Christopher Harris

  (10:49 AM)

Hi, everyone. I'm here a little early, so let's get right down to business, shall we?

thomas (toledo. ohio)

Should I trade for Joseph Addai and his easy schedule? I could offer either Willis McGahee (tought upcoming schedule) or Larry Johnson (unsure of his availability but an easy schedule) to offer. Who do you think I should trade away?

Christopher Harris

  (10:53 AM)

Hi, Thomas. I do like Addai's upcoming schedule: HOU, SD, CLE, CIN, DET, JAC. That's about as good as it gets. The worry, of course, is that he got 12 carries against the Steelers, while Dominic Rhodes got seven and also caught the winning score. I think Addai is healthy. I don't think I'd get rid of McGahee just yet -- he looked strong yesterday. But LJ? It could be a good move. I wish I knew definitively whether he'd be back -- I think he will be -- but I might pull the trigger anyway, because he was mighty inconsistent before the suspension madness started.

George Plymouth, MA

Hey Chris, This is your Dad. How much stock do we put in Big Ben for the remainder of the season? Seems he might not have the ability to take the Steelers all the way. Your thoughts?

Christopher Harris

  (10:57 AM)

My dad is in the chat with me! (That really is my dad.) This is such a family moment. Anyway, Roethlisberger looked shaky when it counted yesterday, with two horrible interceptions during late drives (one late in the first half, the other late in the game). I have to admit: I'm starting to re-think my ranking of him. He stands at 10 TDs and 9 INTs, and his quarterback rating is below 80. I still like him as a player, and I don't think he's as bad as his numbers have been, plus it'll be tough to bench him against a vulnerable SD pass defense. But he's going to be a low-level QB1 for me going forward.

Jordan (NJ)

Hey Chris, important question!! In a 1/2 PPR league where you start 2 RB, 3 WR, and a flex, my RBS/WRS are Jackson, Forte, Moore, Boldin, Burress, Cotchery, Bowe, Royal. Should I trade away Boldin and Forte for LDT and Coles? Any help is greatly appreciated!Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:00 AM)

Hi, Jordan. You know, I'm not sure I'd do it. I think the downgrade from Boldin to Coles is more than the upgrade from Forte to Tomlinson. I know that sounds like heresy, and I'm trying to to overreact to a single bad game for LDT. But Boldin is a beast, and that Cardinals passing game figures to stay red-hot tonight. I don't think it would be a dumb or unbalanced trade, and I don't think Forte is as good as his fantasy numbers yesterday. But Boldin seems like the hottest guy here...

Bryce (Not related, but still happy to be here)

I've been offered Drew Brees (from a guy who has Philip Rivers) for Romo and Jamal Lewis. I'm in a 10-man league and I have LT and Slaton, this is a good deal for me, right?

Christopher Harris

  (11:02 AM)

Hi, Cousin Bryce. (OK, Bryce isn't actually my cousin.) Yeah, you know, I like that deal. I do like Jamal Lewis, probably more than a lot of others do, but since your RB situation is pretty well covered, I think the upgrade to Brees is worth it. This guy is just having a spectacular fantasy season. I mean, he's getting blown out, and he throws a Hail Mary to end the game, it's deflected and Lance Moore catches it for a meaningless touchdown. The guy is living right. I've said it before: I always like to be the one getting the best player in a fantasy football trade.

Jeff (Iowa)

Chris, this is your long lost brother Jeff. I need to pick up a RB, and have both Dallas Clark and Kellen Winslow. Which would you keep?

Christopher Harris

  (11:04 AM)

Hi, Jeff. It's funny, because we look *nothing* alike. Anyway, man, I'd hate to have to drop either guy. I guess this might be a pretty shallow league, but is there a way to trade one of your TEs for a RB? It strikes me that you might be able to get a better RB in a trade for one of the game's top-five TEs than off your waiver wire. If I'm guessing which guy is more productive the rest of the way, I think Winslow will be. But they're both elite.

Chris (TX)

Will Romo be back next week? If not, would you go with Garrard or Thigpen?

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Hi, Chris. All indications are that Romo *will* be back for Week 11, a huge game at Washington. He was able to practice last week, and it seems like all systems are going to be 'go.' However, if you're still of a mind to get a potential replacement in case there's some kind of disaster late this week, I think I'd rather have (gulp) Thigpen in Week 11. He gets a decimated Saints secondary, while Garrard goes against the Titans. Never thought I'd be typing *that*. Ever.

Kev (NYC)

How high with yuo have Thigpen ranked next week playing NO considering M. McKenzie is now out. Would you play him over Eli & Chad?

Christopher Harris

  (11:08 AM)

Hi, Kev. Honestly, I don't know yet. I don't do my ranks until tomorrow evening (I have to get to the Big Rotowski today, where I rank from now until the end of the season). Regular readers know that I'm not high on Pennington, and probably never will be, so the real quesiton will be Eli. I *think* I'd have Eli higher, even though it *is* a sweet matchup for Thigpen, I agree. I mean, I just worry the guy will turn back into a pumpkin when we least expect it. For the moment, I'm going to guess I have Thigpen lower than a lot of people hope next week, and I'll probably get flamed for it. But especially as the fantasy games get more important, I think it's better to be safe than sorry....

Brandon (Holland)

Couple injury questions for you Chris: Is FWP labrum busted, and did Torain tear something or is it only a sprain?

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

Hi, Brandon. Torain is definitely done. He tore his ACL and will need surgery. (Anyway, that's what I read his agent told the media...) As for Parker, there are now conflicting reports about whether he tore his labrum. He tells a Pittsburgh newspaper this morning that he hasn't been told by any Steelers doctor that he has a torn labrum, and that he plans on playing next week against the Chargers. But the story persists, and it's hard to understand why. Clearly on a Monday morning, this isn't a settled story just yet. We'll have to stay tuned.

James, Ca

Chris, do i run (not walk) to grab Mark Bradley? & with Willie having a tear, do i just drop him now?

Christopher Harris

  (11:11 AM)

Hi, James. See my prior post about Parker -- I don't think you drop him just yet. As for Mark Bradley -- he's as injury-prone as they come, but he's very talented, and I think he's worth adding in all leagues if you have the roster room. In that KC spread offense, he looks like a legit threat (plus the dude can chuck it). Anyway, I'm not sure you're starting him right away in a shallow league, but he's worth owning.

Brad(NM)

Is there anybody left on Denver's running back depth chart worthy of a fantasy start?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

Hi, Brad. It's a mile of carnage, isn't it? The way the Broncos answered that question last Thursday was by putting Peyton Hillis in the backfield, and it sounds to me like he's going to get the start next week, because Selvin Young's groin isn't going to let him play. I think you grab Hillis in deeper leagues. But can you start him? Hm. The Broncos ran an awful lot of empty-backfield sets last week, though that'll get you killed against John Abraham. I think Hillis will probably be flex-worthy, but that's about all....

Aaron (Cincinnati)

Chris, what are your thoughts on how the carries were split up with Houston yesterday?

Christopher Harris

  (11:15 AM)

Hi, Aaron. My thoughts when it happened were unprintable. Ryan Moats? Ryan BLEEPING Moats? I haven't watched the tape of that game yet, though I will probably do so tonight. From what I've read, Slaton was simply ineffective on some early carries, the Texans got way behind, and they decided to get Moats involved in their catch-up offense. I have every inclination to believe that Slaton is fine, and will be back to his regular self against a bad Colts rush defense next week....

Matt (Baltimore)

Chris this is your brother from another mother. I have Cutler and Turner, would you trade them for Peyton and Ronnie Brown due to their easy playoff schedule? Our trading deadline ends Friday.

Christopher Harris

  (11:18 AM)

Hi, Matt (or should I say B.F.A.M.?). I might've been all over this before yesterday, but Ricky Williams is putting a crimp in my thrills over Brown's schedule. It *should* be a real winner during the fantasy playoffs, but if Williams is going to steal 12 carries, well, that's going to be a problem. So I think I'd have to say "no." The Colts, as I mentioned earlier, have a *sweet* schedule much of the rest of the way, though I'm still not sure I'm going to have Manning rated higher than Cutler in today's Rotowski. Long answer short (too late), I probably wouldn't do the deal, but I like where your head is at.

Spyder (CA)

A team owner is desperate for a QB. I have Brees & M.Ryan. Offer Ryan for Hightower in return?

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Hey, Spyder. You know, I'd feel more comfortable answering this after tonight's game. But that may be your point: to try and capitalize while Hightower isn't considered a top fantasy player. The thing is: I'm not *that* high on Hightower. I'm the guy who was trumpeting him as a sleeper before the season, and I like him fine, but I'm worried that as a feature back, he could be a little bit exposed against better defenses. He's kind of a slower version of Marion Barber. And I'm liking Ryan a lot. But you know what? If you have a surefire starter over Ryan every week, this is a good trade for you. Yeah, I'd think strongly about doing it. Not a lot of downside risk, and a whole lot of upside.

Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle)

When will I be back on the field?

Christopher Harris

  (11:22 AM)

Everything I heard this weekend indicates that Hasselbeck is going to try to get back on the View (oh, wait,that's his sister-in-law)...is going to try and get back on the *field* next week. He's got some physical hurdles to clear during practice this week, and it might be a little scary to start him in Week 11 because one good hit on his back could send him right back to the bench. But there's a decent chance he plays this week, it sounds like.

Mike (SD)

Chris, any updates on Earnest Graham's knee? Speaking of bad knees and Bucs RBs, would you take a flyer on Cadillac?

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Hi, Mike. Well, you know how it is for NFL teams during the bye weeks: radio silence. I honestly haven't been able to get anything new on Graham in the past few days, which does worry me a little bit. I would think we'll have some better info in the next day or two. In a deeper league, meanwhile, I might consider Williams, but I have to say I give him about a 5% chance of being a fantasy contributor. I think Dunn will probably be a lot healthier this week, and possibly be able to pick up the slack if Graham winds up being a longer-term thing.

Sean (Philly)

Due to LDT's sub-par game, and whatever Delhomme did yesterday, I need a bunch of points out of Fitz tonight...think he can get me two scores? Seriously Jake, 7-27 and 4 INT's?

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hi, Sean. Yeah, I've seen the tape of that CAR game already. You can't blame the Snake for all the picks -- he had a couple tipped by receivers -- but still, he was inaccurate and off balance the entire game. And don't throw at Nnamdi Asomugha. Ever! One revelation out of the CAR/OAK game was that this Chris Johnson kid who was out of football a couple years ago and is now replacing DeAngelo Hall at corner is *really* fast. He probably will get torched here and there, but he might be a find. Anyway, naturally, it's posssibly Fitz could post two -- it's happened plenty of times before.....

Rachel (St. Louis, MO)

Dad, is that you? I've been searching for years...ok, which TE gives me the best production the rest of the way? Olsen, Carlson, Alex Smith, Keller, or Heap?

Christopher Harris

  (11:27 AM)

I cannot respond to the paternity question applied herein on advice of counsel. However, I can say that I think Greg Olsen is the best tight end you list. The Bears certainly would look better with Kyle Orton back, but Olsen made a couple very nice catch-and-run plays yesterday. He'd be my choice.

James, Ca

The Fantasy Gods were on my side yesterday, no points from Chambers less than 1 from Braylon & i get 177... Anyways, what do i do with Deuce with Bush coming back maybe next week? drop him, or try to trade him as a handcuff to the Bush owner?

Christopher Harris

  (11:29 AM)

Hi, James. First off, I'm not 100 percent sure it's a done deal that Bush is back next week. He has to practice effectively and avoid swelling in his knee this week. So it's possible Deuce gets one more game's worth of reprieve. But I like the strategy you outline here: McAllister's major value within a week or two is probably going to be as a short-yardage guy and a handcuff, meaning your league's Bush owner is going to value him highly. I like that idea....

Ryan, STL (not related to Matt Ryan)

Westbrook - buy low with MJD and Matt Ryan to a owner in need of a QB and a playoff spot?

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Hi, Ryan. I have to admit, I had a "here-we-go-again" moment last night when Westbrook came out of that game in the second half, but he did return (just in time to carry it twice into the teeth of the Giants D with the game on the line -- nice calls, Andy Reid). I like the deal you propose -- again, I like it when I'm getting the best player in a deal, and Westbrook is the best player in that deal. Heck, maybe you could get a second player thrown in as well, someone with some upside. But yeah, as a 2-for-1, that deal makes sense. I don't believe MJD will be that good most weeks. Unless Jacksonville can arrange to play the Lions every week.

Riaz, OH

Chris, Whats your take on Eddie Royal? Is he a better flex play now even though he is a WR than players such as Lendale White and J.Stewart?

Christopher Harris

  (11:33 AM)

Hi, Riaz. I have Royal ranked as a WR2 in fantasy leagues most weeks, and I have White ranked higher than Stewart at the moment, so the comparison for me comes down to Royal vs. White. I think I might play that on a matchup basis; White *does* have 11 touchdowns, after all. This week, I think I'd have a hard time sitting LenDale against a Jags defense that I don't trust against good teams. But overall, the notion is sound. If there wind up being matchups you don't like for White, or if you just get worried that his vulture run is over, Royal is a nice alternative.

Kevin, Dallas, TX

Chris, I got Kurt Warner vs Seattle next week but I also own Romo. I know its super early but would be crazy to throw Romo in there next week if he plays over Warner?

Christopher Harris

  (11:34 AM)

Hi, Kevin. Clearly, we haven't seen Warner play tonight yet, but boy, I think I'd have a mighty hard time sitting him for anyone just now. Romo will have to play in a very hostile D.C. environment against a pretty good defense, while Warner will get a bad Seattle secondary. I think I'm using Warner right up until the point he gets hurt (if that happens)....

Jake (Scottdale , PA)

Chris Johnson had his worst week of the year, with Jacksonville coming up Do i start Him, Deangelo Williams or Joesph Addai

Christopher Harris

  (11:35 AM)

Hi, Jake. Don't get depressed after one bad outing. It happens. The Bears decided to stuff the run at any cost, which led to Kerry Collins looking like an honest-to-goodness NFL quarterback. I don't think the Jags are capable of that kind of effort. Keep using Johnson.

Chad (DC)

Keeper question...Who is the better QB to have in a keeper league for next year and the future.. Schaub or A. Rodgers?

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Hi, Chad. Given the fact that Schaub is starting to look relatively injury-prone, I think I'm starting to believe Rodgers is the safer keeper right now. The hesitation I have is that Schaub plays in a more wide-open offense, and Rodgers is in a safer, West-Coast-style arrangement. But right now, I think I'm going with Rodgers.

Andrew (Canada)

With Hasselbeck returning, is Engram a decent bye for the rest of the season... better than say, Ginn Jr. who I would drop for him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Andrew. If Hasselbeck is really back, I like Engram quite a bit more than Ginn, yes. Ginn has shown a couple times in the past month that he's capable of making big-time plays, but I just don't trust Pennington to be able to get it to Ginn deep, which is where I think Ginn needs to catch the ball to consistently be effective. That touchdown yesterday was a joke of a throw, and Ginn made an awesome play on it. I don't think it'll continue. Engram is Hasselbeck's security blanket, and I think he'll be back to being a fantasy option if in fact Hasselbeck can make it through a week of practice.

j bizzle (portland)

is tj houshmanzadah a solid play at receiver right now? my only other option is donnie avery

Christopher Harris

  (11:39 AM)

Hey, Biz. Yeah, if I'm choosing between the two, I'm going Housh. Now, I'm trying not to overreact to the Rams' pathetic effort yesterday, because I do think that Avery will be heard from again this year. (Maybe as soon as next week against the 49ers.) But Housh is such a consistent guy and the Bengals are running a ball-control pass offense that suits him to a tee.

Kevin, Dallas, TX

Mr.Harris, Do you think Kevin Smith can be a major factor down the stretch? He is on the waiver wire in my 10 team league.

Christopher Harris

  (11:41 AM)

Hi, Kevin. I think Smith *should* be owned in all leagues, so I'd go grab him (assuming you have someone you feel safe in dropping). Smith really does seem to have passed (finally!) Rudi Johnson on the Lions depth chart, and he played pretty well (albeit mostly in garbage time) yesterday. Some weeks, Smith is going to be a viable flex play, even in a 10-team league.

Rob (Memphis)

The Jets D has put up huge points over the past weeks. Are they a safe play vs. New England?

Christopher Harris

  (11:42 AM)

Hi, Rob. I think you do go ahead and keep playing them. The Pats aren't going to make as many mistakes as the Jets' past two opponents, but I don't fear them as a big-play machine any more (obviously), plus it doesn't seem like anyone can run on New York right now. I'm not sure that the Jets are going to be able to go into Foxborough and win the game, but I do think that the D will continue to be play-makers and be worth starting in most leagues.

Tony (clevelan)

Hey, whats up with LT. Expected bigger things from that KC game.

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

Hi, Tony. Yep, no question. I mean, on the one hand, it's pretty clear the Chiefs went into that game with the idea of limiting LT's effectiveness. But the question is: how is that any different from past seasons? Teams *always* have schemed to take away Tomlinson, and have never been able to do it. The difference this season is that the Chargers O-line just isn't the same. For whatever reason, it's playing poorly. LT will still have big games, but he's not the best player in fantasy anymore.

Sean (Boston, MA)

Speaking of KC, what the heck happened with Jamaal Charles yesterday? I had him starting in my flex spot. Needless to say I lost the week. Is he droppable in a 12 team league or is he actually going to get some carries?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Sean. Charles was all set to be the starter in that game and then boom, he hurt his ankle on the Chiefs' first play from scrimmage. Thanks for nothing, UT alum! I *think* that Larry Johnson will be back in Week 11, which would mean Charles goes back to being a third-down player if he's healthy. But clearly the KC backfield situation would continue to be one of the league's most fluid, which would probably mean I'd hang onto Charles for the moment to see how this whole thing shakes out. Another LJ suspension based on his trial in the next couple weeks is possible.

Janie, New Wilmington, PA

Chris, I am really getting frustrated with L.T. Hasn't he clearly lost a step? I think he isn't even a top 5 selection in next years fantasy drafts.

Christopher Harris

  (11:48 AM)

Hi, Janie. It's frustrating, I know. Not to toot my own horn too much, but I was just about the only guy around Bristol who wanted to make Adrian Peterson our No. 1 overall ranked fantasy player for '08. Is Tomlinson a top five guy next year? I'm not ready to answer that question yet. I think there's still a chance he is. At this point, I don't think he's really so much lost a step as his offensive line has played pretty badly. If they can get their act together over the rest of the year (age really isn't a problem for them), we still could see the old familiar LT before the season's out.

Rick (Irvine, CA)

I think Thomas Jones value is at an all time, high, should I try and package him and Chad Johnson for someone like Portis... I am pretty well set for the playoffs also...

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Rick. Love the way you're thinking here. Love it. I just tooted my own horn for Peterson, so let me do the opposite for how I felt about Jones against the Rams this week. I had a sneaky feeling that he wasn't going to do anything. Whoops. That's an all-time bonehead contention right there. That said, I just don't think Jones is a "special" player (to use an overworked term), and that his schedule will stiffen quite a bit, at least the next couple weeks (Patriots and Titans). If you could get Portis, well, I think you'd be happier.

Santonio Holmes-Pittsburgh

What up Chris? Hey should I start against the Chargers over Duane Bowe versus the Saints? I have to win out to make the playoffs, so this could be crucial to my playoff livelihood. Can you help me please??????

Christopher Harris

  (11:50 AM)

I haven't done my work to figure out my Week 11 rankings yet, but I have to say that I've had Bowe ranked ahead of Holmes pretty much every week most of the season, and that's not likely to change this week, especially against a decimated Saints secondary (Mike McKenzie is injured with a broken kneecap, I believe). I'd almost certainly use Bowe.

Joe (NYC)

Flex play tonight Morgan or Breaston ?

Christopher Harris

  (11:51 AM)

Hi, Joe. Ooh. Very good question. Very good. I think I'd go Breaston. I do think that Morgan winds up starting alongside Isaac Bruce, but I'm not sure that Shaun Hill will throw a ton to his wideouts. Meanwhile, of course, Breaston is "only" a third receiver, but that offense can go *off**. This is a really tough choice. I would probably agonize over it all afternoon the way you're going to, and then go with Breaston. But I don't think you could be blamed for going with Morgan if that's what your gut says. Good luck.

Matt (MD)

Torry Holt is done, for this year at least, correct?

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

Hi, Matt. Just to be clear: you're not saying that he's *hurt*, you're just saying that he's not much of a fantasy option. And I have to agree with you. At the very best, he's a WR3 or flex, and that would only be in good matchups. The Rams are back to looking like they're in a shambles. Steven Jackson returning might cure some of their ills, but until that happens, stay away, I agree.

B (NYC)

OK to drop Favre and ride Romo the rest of the year?

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

Hi, B. I wouldn't want to do it today, because I'm not 100% sure that Romo will play this week. Something could always happen in practice. I might wait a week. And then I might see if I could trade Favre to someone who just loves him.

PJ (NY)

Hey, Chris. What do you see in Warner's future? Retirement? One more good year? I have him in a one year keeper league at 9th round value. I also have a deal on the table that would get me Cutler at an 8th round value but would have to part with B. Marshall (not keeper eligible).

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Tough one, PJ. I don't think Warner wants to retire, and I have a feeling that the Cardinals will try and bring him back for another year. He's always one big hit away from the funny farm (but then, aren't we all?). I think my answer would depend entirely on whether you're "in it" this season -- if Marshall isn't any use to you because you're out of it for the year, the Cutler deal sounds pretty good to me, because he's going to be a top-five QB next year. But if you've still got a chance, trading Marshall wouldn't be the right thing. He'll continue to be one of the game's strongest plays this season.

John (MA)

romo for b marshall. which side you got?

Christopher Harris

  (11:56 AM)

Hi, John. It would depend what I needed. I think it's pretty fair. But in a vacuum, I'd rather have Marshall.

Dave (GA)

Who do you like the rest of the way Sammy Morris, Ricky WIlliams, or Ray Rice? THANKS!!

Christopher Harris

  (11:56 AM)

Hi, Dave. Ew, ew and ew. I guess I still think Ray Rice. That looks like a stupid contention after yesterday's games, where Williams was clearly a bigger part of the Dolphins game plan. But I think the Ravens have big things in store for Rice, and I'm not positive I trust McGahee to stay healthy.

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

All right, folks, I started early because I knew I was going to have to leave on time, so let's do a couple more quickies.....

Mike (Cleveland)

What are your thoughts on starting WRs over RBs? I have T.O., S. Moss, Hines, and Colston. Should I actually bench one of these guys for Green-Ellis or Graham?

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

Hi, Mike. When it comes to flex, my instinct is to go RB, because they usually give you a baseline of performance, if you know they're going to get touches. But I actually can't say with certainty that either BJGE or Graham will get touches next week, so I'd be all for starting one of your stud WRs instead. T.O. with the return of Romo? Sounds kinda good. Moss against that makeshift Cowboys secondary? Also interesting.

Anthony (Davis)

BUZZER BEATER!! Is Kevin Smith for Desean Jackson a fair trade? Should I get more for Desean?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Anthony. It's probably pretty fair, in that RBs tend to be worth more than WRs. I like Jackson more, though with Kevin Curtis's return, Jackson isn't the fantasy star he was earlier in the year. It's not a bad trade if that's the best RB you can get, because I do think Smith is the starter going forward for the Lions. But I might explore if I could get a better upgrade than Smith....

Christopher Harris

  (12:00 PM)

All right, everyone. I have to bail. Thanks very much for coming, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to all of your questions. (There were over 1,000 in an hour.) I hope you'll come back next week, and I'll try and do better then. Until then, you can catch my stuff tomorrow in The Big Rotowski (my ranks from now until the end of the year), my Week 11 ranks on Wednesday, and the Breakdown (my take on every NFL game from a fantasy perspective) on Friday. Thanks again for coming.