Jim McCormick

  (2:49 PM)

What's up fellow fantasy fiends? Lot's of questions coming in so I'll do my best to get as many answered as most of us are in the playoff hunt...

Hogwash (AL)

Addai, D. Ward (Jacobs doesn't play) or Hillis this week? Thanks

Jim McCormick

  (2:51 PM)

If it's just one from this group then it has to be Addai, who seems to have gotten his stride back and the staff's trust for lion's share of touches. I actually like Hillis second here, because I'm not convinced we still don't see a committee for NY this week

Ivan (San Juan, P.R.)

Greetings from the Island Star of the Caribbean. Who's the better start at TE this week, Cooley against Seattle or Boss against 'Zona. Thanks.

Jim McCormick

  (2:52 PM)

Gotta go with Cooley. While Boss has been nice in matchups - his points are tied up in TDs, while Sea can be exploited by the TE (see Celek, Brent)

mark

would should i start pittman or pierre thomas or mcfadden?

Jim McCormick

  (2:53 PM)

Well Mark, considering that Pittman is on IR with his future in doubt, I'd say Pierre should factor in no matter Bush's or Duece's status

Phil (Baltimore)

Jim I have no idea who you are but I need some advice. I need to sit one of these gentlemen in a PPR league: Andre 3000, Welker, or Colston?

Jim McCormick

  (2:55 PM)

And I you Phil. Gotta sit Marques, I mean- guy could go off, but Andre and Welker are PPR machines, and I see Sage getting AJ back into the gameplan this week

Tim (CO)

Flex Rankings are out and was wondering if Larry Johnson is actually in fact a better start than Thomas Jones (based on his matchup with the Titans @ TEN)?

Jim McCormick

  (2:56 PM)

Lot's of LJ and TJ questions- this is a matchup situation, you have LJ against a banged up Buffalo front and TJ versus a stout Tenn front. As much as TJ has been the better option to date, I'd rather roll it on LJ getting a short TD or two.

Mike in Orlando

Rothlisberger or McNabb this week? How about the rest of the way?

Jim McCormick

  (2:58 PM)

Gotta go with Ben tonight, I don't envision at tie with Cinci (or a game for that matter). That being said, these guys are close enough that you need to vet out the matchups going forward- but I do know that outside of Cleveland McNabb has some tough division games looming

Kyle (D.C.)

Start Housh or Gage as my 3rd WR?

Jim McCormick

  (2:59 PM)

People loving Gage lately. As they should, but he's also gonna have Revis on him all day (and we saw what he did to Moss for most of last week over top). I know Pitt is a great D, but Housh is captain consistency and had one big game vs Pitt last season. Go with TJ

Chris, Toronto ON

Jim, need some trade advice: I have the chance to send Jacobs for Brandon Marshall. Given I need to win this week, is this a good trade to make?

Jim McCormick

  (3:01 PM)

While the letter OAK seem appealing to a fantasy manager- Brandon (Marsh) is facing the Nnamdi curse (top cover corner). So I'd explore other options if possible, because if you do make the playoffs, your gonna want Jacobs in tow.

Mark (Pitt)

Parker in the snow tonight or Addai on Sunday?

Jim McCormick

  (3:02 PM)

Between those two? Gotta go with Addai if only because of the conditions and that Ben may do the scoring

Craig (PA)

Fantasy basketball question, i was offered Okafur and Carmelo for Brad Miller and Felton. If i only have one other PG (TJ Ford), do i accept the trade on pure talent alone (or even in hopes of spining Melo to someone else for a PG)?

Jim McCormick

  (3:04 PM)

Hoops, love it. Nice trade, you are getting the more "volume" stat guys here. You can find a PG down the line, it's early.

DN (NorCal)

quick one, matt cassel or thigpen?

Jim McCormick

  (3:04 PM)

I like Cassel slightly more if for more yardage. Similar numbers though.

Jennifer (Jersey Girl)

C. Johnson v. Jets or P. Hillis v. Raiders this week?

Jim McCormick

  (3:06 PM)

Lot's of Hillis talk. Tough to sit a proven stud in Johnson for a one week wonder, but if it's my team I go Hillis. Kris Jenkins for the Jets is simply shutting down the run.

Kai (Karlsruhe, Germany)

Am I really sitting Marshall in favour of Bowe and Megatron because he faces the Nnamdi curse?

Jim McCormick

  (3:08 PM)

You know, it's not even just the Nnamdi factor, rather, it's also that Marshall has been relatively up and down since the torrid start. I like Bowe for sure since he's steadier than Wii sales. So it's Mega vs Marsh- edge goes to Mega for TD potential alone (they'll be down, as DET often is).

Shawn (oak)

If you had D.Ward, would you start him over Hightower and Bush regardless if B. Jacobs plays? I can also pick up W. Dunn, but I need TD's!

Jim McCormick

  (3:10 PM)

I don't use Hightower this week - just too much of a crap shoot- and the Cards have proven they don't need to run to score. Honestly, of your options (don't know who you'd be dropping), but I like Dunn. I can't trust Bush until he plays a full game. Dunn has the touches and DET has been susceptible to the long TD on the ground.

Thoughts?

Thoughts on Ted Ginn and Steve Breaston? Also thoughts on Owen Daniels? Start Billy Miller over Daniels?

Jim McCormick

  (3:12 PM)

No dice on Billy over Owen. While Owen has been weak lately, Shockey seems to have moved back into the gig. I like Ginn for some deep potential against a banged up NE secondary, while Breaston is a safer PPR play with less big-play potential. If you need to go for it all, I say Ginn.

Luke (Wichits, KS)

Jim, should I stick with Turner against a good Carolina D or Stewart against the easy Atlanta D? Thanks

Jim McCormick

  (3:13 PM)

Good question. With share back in effect, I'd endorse Stew over Turner, as crazy as it may seem. Carolina will run all over ATL to alleviate a struggling Delhomme.

Lonnie (Dallas)

I have Cutler and Marsh. Should i sit Marsh for Avery?

Jim McCormick

  (3:14 PM)

I wouldn't go this far. Whie Chicago's secondary is exploitable, I just can't trust that Bulger won't be on his back half the game. Marsh is at least gonna net you some respectable totals, just not what you'd expect from him.

Help!!

Does Quinn's injury worry you? Must win game for me...other options are Matt Ryan vs a stout Carolina pass defense or I can pick up Rosenfals off the wire...

Jim McCormick

  (3:16 PM)

I go with Brady over your other options here. He played ably after the injury and Sage is just too much of a turnover machine to trust over a protective Quinn.

Glenn, Chicago

A must win game for me. DeAngello Willaims or LJ this week? Bills giving lots of TDs to RBs lately and Williams will timeshare, but most rankings are in favour of Williams?!

Jim McCormick

  (3:18 PM)

Tough call but I'd trust D Will here. He's simply behind a better line and has been getting enough touches to be considered a started.

kc oakland

sup J-Mac! Avery or Bradley? Scheff or shockey?

Jim McCormick

  (3:19 PM)

I can't trust Scheff, big game then he disappears. I like Avery a little more than Bradley, he's the top target of his QB, while Bradley is more like the 3rd in KC.

Jack (Santa Clara)

Enviable choice, I know, but difficult still. Of the three, who sits this week: Tomlinson, Lynch, Addai. Thanks!

Jim McCormick

  (3:20 PM)

Stocked backfield- Sit Addai, if only because I like the other two more.

Ben (SF)

Westbrook confirms he is less than 100%, and that his ankle gets worse as the game goes on. Do you sit him this week in favor of Hillis, Pierre or D. Ward?

Jim McCormick

  (3:21 PM)

I have this same dilemma in several leagues. I gotta go with Hillis, who at least has the goal line gig while the others are in shares. Sad, but true, Westy just isn't a great option this week (although in a PPR it's a close call).

Ron Burgandy (San Di-ah-go)

Jim, I'm not gonna lie...that smells like pure gasoline. What 3 should I roll with this week? Westbrook, Chris Johnson, T. Jones, McGahee, K. Smith, Hillis. A nice bottle of sex panther cologne is yours for your answer. Stay classy Jim!

Jim McCormick

  (3:23 PM)

German for....In any case, gotta say I like TJ, Hillis and Westy.

John, Michigan

just got laid off, put a smile on my face and pick 1 from t.jones,c.johnson or hillis

Jim McCormick

  (3:25 PM)

Tough times for sure. Between Hillis and TJ for me. I know it seems like I just don't trust CJ here, but I see White having the better day. So I say TJ and Hillis. TJ will still get a ton of touches no matter the TENN front.

BRIAN, ASHBURNHAM (MA)

THOUGHTS ON THE BEARS DEFENCE? AND THOUGHTS ON PHILLIP RIVERS?

Jim McCormick

  (3:27 PM)

Screaming does not improve your potential for getting an answer. Just to be clear. I like the Bears' D this week to rebound from that thrashing, not a ton of sacks per se but turnovers and special teams are looking good. Rivers is a good TD play this week if not yardage- the Colts' pass D numbers are skewed by their sieve run D, but I like Rivers to do well enough to be a top ten start.

Manny (NJ)

Is Orton a good play this week versus the Rams, or will the Bears run all day with Forte? My other QB choices are Big Ben or Quinn.

Jim McCormick

  (3:28 PM)

Manny, this is a close call you have for yourself. I still go Orton of this bunch, just slightly over Ben, who I do believe will have a nice 2-TD night despite the weather scare. The Rams have given up something nuts like 74 points in their last two first halves of ball. Sit Quinn for sure of this group given your depth.

Jeff (OKC)

Am I crazy for considering Fargas over Westy and Chris Johnson?

Jim McCormick

  (3:29 PM)

No, your not. And that's kinda crazy. I always remind myself when starting my lineups that it's numbers, not names that win games. And this week Fargas should get 15-20 carries against a patchwork Denver D

Addai or Slaton

Hey Jim. Do like Addai over Slaton this week?

Jim McCormick

  (3:30 PM)

Lot's of these two in pick 'em questions- Slaton will have a really nice total yards day here but I'm concerned about Green taking his TDs. Go Addai in a standard, Slaton in PPR. If that helps...

Nnamdi, OAK

What is Nnamdi status? He was hurt last Sunday. Is he playing?

Jim McCormick

  (3:32 PM)

Considering it's a hand injury I can't see him sitting. He's simply a blanket of a cover corner, look what he did to Steve Smith a few weeks back

Jim (Delaware)

Which one would you start out of: Dunn, Kevin Smith, Hillis?

Jim McCormick

  (3:33 PM)

Dunn. His total yardage by far has the most potential and while Smith has been nice it's a tough matchup, and Hillis is TDs or bust, while Dunn is helping you regardless of a visit to the endzone.

Frank (Seattle)

Is "Jim McCormick" Berry's pseudonym for his new, more relaxed, fantasy focused writer personality? Karabell has Flex ranked P.Thomas, Arrington, Berrian, Hightower. Care to debate?

Jim McCormick

  (3:35 PM)

It is not. I'm the IDP nerd 'round these parts. In any case- I like that order myself- I mean, we can't trust Berrian or Hightower unless we're forced to right? They are just to apt to give us a weak outing. If I had to choose one of these as my flex- it's Thomas if only because he was the guy with Duece in, and I don't see Bush serving as comp to his specific role.

EMERGENCY HELP NEEDED ASAP

Any word on Bush's practice today? I need to turn in my lineup but cant decide between Bush or MJD

Jim McCormick

  (3:36 PM)

If it's a case where your league locks at kick tonight- you simply can't go with Bush. MJD has proven this season that he can be productive without the yards as a short TD guy. Bush is a GTD on a MNF game, be wary.

Sam (DC)

WHAT UP JIMMY! Answer this before I start drinkin! Housh (w Ocho Cinco Out) or Braylon in a PPR League?? THANKS MAN!

Jim McCormick

  (3:38 PM)

Ah, I'm glad to be a part fo your pregame routine. In a PPR, Housh is the guy. Braylon has put up way too many 1 to 4 catch games for me trust him over a reception machine like Housh. Even with Pitt's D, Housh is a 6 reception guy at minimum.

Rooster (Bville AR)

Does anyone track the ESPN experts picks? I would be interested to see who is the most accurate.... Thanks

Jim McCormick

  (3:39 PM)

We need an independent commission to rate the fallibility of us "experts." But really, TMR has long admitted his gaffes as well as his triumphs, if that counts. I think the ESPN ombudsmen doesn't know we exist to be frank.

Justin Gage (Ten)

Am I going to score more points in a PPR league than Matt Jones this weekend? Jones does seem healthy and the only way to beat MIN is by passing. But is he being slowly phased out due to the upcoming suspension?

Jim McCormick

  (3:41 PM)

I like Gage more if only because of the glut of wrs in Jacksonville. I don't see the looming suspension being the factor- especially as Jax needs to win to stay alive. Rather, I just like Gage over him given the Jets' weak pass D

Jay(Philly)

Why are all you guys down on LJ for the rest of the season? He's a talented RB, with a nice remaining schedule, on an offense that is starting to click, somwwhat. I say he's a top 12 or so back from this point on.

Jim McCormick

  (3:42 PM)

I agree essentially. I think he has some good games given the matchups. Top 12-15 is likely in my book.

Nathan (San Jose, CA)

Would you start Hillis or MJD in a PPR league?

Jim McCormick

  (3:42 PM)

MJD, for both PPR value and he's also a short TD guy to boot.

Matt (TEXAS)

Whos more vauluable this week for a ppr league: chris johnson vs JETS, Derrick Ward vs ARI, or ryan grant vs NO? Also do you think starting Colston and Lance Moore is smart, the Packers secondary is very good, just hopin one wr could breakout.

Jim McCormick

  (3:44 PM)

I gotta go with Grant, who has no improved value in a PPR as he's not a reception threat, but will be the best back of these three regardless. WR-wise, depends who else you have Matt, but I like Moore more, if only because of the report he's established with Brees.

JIM=My Last Hope

Thigpen or Garcia this week? Also, you like A. Pittman or Lendale at flex?

Jim McCormick

  (3:46 PM)

Two very good close calls here - gotta say as a sleeper call here I like Garcia more, if only because he's proven to dominate bad secondaries so far despite his conservative style. I like Thigpen too, but Garcia versus Detroit has more TD upside to me. I like Pittman more given that Chicago is slipping against the run lately and he's gonna get a gang of touches.

Tim (North Cack)

J-E-T-S, New England or Brocos DST?

Jim McCormick

  (3:47 PM)

Gotta go with Denver this week- as weak as their defense is, the Raiders O is that much scarier. The two other options could limit their opponents scoring but not net many turnovers.

Mark (sunny st pete, fl)

Hello, I could really use some advice here!! I was able to pick up Dunn this week and Hillis last week, but now I'm in a spot, because I think they are both worth a spot this week, but who do you bench from Grant and T. Jones? We can start 2 RB and a flex. I'm kinda leaning towards benching Jones!! Thanks!

Jim McCormick

  (3:48 PM)

I like Grant and Dunn- both should rack up big yardage and both have TD potential.

help

wats up with lee evans!!

Jim McCormick

  (3:50 PM)

He's Lee Evans. That's what's up. I wrote a 32 Questions in the summer about Evans' value as a fantasy wideout- he's simply a boom or bust guy and is subject to Edwards' recent poor play. Then again, he's also Mr. December, with half of his career TDs coming in that month, so be patient if you can, but don't trust that he's a weekly starter. That said, I actually think he does okay this week because KC has no pass rush, which could help Trent find Lee downfield once or twice, which is all it takes for Lee to produce. Confusing? I thought so

Please Help!!

Same game, which back? Thomas Jones or Chris Johnson??

Jim McCormick

  (3:51 PM)

TJ, he's proven more impervious to matchups and is team's goal line back, while CJ would need to bust a long one to prove worthy.

BRONCOS D (Denver)

This dude wants to start me over Giants D this week. Is he Crazy?

Jim McCormick

  (3:53 PM)

In this case, I'd rather still use the Giants because they are simply ball-hawks and get to the QB a lot- let's remember that while Warner is playing great- he's a proven fumble machine with that bionic glove setup. Stay with the G-men, although in other cases Denver is a quality option.

NAME GAME!!!

Chris Johnson or Peyton Hillis

Jim McCormick

  (3:53 PM)

Again, I feel like I'm hating on CJ here, but I just don't like him this particular week. Hillis will likely get a TD and has some value actually as a screen receiver.

Come on answer one time!!!

The chats vs. projections vs. rankings have got me all discombobulated this week because so many of my choices are so close. Orton or Thigpen this week? Choose two ? Slaton, L White, McFadden, Hightower. I'm starting S Smith (Car) but I need two more out of Ward, Holt, B Lloyd, R Davis? A win this week guarantees me a play off spot ? please help.

Jim McCormick

  (3:55 PM)

I know, you've posted a ton. It's quite a large question though- so let's get at it- Orton / Slaton and White of that group / I liek Ward and Holt over the Chicago duo. Good luck getting in the dance

FWP, Pitt

Hey, it's snowing!! Is Slaton or Dunn a better play than me? What about my boy Big Ben...would you go Rivers instead? Brrrrrrr.

Jim McCormick

  (3:57 PM)

I went to Pitt so I know what that is like- fun town, but cold town. In any case- I like Slaton more for sure. Dunn and FWP I have pretty neck and neck, but I like Dunn more given the matchup and his lack of comp- not the conditions. I would go Rivers as well, the guy gets TDs, which we all like, right?

Mother Nature

Do you think the Steelers will stick to the ground attack tonight in the snow? Debating whether to start Hines Ward due to the weather conditions.

Jim McCormick

  (3:58 PM)

Lot's of weather questions. Remember last week? When people were asking these same questions about the Pats/Jets game? That was a shootout essentially, so don't let the snow stop you from playing Hines 86, he's a good play tonight.

John (Syracuse)

Brady's finger affect B. Edwards

Jim McCormick

  (3:59 PM)

I completed this sentence internally, and I don't think it factors really- Quinn starts and will look to Edwards against a weak Hou secondary (even though Thomas is a nice corner).

Dwight K. Shrute(Scranton)

need two-megatron, colston, andre johnson? standard scoring.

Jim McCormick

  (4:00 PM)

Dwight you dirty dog, doing Andy straight dirty. In any case- Mega and AJ, and it's not close for me. Colston is just not trustworthy (yet) and faces a solid GB secondary.

Kim Deal (CA)

Chester Taylor just became available...do ya think it's worth dropping Cadillac, Hightower, or Sammy Morris to handcuff Peterson?

Jim McCormick

  (4:01 PM)

Chester is the rare handcuff that has solid potential if the starter goes down, whereas some handcuffs really don't help. Keep Sammy and Tim, Caddy is a great story- but I wonder what value he actually has and if any good fantasy team will really be starting him this season.

cj cali

brees or warner

Jim McCormick

  (4:02 PM)

Warner, but it's close. Those are some killer QBs, is the deadline over? You may want to net some depth elsewhere, no?

TONIGHT'S GAME!!!

Help!! Need a win this week to make the playoffs...Eli or Big Ben, Holmes or Roy Williams?

Jim McCormick

  (4:03 PM)

Eli and Holmes

DGA

Is Leon Washington a "must handcuff" for Thomas Jones owners? TJ has a pretty clean history of health.

Jim McCormick

  (4:04 PM)

Not really- Leon has value because of TJ, he's a great change of pace, but as the sole starter I'm not sure that actually helps him. And like you said, TJ is pretty durable. Can't hurt to own Leon either way.

Mr.Boombastic

Being a defensive expert, can you tell me who you'd start among the Vikes D or Carolina?

Jim McCormick

  (4:05 PM)

Carolina has more upside here

Mike (San Diego, CA)

I see Chris Johnson having receiving potential even if the Jets bottle him up, but I'm considering sitting him for Warrick Dunn this week. Am I worrying over matchups too much? Would Gruden continue to under-work Dunn and put in Askew and Cadillac to fill Graham's spot?

Jim McCormick

  (4:06 PM)

I hear on the reception potential- given what CJ did vs. Chicago- 6 for 70-odd yards? But I like Dunn more- he's that team's best back and while he may not get all the goal line looks- he's gonna be the cog of that offense.

Dan (New York)

If Jacobs sits should i start ward over hillis?

Jim McCormick

  (4:07 PM)

Tough one- only if Jacobs is OUT, if he's a go, gotta go Hillis. But Ward is a nice play if he's only sharing with Bradshaw.

My name is Earnest

Askew or Smith as a handcuff to Dunn. Caddy unavailable.

Jim McCormick

  (4:07 PM)

Neither- if Dunn goes down, the TB running game has little fantasy value. Look elsewhere

Adam (Newtown, PA)

Hey Jim, do I start Garcia over McNabb? Keller over Winslow? Strange times in this crazy fantasy world we live in...

Jim McCormick

  (4:09 PM)

I know- we sit big names. Not so long ago that Garcia/McNabb question was semi-real in Philly, but I say Garcia vs. Det and Keller over Winslow- if only because of injury, follow the Winslow news up to kickoff- you're gonna have a close call with the tight ends.

Sam (TX)

Playing the team I am battling for the last playoff slot this week. Start Santonio tonight, or Welker on Sunday? Or start both, and bench Hillis or Stewart?

Jim McCormick

  (4:10 PM)

I like Stewart an Welker- both are steadier plays with some upside to boot

Rob (Indy)

Hey Jim, I actually play in a IDP league. What's up with Ernie Sims?

Jim McCormick

  (4:12 PM)

I'll wrap it up with an IDP question- fitting. Self promotion alert- check out D Up! on Fridays, it's for all you IDP managers out there. With Sims, Rob, he's simply dinged up and they are concerned about his play as well- he was lauded as a big hitter out of school and he seems to over pursue and look for the knock out hit, leading to missed tackles. He's still a nice tackle option, but he's never been a turnover guy, so look elsewhere if you can- I'll talk about Sims tomorrow in the column

Jim McCormick

  (4:13 PM)

Thanks guys- sorry for the unanswered many- big volume of questions. You have to weigh your options and go with a mix of research and gut. Big week for most of us in fantasy, so best of luck.