Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:02 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Baseball's hot stove has finally begun to heat up, and it's a championship week in some fantasy football leagues. Lots to talk about, either sport, fair game today, so fire away with your questions! Let's get started...

Brian (Prescott)

Given the recent news that Jacobs will probably miss and Addai might miss Sunday, which RB is the best start, Pierre Thomas, Ward, or Rhodes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

What I've read has me thinking they're both 50/50 on the surface. If I had to guess? Joseph Addai plays, Brandon Jacobs does not. But that's a total hunch, and I wouldn't be surprised to see both sit. Or both play but not a ton. So, I'm saying, that's a tough call. Right now I'd likely say Dominic Rhodes. He'll be facing the Lions and is a virtual lock for half the running back touches. I like that matchup.

JT Tampa Florida

Hello Tristan, Gus is on the bus do I replace B.Berrian at flex with Mo.Morris, E.Royal, J.Lewis? Please pick one. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

I don't know the PPR implications of your league, but going by standard scoring, Maurice Morris for me, please. It's a favorable enough matchup.

B. Obama (ILL)

Please assist my Administration. First, why aren't you one of the people listed in the individual rankings with Berry et al? This injustice SHALL not stand!! Also, pick 2: Hester, S. Moss and R. Moss (return yards count but non-ppr. Pick 3 (one being flex): B. Marshall, E. Royal, Colston, Kevin Smith (thinking all but Royal)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:07 PM)

Hi Barack, and congrats a month late on your win! As for the individual rankings, I get to needle the guys with my "Called Out!" piece, so that's my part on rankings. But I'm more than happy to accept if you'd like to nominate me to the post of Secretary of Fantasy Football Rankings? Just a thought. First group: Both Mosses. Too talented to sit, sorry to say. Second group: Marques Colston for sure, like that matchup, then Brandon Marshall, then Kevin Smith.

Chris-CT

Drew Brees against the terrible Bears pass D should be a no brainer, but that weather scares me! Would I be better off starting Rodgers against a Jags team that has given up on the season? Also, Hines, Harrison, or Bess at WR?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:08 PM)

Well, it doesn't scare me. Or at least that's the story I'm sticking to. And Davone Bess at receiver. More targets, that's all it is over Marvin Harrison's favorable matchup.

Sen. McCain (painting his home White)

With much time on my hands lately, I have taken up fantasy football, who do I start and who do I sit on the sidelines like myself: Davone Bess, Eddie Royal, Deion Branch. My Advisors tell me this is a PPR league, which apparently doesn't mean (Presidential Primary Race)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

Admit it, Mr. Senator, your advisors tricked you into joining that league because you really did believe that's what PPR meant! Anyway, Royal sits for me. Just don't like the matchup, and really like the others'.

Kevin (Canada)

How do you see McNabb doing this week? The Browns tend to show up in prime time, and he hasn't been good against the AFC this year, would it be better to start Thigpen over him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:10 PM)

I'm not going to use that phrase that people use to describe small adorable animals with regard to advising you to use Donovan McNabb; if I did, someone would tell me to stop using it! But that's what I think using Thigpen would strike me as. I know, Thigpen has a great matchup, I do like what he brings to the table, but I'm not sitting McNabb, watching him go 250/2 and regretting it. Nope, not me.

Taylor (Big D)

Is the baseball fantasy analysis thing at the top a joke? Pick 3 - R Moss, K Walter, D Hester, L Moore. Basically - is Hester too cute.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:12 PM)

No it is not. Hey, in three weeks from today, fantasy baseball is probably going to be in the front of many people's minds. And by the way, you used the cursed aforementioned phrase! Hey everyone, Taylor started it. I'd sit Kevin Walter of that bunch. Worst matchup.

Scott (NJ)

Thank god for fantasy baseball talk! Assuming the Yankees don't make any major offensive moves, do you see Cano sliding into the 3 hole ahead of A-Rod?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

No, I see A-Rod himself sliding into the No. 3 hole. Think this: LF Johnny Damon SS Derek Jeter 3B Alex Rodriguez DH Hideki Matsui C Jorge Posada 2B Robinson Cano RF Xavier Nady 1B Nick Swisher CF Mike Cameron But really, any of them from four to nine could shuffle around.

Derek (Littleton, CO)

Good afternoon Tristan! I read your article saying you would not start Cal. Johnson this week, but would you really start Holt, Bess, or K. Walter over him? Thanks!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Gridiron Challenge column, folks. Just want to remind people that. Now, I'm going to point out that Calvin Johnson's matchup is extremely awful, the Colts' Cover 2 takes the deep ball out of the equation and Dan Orlovsky is probably going to be Detroit's quarterback. But I wouldn't go nuts and sit a guy this talented for one of those other three. Nope, again, a case of I refuse to regret having sat my season-long stud.

John, nyc

Nick Swisher hitting 8th?? And the Cameron deal is likely dead. Anywayyyy is a "healthy" Steven Jackson a better play this week than a banged-up Frank Gore (assuming he plays)? Also, same goes for John Carlson and Jason Witten?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

Swisher could bat second -- but I see no way Damon or Jeter is moving -- or he could hit fifth, or seventh. But I have a feeling the Yankees might not entirely understand his on-base ability, and slot him low, which sort of negates some of his upside. It's just a feeling I get. Back to football now, yes, Jackson in a heartbeat over the risky Gore (health plus matchup). But Witten is active for me, in what I think is a surefire shoot-out.

Billy (Madison)

Where would you rank Mo Morris this week? He IS the starter, and the Rams HAVE given up a rushing TD in EVERY GAME this year ...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

Let's say he's in the borderline No. 2/flex range, which is about a No. 25 ranking, but we might get a much better sense as to whether he'll start and how many carries he'll get before Sunday. And if it's a generous role, he moves up a few spots, I'd say. But I doubt he cracks my top 20.

Gip, N.J.

Well then would you sit Megatron if you had Dwayne Bowe on your bench? And would you start Pierre Thomas tonight over Kevin Smih, given the fact that my main man Gore is the dreaded "G-T-D"?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

Yes. Good time to exploit the matchups. And yes. I'm a big Pierre Thomas fan, though.

Rebecca (St Louis)

Why is everyone talking about the weather in Chicago? Cold with a light wind? Am I missing something here?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

Well said, Rebecca, and since you brought it up, I just migrated over to the National Weather Service page to check it out for myself. And the other day, it did look like the weather wouldn't be great tonight in Chicago. Now, it looks fine. "Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph."

CURRENTLY WEARING A SWEATER FROM MY MOTHER-IN-LAW! (CO)

Rookie FF Manager in the playoffs against top seed, standard non-ppr league and need your expert advice to fill WR3 and Flex from these: H. Ward, D. Bess, K. Faulk, Parker, M. Moore. Can also pickup T. Holt, M. Morris and Fargas...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:22 PM)

Ha! Reference to yesterday's chat, I assume. I don't know that my mother-in-law has actually ever given me a sweater, though. My mom has. Anyway, Davone Bess, nice sleeper. I'd grab Maurice Morris, too. And then while I don't like the matchup, I'd still say Hines Ward is too productive generally to sit.

Paul-OH

I'm stuck on the fence and I need you, THC. I have B-Jac, but who would you play if he sits out? Bradshaw or J-Lew?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

For the record that's Brandon Jacobs, in case anyone was confused. And I look at your situation, say you're probably going to wind up using Jamal Lewis and are not going to be very happy with your results from this lineup spot. And that's taking into account prospects from any of the three with the information I have today. Lewis is your best bet, but in no way is that an endorsement of him generally speaking.

Pounding Egg Nog (B More)

T Cizzle, who should I start in my flex spot. PPR league. Eddie Royal, Pierre Thomas, or Ryan Grant. Your the best Tristan!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

"T Cizzle"? OK, that's a new one, gave me a chuckle, I admit it. Who doesn't love a laugh? Ryan Grant for me. Jags are just playing out the string.

Nicolas Cage (LA)

The Weatherman was a terrible movie, just like im a terrible actor. But since you're all crazy about talking about the weather in Chicago tonight, why not grant me a little advice: would you go with the Bears D, or take a gamble with a sleeper 'Skins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

It was a terrible movie, or at least I'd say so from the respect that I didn't make much of an effort to keep watching it all the way through. Defenses, I'd go Washington. I want no part of Chicago against New Orleans this week. At least Washington has the matchup on its side.

Gail (DC)

What time do you start looking at all these questions and when's the best time to submit one? Thigpen or Orton this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

Tyler Thigpen for me, but it's not like I dislike either for Week 15. I just think he has more talent on his side. As for the questions question, that's an entire shot in the dark with me, to be honest. Like calling in a radio station for a contest, and you're the 78th caller, or you get a busy signal. It's a lot of questions to sift through and sometimes it's just what's within the screen I'm seeing at the second I'm seeing it.

brian phila.,pa

would you sit megatron 4 branch.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

No. But I like your thinking, because that's actually a very fair question. Again, no creating future regret. (Better than "too cute"?)

Toonces (Cat Driving School)

How would you rank players where a return yardage component is present (1 pt for 10 yards)? In a PPR league that also gives credit to return yards, are Pierre Thomas (returning kicks?) & Reggie Bush (returning punts) no brainer plays this week, or would you diversify your portfolio and start S-Jax over one of them?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

I think Toonces is hilarious. Or, was. Wow do I miss the show back in that day. Anyway, I played in a league like this one, and it made a huge difference if those yards earned you the same as, say, rushing or receiving yards. So if that's the case, wow, Thomas does enough that I'd be a-OK taking this chance with both Saints. However, the gut is telling me the smarter move is Bush and Steven Jackson. But that's experience talking that most leagues I know don't reward return yardage as much as that freak league I'm in this season.

Will (St. Louis, MO)

THC, assuming Cassel is playing this weekend, do I start him over Matt Ryan and Chad Pennington? Thanks, man.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

I think he will play this week, personally, and my condolences go out to him and his family. But I want no part of Matt Cassel, or Matt Ryan, facing those matchups. Hey, Pennington's is good. He's my man.

Vasilios (Los Angeles)

Need a D to give me over 10 pts. Minnesota or Washington?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

Well, Washington's about your only hope then.

Beas (New York)

Love that T-Bone. Jones-Drew vs. Chris Johnson in a steel cage death match for week 15 only. Who wins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

It's sure better than "Coco the Monkey." MJD. With Fred Taylor hitting IR, I am so all over that matchup. And heads up, Chris Johnson owners, this is not me saying I dislike your players. Beas is just in a really great spot to be this week, that's all.

Johnny (Fantasy Hell)

THE PLAYOFFS ARE FREAKING ME OUT, TRISTAN!! Eddie Royal or Lance Moore and Jacobs/Ward or Pierre Thomas? And should I start Pierre Thomas, Moore, and Brees together?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Chill, Johnny, it's just a game, remember! You gotta at least enjoy your playoff experience. If I got stressed about it, I'd have clawed my eyes out the second DeAngelo ran off that final touchdown run on Monday night. Yep, that bounced me in my biggest league. So hang in there! I did, I'm here today chatting with you. Lance Moore for sure. Chicago's secondary is overrated. And as a result, I wouldn't fear going very heavy on Saints. Thomas is facing a run D that gives up scores. And he doesn't have to worry about health issues, like Jacobs does. All N.O. for me.

not you again!

just kiddina love your chats thc! pick one- schaub, ryan, orton. colston, royal ginn, l white or dunn thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

Ouch! OK, I'll be nice anyway and give you an answer. You'll come around (I hope). Kyle Orton for me. Don't like the other two matchups one bit. Saints stink against the pass. Marques Colston for sure from the next group. Then ... Warrick Dunn! Former team motivation card.

Bizarro Tristan (The exact opposite of your hometown)

Leon Washington, Fargas or A. Gonzo at the flex spot?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

Loved that episode. Of course, it struck a personal chord because one of the "bizarro" guys had a name in common with a good friend of mine, and before that episode this individual always thought he was most similar to the real character. Anyway, neither here nor there. Anthony Gonzalez, but I love the Colts overall offensively this week. Good deeper play.

Claire (New Orleans)

It's snowing in New Orleans!!! Which running back do you like more this week: Thomas Jones or Matt Forte? GOO SAINTS!!!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

Really? Wow. I must admit that surprises me. Forte for sure. Wow is that guy a must-start. And that's no knock on Thomas Jones, but Forte is my boy.

Shortest ? Today

Ravens D / Colts D

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

That is a short question. Short answer: Colts.

Nick (NH)

THC - I made the superbowl! I've got a few slots to fill, and could use the professional opinion. Please pick two of the following: P Thomas, K Smith, A Bryant, MegaTron. Also at TE - Shockey or Carlson? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

I'm having a hard time bringing myself to sit Calvin Johnson here. Gut's saying that. It's first saying Antonio Bryant for certain. Then it's a Megatron-vs.-Pierre Thomas debate. And I tend to go running back in those cases, unless it's PPR. That's how I'll decide it. Thomas except in PPR. At tight end, John Carlson has been a huge part of the offense the past two weeks, and the matchup suits him. He's my pick.

e (sf)

Get Defensive! Tampa bay has been a solid (and underrated) defense for me this year - our league scores for points allowed but is weighted toward DST scores as well. Whlie TB is the third highest scoring defense in my league, they play @ ATL, and I am tempted to start the Pats DST (25th overall) under the premise that they are more likely to hold the Raiders under 17 points, and defensive TD's are much harder (if not impossible) to project. Am I over-thinking here?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

I have a hard time getting defensive, this is too much fun for that. But anyway, no, I don't think you're overthinking. I'd be thinking the same thing, but then I also don't know your scoring system. If Tampa is third, then you are obviously not ESPN standard scoring, and defensive scoring can vary quite a bit (I have leagues where it's negative points for every real-life point a defense allows).

Paul T. (Cincinnati)

It's baseball time (ya know, since I'm out of the playoffs in all my football leagues). Keeper question - is Carlos Quentin an obvious keeper in a 4 keeper league? I'm afraid of keeping him and him turning into a 1 year wonder. It's him or David Ortiz who I think is seriously starting to decline or Alexei Ramirez (who I think could turn into a stud!)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

If it's a four-player keeper league then I tend to go for the biggest guy for the next upcoming season, and I'd take David Ortiz. That'll be especially true if Mark Teixeira hops on board as rumored. No big knock on Quentin, but I think to a degree it was a bit of a high-end season for him. Doubt he does a lot better than that.

Ralphie (Indiana)

Hey Tristan, I "double dog" dare you to help me. I need to score some major points this weekend to move on. Would you consider Hester a better flex than Colston (unreliable) and Driver (#2 behind Jennings)? I have TO and Bess starting. Thanks!!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

Well, I "triple dog dare" you to stick with the lineup that you've got! Because I think that gives you your best chance to win. Again, Jags playing out the string, because Driver (or Bess, perhaps) would be the one who would sit if I did use Hester.

Salomon (Mexico City)

Hi Trist, its my first time in fantasy playoffs and I dont wanna mess it up so I need your help: Am I crazy for staring D. Hester and D. Bess instead of J.Cotchery, S.Holmes or D.Hixon ? And should I start Arizona, Washington or Dallas defense ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

You are not crazy, no. I just am not overwhelmed by any of those latter three matchups with your receivers. OK, maybe Domenik Hixon. But still, I like Hester and Bess more. And Washington D, for the reasons brought up earlier.

Dad

Are you with me on the Cowboys being a good sneaky defensive play this week? At home, backs against the proverbial wall, Giants are probably without Jacobs and Hixon (not to mention Plax), and the Cowboys D has played well lately. What do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

I am not. That game has all the makings of an exciting, edge-of-your-seat shoot-out.

Thomas Jones (New York)

You have MJD projected over me? How?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Because I don't respect Chauncey Washington, who doesn't have a single carry all season, that much.

brian (de)

So right now would you play Rhodes over Addai? Would you play Barber over both?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

Yes, but every owner must check the specific status of his/her players right up until the kickoffs. That's what signing up to play requires. And you're lucky; we are happy to help you every step of the way! So there's that. But anyway, right now, it's Dominic Rhodes to me, he's the name that stands out.

Matt (Savannah, GA)

Is Asomugha going to be covering Welker or Moss? I have Welker. Would he be a better start over Vincent Jackson, who's going against a weaker pass DEF? Its a non-ppr league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

I heard he's going to be covering Jabar Gaffney, but I also don't entirely believe that. If it's a non-PPR league, I probably would take Vincent Jackson. There's just a little higher upside there.

Steve (Hawaii)

I'm starting Chad over Big Ben this week. You cool with that?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

Sure! Matchups support it.

Jack (Santa Clara)

Pick my 3rd WR, THC! - Driver, Branch or Hixon??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

I'd call that a very close call between the first two, and you know, there's too much to like with Deion Branch for me not to pick him. Worked well with Seneca Wallace last week, he has a decent history against the Rams and he's coming off a stellar Week 14.

SANTA "ANSWER THIS QUESTION OR ELSE"

PPR playoff game; should I be concerned about Welker with the sad situation for Matt Cassel? I could play Colston tonight? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

OK, I'll bite, because I still want Santa to bring me that baseball glove he promised me when I was three! (Kidding, of course.) I think Wes Welker's value is least affected by Matt Cassel's status of any of the Patriots receivers, but I'd never use him over Marques Colston.

Charles (Austin)

Let's play Pick a rookie! DeSean Jackson or Eddie Royal?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Hmmm, now that's a toughie. And I'll take Royal, and here's why: I see no way Denver isn't throwing the ball 40 times this week. So that's a high probability of decent targets for Royal, at least.

Tom, NY

Help ! Romo or Cutler ??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

I said earlier I forecast a shoot-out in that Dallas-Giants game, and as such, I'm thinking Tony Romo steps up with a big fantasy day.

LAST CALL FOR TRISTAN YA'LL

gimme that flex my man - dunn, smorris or bush?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

I'd have a hard time starting Sammy Morris over Reggie Bush, so Bush is my answer, but a heads up to everyone, I do like Morris as a nice Week 15 sleeper.

Last Question (Please)

Addai or A. Bryant?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Antonio Bryant, but again, there are health concerns with Joseph Addai and such things can change in a matter of three days.

Elaine (Limbo)

Do you think Braylon does anything Monday night? I know he'll have Dorsey or even Cribbs throwing to him, it's at Philly, and he lost the pair of hands he had from last year, but I anticipate CLE throwing a ton after falling behind early, and Braylon did have 14 looks last week. Maybe another week of practice could help the chemistry?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Maybe, but I just don't see how Cleveland stacks up well facing that matchup. Philly does a good job of keeping opposing pass offenses in check, and it's not a good pass offense to begin with. I'm advising strongly that people steer clear of Braylon.

Fred Claus

Thanks for helping my brother, Santa. Now don't forget about me. Forte or Portis. Roster deadline at the start of Saints-Bears game tonight.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

Never saw that movie, actually. But then it's not that old, I guess, so it makes sense. Matt Forte for me. He's a must-start.

last second...(desperate)

What do you think: M. Morris or J. Stew for flex this week my man? Romo or Thiggy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

I like both Panthers backs, they actually could have a second straight monster day. It wouldn't shock me at all, favorable as that matchup is. And Tony Romo.

hixon

or toomer

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

Domenik Hixon, and dude, you had better not drop such a critical pass like you did last week, OK?

Jeff (BRISTOL)

Romo in the shoot-out, even over Warner????

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

No.

Last nanosecond???

Do I have a better chance to outscore P. Thomas tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

Who are you? But anyway, I do think Thomas is a decent play. Bears give up running scores.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

OK, sorry to say we have to wrap things up for the day. Thanks for joining me today, and sorry if I couldn't get to your questions ... really a ton of them today! Hey, that's the fantasy playoffs for you. I wish you the best of luck in your matchups this week. Take care!