effective exploiting the Minny pass defense, that it opens up the run for Grant late. I do expect around 10 fantasy points for Grant, but not a huge day by any means.

flava' flav: don't believe the hype?

should i really be starting torain tonight over possible sunday starters ryan grant and j. stewart?

AJ Mass

  (11:10 AM)

Tonight's a night for gamblers. Torain is about the only game in town, but to start him over Grant is silly. If he gets you 60 yards, be happy - might be worth a roll of the dice over Stewart, but just like starting Quinn, it's a lot of faith to put in someone who has never been asked to do it before.

Chris (NYC)

It's thursday...football tonight sure helps the week go by easier. Should i be safe and start Duce Mcallister over SJax this week? How are things looking for him so far?

AJ Mass

  (11:11 AM)

I don't think Jackson will play this week - and if he does, I don't think he'll play well. Go with Deuce.

Brian ( here )

Would You Trade Randy Moss and Coles to Receive Roddy White and Wes Welker?

AJ Mass

  (11:12 AM)

I would, especially in a PPR league.

Scooby Doo (NJ)

AJ..What's Happening or The Jeffersons? In a ppr league..kevin Smith or Lance Moore this weekend? Thanks Money Mass!

AJ Mass

  (11:13 AM)

I'd go with Moore - Saints ain't shy on the pass. Gotta go with Momma - "I'd say, that's not very funny and then I'd sit on him!"

Kevin (Seattle)

Hey A.J. Who is the better start: Jamaal Charles, Eddie Royal, or Deuce McAllister

AJ Mass

  (11:14 AM)

I'd go with Charles this week.

Kris (Hell)

Am I really starting Chris Chambers over Bernard Berrian?

AJ Mass

  (11:15 AM)

I'm not. I'll roll with Berrian.

Jeff (MA)

What type of game to you expect from Braylon tonight??

AJ Mass

  (11:16 AM)

Expect? Six drops. Hope for? Four catches for 60.

Apple Jax (OK)

Colston or Coles this week?

AJ Mass

  (11:17 AM)

I might actually go Coles this week. I do love Brees, but they're being very (overly) cautious with Marques, and I'm not completely sure he's going to outperform the Jet.

Reggie (Denver)

If Matt Jones is not suspended, do you like him over Driver, Avery and DJax is week? Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (11:18 AM)

Driver's the only one I'd consider starting instead of Jones if he's cleared for another week --- but as a Jones owner, I'd rather that suspension clock start already... lest I miss out on Matt in the playoffs.

Bob (Clemson)

Flacco or Thigpen the rest of the way??

AJ Mass

  (11:19 AM)

Thigpen has looked decent, and the Chiefs are more likely to throw caution to the wind and let him loose.

Ben (Lansing, MI)

Need to play a backup RB due to byes/injuries...Chet Taylor or Derrick Ward?

AJ Mass

  (11:20 AM)

I go Ward. He's bound to get around 50 yards on draws and third down dumpoffs. That's more than I expect from Chester.

Bill (NH)

Speaking of Jone's delay...who do you like best in JAC while he's out...or do you stay away from the whole team?

AJ Mass

  (11:21 AM)

I like Northcutt best while MJ is out, although if Walker can get healthy, he might emerge. But in general, yeah, I'd avoid the lot.

John(StL)

Word Association: Kenneth Darby; GO!

AJ Mass

  (11:21 AM)

Rather start Terence Trent D'Arby.

James (DC)

What's your take on Orton? He's been dropped in two of my leagues and in both cases by current back-up is Shaun Hill (behind my starter Warner). Is Orton a better back-up even with his current injury since I hopefully won't need him soon or do you think Hill has a chance to put up numbers that are close to as solid?

AJ Mass

  (11:23 AM)

I think Hill has a chance to put up decent numbers, and given Warner's track record of injuries in the past, I'd rather have the active body in reserve. Although, you might be able to get something in trade for Orton rather than cutting him outright- something to explore.

Chris (Chicago)

Would I be crazy to start Rice over Addai if McGahee doesn't play?

AJ Mass

  (11:24 AM)

Not crazy at all. Addai vs. Steelers is a train wreck waiting to happen.

Ace (Gabon)

I was blind sided last week, do I start Garrard over Eli this week given his matchup?

AJ Mass

  (11:25 AM)

I've got the same two QB's in my long-time league, and have generally been going with Eli, but am going Garrard this week due to matchup. Sorry about the backstab by Sugar, buddy.

Bo (LA)

I've been offered Gore for Fitzgerald. Do I give up in my opinion the # 1 WR for a really good RB?

AJ Mass

  (11:26 AM)

No, you don't give up the No. 1 WR (in your opinion) for a "really good" RB, unless the difference in who you'll start instead of Fitz is not as bad as the boost you get in RB by getting Gore.

Chris (NYC)

should I trade Roddy White and Slaton for T.O. and Fast Willie.....im currently 5-4

AJ Mass

  (11:28 AM)

I'd rather roll with the guys you already have.

el matador tito santana( 80'sville)

Gotta roll w/ 2 of 3. Ted Ginn Jr, Kevin Curtis or Derrick Mason?

AJ Mass

  (11:29 AM)

I'm sitting Mason, though if you feel uncomfortable using Curtis against the G-men, I'd understand. Give my love to Rick Martel. Go Strike Force!

Tony S. (KY)

AJ I am pretty deep as far as my players, but I am torn. Should i release Reggie Bush and pick up someone who isn't as good put healthy, or keep him and let him heal up?

AJ Mass

  (11:31 AM)

It's always a question of depth isn't it? Bush could well return to top form once he's back, and you won't find THAT on the waiver wire. If whoever you pick up is going to sit anyway, why make a move?

Terence (Upper D'Arby)

Wish me love a wishing well To kiss and tell

Todd (NY)

AJ... strategically, what's most valuable down the stretch. A solid WR on the bench, a solid RB on the bench, a strong D or a strong TE?

AJ Mass

  (11:34 AM)

Generally speaking, if you're not starting any of them, it won't matter. Having the guy to step up when an injury kills your starter is the key, and that's usually just a function of luck. Having said that, the odds of a RB going down to injury is a lot greater (and more damaging) than anything else, and there'll be less remedy ont he waiver wire, so I'd keep the RB.

Mark (WI)

Roll the dice, who are you going with for this week Sage or Quinn?

AJ Mass

  (11:34 AM)

If I'm rolling the dice, I go Quinn.

austin texas

which rookie back has the best day? torain rice or charles? i need a 3rd running back.

AJ Mass

  (11:35 AM)

I think Rice has the best day, assuming that he gets the carries. (Oh, Willis, just hang it up for the season, already and make it an easy call, huh?)

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan (Ringside)

Okay, then, Strike Force, Hart Foundation, British Bulldogs, Demolition, or The Killer Bees??

AJ Mass

  (11:36 AM)

I was always a fan of Road Warriors myself, but gotta run with the Anvil on this one... can't select a team whose best move was called "The Small Package".

John (NY)

The Road Warriors.....and its not even close

AJ Mass

  (11:37 AM)

See.

Jake (FL)

AJ I traded Willie Parker and handcuff for Ryan Grant and handcuff...was that dumb? i think i made the right choice??? Please help me

AJ Mass

  (11:39 AM)

I think longterm, I'd rather have FWP and Mewelde than Grant and Jackson. Although, for the present, with FWP's status causing gametime headaches, that may well be worth getting rid of the headache.

Please Help! Pending Trade!

Housh or Bowe for the rest of the season, who would you rather have in 1/2 PRR 12 team league? Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (11:39 AM)

I go with Bowe, but it's certainly a close call.

Chuck, NY

Bushwackers were the most fun to watch but the hart foundation and the bulldogs were sick. Who do you bench out of Lynch, Jamal Lewis and Hightower? I am seriously considering benching lynch...Am I crazy? Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (11:41 AM)

I might bench Hightower. I'm high on him personally, but Lynch should be fine and Lewis could sneak in a good game with all the Quinn hype. Week 11 I may feel different, but it's what my gut says today.

King (TX)

Is the porriage too hot, too cold, or just right in a trade of Benson for Baltimore's D?

AJ Mass

  (11:41 AM)

Cedric? Me no Diggory. Make the deal.

Marty Janetty (Rockers)

I cant believe you havent even mentioned Me and the Heartbreak Kid. AMAZING. Please pick 2: Torain, Ray Rice, Mcgahee, and Driver.

AJ Mass

  (11:42 AM)

Driver and Rice.

Matt (Cleveland)

Hi AJ, I saw you drafted Hightower at #25, with his juicy matchup do you play him over Chris Johnson, Forte or Jamal?

AJ Mass

  (11:44 AM)

Well, that was from here on out, not just for Week 10, and 18 other backs were taken... I probably start CJ or Jamal over him, but might take the shot over Forte vs, Tenn.

Jennifer (Jersey Girl)

Hi AJ! Quick one - WR - S. Holmes, K. Curtis or G. Camarillo?

AJ Mass

  (11:44 AM)

This week - Camarillo.

Jim, the Anvil, Neidhart

I have Lee Evans on my bench (no backup RB) and can trade him and Carolina D for Baltimore's D and MacFadden. Good trade?

AJ Mass

  (11:46 AM)

No sir. I'm not sure how healthy DMC will be the rest of the way, and Evans should get you far more value.

Haku & Tama (The Islanders)

Any vacations for you before the year is over? Check out some islands.

Jerry (San Fran)

Do I dare bench Forte vs. Ten in favor of Duece?

AJ Mass

  (11:48 AM)

Dare! Dare! Actually, I expect Forte and Deuce to be comparable, but in a PPR-league I'd still start Forte.

Jack (Indy)

Commish question. What's your take on dead teams? Is it unfair that everyone playing them now until the end of the year gets an automatic win? The dude put in Jon Kitna and then benched everyone else. Should all his players just be put on waivers and he be taken out of the league?

AJ Mass

  (11:51 AM)

Dead teams: BOOO!!!! It's a question of when/how the team went dead. If he's had the same lineup in place for weeks on end, jumping in now and making changes is unfair. If it's only a recent injury (like say he has Schaub and Pittman in his lineup) and has been somewhat competitive up until now, then reluctantly, I might choose to swap in some of his bench guys... but the best thing to do would be to get a new owner with no stake in anyone else winning to jump in and make these calls.

The Conquistadors (Remember us?)

Torain or Leon Washington in a non-PPR league?

AJ Mass

  (11:52 AM)

I'd go with Torain, but even here, I'm not confident about it. (And sadly, I do remember the Consquistadors and The Spoiler, too)

Charles (Austin)

I have Cutler and Dallas Clark as back ups to Brees and Gates and I'm trying to trade them now that bye weeks are over. I need a #1 WR and the last place team has Fitz. Is this feasible or should I aim lower?

AJ Mass

  (11:53 AM)

Why aim lower? The worst that can happen is this guy says no. Whether or not it is feasible is up to Fitz's owner and nobody else.

Jake (FL)

Follow up on Willie Parker for Ryan Grant...I did that trade based on the "Re-Do" mock draft from the ESPN staff...should we not read much into that, or should we look at where the players were drafted and judge their value by that???

AJ Mass

  (11:56 AM)

The midseason mock is just a general thumbnail sketch. The fact that player A is two picks ahead of Player B doesn't say much. If he's 10 rounds ahead - then you've got something.

Adam (WI)

Been offered Andre Johnson and Willie Parker for Marion Barber and Roy Williams.. Do I jump all over this?

AJ Mass

  (11:56 AM)

Like Superfly Snuka off the top ropes.

Jay_RI

Ethics question! Our trade deadline is Friday and the last place team(2-7) has no chance at the playoffs. He has offered up Westbrook. What do you think of him "dumping" his best player when no trade will help him at this point? It isn't fair to the teams in contention, is it? Shouldn't he just gracefully play out the season and not try to influence the outcome of the league?

AJ Mass

  (11:58 AM)

He's offering up Westbrook. If he takes the best offer, then he's going to be getting value in return. Every contending team has the chance to get him, so there's nothing unfair about this. He's probably enjoying "having a say" in the league, rather than simply giving up and doing nothing. I have no issue here.

Stephen (Sacramento, CA)

Rest of the year, Edwards or Jennings, Eli or Rodgers? Thanks.

AJ Mass

  (11:58 AM)

Jennings and Rodgers.

Jay_RI

Follow up.....he has said he would give Westbrook to me since he likes me best. I turned it down and just asked him not to trade him at all. Don't want to win like that.

AJ Mass

  (11:59 AM)

That's different. At that point it is a form of collusion. Offering a player up for auction is fine, but to use that as a smokescreen for giving him to his buddy? Then we're not cool.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! this week: Avery, Royal, Driver or Matt Jones

AJ Mass

  (12:00 PM)

Jones if he plays, Driver if he doesn't, tough guy!

King Harley Race

Remember when I broke my back on that table fighting Hogan? Ouch!!! That was crazy! Would it also be crazy to play both LT AND Sproles against KC over Charles or Faulk?

AJ Mass

  (12:01 PM)

I wouldn't do that. Charles should get more than Sproles.

AJ Mass

  (12:02 PM)

Thanks for the Q's and the walk down WWF memory lane, gang. We've got to go, but soap star TMR should be in at 3pm for chattage. We'll see you the next time on Piper's Pit.