AJ Mass

  (10:58 AM)

Good morning, gang. Got me a fresh cup of coffee, got college hoops ready to tipoff on ESPNU, and we're ready to start the day. Let's talk some fantasy football, shall we? Who's up?

Henry Higgins (London)

What do you do w/ a problem like Brandon Jacobs?

AJ Mass

  (10:59 AM)

You hope to have a bench deep enough to deal. I think the Giants do not need to play Jacobs to win, so why risk it? If he makes the trip, he'll get around 10 carries, I believe. Is that enough for you to play him? Depends on your roster.

Ryan ( BFE, TN)

alright let's get right down to it. Reggie Bush playing or not Monday?

AJ Mass

  (11:00 AM)

I think so, but if you don't have Pierre or Deuce as potential late throw-in, you can't rely on it. Start someone else.

Help before tonights game

With Ocho Cinco out tonight does that hurt or help TJ? I need to choose between TJ, Bryant and Lance Moore. I like Bryants match-up this week, I am playing Hines Ward already.

AJ Mass

  (11:01 AM)

It won't help, but I think TJ already was going to suffer due to the opponent. I'd go with the other two guys this week.

Cody (Seattle)

Which hot hand do I ride this week? Thigpen or Cassel?

AJ Mass

  (11:02 AM)

I'd go with Cassel. While I do like Tyler, and the Bills aren't the best pass D, throwing to Moss and Welker is going to earn you points every week.

Jeff (Iowa)

Rodgers or Warner?

AJ Mass

  (11:03 AM)

Nice problem to have. I'm going Rodgers, but both are solid Week 12 plays.

mark (NJ)

got a lot of tough calls this week. Matt Ryan vs. Car or Brett Favre vs. Ten. Also do you like kevin curtis and dallas clark this week?

AJ Mass

  (11:04 AM)

I like Ryan. Favre doesn't ever get great stats... he's a 200-yard at best thrower with high INT potential. And I don't trust Eagles receivers ever.

Matt (Nashville)

Your thoughts on benching studs. I have Westbrook, Addai, and Turner. This week, would you think about benching one or two for either J.Stewart or W.Dunn?

AJ Mass

  (11:06 AM)

I don't bench my best based on matchups, but clearly Westbrook is not at 100 percent. Dunn is a great play this week, and I'd start him over Brian.

Jim (Detroit, MI)

I know you say that you don't worry about the other team when you make trades, but analyze this scenario: I have Moss, Welker, and Bowe sitting on my bench most weeks. I could upgrade my TE from Cooley to Gonzo or Gates. I can't really upgrade it in any other areas. Moss, Welker, and Bowe would help out the other team (and possible playoff opponent) a lot more than Gonzo or Gates will help me. Do I still make the trade?

AJ Mass

  (11:08 AM)

Shallow league this must be. In this instance, with probably very little separating the teams in question anyway, I'd sit tight.

scott (dallas, tx)

duece, bell or green this week? ugh.

AJ Mass

  (11:09 AM)

Green and pray for a goal-line vulture.

Tony (Raleigh)

Who should I start Jamal Lewis or DeAngelo Williams. Williams has looked great recently but his carries are always limited.

AJ Mass

  (11:10 AM)

I disagree. His carries have only become limited after he's already gained 100 yards. I'll sign up for that.

jason (NC)

Orton or Romo??? both are banged up,both have good matchups...who you trust more???

AJ Mass

  (11:12 AM)

I trust Romo more but Orton-to-Forte and Orton-to-Olsen is going to get me a lot of points. I don't trust Kyle, but I'm starting him.

Jon(IN)

Based on what Marshawn Lynch did last week against the Browns can we expect Slaton to do close to that this weekend? Or would LJ be a better play?

AJ Mass

  (11:14 AM)

I go nowhere near LJ. Just not going to do it. Slaton's only problem is going to be the coaching decision to pull him in close, which could cost him TDs... but the yardage should remain.

Dave (Manchester, NH)

Would you really start Dunn over R. Brown? What's the upside, Dunn won't score a TD...

AJ Mass

  (11:16 AM)

You can predict this? Nobody knows who will score TDs. But I do know Dunn's getting most, if not all, of the carries and will catch passes as well. If I can get 100 yards from a lead back who isn't sharing, I'm going for it.

Big O (NYC)

AJ, big fan of the commissioners court. Maybe you can be of assistance. My league's trade deadline was last night. The manager with A. Peterson is lacking a second RB. I offered him Mojo and Lynch for Peterson. He rejected my offer and instead accepted his buddies' offer of Turner and Hightower. Normally I wouldn't protest such a deal, but given the fact that my offer was clearly better (at least in my mind), I cannot help but feel there was collusion involved. It is also worth noting that we get a full PPR, adding value to both Mojo and Lynch. Your thoughts? Should I make a fuss to the league about this?

AJ Mass

  (11:19 AM)

I agree with you that if it were me, I would have accepted your offer. That being said, it's every owner's right to make/accept whatever deal he thinks is best. Or to choose to deal with Owner A instead of Owner B. That's not evidence of collusion.

DC(CO)

Hillis or Fargas? Mason, Avery, or Evans?

AJ Mass

  (11:20 AM)

Hillis and Evans.

Reggie Bush (NFL)

So you would sit me in favor of Pierre Thomas, Bradshaw, or one of these two WR's in Holt/Bradley?

AJ Mass

  (11:20 AM)

If I had Pierre Thomas, I'd wait until Monday and make my call then.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

You said above "If I can get 100 yards from a lead back who isn't sharing, I'm going for it" in regards to Dunn. So by that logic I sit DeAngelo Williams for him because Williams shares? Or does Williams have more upside? Jamal Lewis third on that list?

AJ Mass

  (11:22 AM)

Absolutely. I like DeAngelo, but a back in a timeshare is always going to take a backseat to a lead back with a good matchup. And this week, I actually like Lewis a bit better than Williams, though it is close.

scott (dallas, tx)

commish court kind of question. our league sets its lineup deadline an hour before the first game of the week. so, for example, my lineup has to be set before tonight's game and cannont be changed. would you be in favor of changing to a deadline that was an hour before each player's game? does that make sense?

AJ Mass

  (11:24 AM)

I don't like "an hour before each player's game" - what I personally prefer is Thursday deadline for including those players, and a final lock down at the start of the first weekend game.

Elizabeth (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey AJ. See any chance that Edge gets sent to another team? I know the Cards said no, but it seems like Edge is pretty unhappy. If he hypothetically were to go elsewhere, would he have any fantasy value this season?

AJ Mass

  (11:25 AM)

No, and no. James is the Cards handcuff to Hightower, and they'll keep him.

Steven (Toronto)

Need a WR(PPR) - Branch or Matt Jones?

AJ Mass

  (11:26 AM)

I'll take Branch, but only because I think he's a better chance of playing.

Derek (Minneapolis, MN)

Most people have to set their lineups by 11:55am Sunday, so going back to that question on Reggie Bush above?

AJ Mass

  (11:26 AM)

As I said before, if you can't wait... you can't start him.

Matt (ATL)

Can Justin Gage be count on as a decent WR option or will the Titans just revert back to the run? Do you like him over a Kevin Walter-type, productive #2 receiver?

AJ Mass

  (11:27 AM)

I think the Titans bread and butter will continue to be the run. Gage will have his moments, but it's not going to be consistent. Walter, however, is.

Dan (New York)

Should i drop Carolina D to pick up Tyler Thigpen to play over Mcnabb? I have Philly as my other D.

AJ Mass

  (11:29 AM)

At this point of the season, I see no reason to hold on to two Ds. I'd definitely drop one for Thigpen, even if I didn't want to start him this week. QB depth is far more important headed into the playoffs.

Faith (NYC, NY)

I have Sage and Shaun and neither is a great choice. Which is the lesser of the 2 evils to go with this weekend?

AJ Mass

  (11:30 AM)

Sage. He's erratic, but has a much more balanced attack, IMO.

Ishon TN

Do I start Gore over Slaton his week? I kinda like Slaton's matchup better than Gore's...

AJ Mass

  (11:31 AM)

So do I. But you should always go with your own opinion. Even if you make the wrong call, at least then you'll be learning how to better evaluate these things for yourself.

Jay(tampa)

Tight Ends pick 1 - Keller,Daniels, Boss ?

AJ Mass

  (11:33 AM)

Keller. It's all about targets for TEs and he's steadily increasing that number.

brad(PA)

I am thinking of benching McNabb beacuse he does not know the overtime rules. Would you bench him in favor of Big Ben this week? Thanks

AJ Mass

  (11:34 AM)

I'd still go with Donovan, but it's close to a coin toss. And if not knowing the OT rules really warranted a benching, most fantasy owners would not be able to field a legal roster, I suspect.

Jay, Knoxville, TN

Why are you so down on L.J.? Herm Edwards thought he played well after missing about a month. Wouldn't you start him over someone like J.Stewart or Lendale White?

AJ Mass

  (11:36 AM)

How nice for Herm. He's always spot on in player evaluation, is he? I don't like LJ, don't trust him, and if I have a better option, I play them. Do I think it's Daily Show? No. But I'd think long and hard about LunchDale.

Joe (NJ)

Do you trust the Ravens defense this week? Philly has looked terrible but will probably show up this week and score 30 just because my defense will be playing them!!!

AJ Mass

  (11:38 AM)

I think the Ravens D will come to play too, don't you? They don't get lit up for 200 rushing yards often. Your last name wouldn't happen to be "Downer" would it?

Brian, NY

Is Denvers defense a sneaky play vs Oakland or should I stick with the Redskins vs Seattle. Thank you.

AJ Mass

  (11:39 AM)

You don't get points for "cleverness and cunning" you get points by getting points. Denver should be OK against Oakland, but I'm rolling with the Skins.

DGA

Who is the handcuff to Forte at this point? Kevin Jones was mysteriously inactive last week, so Wolfe and Peterson split the garbage time carries. Or is this a case where if Forte goes down, the Bears become a dreaded RBBC?

AJ Mass

  (11:40 AM)

The real question is, if Forte goes down, do you really want Jones or AP2 in your lineup? I'd say no.

Brandon Jacobs (NFL)

If I don't play this weekend would my backup Bradshaw put up better numbers than the likes of Holt or Bradley?

AJ Mass

  (11:41 AM)

If you do play, Bradshaw might put up better numbers than Holt or Bradley. Personally, I'd roll with Torry, one last time. But you could argue for any of the 3.

Tim (Latrobe, PA)

Mr. Commish ~ How do you determine when someone is throwing a game? I have a team that must win to make the playoffs...but is playing his buddy this week, who also needs a win. Dude is benching Moss, DeJax, and Gage for BLloyd and Randle El. Do I go change that for him? His argument will just be "I'm in the playoff hunt...why would I cheat?" But c'mon now..is that not blatant enough?!

AJ Mass

  (11:44 AM)

Aside from the flawed logic that an owner who "must win" is somehow benefiting from "throwing" a game, you NEVER change another owner's lineup. After all, last week Jerome Harrison outscored Matt Forte. If you had stepped in after an owner made that call, you'd be a dead man.

John (Cinci)

AJ, dude you just picked Deangelo over Jamal and then four posts later you argued the counterpoint and picked Jamal. i guess its close for you.

AJ Mass

  (11:46 AM)

LOL. It is close, but in one case, it was for a RB1, the other for an RB2. That can influence a decision.

Kennan (Ohio)

I need help! I need to start one of these 4 RBs: Lawfirm, Daily Show, M.Moore, and C. Benson. Also, should I start McNabb or Cassell?

AJ Mass

  (11:47 AM)

I think Kennan just likes typing those nicknames. I'd go with Stewart and Cassell.

The Fabulous Mr. Roto

AP or LT? Given the matchups it's just too close to call for me?

AJ Mass

  (11:48 AM)

I'm going AP.

Chad (Wheeling, WV)

If Jacobs is announced as the "starter"...do I throw him in there? Or do I go with APittman(Chi) or KSmith(TB)...out of fear that Jacobs plays like a quarter???!! (I also have DWard, but if Jacobs plays I want no parts of Ward). Thx.

AJ Mass

  (11:49 AM)

I have no insight into the mind of Coach Coughlin, but I already said I think Jacobs only gets around 10 carries. I'd go with Ward without hesitation in this game.

Danny (queens, ny)

interesting because i plan on starting both jacobs AND ward

AJ Mass

  (11:50 AM)

Nothing wrong with that most weeks... I'm a little cautious on Jacobs, that's all.

Tim

Hi AJ, I've got Housh, Santana Moss, Evans, and Branch which three would you play? Thanks

AJ Mass

  (11:51 AM)

I'm sitting Deion.

Alon (Brooklyn)

Must win situation!! Who do I start this week, Mcnabb or Garcia?

AJ Mass

  (11:51 AM)

Garcia.

Mark, Berea, OH

Ok, I am really confused. Romo and Warner seemed to be ranked neck and neck by all experts this week. Who is AJ Mass going with? You are final tiebreaker!!!

AJ Mass

  (11:52 AM)

I'm going Warner. Now, don't ask anyone else or you may end up tied again.

Rebecca (St Louis)

Back to the question of when lineups lock.....why don't you like allowing a team to lock their players 1 hour before the players game??

AJ Mass

  (11:56 AM)

It's a personal opinion based on my own experience. If a player is going to be a game-time decision, that's usually enough info to make your lineup choices... at the very least, nobody should be allowed to make waiver pickups once the games have started for that week.

Chris UT

PIck 2 of the following 5 for this week only, PPR 12 team league: Hillis, A Pittman, K Walter, Hightower, Holt?

AJ Mass

  (11:57 AM)

Walter and Hillis

PJ Athens, OH

Flex play: MJD D Ward or Andre Johnson? 1/2 PPR? Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (11:57 AM)

Ward

Ryan (Fargo)

Any word on Driver's turf toe? Would you recommend Cotchery over him this week? Thank you in advance.

AJ Mass

  (11:58 AM)

Right now, I'd still go with Driver, though he's got some family issues as well this week.

Travis (Annapolis, MD)

Buzzer Beater! Pick two: Portis, Addai, Dunn, Hillis.

AJ Mass

  (11:58 AM)

Clinton and Warrick.

JP(small town Texas)

AJ who might have, if any, value during the playoffs? Stewart, Caddy, Fargas, Benson or R. Wiliams?

AJ Mass

  (11:59 AM)

Stewart and WIlliams are the only two I'd count on for some stats.

JR NC

AJ, whats your favorite color??..Coke or Pepsi??

pj (daytona beach)

can you pick two for me please?(PPR) Derrick Mason, Owen Daniels, Justin Gage, Santonio Holmes THANKS!

AJ Mass

  (12:00 PM)

Holmes and Daniels.

AJ Mass

  (12:01 PM)

That's all the time for this week folks. Thanks to you all for your Q's. Another chat comes your way at 3pm. Remember to take 85 out of your lineups, and as always, we'll see you the next time on Villa Allegre.