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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get things rolling, with these critical fantasy playoff weeks here or approaching...

Seth ( Lansing, MI)

Pennington in Dome @ Buffalo or Garcia @ Carolina

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

More of a heads-up than anything, the Dolphins-Bills game will be played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto this week, so no weather worries with that one, as it'd be normally in Buffalo this time of year. I can't pick Chad Pennington over Jeff Garcia, not in a road game. Nope, can't do it, I just don't respect his talent or receivers enough.

Jason (NC)

how high are you on P.Hillis.is he a must start???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Yes, so I'm very high on him, apparently. He'll slot in as a clear No. 2 running back, off the top of my head.

james (NYNY)

Nice sub in on the Podcast a few weeks back! Tristan! with the William's suspension would you play Ind D over them? also along those lines, does K. Smith become a better play than MJD or J. Lewis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Thanks, James, Eric Karabell and I had fun with those. Hope to get a chance again sometime soon! As for the Williams, we have to see what this injunction results in, but let's make two assumptions here before I make my answer: Williams out, Bob Sanders plays, in Week 14. If that's true, then yes, I go Colts. Good matchup, and I'd be tempted even without Sanders on board. OK, as for Kevin Smith. No, I wouldn't get that creative. It's close with Jamal Lewis, but I couldn't do it.

Craig NY

I'm very concerned starting Portis this week for week 1 of the playoffs. Is it crazy to start either Warrick Dunn, Derrick Ward or Mewelde Moore over him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

You know, I am too, Craig. I would try to avoid Portis if I could, knowing he has some health concerns in addition to the awful matchup. Of those choices, I'd go Dunn. I know the matchup doesn't look great, but he went for more than 100 last time against the Panthers.

Mike (UMaine)

It's almost finals week here at school (journalism major) and hopefully in about 3 years I'll be working as your understudy. Pick 3 for the week: Addai, LJ, Gore, Slaton. Thanks a lot THC!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Good luck with finals, Mike, and keep working hard at it! Do your best and I'm a firm believer hard work will get noticed. Best advice I can give for those starting out. Steve Slaton is a no-doubt-about-it must-start. Hogwash, I say, to those who say "workload concern"; nothing of the sort in Week 13! And you know, I will go Larry Johnson as the other starter. Almost 200 yards and two scores in those teams' last meeting earlier this year.

Randy (PA)

THC, what's the likelihood the Miami DEF has a good week (as they did in Week 9) vs. BUF? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Not great. Or, at least I think they'll fall a bit short of that. Road game, and I wasn't overwhelmed by how the Dolphins fared in St. Louis this past week. Not that I'm saying that's a bad defense choice, but it's borderline start at best.

Ron (NY)

You say Slaton is a must-start - but I have LT Turner and C Johnson too. Who do I sit? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Well, I can't account for teams that have ridiculous backfield depth -- and I usually tell those people that they should have made a trade to strengthen other areas before the deadline! In your shoes, it's Steve Slaton vs. LaDainian Tomlinson. That's the battle in my mind. And you know, I actually do slightly favor Slaton!

Crazy Al

Tristan, can you try to talk some sense into me? C.Johnson and Hillis over studs like Jacobs and Lynch this week. Am I really considering it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Well, Chris Johnson is starting. Period. And for as much as I like Peyton Hillis -- let's say I could see him being better than Brandon Jacobs this week -- I wouldn't use him over Marshawn Lynch.

Wilson (Athens GA)

Is Mewelde Moore startable in your opinion, over a Reggie Bush or Portis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Reggie Bush is going to play for me this week knowing that Deuce McAllister is most likely sitting with his suspension -- that's the way it looks as of right this very second. I own Bush. Trust me, I'm starting him. Especially over those alternatives.

Nichy Santoro (LV)

PIT D or MIN against DET?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Ugh. Hurts to have to choose there not knowing for absolute certain the Vikings' D-line guys' status. Again, I'm assuming they sit. If so, it's the Steelers for me. Hey, Marion Barber might be out or sidelined. And that's a very talented defense. The key factors as this could swing either way by game-time: Williamses' suspension, Barber's health. But right now? It's Pittsburgh for me.

Kevin: San Jose CA

Is Warner a better start over Brees? And is royal a better start than Bowe? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Yes, and no. Kurt Warner dominated the Rams earlier in the year, and the matchup continues to play nicely in his favor. Dwayne Bowe actually has the better matchup of the receivers, especially in a road game.

Wilson (Athens, GA)

And a follow question to my last one...Do you consider Pierre Thomas as a better option than Clinton Portis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

See, now, that is a real toughie, because I'll call that a close race. Let's say Portis makes it through the week without many health issues in practice. I can't sit him. But any sign of doubt, I do think Thomas has some touchdown potential, and would roll the dice.

Mr.Einstein

Was I foolish or the smartest man alive when I dropped Kevin Smith this week for Peyton Hillis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

It was smart. As to "smartest man alive," can't help but feel like that's like Colbert's "Bush: Great President or the greatest President?"

Tim (MD)

Better for the playoffs: Ricky Williams or K.Faulk? Garrard or Hasselbeck?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

PPR issues, Tim. That answers your running back question. Kevin Faulk is a tremendously underrated flex option in my PPR keeper league. Not a fan in standard. Not that either is a great choice. As for the quarterbacks, I loathe the Jaguars' remaining schedule for a quarterback, so there's your answer.

Justin BC

hey tristan, in your opinion which one of these streaky almost-studs have a better chance of pulling it together this week..? Moss vs. seattle or ronnie vs. the bills

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

For me it's Randy Moss, because that's a cakewalk matchup on paper. Interesting: Ricky Williams actually has the stronger track record against the Bills.

Steven (Indianapolis, IN)

Do D. Hixon or S.Smith (NYG) have any more value with Plax out for the year? Would either be a better WR2 then B. Engram and Ocho Stinko?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Absolutely, and I'd say with confidence that Domenik Hixon is a more appealing fantasy option to me than either of those two you currently have.

Dennis, NY

Tristan, would you consider playing Thigpen over Romo or Cutler in the upcoming playoff weeks. Or do I stay with the Horses who got me here?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Depends how they look this week. For me it's Jay Cutler in Week 14, and you have the luxury of sitting back and seeing what you think after that. I will say, though, that Tyler Thigpen has some favorable-on-paper matchups and Tony Romo has some horrible-on-paper matchups in the final three weeks. But a bad Thigpen Week 14 will have me saying a week from now "don't get cute." This game changes, and you have to follow along if you want to win.

brian (de)

Why is Addai losing touches to Rhodes? Addai or Hightower this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Because, and this is just speculation on my part I admit, Joseph Addai is probably not quite his normal self health-wise, and Dominic Rhodes has shown the Colts enough that he's a worthy choice in the right spots. No, I don't see it changing. But here's what I see: Tim Hightower had done nada since that last time he battled the Rams. I do like the matchup, but I like Addai's too, and I feel more confident Addai will get 12-15 carries than I do Hightower.

Ron, OH

Tristan, you said you thought Miami is a borderline defense, well would you play the Chargers tommorow night against Oakland ahead of them?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Nah. San Diego has been so disappointing. Not that I really like either defense if I could help it. Go get Arizona; I actually feel stronger about them this week than either team!

12-1 w/bad match ups(nj)

THC can you please help me pick 2 of the following 3...Gore, Jacobs or D.Williams, thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Toughie, but I'll go Frank Gore in a home game, brutal matchup or not. Then I'll go Brandon Jacobs, barring any talk between now and kickoff that he's a risk to play the game.

Dale, Charlotte, NC

I am getting all different opinions on who to start between Lendale White vs Cleveland and LJ vs Denver. You are the tiebreaker. Who do you go this week? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Larry Johnson, and I couldn't be more certain with that decision.

GO ZAGS (Spokanistan, WA)

THC, would you ever consider benching CJ for Hillis? How Good can the jags be against the run?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

No, but I understand why some people might think Peyton Hillis is actually the more attractive play. You know, I'm not going to laugh at you if you make that move, I don't think it's crazy talk. I just happen to trust the Titans' running game, so deep that it can tear apart any opposing defense. As for the Jags, not sure where that reference came from. Bears get 'em this week. Texans had 'em last.

Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ)

Trouble City. Do you like Benson or Sammy Morris this week. And I have no other options.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

No, I don't like either one, but faced with that choice, I'll say that Benson battles a poor run defense, so sure, he has flex-play value. I like the Pats' matchups much more in the passing game than the run.

Deadline Decision (MI)

I have to declare keepers today...who do I keep out of LT and Slaton? I can't believe I am thinking this, what do I do!?!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I could see this opening myself up to an inevitable firestorm of "are you nuts" comments, but I'd keep Steve Slaton. LaDainian Tomlinson turns 30 in June, and he is showing all the classic signs of the age-30 breakdown player for next season. Now, I won't say Tomlinson is going to be age-30-Shaun Alexander-bad in 2009. That'd be crazy. But these guys will be close in value, and I will break the tie by age and carries on a guy's legs in a heartbeat. Slaton is younger, and I think he's legit.

Nick (Philly)

Philip Rivers has been floundering a bit for me lately against some tougher D's. I picked up Matt Ryan off of waivers but am having a tough time pulling the trigger and plugging him in this week for round 1 of the playoffs. Who would you prefer this week? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

I want no part of Philip Rivers against the Raiders if I could possibly help it. You can possibly help it.

Dan (Boston)

QB: Garcia, Thigpen, or Frerotte? DEF: PIT or PHI?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Tyler Thigpen is a strong choice there. And no way am I using the Eagles defense this week. No. Way.

Jeff (Iowa)

Giants DEF a decent start this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Sure, and that draws a little back to the last answer. I see Donovan McNabb, solid as he looked on Thanksgiving, going right back into the tank this week. There is a clear downside to the Eagles' offense in this matchup.

Greg Tampa

Is hillis over Owens crazy at the OP

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Peyton Hillis over Terrell Owens? No, not crazy at all.

Kevin (Charlotte)

Would you start the Jets over the Giants Def?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I'd need to see the 2007 Patriots as their opponent to want to ever sit the 2008 Giants defense. Hmmm. Did I see that matchup somewhere before? (Or close to it?)

Brandon (Ball State Cardinals country)

Tristan, is the downside to the Eagles' offense steep enough to sit Westbrook for Hillis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Absolutely. I am not at all fond of Brian Westbrook this week, don't care how good he looked on Thanksgiving. It's not a favorable matchup and he is absolutely not 100 percent.

Franklin (Albuquerque, NM)

Schaub (assuming he plays) or Jeff Garcia this week? And no, you're not crazy for keeping Slaton over LT.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Matt Schaub isn't 100 percent guaranteed to start that game -- though I do believe that he will -- and the matchup is a poor one for a guy coming off a long-term injury. Packers have a strong secondary.

Joe (St. Louis)

Assuming JP Losman gets the nod, would you rather start him or Jake Delhomme in a league that doesn't count off for INTs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Ewwww no. But that's of the "don't get cute" variety.

Brad (Boston)

You said that Ricky Williams has a stronger history against Buffalo, and it's worthy to consider. Does that mean it's likely to expect repeat numbers from Ginn again this weekend?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

I don't know how exactly you made that leap, Brad. If you want to address Ted Ginn's potential aside from Ricky Williams' history against the Bills, I can say Ginn did do well against that squad earlier this year, and he gets a bump in probable targets without Greg Camarillo around. I could see him getting close to those early-season numbers, what was it, Week 8 or 9?

Wally, Sharon, PA

Tristan, Why arent you recommending Washingtons defense agains the Ravens. Cause I am contemplating playing them over Miami. I mean they hold teams to under 20 a game usually and they seem healthy.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

I dunno, because neither overwhelms me. I can't stress enough, these aren't defenses that make me say "Oh wow, I gotta start that team!" I'd probably side with you, Washington over Miami. But Baltimore is getting good effort from Joe Flacco at quarterback, and that running game has been remarkably productive. It's not an elite play, period.

Emily (NJ)

One word answer - Thigpen or Pennington??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Thigpen.

GOING FOR BACK TO BACK FANTASY CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!!!

Two quick questions for ya Tristan. With the suspensions do you start Minn D or Arizona? Also, what do you think I should do with Ryan Grant? Even if he plays they say Jackson will have a lot of carries. Which do you go with? Thanks, sorry it is so long!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Best of luck to you, because I can assure you, that is a lot tougher feat to accomplish than you might think it is! You need good luck on your side in addition to suave roster management. You can control the latter, at least. So let's control it for you: I'm going Arizona with the information I have this very second. If the Williamses play, it's Minny. As for Grant, I'm going to say low-level No. 2. If he plays, he's a certain start over Brandon Jackson for me. But I'm not wild about him for Week 14.

Will (STL)

Tristan, answer my question and help me secure a playoff berth. Assuming he plays, start Welker over Bowe in a 1/2 PPR? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Nah, but that's only because Wes Welker hasn't been enough of a factor in the touchdown department. It it were full PPR, I can say I'd absolutely be tempted.

ricky (boston)

u say u dont like westbrook this week.....do u bench him and start turner and forte????

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Uh, yeah. Brian Westbrook: Middling to low No. 2 back. Slot him accordingly.

Miller

Zach Miller, Heath Miller, Greg Olsen, or John Carlson? Which one are you rollin with?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Zach Miller is my tight-end sleeper of the week. He beat the Chargers for that big score in their previous meeting, and no team is weaker defending the tight end than San Diego. Oh, also, Miller is about the only reliable pass catcher for the Raiders, too.

Muffica Jackson (Ponte Vedra)

have the jags packed it in? any reason to keep starting mjd when you has other options

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

I do worry about that possibility, and it'll likely keep Maurice Jones-Drew in the second tier of running backs as a result. But he's a pretty useful goal-line bet and gets, say, 10-12 carries a week, so I see no reason to call him an outright sit, matchups regardless.

Ginn vs. Hixon

Who wins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Domenik Hixon, but it's close.

Matt (Austin, TX)

Cutler vs. KC or Cassel vs. SEA?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I actually really like Matt Cassel for a huge bounce-back game, but I cannot make the leap to start him over Jay Cutler. That's an offense-friendly fantasy matchup, Chiefs-Broncos is.

Ryan (Denver)

would you start Reggie Bush in a ppr league this week? I currently have him at flex over Ryan Grant and Jericho Cotchery.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Love Reggie Bush in a PPR league; that's the best spot to own him. I'd use him over the nicked-up Grant, but Cotchery's matchup is uber-juicy.

Jack (OH)

Colts D vs. Bengals or Bucs D vs. Panthers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Colts, in what I feel is a bit of a gut call. Again, Bob Sanders' status matters.

A. Bryant vs. Hixon

Is this battle even closer, who wins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

A little more respect from me for Antonio Bryant.

Eric Iowa City, Iowa

I have question about fair play and sportsmanship. In my league this past week we had a team start only three of his players to purposely tank a game. This gave his opponent an easy victory and thus the final playoffs spot while my team was knocked of the playoffs. He says his strategy was he would rather see the other team in the playoffs then mine. Do you think this was a fair move on his part, or a dirty play?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

A dirty play. I write rules into my leagues that prevent this prospect and I think you should boot the guy from the league.

Paul (KC)

So just to wrap-up the chat, based on previous questions, Hillis over Addai, LJ, and Hightower this week, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Wrapping it up? You sure? I had a big breakfast, I can hang in here longer ... and no, not Hillis over Larry Johnson. But the others, sure.

Dan (Philadelphia)

Hey Tristan "I'll put you down for greatest" Cockcroft. I?m torn between Romo at Pitt or Ryan at NO. I figure Ryan?s a lock for 200 yards and 2TDs but Romo has a huge risk-reward factor. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Today's theme: Colbert quotes, apparently! "Well, this is awkward." It's a little odd to say it this way, but I would go the safe route, and call Matt Ryan the "safe route." Two months ago that would be pure insanity. Today, I can't take the chance on Tony Romo in a road game against the league's best pass defense potentially with a shabby running game setting him up.

Becka, SF

Winslow replacement needed! Who do you like for the next 3 weeks? H. Miller, Lee or Heiden?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

I'll be honest with you, Becka, I would have to closely examine those matchups to pick only one guy. In your shoes I'd be rotating guys and exploiting matchups. I will say this: Steve Heiden is no toss-away. Better pass catcher than people think. I'd go Donald Lee for this week though.

Neil, Mobile, AL

I disagree. If Erics team wasn't good enough to get into the playoffs then he put himself in that position by either bad drafting or a lack of quality free agent moves during the season. You can't take away strategy from fantasy football Tristan. What is the purpose in that?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

You are entitled to your opinion, Neil, and there is absolutely merit to the point that a team shouldn't put itself in that position in the first place. But first and foremost, I think it should be mandatory that every team in every fantasy league fields a legal, active, healthy lineup. That is the bare minimum I find acceptable. If you want to "tank" the game, fine, go ahead, but you had better at least make a half-hearted effort in doing so. Believe me, I could find myself a full, active, eligible lineup of good enough guys I know will probably lose me the game. And I don't play even that way, mind you, but I think it's shameful when you don't even try, and make it obvious like that.

Ace (Pittsburgh, PA)

If I'm starting Reggie Wayne and the Colts D, do I sit Dallas Clark for Owen Daniels??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Nah, Colts have a great matchup across the board. Don't fret.

WR HELP!

Which 2 are good replacements in DEEP league for Plaxico? Deion Branch, Davone Bass, Mark Bradley, Josh Reed, Chris Chambers and Matt Jones.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

Bess is the first guy who stands out, especially if you get bonus points for return performance. And I still feel like there might yet be something to Bradley when those favorable matchups come in the final weeks. These are hunches, I admit. Branch could be a shot in the dark too.

dan(Minn)

mcnabb or big ben?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

Big Ben for me, but both scare me to a certain extent.

Eugene (Eugene, OR)

Grant or MJD? Neither really seems that appealing.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

I'd go Maurice Jones-Drew, because the Bears do give up rushing scores and he's a goal-line factor.

Brendan (Missoula, MT)

Clark, Cooley or Keller at TE this weekend?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:07 PM)

Dallas Clark. Dustin Keller's matchup is a poor one, no matter what anyone tells you. San Fran is weakest defending the deep pass; it's about the best in the game (if not the best, I can't recall off the top of my head) covering the middle of the field.

Mike State College, PA

Is Toomer the top WR for NY with Plax out and is he worth a start?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:08 PM)

The Giants are going to mix and match, and I see Amani Toomer a pretty decent pickup right now. For the record, the reason I put Domenik Hixon a tad ahead of him -- and both are really No. 3s, that's all, this week -- is that he brings that special-teams value to the table as well.

Bears (Everywhere)

Shouldn't the standard for sportsmanship be to try to win every matchup? If you're not playing to win, don't play (and that includes even "meaningless" games for those already locked in to the playoffs and those already eliminated).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:09 PM)

Bingo. And you can't try to argue for vetoing shady trades and yet allow this kind of thing to happen. Is it really any better to allow two buddies to make a dump trade than to have one tank a matchup so the other one can win?

Greg (NYC)

No question but nice tidbit on the SF pass defense. Makes my feel better about my decision to start Thigpen over Favre. Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:11 PM)

Another case where I don't quite see how that logic follows. It'd actually support Brett Favre's case, I'd think. I'd start him first of those two. It's the tight end who suffers most from the matchup, not the quarterback or wide receivers.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:11 PM)

OK folks, time to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all your questions and for joining me today, and sorry if I couldn't get to yours. Best of luck to you in your playoff matchups this week!