Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Good to be back after missing out last week. Let's get rolling. Oh, and the only real news today is Matt Jones' suspension was upheld (he's out), and Brandon Jacobs' knee was less severe than expected. But he still might miss.

Drew, Austin, TX

would you start both Panther backs against Denver this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

I'd be pretty tempted to, considering the game is at home and the Broncos are vulnerable against the run. Depends on your other options, but I give you my full blessing to do so. Both tore up a good Bucs D last night.

Derek (Littleton, CO)

Good afternoon Brendan! Who is a better waiver pickup out of Morris, McClain, or Ricky Williams? And would you start any of them this week over Bush? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Hmm, probably wouldn't start either over Bush, to be honest. But Morris does make for a nice pickup (McClain faces PIT).

Mike (NJ)

Bad qb situation for me this week. Start delhomme or schaub as my #2 qb?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Yes, a tough one, but I think Carolina sticks to the ground against Denver, making Schaub my choice. I believe Champ Bailey can quiet Steve smith, and without him, the Panthers don't have much else to throw to.

Steve,ca

Yo BR ---Would I be nuts to start Pierre Thomas AND Reggie Bush at RB this week if my options were Fargas, Benson, Tatum bell and Mcgahee?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

You would not be nuts at all. In fact, in your spot, I'd probably do the same. But note that I don't expect Thomas to do much in Chicago. I think Bush does more with his catches, because Bears have struggled against pass-receiving RBs this season.

Chris (Syracuse, NY)

Will Westbrook and Steven Jackson carry me to the promised land?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

If you believe they will!

Sam (Mountview, CA)

BRENDAN!!! Got a tough one for ya. Slaton, Bush, or SJax in a PPR... Pick 2... THANKS BRO!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Hmm, probably Slaton and SJax. Like I said, I like Bush, but those are assured of more work.

Jim (NYC)

Hi Brendan...Will Kiffin right the ship for the TB defense this week @ Atl? Or would you start Was @ Cin, Sea @ Stl or SD @ KC? Also, Housh or Royal for my 3rd WR? It's not PPR.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

I think he/they will. When the Panthers' running game is in the zone, NO team in the NFL can stop 'em. Kinda reminds me of when MJD and Fred Taylor were running over and around teams. Anyway, I'd stick with TB this week. As for No. 3 WR, I'd say Housh. Just don't like DEN playing at CAR.

Matt (TX)

Who's a better replacement for Winslow at TE ... Carlson vs STL or Shockey vs CHI?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Carlson (this week, at least).

Ray (DC)

Marshawn has a tough matchup and it looks like the Bills have given up, would you start either P.Thomas vs CHI or K.Smith vs IND over him?? Thanks Brendan

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

No. I'd stick with Marshawn. With this latest news this week about Jauron perhaps losing his job (after the season) because of Bills' collapse, I think Marshawn will get plenty of work and do well with it. Marshawn has reportedly been a fan of Jauron and probably would like to help save his job.

Dan (DC)

Indy defense was a nice sneaky pickup this past week, sneaky pick against Detroit this week too?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Yes, good call Dan. (My sneaky D last week, and it won me a few playoff games: Arizona, but anyway ...) I say INDY is good this week at home against Detroit. Culpepper is hurt, not that it matters, and Bob Sanders is back in the fold. And the pass rush is clicking. Start away!

Miracles do happen (NYC)

Was up by 55 points in a 1/2 ppr league going into Monday's game, had nobody left on my team to play, my opponent had Antonio Bryant and D'Angelo Williams. Lost by 10.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Aw, man. Sorry to hear that. Fortunately, I won kinda the same way with Steve Smith, DeAngelo and Jake Delhomme (they've been, uh, helpful much of this season).

Ryan: (Miami, FL)

Hey Brendan, I'm in a league with a 2nd OP (wr, rb, qb, te) that goes to week 17 in the playoffs. I read the news that Warner may sit the last week or two. Is leinart worth starting the last week, or would you start a 2nd rb instead? I currently have Westy, Fote, CJ, Grant Dunn and MeMo. I have been riding out CJ, Westy and Forte for the 2nd half and Grant plays Detroit week 17. Was also thinking about picking up bradshaw, because the guy I would probably be playing has jacobs. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Hmm, haven't seen that news on Warner. I guess it's something to track, but again, I can't confirm that I saw that. So I'd still say Warner. Otherwise, go with an RB, probably CJ or Grant.

manny(saratoga, NY)

Need some help in the playoffs where I face my 11 year old son, Jonathan Stewart or Tatum Bell, and will Lee Evans be OK next week at the NYJ

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Rivalry game! I say Stewart, and it's not even close. And I can't endorse Lee Evans at all right now, given the team's QB troubles. He's a downfield receiver, and his QBs haven't been throwing downfield or even getting the blocking time to do so. I say you look elsewhere.

Rod Blagovich (Jail)

Do you play Pierre Thomas or Lendale White over Portis this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

Nope, Portis. Been reading all day that the only reason Zorn played Betts and Sellers in the second half is because the team was behind and Betts is the better receiver and Sellers a better pass-blocker (and decent receiver). Portis is upset by that, and I bet the Skins counter by giving him plenty of carries, and the game is in Cincy. Yahtzee!

Steve (MI)

My team is set this week, but would Arizona be better than Philly D this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Philly's D is pretty hot right now, and given their talent, it's not surprising. Love the ARI matchup if Tarvaris starts (and it looks like he will), but Philly is the better bet to produce for you. I take them.

Rachel Maddow

Talk me down, am I getting too cute if I consider starting Lendale White or Derrick Ward (assuming Jacobs can't go) over SJax?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

No, don't do it! SJax is assured of 20-25 touches, while White might be underused in a game that might be a passing-game shootout (Houston has a way of making games that way). Ward is tempting, but Bradshaw will share his carries. I stick with SJax.

Billy (NYC)

I lost Hillis this week, is Tatum Bell or Foster a worthly replacement?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

To pick up, maybe. To start, I don't think so. Looks like Foster will start for SF (although Gore still might play in his hometown), but MIA offers good run D, and Foster, I think, is held together with paper clips and rubber bands. And Bell at CAR. I like Bell for a pickup, but not start.

ED (LA)

Same sitaution as Miracles in NYC but I was down 52 and won thanks to DeAngelo and Bryant! Pick 2 of Turner, MJD & Grant. Also, pick 2 of Coles, Roy E., Branch, Hixon or Bess. Thank you!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Ah, much better story. I think Turner and MJD. Green Bay's run D is very susceptible. Meanwhile, Green Bay's loss of Mark Tauscher (for the season) will definitely hurt Grant. The big tackle is a road grader, and Grant often ran behind him. At WR, probably Bess (why not?) and Branch vs. SEA. Then again, I'm not a Coles fan at all.

Dominic (MI)

Since I lost my first round playoffs(by 2 pts) I need to focus and choose two player for my keepers. Who would you choose as the two keepers lynch, calvin johnson, jennings, antonio bryant, l white, or burress? I was leaning towards Calvin Johnson and Jennings. Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Yeah, I'd probably do the same, but Lynch is awful close to that. You might want to gauge what is available at RB at draft time and keep Lynch if RBs look thin.

Jay in Htown

B-RIZZLE! Gotta sit one between Portis, Westy, Addai, Wayne, Jennings and Carolina Smith. Who rides my bench?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

I'd say Addai. Favorable matchup, but that shoulder is hurtin, and the Colts likely will take it easy with him.

Gfella (Long Island)

Do you like Cutler against the Panthers? Also is Winslow expected back for Week 16?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

Week 15, or Week 16? No for Winslow on Week 15, but possibly for Week 16. I would doubt it, though, considering the Browns likely won't have much to play for. And no, don't like Cutler versus the Panthers. Of course, I think the Panthers will control the ball 38 minutes of the 60-minute game.

S l o w T y p e r . . .

With Hillis out, who's my #2: Rhodes, Parker, Ward, Moore, or Morris?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I' d s a y M o r r i s.

steve, redmond was

news on Gore? i have bush, LJ, Mo morris, and Jamal lewis. who to start if i got no gore?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Nothing definitive on Gore, but it's not looking good. From what I'm hearing, the Niners almost ruled him out early this week, but Gore said he wanted a shot (speculation is because he wants to play in his hometown). I doubt he plays, though. If he doesn't, I'd say LJ.

Kyle (PA)

I just need to say Deangelo Williams is a god. I lost Parker and Bush for most of the year so he has been a life saver. Do you see him being a top 10 pick next year? Also, start Orton vs NO or Ryan vs Tampa or Big Ben at Balt

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Yeah, stories like his are what make this game great. Yes, I see a Top 10 pick next year. Probably not Top 5, but given that RBs now are timeshares in a lot of cases, definitely Top 10. I'd say Orton.

Thomas Oakland, CA

BR, are you a Super Genius or a Silly Fool if you start Davone Bess instead of M.Colston this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

You are a super fool. I mean a Silly Genius. Aw, I don't know. They're both close, but I think you have every reason to do that. Haven't checked the weather in CHI, but I don't see Colston doing much. He's just not getting the targets.

Josh (Boston)

Who you like this week?? Matt Cassel or Aaron Rodgers??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Rodgers. The Raiders can stop the passing pretty decently.

You Must Workout

TE filler this week for Winslow: Scheffler, Z. Miller, or Carlson?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Carlson. Seneca sure seems to like him, and that matters.

Sam (New Jersey)

How do you think The Barbarian will fare this week if he returns? Is he or Choice a better play against a stout Gmen lineup, or do I roll the dice on the Hot Stewart and cheese Broncos run D?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Ooh, a tough call. First of all, I'd throw Choice out. I think Barber will play some, and I think the NYG can stop Choice. I'd check the reports. If Barber practices Wednesday and seems fine, I'd go with him. If he's anything close to a game-time call, then Stewart. The thing that bothers me is that Barber actually missed last week because of a calf problem, not his toe. So that's two injuries to deal with.

Lindsey (SC)

Colston's been getting targets, but Brees' accuracy throwing to him has been off (especially sunday). I think it's more of a comfort level thing between him and Brees. Missing that much time really hurt him potential. Housh or Coles (no PPR)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Thanks for sharing, Lindsey. I'm more meaning compared to past years. They used to throw to Colston like every other pass (between Bush and Colston), and now more passes are going Lance Moore's way. And the tight ends. You're right about the missed time. Hmm, I'd have to choose Housh there; he's still getting his catches.

Mark, OH

Is this a sneaky play or dumb...? I have TEN, DST vs. HOU (worried about TEN clinched/rest players and HOU #3 OFF) or pick up NE,DST vs. OAK 31st OFF... what do you think? THANKS

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Ya know, that's not a half-bad idea. I still somewhat like the NE defense, and the Raiders are making all defenses look mighty good. And Jamarcus might be out (not that it matters much there). I endorse your move!

Henry (Ny)

I've got the same situation as Thomas in Oakland. Was thinking of sitting Colston as well for Bess. Pick 2. Marshall, Walter, Desean Jax, Hixon.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Marshall and Walter. Like I said earlier, I could see the Texans turn this game into a passing duel.

Paul (KC)

Are Addai and Rhodes going to split carries to the point that Pierre or LJ would be better plays this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I think they will split carries. In fact, I think Rhodes might even get more. He's hot, and Addai is hurtin. Plus, I like LJ at home against Sd this week.

Mitchell {NYC}

Brendan - Help- Please!!! I need to start a TE that can get me points this week. I can get Boss, LJ Smith, Heap or Crumpler. What do I do?? Boss has killed me with 1 good week and 2 bad weeks. I need the get a decent TE. HELP!!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

As a Heap owner myself, I think you throw him out. That guy either has 50 yards or none. Same with Crumpler. Boss I like, but I think LJ is your best bet for consistency. He's actually healthy for once, and the Eagles seem intent to give him the ball. They run a few screens for him last week, which is rare for tight ends. It's a sign to me the Eagles want the ball in his hands.

Tyler (Vermont)

Cassel was the right move last week, but him over Romo this week?? Also, Philly D or Indy D? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

I'd stick Romo with the Cowboys' backs against the wall. He'll get beat up in the pocket, but I think he shows up this week. Philly D, by a nose.

Chris

Playing this week to go to fantasy superbowl. R. Brown Mia or P. Thomas NO need help please.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Definitely Brown. And good luck!

Jim (pittsburgh)

Hey Brendan, do you bench Randy Moss this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

No way. I never bench Moss, simply because of what he's capable of in any given game.

John (Detroit)

Big week coming up! I am starting DeAngello at one RB, but I need help at the other RB and Flex. Do I start both Addai and Rhodes v the Lions (assuming Addai plays) or do I plug in Sammy Morris v the Raiders for one of them?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Boy, that is a pickle. Handle it this way: If it sounds like Addai is without restrictions (just fine), go with him and Morris. If it sounds like Addai might be limited, go with both INDY backs. If it sounds like he'll be out or severly limited, then Rhodes and Morris. Sorry to hedge there, but it's too early to call Addai's status, and that's a tough call. Way to think outside of the box on your part, though.

justin michigan

With gore likely out and addai hurting do I dare run Stewart and deangelo williams this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

I think that makes a lot of sense, honestly.

Rob (State College)

Brendan - help out a man who is in the semi-finals from an 0-4 start and facing the undefeated league commissioner!! I have to start two RBs and one Flex from the following: T Jones, Westbrook, Addai, Hightower, Morris, and Dunn. Normally a no-brainer, but this week I'm thinking I may need to sit Addai in his juicy matchup for one of the others? I'm thinking Hightower if the Williams's are suspended and Morris if they aren't.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Yeah, I like your thought there. As you can see, I have my doubts about Addai, and I like your logic.

Chuck (Knoxville, TN)

With Gore likely out, would you call the Miami D/ST a better play than Tampa Bay @ ATL?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Hmm, yes, I probably would.

Eddie (Nyc)

You are the ESPN guy that looks most like Favre...anyways I have B Marshall on my team and am now stuck at who to play at flex. Do i go with Davone Bess or double up on Denver wideouts and start Royal? Thx

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

LOL. Sounds like a compliment! Then again, given Favre's age, maybe not! Anyway, I'd do with Bess as your flex.

Philip - Mandeville, LA

With Gates putting a big 0 on the big board do I start Shiancoe over him? And, who do you like at QB between; Hill,Campbell,Falcco,Thigpen?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

No way, stick with Gates. He's at KC. And at QB, it's close, but I say Hill. I think the Niners will have to pass to score, and while I think Hill will score a few picks, he'll also get his yards and scores. A typical Hill game, really. Also, while I'm thinking of it, the Skins' loss of Chris Samuels does hurt Campbell.

Jason (S Ozone, NY)

Brendan! Who do you think has a bigger game...Orton vs porous New Orleans D, or Hill (sans Gore) at Miami? I too dislike West Coast teams travelling East, but Hill might be forced to throw a lot and could rack up numbers. Still, I'd hate to see Orton carve up the Saints and have his numbers on the bench for three days!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Hmm, I'd stick with Orton, in this case.

Tom (Dayton)

Brendan, I can only blame myself for being Steve Smith-ized and missing the playoffs by 2 points, but would you agree with me that the biggest problem with fantasy experts is their unwillingness to break guys out from certain "tiers" when it comes to rankings? I mean, Gates is ranked second last week after being awful for so long, and I convinced myself to play him over Daniels... then I convinced myself to play Romo over Sean Hill. In retrospect, those are not unlucky, but DUMB decisions, but I got lured into those high rankings yet again.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Sorry to hear that, Tom. I think people rank based on THAT game, using more than just the past couple weeks as an indicator. We use the entire season or even multiple reasons, and we go by what the player is capable of in any given week. Sure, it can be frustrating when studs have bad game, bad game, then monster game, but the numbers still count the same. Just like you when you pick starters, you are looking for what you think will be the biggest game, and studs like Gates are capable of huge days at any given time. Not sure this explains anything, and I'm not one of our rankers, but figured I'd take a stab.

At The Buzzer (Internet)

Start Sproles and LT vs KC sitting Slaton vs. Tenn?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Nah, I'd stick with Slaton.

Charles (NY)

My girlfriend really wants to see me get knocked out of the playoffs so she gets her boyfriend back. But I'm still fighting on! Need a WR3. Bess, Colston, Desean Jax.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Tough call there. Not on the WRs, but on the girlfriend versus the Playoffs. Ha, ha. I'd say Bess, nudging Colston.

Bill ( Worcester,

Any chance you sit studs like Wayne and/or Megatron over marginal sleepers like Bess or Hixon or Desean? Also, take a chance on Bradshaw at flex over Hightower?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

No, I think you stick with your studs, definitely. Wayne and Megatron would be my starters in the above scenario. And same with Hightower (even if Williams boys play for MIN). Sure, Bradshaw will play more, but he's still second-string (if Jacobs misses), and the Cowboys' run D is almost as good as MIN's, (It's ranked 9th in NFL).

Torry jr (St Louis)

Is Holt worth a start this week against the worse pass defense in the league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Yup, I think so.

Sam ( NJ)

can i have a questioned answered sometime in my lifetime? Need 3 WR's out of R. Wayne, B. Marshall, A. Bryant, G. Jennings. Thanks for answering outside the grave.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Bryant is tempting, but he's super-inconsistent, and I'll bet he'll have the entire ATL secondary on him next week. I play it safe and stick with Wayne, Marshall and Jennings. Sorry, guys, one more.

Billy in Philly

Tom in Dayton - Don't be mesmerized by "expert" status to the extent that you ignore your own feelings. These guys (and other "experts) all have great points of view based on their experience playing the game. But they just provide pieces of information that YOU must use along with your own reading of the numbers and your own instincts. But you shouldn't be blaming anyone but YOU, who sets YOUR lineup!!

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

Thought I'd pass along first, although in Tom's defense, I think he knows that, as he indicated in his opening line.

Dan (Bloomsburg)

Hey Brendan, defense question for you. I have Dallas, but they are playing a Giants team who I?m sure is looking to make up for last weeks loss. Options on the wire include GB vs a Jacksonville team who seems to have given up. Buffalo against a worn out (maybe) Farve. Or my sleeper pick, Seattle against an even more pathetic Rams. Thoughts? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

I'd stay with the Giants. They might give up some points, but they're sure to get their sacks on a scrambling Romo, and maybe some picks, too. And Barber might be limited. I'd stick with them.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

All righty, guys. That does it for me. Enjoyed the chat -- hope it was entertaining and informative -- and I bid you good luck in your playoffs or standard Week 15 games!