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Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Hi, folks. My sincerest apologies for not being able to make last week's chat. I was working, but was called away to handle another assignment. But I'm back this week, and here to offer my unadulterated (OK, adulterated) thoughts. Let's get right to it.

Jacob (Portland)

Hey Brendan, Do I keep Steven Jackson or try and ship him away? His qb might be out for a while, and his line hasn't been as good as people thought. Please help!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

You keep him, for two reasons: 1) This would absolutely be the wrong time to deal him since his value has bottomed out; wait till he has a good game first. And 2) I think his touches will be safe. If anything, with Laurent Robinson also out, maybe they line him up wide more or dump off to him more, and he gets more receptions, which is a good thing, considering how little running room he has had. The TDs? Might not be there for ya. But I still see a ton of yards; he's their first, second and third-best weapons, it seems, and the Rams know it.

Gifford (Ocean NJ)

How worried of Royal are you?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Pretty worried, honestly. He's a No. 2 WR (Brandon Marshall appears to be re-emerging as No. 1) on an offense that has re-committed to the run game, and Kyle Orton clearly doesn't have an eye for him. I think you bench for now, although it could foresee a point in the near future that you might actually drop him. Bye weeks are tough to staff.

Adam (Gwinnett)

With Jamal Lewis injured and on a terrible team, is he worth keeping? Ahmad Bradshaw and Correll Buckhalter are available on waivers in my league.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Good question, Adam. While most people would say it's OK to drop him, I don't think Davis and Harrison are ready to take over the No. 1 RB job. Plus, Jamal Lewis would most likely be the team's goal-line option even in a platoon. So whereas he might lose touches, I think he still has value once healthy. I'd rather not ship him away for a secondary option, which Bradshaw and Buckhalter are. If he were a goal-line option, sure, but he is.

Dave (Lansing, MI)

Brendan, I recently traded for Portis thinking his first couple weeks were the anomaly ... however, his performance against the Lions makes me think thats looking more like the norm. Should I wait on him? Or try to trade him out before his value drops any more?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Oh boy, a tough one. I'd give him a little longer. He's still getting a bunch of touches, and I've seen him respond from adversity (poor performances, injuries) so well in the past that he deserves another shot from both you and the Redskins. I saw a bit of that game Sunday, and it was obvious (to me, anyway), the Lions were keying on him and loading up. That's how Campbell threw for 340 yards. So, favorable matchup, but not favorable front. But I think he's still a start-worthy back, and his best days are ahead.

Andy (Seattle)

If Felix Jones is out (which is looking like he is) would you hesitate starting Barber (if he plays) and Choice if Leon was your only other RB option this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Yes, looking like Jones will miss two weeks ... You mean starting both Dallas backs? Nah, I'd probably go with whichever Dallas back you think will play more and Leon Washington. The Jets play at New Orleans, and those games are ripe for shootouts. And Washington is more of the "shootout type" than plodder Thomas Jones is. I think Leon is a sneaky-good start this week, in fact.

Mark M (Toronto)

Greetings from Canada. What value do you think Choice will have going forward? Do you see either Barber or Jones coming back from injuries soon?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Tashard showed his moments last year, but I don't think he'd be anything close to what Barber and even Jones could do with regular full-time touches. At least not after a few games of getting knocked around, and the book gets out on him. Thus, I guess I'm saying ride Tashard while you can, but consider him a short-term play. If that means you deal him after this week, fine.

Vince (Ohio)

I hate to carry 2 TE, but I have Carlson, and I worry about him with Wallace at QB, someone dropped Olsen, is it an upgrade to play the match ups and pick Olsen up and drop James Davis?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

I don't worry about Carlson with Wallace at QB at all. If anything, he is safer because Wallace will dump it off to him more (although Hasselbeck also does that a lot). Thus, I consider him a safe weekly play, including this week at Indy. I'd stick with the RB depth rather than adding TE depth.

Jay (NJ)

What does Pennington's injury do to value of Miami WR (Ginn and Bess? Up, down, the same? Are they more or less valuable than D. Ward?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

I think Ward's best days are ahead of him. In fact, I think he has some VERY GOOD days ahead of him. Ya know, he didn't break out till midway thru the season last year. So that's that ... As for Miami WRs, Chad Henne has decent arm strength, and probably you or I have more than Pennington. If anything, the deep outs are now available to "deep out" receivers such as Ginn and Bess, so they're MORE valuable. Every time I watched Ginn catch the ball over the middle from Pennington, I shook my head. That's not who he is. Let's hope Henne can hit him downfield more.

Dlee (Baltimore)

Sell High on L McCoy?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

No, I hang on to him or dear life. Raise your hand if you think Westbrook can remain healthy all season? That's what I thought. Now raise your hand if you think the Philly offense is a good place for a back. Yes! He'll be starting for you plenty this season, and producing.

Grant (Chicago)

Baseball? How do you rank catchers moving forward in a keeper? Does Avila get any consideration after the big names, or is this just a bit of a fluke that he's even up at all?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Hey, a little baseball! Alex Avila isn't necessarily a fluke, but he's not much in demand, or won't be next spring, and that's how you determine your keepers. You consider it to be life a draft, and shoot for success next year. Honestly, I wouldn't rank catchers any different for keepers than I would during the season -- except in the case of Joe Mauer, who is a young stud catcher with proven results, and I'm going to rank in the top 5 among hitter keepers.

Steve (Syracuse)

Time to give up on the Cadillac?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Nah, I wouldn't give up on him. I mean, if, say, James Davis is on a team, then you Cadillac has to be as well. The Bucs used him enough in that first game to give me hope; it's just a matter of whether his body will handle it. Plus, the fact that I think he's still their top goal-line back means he's worth keeping round.

steven (arizona)

whats up with roddy white? i hate to sell-low but he seems off this year...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Off is right, and it's solely because he's no longer the primary (only?) option in the Falcons' offense. Think about what T.Gonzo does for that team. Since Michael Turner can't catch well, he's both their flat-route runner and their short-yardage guy. Roddy is just there to stretch the field, whereas really he was all three last year. Not good at all for Roddy owners. A few times this Sunday, I watched Matt Ryan stare down Gonzo's back while he waited for the TE to get open. I think Roddy has been usurped, and his numbers will be WAY down this year. And now he's on a bye. Sigh. You keep him, wait for him to have a good game, and then maybe deal him.

Adam (Denver)

Mr.Roberts whats kind of season do you expect from Roy Williams?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

Not a good one. I mean, he'll have his games, but he'll be very consistent. Why? Because Romo distributes the ball pretty well (just ask TO), and Witten is his No. 1. Lemme put it to you this way: In three weeks, Williams has been thrown to just 18 times, the 44th most among WRs -- the same as Percy Harvin and less than guys like Nate Washington. Didn't like him before the season, and that hasn't changed.

Jeremy (Phoenix)

What's your take on Forte?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

I really thought he'd bust out this week, and he really didn't. But it's coming. He still gets a heck of a lof of touches, with no real threats to that, and he still looks quick and elusive to me. And healthy. Hang on to him.

Joe ((NY))

What kind of season do you expect fro Vernon Davis?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Ya know, that's a good question, because I really like what I've seen from him. Most encouraging to me is that the Niners actually have him running downfield routes more this season, which shows their reliability in him as a receiver. I think Davis is start-worthy, at least in the near future. With Frank Gore gone, the Niners can't rely on the big play to get them downfield. They have to plod and eat up inch by inch, and that works to Davis' favor, especially in the red zone, where he looks like he'll be a factor.

Jeremy (Phoenix)

Will Fred Jackson remain the starter when Lynch comes back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Just read about this a bit today ... timeshare! Hooray! And because Lynch might well be the goal-line guy, maybe not the good version of the timeshare for Jackson owners. I'd probably start Jackson, not Lynch, this week until I know for sure, but I'm afraid of where this is going.

Jordan (OH)

Baseball!! Starting Jonathan Sanchez against Arizona tonight? Tight race in WHIP and ERA, but hunting for wins...also have Felix going which could help balance his numbers should he have a Jorge de La rosa moment.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Sounds fine by me. Arizona hasn't packed it up quite like I thought, but any start against them sounds favorable.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Our league starts 2 RB and has a 3 RB per roster limit. Brian Westbrook was just dropped. Should I pick him up, I would have to drop Run DMB or Lynch?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Hmm, touch drops there, assuming you mean McFadden and Marshawn. But for Westbrook, yeah, he has a dominant back's upside, whereas I think McFadden really doesn't yet. Not in that offense, and with the team regularly trailing. I'd drop McFadden for Westbrook.

Terrell Owens (Buffalo)

It's getting cold up here! Will my fantayu forecast remain as cold? Coach said he is going to force the ball to me, still hope? Would you rather start me or Steve Smith (Giants) this week and beyond?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Eric Karabell wrote a good blog about TO yesterday, with some good points. And on top of that, the Bills run a lot and now have two good backs. But I stay with TO there. You know what he can do, and I believe the Bills are being honest in saying they hope to get him the ball more. They'd be stupid not to. It just seems Edwards is so afraid of mistakes that he doesn't want to force it to TO. Often because big TO doesn't get a lot of separation, QBs do have to force the ball, but he wins out and makes the play. Look for maybe a pick or two for Edwards, and maybe another Bills loss, but yes, I see TO getting much better going forward. I guess I'm saying I'm still a (mild) believer.

Jonathan (Tulsa)

Warner or Cutler better starter from here on out? Warner's numbers don't bother me right now, but his O-line can't block and the way he's having to force some passes is scaring me

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

It always look like that with Warner's O-line. He's not elusive and holds on to the ball too long. Trust me, the guy was battered with a Pro Bowl line in STL when he was there too. I say Warner.

Darren McFadden (Oak-town)

I hate my QB!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

So do I. Seriously, when are the Raiders gonna pull the plug on this guy. It's obvious, at least to me, that the problem is him, too, not his O-line or even receivers. As a (closet) Raiders fan, I'm fed up! Sigh.

Justin (St Paul)

I like Kevin Boss's matchup vs KC this week. Is it to big a reach to start him over Shockey?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

Shockey at home versus Kevin Boss and his six catches in three games? I'd stick with Shockey. I like Boss, but the Giants WRs have emerged, and he's not the target many thought he'd be. He's clearly a second-class TE (even drop-worthy?) for now.

Jeff (Boston, MA)

Is Mendenhall even worth keeping around? I thought he'd get carries this year, but it doesn't look good when you get benched by your coach...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

I keep him around because a) he does have a lot of upside; and b) Willie Parker is injury-prone. I mean, even after Willie's big game, he's now reporting some turf toe injury. Just having him in front of him and a good O makes Rashard good bench fodder.

Tim (Miami)

With the quarterback problems in Tampa Bay, can Antonio Bryant be as productive as he was last year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

I don't think so. And ya know what else fits in? The running game is better and deeper; and the team has Kellen Winslow to dump off the ball to short (and in the red zone). I think Bryant will be (remain) a bust.

Tyler Thigpen (Miami)

So, now I am a Dolphin. Do I start? Will I do as good as I did in KC when starting? How come I don't know the answers myself?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Ha, ha. Cause it's a whirlwind! Yes, this reporteldy happened earlier today -- Thigpen traded to Miami -- but I wasn't sure if it was official, but it seems very close to that now. But the team is not bringing him there to start. He's a backup. Chad Henne is the starter, and he deserves to be. And I think he'll get a decently long leash, honestly, because the team does like him. No help from Thigpen, unfortunately.

Greg (Minny)

Is Pierre Garcon worth a number one waiver wire pickup?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Hmm, was trying to determine that myself. I put down a 5-spot (fifth waiver slot) for him, but I figured that was about as high as he'd go. I think the first four slots are reserved for top RBs who come out of nowhere and become starters. That happens some 7-9 times a season, it seems. A good WR? I like Garcon, but A-Gonz is still expected back in a few weeks, so even as good as he is, he's still a short-term play, and a No. 3 receiving option, at that. Sorry man, I wouldn't do it.

Jerry (NYC)

I have Barber and Jones as well as Chris Johnson at RB. Will one of the two be back this week or do I need to go out and sign Choice?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Now, I still don't have a good gauge on that Dallas situation, but my predictions are Jones will be out (he's expected to miss two weeks), and MBII will play and maybe even get about 65 percent of the work. I still like Choice more this week because of the risk factor of Barber sitting, but neither are safe at Denver.

Chris (Lynchburg, VA)

Brendan I have to take issue with your Portis advice. I'm a Skins fan, and the problem isn't just Portis, it's the Redskins OL. They are a complete disaster and probably couldn't block you or I. Ports with a bad OL=horrible season. Do you see Moss putting up big numbers if Campbell stays healthy because the Skins will have to throw a ton?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Good stuff, Chris. Yes, I failed to mention the OL, which is a big part of the problem. But I still saw the Lions and Rams overloading it, so it's not all that either. Because Portis can get outside quick -- sweeps and off-tackles are his strengths -- I think he can overcome poor offensive line play, but not if the safety is in the gap between the OLB and the CB. I still see good games ahead for Portis, and consistently. Moss? Same thing, but only because the Skins haven't really had anybody else step up.

Chris (Austin, TX)

Knowshon worthy of a #1 waiver wire pick up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Knowshon? Yes he is. Surprised he's still there in your league, but if he is in others, then yes.

Shawn (Sacramento,Ca)

Do you buy into Julius Jones this week at indy or think hes still a home only start? Rice is my other option.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

I'd start Julius in that scenario, and I don't think he's a home-only option. He's still the head RB in an offense that needs to run the ball right now. That means if he's facing a bottom-half run D, and the Colts are, then he's worth at least a flex play. Is he reliable? No, but he is someone I can feel decent about starting.

Woody (Peckerland)

Yo BROB, My bench is loaded with Lottery tickets: McCoy, D. Brown, Bradshaw, Choice, DMC. Other RBs are CJ, Gore and Hightower. What is your advice for this situation??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Well done! Trade one of 'em if you have needs elsewhere, but if not, great! Things change fast at that position, and you might need more of those guys than you realize. Plus, they're all still fantasy backups right now, for the most part.

Brian (Detroit)

If Felix Jones is only out two games who do you like going forward him or Hightower

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Hightower, actually. I'm impressed with how the Cardinals use him. Do you realize he has as many receiving yards as the big three WRs? Beanie Wells just doesn't look to be a big factor. Plus, Jones is inherently a backup.

Carlos (Chicago)

What about Nate Burleson, he is getting around 10 targets a game and has capitalized on them in 2 out of 3 games, is he becoming starter worthy?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Good question, Carlos. In three-starting-WR leagues, I think he is. Not only is he catching passes, but they're throwing to him quite a bit. In fact, he's THIRD in the NFL in targets. That's a trend I could see continuing, since he is a very talented WR and is apparently healthy now. He's a nice pickup and a nice start, albeit outside the top 20.

J (Cal)

Is it safe to cut Z Miller if you have either Carlson, Celek, Olsen, or Witten?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Zach Miller, hurt by that Oakland passing ... er, JaMarcus Russel. Yeah, cut away. One more question.

Jacob (Michigan)

Should I drop Chargers D/ST for the niners?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Sure, why not a D/ST question ... yes I would. The Chargers are just too porous in the secondary, and if this has anything to do with yards allowed, you don't want them hurting your scores.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

OK one more ...

Sam (SF)

How will Coffee do?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

I just don't think he's ready to shine. If he keeps getting 20-plus carries a game, he'll probably do OK, but I don't see that happening after a full week of game-planning, and thus, my expecations are low.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

And I have to run, folks. Thanks for joining me today. I got to as many questions as I could with detailed answers. Good luck in Week 4, and I'll see ya again next week!