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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

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

Cole (Tn)

Will Addai see a heavier work load as he continues to get more healthy and the schedule softens? Also, Bowe or Royal this weekend?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Well, if he gets healthier, sure. I'm optimistic, said in yesterday's chat I made a trade offer for him, so I'd say go for it on a buy-low deal if you can get him. Still, it'll be tough for him to be a top-five back overall from today forward. Not about to put him up in that class. Enough question marks surrounding him. As for the receivers, for as much as I like Eddie Royal's matchup, I'll go Dwayne Bowe.

Nick (PPR town)

This isn't covered by rankings. Should I start T. Gonzalez or Houshmandzadeh?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Well, it'll be covered in Eric's flex ranks, but I appreciate the thought, Nick. Pretty easy for anyone to check ranks instead of just ask in the chat, really. With your question, no doubt it's Tony Gonzalez for me. Good matchup, more productive player right now.

William (Dallas, TX)

Hey Tristan, What's up with Colston? He appeared on the injury report yesterday. Is he OK?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

It's possible that his limited status was merely the Saints breaking him in slowly instead of working him all-out mid-week, but it bears watching during Friday's session. I'll say I'm not concerned, but I remind folks all the time, it's on you to keep checking status. Stuff changes, and often unexpectedly.

Concerned Portis owner (Anytown USA)

What's your gut feeling on Portis this week? Should I find someone else. It really puts me in a bind that he plays Sunday night...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Gut feeling? I don't take the chance either way. I really think he's going to sit. And if I wind up wrong, I can say with pretty good confidence that the smart play is to take the more certain running back in the 1 p.m. game given the choice.

Scott (East Moline, IL)

The Falcons match up with Denver looks pretty juicy. Do I dare start M. Ryan over McNabb? Or M. Jenkins over Plax?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

No, but I admire your creativity, Scott. You raise a real debate there, but I still like the Donovan McNabb matchup more, and Plaxico Burress, sorry to say, is simply more talented and more integral to his offense.

Jack (VA)

Philosophy question, now that byes are over, is it better to trade depth to maximize your starting lineup risking the fact that one injury and you're done?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

That's the way I play, Jack. I want to win, or go down in flames trying. I'll do absolutely everything I can to positively assure I get into the playoffs, including upgrading all roster spots, even if it means taking the risk of the devastating injury. You know, last year, I had that happen, and it was pretty unexpected. I had three solid running backs; every one went down at an inopportune time (not season-ending, just a missed week at the absolute worst time, if memory serves). It happens. That's the game. But I took the chance to get there, and that's the best you can do.

dave (nj)

hey tristan,from what i see outside today the weather is bad so my question is play coles tonight or ward? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

But you're in New Jersey and it's 11 a.m. our time, so how could you make assumptions on the weather in New England? Seems like a stretch to me. But I'd still prefer Hines Ward, weather, matchups, whatever.

mark (wayne, NJ)

which is the one guy you would not start this week randy moss, plax, lee evans, or dallas clark in a ppr league. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

You can call me crazy if you like, but with them all so close, I'd actually sit Plaxico.

James, Ca

Mark Bradley vs NO beat up secondary, bold move over Chambers and Braylon, or dumb move?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

Over Chris Chambers in a heartbeat, James. I wouldn't even hesitate. Bradley is a great No. 3 receiver type sleeper. I'll be wedging him in the final lineup spots I've got in a few leagues, I can assure you that!

Concerned Portis owner (Anytown USA)

So then who do I pick from: Fargas, Sammy Morris, or pick up Hillis or R. Williams? Brutal, I know...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

I would actually take Ricky Williams. I think that's going to be a manhandling on the Dolphins' side, meaning a practically certain 15-plus touches for Mr. Williams.

Cofer antigo

Who do you start big ben or S hill

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Ben Roethlisberger's practice reports from yesterday were glowing. I'll take that chance.

RYAN GRANT (GB)

What is your opinion on me? Will I finish strong or what? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

My opinion is that I was way too high on you in the preseason, calling you a borderline No. 1/2 play, and you disappointed me both accounting for your preseason holdout and injury issues after you signed. Ya bum! I'm still optimistic there's low-to-mid No. 2 running back value in Grant looking forward, though. He seems healthier since his bye week and the remaining schedule is actually favorable enough.

Mark (sunny st pete, fl)

Hi Tristan.....I really like what Hillis brings to the Bronco backfield, but with Bell being signed, has this now become a muddled backfield and makes Hillis not worth a start?? THX!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Anything can happen in a Mike Shananan backfield. Unfortunately, that's the proper piece of advice I should give you. I'll toss in my gut instinct, and that's that the two split the workload evenly this week, with the hotter hand getting more looks going forward. I'm pretty pessimistic about the team overall, so take that for what it's worth. At best, think flex consideration for either, and I'd try my best to find a stronger choice.

Confused (AL)

LETS GO RAPID FIRE!!! Ummm... arent you suppose to be Matthew Berry this hour?? Thoughts on Thigpen this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

We swapped. I think a 1983 Fleer Tony Gwynn rookie card was involved in the deal. Plus future considerations. Tyler Thigpen, eh? Well, I want to start him in one of my most important leagues. And I'm confident. The matchup suits him nicely; New Orleans lost a key corner (Mike McKenzie) and Drew Brees has the ability to put the Chiefs in a hole and force Thigpen to throw. And Herm Edwards has made it clear he's willing to let "Thiggy" throw.

Steve (Marshville, NC)

Forget Berry we have Run THC!!!! Is Mcfadden done?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

"Run THC" -- I like that! No turf toe for me, though, neither foot. It's a bold statement to call a player "done," especially when it comes from an individual who is not a doctor or one who is in the Oakland locker room every single day of the week. I can say that for fantasy, if you need the roster spot, I am confident in saying let him go. I hope that's definitive enough for you. My gut feeling is that if word comes down DMC is shut down for the year very, very soon, I won't be shocked in the slightest.

Charles (Austin)

Is Cadillac rusty or will he take advantage of a banged up Bucs backfield?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

He worked with the scout team yesterday, so that doesn't bode well for his Week 11 role. Earnest Graham's injury does open the door for Caddy to get some work in future weeks, but sounds like Warrick Dunn is looking like the guy this week for now. I'm not ready to hop on the Cadillac Williams bandwagon, for the record. I'm just saying there's at least a small glimmer of hope now.

Brooks (houston)

PPR league. Do I start Grant in a bad matchup or JJones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Wow, Jacoby Jones? Really? Kidding. I knew you meant Julius, and if memory serves, he has been a little less-than-healthy this week and ... yes, just checked, sat yesterday with an illness. Probably nothing that keeps him out, but I like seeing a full week of practice with a more questionable starter. It's Grant for me.

Philip Rivers (San Diego, CA)

Would you start me against the Steelers defence? Or is Brady Quinn against Buffalo a better choice?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Philip Rivers is a stronger choice.

Joe Somerville, NJ

I am thinking of starting Micheal Jenkins over Kevin Walters. What do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

That would be an appropriate time to use Mr. Jenkins. For the record, I do think he can be a low-level receiver sleeper. Matchup is strong. Don't like Walter's at all.

Randy (CT)

Yo, yo, yo Tristan!!!!!!!!!...wouldnt be a week for me without you droppin knowledge. Help me figure out who the better play is, this weekend...Lynch or C Johnson and why. And Gore misses practice yesterday? Don't scare me now. That boy is poised to run for 472 yds and 8 tds on Sunday.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

OK, just to note, I need to get more information than "C Johnson," because there's a Calvin Johnson, after all. But I have to figure you're referring to Chris, and I'm going Marshawn in this case. Cleveland's run D isn't so strong, and I have my doubts Johnson will roll all over the Jags in a road game. I know I "trashed" LenDale in yesterday's chat -- one reader's words, not mine at all -- but White is indeed a scary goal-line vulture in matchups like these. As for Gore, yes, saw that, but I'm not troubled ... yet. Again, do your homework, but I'd divide your numbers by four and say, yes, sure.

ate

No love for the game TONIGHT? Is Green-Ellis going to get enough touches to start him tonight? Other choices would be SJax/Fargas/K.Smith.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Well, you can't wait on Steven Jackson with his questionable health. That's a problem. I'd say Green-Ellis barely over the others, but it's not a ringing endorsement. He's a flex play, period. And part of it is that I think Sammy Morris sits again. (Morris must sit for BGE to be worth it.) The rest is that I don't like those other matchups at all.

Sarah (Never had my question answered on here before...)

What do you think about Jason Campbell if Portis doesn't play? Does he take over the offense, or get beat up because Dallas won't respect the run?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Campbell is going to be a mid-range No. 2 quarterback either way. I'd be more concerned about Santana Moss playing than I would Clinton Portis, because Moss is the one who will help keep Campbell productive. Again, mid-range No. 2. I bet you can do better.

Anthony (Gilbert, Arizona)

Tristen I read you chats every week but never get my questions answered, Help me out here.. Should i Start Hasselbeck, Orton, or Shaun Hill?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Sorry, Anthony, but remember that it's an awful lot of questions each chat, and a limited window of time. Nothing personal! I feel dirty giving this answer, but it's Shaun Hill. Good matchup, at least. And I said in yesterday's chat that I don't trust the quarterback coming off the long-term injury. So Matt Hasselbeck, and Kyle Orton (who should have been out long term) can't be trusted, not in my mind.

Joe

Are you suggesting sitting the great Brandon Jacobs this week? Or just temper our expectations?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Temper. Jacobs will be an extreme long shot for 100 rushing yards -- no one does that against Baltimore -- but I think the Giants' multi-faceted attack will present its share of problems for Baltimore, especially in goal-line situations. By the way, I promise, no homer-ism here!

MATT THE BATT FORTE

Should I trade myself for Andre Johnson and Thomas Jones or Michael Turner?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Heck, I would deal you for just Michael Turner!

K (philly)

Those Big Ben practice reports still don't elevate him over Thigpen...right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

K, I have this very decision to make in the league I referred to above. Those are my two quarterbacks -- and the team is a lot more competitive than you might think because of strengths elsewhere -- and I can honestly tell you I have not made this final decision. Can't lie to you, that's the truth. I am going to keep monitoring those practice reports, and right now, my leaning is, clearly Thigpen. But if Roethlisberger continues to light it up in practice Friday, I'm going to be tempted. The matchup couldn't be nicer for him if he's truly throwing the deep ball with ease. (For the record, still a leaning in Thigpen's favor, but again, I stress how this game changes.)

James (FL)

Over halfway through the chat and no Reggie Bush question ??? Even if Bush is active, do I start him considering they might ease him back into a full workload or would you play a WR like Royal or L. Coles over him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

James, it's weird, but I haven't heard people nearly as excited to see Reggie Bush back as I was expecting. Anyway, it's a legitimate question. With your options, I'd let Laveranues Coles' game pass by without using him. Eddie Royal is every bit as strong a play, so no need to waste a Thursday play. And I'd then base the decision on Bush's status. If he's playing, I'm using him.

crappy question asker

Do you sit Braylon Edwards this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Only knock on that question is that I don't know your alternatives! Do I want to sit Edwards? Yes, I do. I think Brady Quinn's installation as starter has hurt him. But I have a feeling most fantasy owners can't afford this luxury. Edwards still must be regarded in the top 25 plays, I'd say.

Brad (Vegas Baby)

Trsitan - I like Hightowers matchup this weekend, but AZ is a pass-first team. Do i go R Grant instead

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Nah, Tim Hightower there. Better chance for the touchdown.

Uncle Leo (Queens, NY)

After reading the "best of Blogs" I am worried about Rodgers as my only QB... who is the better backup to snatch of the WW, Orton, Sage, Hill or Collins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

If I must pick one of those quarterbacks as insurance, I'd take Kyle Orton. He has proven himself pretty matchups-capable when healthy, and might be back as soon as this week. Good guy to stash.

Lacey

I have the Titan's D, but I really need a win this week so I'm thinking about taking a flyer on Miami's D based on their upside. Good or bad idea??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Suddenly that old SNL commercial "Bad Idea Jeans" logo is flashing in my brain right about now... but again, I admire your creativity, because Miami is a sleeper.

Anne (SF)

Would you start Bradley over Braylon Edwards?? Edwards has stunk this year but it's hard to sit him.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

I've got a lot of admiration for creative people this week -- you're all picking intriguing sleeper plays, I give you that, but you're still suggesting starting elite, productive players. I know it feels like a good idea, but I still stand by the rule you play your most talented players over the shots in the dark.

Angel - Devil

I have the ability to lock my friend out of his email account for 24rs, so then he cant set his line up to bench Pittman... If it comes down to Saturday at 12:01. Do I do it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

That's just wrong.

Rebecca (St. Louis)

Hi Tristan, I can't decide who to play as my second running back. I have Thomas Jones, Steve Slaton, and Ronnie Brown to choose from. It is a .5 points per reception league. Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Slaton's workload considerations come into play here. Brown is a no-brainer, and the Slaton question makes the other two a close race. I'm playing the matchup. Don't like Jones at New England at all. He's fine for a No. 2/flex type, but I think Slaton has the stronger chance at the huge day, even if his touches are a little lower than normal.

Tim (Latrobe, PA)

Hi Tristan:If SJax is out:Who do I start in his place (PPR)?Braylon (@Buf)Berrian (@TB)Kevin Smith (@Car)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Bernard Berrian, not that I think it's a standout matchup by any means.

Fred (Chi)

In desperate need of a "W" to make the playoffs, Tistan...Start BJGE in the early game or wait on SJax? Moore, J.Stewart, R.Williams, and J.Norwood are the best options on the waivers.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I don't know your bench situation, but I'd roster Ricky Williams right now, pass on the Green-Ellis game tonight and then wait until Sunday. I just like Williams more than BGE, for this week.

Paul (Lodi, NJ)

Pick one: Bush, if he plays, or DeAngelo Williams

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

DeAngelo Williams in a race that really is not close.

Dan (wyoming)

playoff implications -- donnie avery, frank gore, santonio holmes for LT, Housh and Sproles. What side?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

I'd stick with Gore's side. I've said before that Tomlinson has a fabulous remaining schedule, but that's really the only elite portion of that side of the deal. Housh's quarterback is killing is fantasy appeal. Not to say that Avery or Holmes is a stronger receiver, but fact is that's two questionable guys you can rotate based upon matchups instead of one. Seems smarter to me.

Jake(Philly)

Shocky not on the injury report can we finally expect a good week or drop him bc he is a cancer to fantasy teams as well as NFL teams?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Just watch, he'll have a great game when you least expect it, he'll be benched for practically everyone and then you'll all start him and he'll let you know. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Jeremy Shockey. (If you like this kind of player, by all means, be my guest, but I think you can read between the lines.)

Jack (Richmond Hill)

Does the fact R.William gets the start (w/ROMO back) this week bump his value over Cotchery or Driver...which WR should I start?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Nope. I'll make Roy Williams prove to me that he can remain productive as the No. 2 behind Terrell Owens first. I'll go with Donald Driver here.

BGJ-E (Foxborough)

I'm sick of every week being dubbed as LT's return to normal and FWP's return from the sideline. I almost want to start the BJG-Express over one of them this week. Calm me down.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Willie Parker, by all reports, will play wearing a shoulder harness. I'm playing him over BGE. And it'd be lunacy to use BGE over LDT.

Steve NY

Roethlisburger has been terrible all season. Do you think his shoulder has healed or is it the fact that San Diego will get no pressure on him. I have a Ben/Rivers dilema for that sunday game.Thanks,

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Both, but it's the latter point that's more relevant to your decision. Philip Rivers for me forced to choose.

Burt Harbinson (The Stakeout)

Tristan, your opinion on this blockbuster trade. Who got the better deal? Brees, Driver, Tatum Bell, Selvin Young for Eli, R. Moss and Kevin Smith.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I think the team that gave up Drew Brees got taken. Tons of respect for Brees, I have.

Steve (OH)

Tristan, in a 14 team league would you trade Steve Smith and Cedric Benson for Kurt Warner and Steve Breaston? As of right now my QB?s are Campbell and Garrard. Also, who would you drop if you accept this trade, Campbell or Garrard? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

If you can afford the receiver hit, then sure, that's great value for you. And I'd let Jason Campbell gone of the two quarterbacks.

Dave (CA)

After Rodgers' stinker last week do you bench him for Thigpen? That NO-KC game looks like a shootout.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

I noted above that I'm pretty fond of Tyler Thigpen this week. I think that's a chance I would take, especially accounting for Rodgers' being nicked up this week. Guys I would never, ever use Thigpen over, off the top of my head: McNabb, Peyton Manning, Romo. And obviously, Warner, Brees and Cutler too.

Jon(IN)

The returning LJ or the worn down Slaton and who between B Edwards and Breaston?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I have enough worries about Larry Johnson's missed time and the fact that Chiefs will frequently be pressed into passing situations that I would absolutely go for the "worn down" Steve Slaton. And stick with Braylon Edwards.

Yodam(Tatooine)

Marion Barber I have. Trade for Ronnie Brown I can do... Help from the Force I need.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

"Yodam"? Really? C'mon. And no, bad playoff schedule for Barber or not, can't make that deal.

Pick one please...

Warner against Sea, or Cutler against Atl?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Haven't you traded one of these guys yet? I think I've recommended that to you all season. Kurt Warner. Period. Won't sit for me at all until he shows me something to cause me to doubt him (and I doubt he will).

Jon (KC)

Is Bradley really a true "sleeper" when he has 3 straight 10-14 point weeks and plays a "hot butter-esque" Saints' pass D?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

He's owned in 20.1 percent of ESPN leagues. Twenty-point-one! Wake up, people!

Don (N.Y.)

Last one: Tampa or Miami D?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Good case to use the Dolphins here. West-coast teams are winless in 11 games on the east coast, and Marques Tuiasosopo might be the Raiders' starting quarterback.

Brad (Philly)

Tristan, how would you feel about having both Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin on the same fantasy team? Too many eggs in one basket? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

That's a dangerous prospect because it's awfully difficult for two receivers on one team to have great games simultaneously, plus if one defense has the team's number, you've lost, period. And Steve Breaston is no slouch as the No. 3 there. Of course, if you must pick two guys from one team, you picked the right one, but I stress to you, you're at risk when the fantasy playoffs arrive.

NO NOT LAST ONE!!

I need my question answered: Welker or Breaston in my ppr league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

I'd stick with Wes Welker, because he's actually a pretty decent, consistent value in PPR leagues.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions and for chatting with me, sorry if I missed yours today. Best of luck to you in Week 11, and take care everyone!