ESPN

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Back talking some football -- and a few random baseball questions if I see them -- again this week. Let's get right to it ...

jamison miranda (fayetteville)

Do you trade Rashard Mendenhall or do you hold on to him.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

I hold on to him, for sure. First of all, I'm no NFL running backs coach, but man does that guy look quick. If Parker is Fast Willie, then what do we call Mendenhall? He's a former first-rounder, and although his practice habits don't endear himself to himself to his coaches, he's very talented and still is considered the future of the team at the position. If he wasn't, the team would have brought in someone as Willie insurance in the offseason. Already Tomlin is non-commital about this week, which is an indication a change is in store. I think Mendenhall takes the job and "runs" with it.

Ronny Mexico (Las Cruces, NM)

Leon Washington and Burleson for LT? My league thinks LT is washed up, but he's worth a gamble right?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

It's maybe a little closer than you think, but yeah, I'd do it. We wrote off LT early last season, but he bounced back to have some good games after a slow start and ended with good numbers. As long as he's "the guy" in San Diego, which he is (Sproles didn't even get a carry Sunday), then he still has great games in him. Those other two are intriguing, but would you ever feel safe starting them every week? With LT, you would, assuming he stays healthy. And he's been very durable in his career.

DAvE (Flint, Mi)

What's your take on Michael Turner.Do you think they found a way to get him more involved during their bye week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Well, he's still on pace for 1,200 yards or something like that, so it's not like he's been mush. Will he be the top back again? No, but I think he'll still be in the top 6 or so. He's a workhorse and goal-line back in what appears to be a pretty efficient offense. That's a good thing. The Falcons throw more, but that'll just keep Turner healthy and fresh for when you need him most (the fantasy playoffs).

Bobby (OH)

Do you have any confidence in Jerome Harrison this week? I am a little thin at running back because of byes. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Normally I'd say no, but the Bills have the 27th-ranked run defense, the team realizes its line and personnel is set up to run the ball, and Lewis is still banged up. I think the situation is ripe for him to have another good game, even if he gets fewer than 29 carries. Start him with confidence.

Tom (San Diego)

With McFadden injured now, Is he now droppable is all leagues? Can the Raiders get any worse?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

No to the first question, yes to the second. Eric Karabell wrote a blog today explaining why not to drop D-Mac, and I bought it. He's still a talented back with major upside who can come in and start when healthy. That's just what you're looking for in a bench RB. You wouldn't have started him the next few weeks because of a tough schedule anyway, so the injury doesn't affect him much. But he could be huge when he returns, so if at all possible, I'd keep him. As for the Raiduhs, P-U! They could get blown out the next three weeks.

Keith (Trinidad,Co.)

Would you use best DST matchup's for the week instead of using Packers DST all the time.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

I suppose you're probably asking whether you drop the Packers D during its bye? Definitely not, with the Lions and Browns coming up after it. But are they safe starters. Probably not against the Vikings, but against anyone else, yes, they probably are. You won't find many defenses with their week-to-week upside on the FA wire.

JerMichael Finley (End Zone)

Was my big game last night a fluke, or do you see me being a reliable TE the rest of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Not reliable because he has two key receiving weapons in front of him. He has the talent to be a No. 2 option, and would DEFINITELY be start-worthy every week should something happen to Jennings or Driver, but as it is, he's one of those Shiancoe-type guys who will have the occasional great game, then disappear. The nature of the position and pecking order. I say if you're fed up with your tight end, you pick up Finley and drop that bum. And just hope the big weeks come at the right time. I'm looking at you, Zach Miller owners.

Brad (MA)

YOYO BR!!! Do i sit my man Tom Brady (@DEN) for the hot-as-h*ll Brett Favre (@STL) this week? Matchups would say so but i have a tough time sitting my #1 pick...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Wow, now this is a tough one, and really gets to a fundamental question: Stud quarterback or stud matchup? But I stick with Brady. First of all, he's just now warming up, and you already know what he can do. Secondly, I think that Pats-Broncos game could be fairly high-scoring (although not really a shootout, per se). And finally, the Vikes are still a running team, and probably won't need to do much more than that against the Rams. Only reason Favre had a big game last night was because a) he was on the national scene and took shots downfield; and b) The Pack kept the running game in check. Not the same case next week.

Jon (Charlotte)

Is Ahmad Bradshaw droppable at this point? I've got way too many 2nd team RBs and would like to pick up another receiver or two (like Massoqui, Bryant, or Nate Washington)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

I don't know how your roster is arranged, but I'd have to say no. You have Bradshaw not for what he can do when Jacobs is healthy (although he hasn't been bad), you have him for the major upside he has when Jacobs is out ... which tends to happen right around midseason once some of the hits begin to find its way through his armor. You have Bradshaw for upside, and I think dropping him would be too short-sighted. See if you can cut a WR similar to those you're picking up.

Peter (Springfield)

FWP. Do I hold on to him or dump him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Unfortunately, you have to hold on to Fast Willie until you see how this plays out. I wouldn't even try to trade him now unless someone still think he'll get his job back. But you kinda have to wait this one out.

AJ (NY)

You see Shonne Greene taking over any time soon for the Jets?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Hey, I know an AJ in New York (AJ Mass)! ... Unfortunately, no. I love Greene, and I think he has 1,000-yard seasons in his future. But not this year. He didn't even get his first carry till last week, and it's not because he's not ready. It's because the Jets have two start-worthy backs in front of him. Barring an injury plague at RB in New York, can't see Greene helping you at all this season.

Clint (TX)

What about Beanie Wells? Do you see him getting any substantial time?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Wells looks lost to me in that offense. Not that that's entirely unexpected; the Cardinals have a very diverse offense because they have veterans managing it (not the least of which is Warner), so it's not like he's playing in a Matthew Stafford offense here. Either way, the Cardinals throw first, throw to their backs second and then run third. Whereas I do see Wells working into a 10-12 carry a game role eventually, I just wouldn't feel safe with him as a starter right now. He's bench material, but things have to happen before he "moves up."

J.M. (Kansas)

Brendan, thoughts on Brandon Marshall the rest of the way?? Is he doomed simply by having Orton as QB?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

Not at all, as he's shown. In fact, Orton seems to like throwing to him. What most people don't realize is that while Marshall does have big-play upside, he's also 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, and isn't afraid to catch short passes over the middle. That's just what Orton likes to throw, and nobody else (esp. not Eddie Royal) fits the mold of the receiver he likes to throw to. You have a top-10 and maybe even top-5 WR on your hands there.

Kyle (Haines)

ESPN projects Benson to have 4 points this week...seems a bit low doesn't it? Would I be better off with Justin Fargas this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Why yes it does seem a bit low ... but I'd still go with him. Benson is not really a big yardage guy anyway, except in select weeks. He's more of a TD scorer, and just about any team can allow 1-yard rushing scores, as Baltimore did last week. I think he's the much safer option.

Randy (SD)

Is Fred Jackson worth keeping in a 10 team, 3WR, no flex format?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Yes he is. Last week was an anomaly. Miami has a very good run D, the second in the league in YPG (behind Baltimore), and they played like it in Week 4. But Jackson will have his good weeks, and he can still be productive with 12-15 touches a game, which is what I think he'll get. Will you start him in every matchup? Nah, probably about half. But he still has start potential, and that's what matters.

Jon (SD)

Thoughts on Manningham now that Nicks is back and Eli is hurting?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

I think you can drop him. David Carr won't be looking for him, and Manning looks for Steve Smith short and probably Nicks downfield.

David (Birmingham, AL)

Will McNabb's first start back from injury be strong, or will he go 200 yds and no TD's?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Tough to project McNabb without seeing him throw a bit in practice, but I tend to believe he'll have a good start back, more because he plays the Bucs at home than anything else. The Bucs don't allow the long pass, but they can be dink-and-dunked upon, and that's McNabb specialty these days. I start him if he's good to go.

Dude (Miami, FL)

What to make of Roddy White? Do you think he gets things going out of the bye week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Gulp! No. He'll catch some nice mid-range passes, but Tony Gonzalez is now the team's short guy. And the short guy is more important in the Falcons' plodding, ball-control offense. Roddy was so valuable in the past simply because of all the targets he was getting ... now that targets might be cut in half with Gonzo getting so many. Unfortunately, he might not be much more than a No. 3 fantasy WR going forward, in my mind.

Aaron (San Diego)

Safer pick up Addai or mendenhall

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Addai. Assured of more carries. But it's very close.

Tom (LA)

Brendan, good analysis on Manningham. WHo would you pick to replace him? Collie (vs. Tenn); Sidney Rice (vs. StL); Nate Washington (vs. Indy); Massaquoi (vs. Buf)?

Kyle (Miami)

No one seems to be talking about Nate Washington, seems like the main redzone target in Tennesee, thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

I agree on both counts, which is why I'd pick up Washington in the first question. Not only is he becoming a good goal-line option, but he's getting a ton of targets too. And he always has had untapped potential. Unfortunately, the Titans might be passing from behind often, so Washington is a great pickup/start (even against a tough Indy pass D).

Chuck (Indy)

Sell high on Sims-Walker?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Would you be able to get much for him. I have him in one league, floated him, and got laughed at. And I couldn't respond to the guy. I think he cools down, yes. Sell high if you can.

jeff (wichita falls, tx)

i am 0-4 to start the season and looking to shop peterson, what could i expect in a trade? a starting rb for sure, and what else? thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

Boy, not sure that's wise, unless injuries have sapped your roster. He hasn't been the problem, but I do know what it's like to be desperate. Just make sure you get a lot, and I'd say you could a starting RB and maybe even a top-12 or so receiver for him. I mean, some teams will be ready to turn over their entire roster for this guy. Just make sure you need to make that move.

Sammy Smith (Oatmeal Stout)

Keep hanging on to Felix "Mr. Glass" Jones or use his roster slot to fill in other positions for bye weeks?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Another tough one ... we've had some good discussions on our podcasts and such about how tough it is right now filling in for bye weeks. There are enough slow starters and "upside backs" to keep around, it's tough to find guys to drop. And honestly, I can't give you any reason NOT to drop Mr. Jones.

Scott (Missouri)

Follow up on Manningham...really think he is droppable? He had a bad game with a couple drops but still had six targets and has been averaging about that.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Good points, Scott. But it kind of goes into the same area I've been talking about. It's tough to find people to drop when you're in a roster bind. I must clarify, and I'm glad you brought me to this, don't drop Manningham unless you absolutely have to (because of byes, injuries, etc.). He's definitely worth keeping around. But do I see him being a safe starter any week soon? Really not, and especially if Carr is the QB.

Matt (ATL)

BR, hoping for your wisdom on Lee Evans. He's been my worst producer all year. Crayton and Nate Washington are avail on my FA. Do I drop him for either one of those guys?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Yes, I'd drop him. Evans brings a track record of inconsistency into this season, and now he's the No. 2 (maybe 2 1/2 since the team is throwing to the TEs so much?) in an offense that is run-first. And he has a still-elite WR as a No. 1. Just like with Felix, I can't give you a reason to keep him around. I say you drop him and pick up Washington.

Matt (Rhode Island)

Need a 1 week filler at TE for A-Gates this week. Who can be "that guy" (copyright: Jon Gruden) for me: Marcedes Lewis vs StL or Ben Watson vs Den?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Is it me, or is Gruden really good on MNF games? Man, I loved that guy as a coach, and he's an even better broadcaster. Great knowledge, preparation and delivery ... but anyway, I think you have Marcedes' opponent wrong. He plays in Seattle. Either way, I'd take Watson.

Frank (Beans)

Larry Johnson is available on the wire. Drop B. Wells for him? 20 touch RBs are tough to come by, even the bad ones..

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Agreed. Pick up LJ.

Jacob (Michigan)

Hi Brenden, since Olsen has bye should I pick up Celek or Miller?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Celek, Celek, Celek. Heck, you might not even want Olsen back after starting Celek. I think Celek elevates to "upper-tier" tight end status this season, the guys you start every week -- if he hasn't already.

Hugh (TX)

Where do you have Barber in RB ranks? Top 10? Top 15?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

Fairly high, probably right around No. 11 or 12. He looked healthier and got more work than I expected last week in Denver, and the Boys play KC this week. He sounds fine now, so he'll probably get a ton of work, and some of it when the D is worn down, his specialty. That's when he has his best games, when the team is winning in, and he "drives it home." Thus, I foresee a good game from him.

Eric (NY, NY)

Who do you foresee being the best fantasy option going forward: Kenny Britt or Massaquoi?!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Neither? I'd probably pick Massaquoi, but still, I believe his big game coming on the heels of a QB change was completely coincidental. I don't think he's going to be a reliable fantasy option from here on out.

Jack (Boston)

Trade Steven Jackson for big receiver or hang on to him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

You have to hang on to him. His market value is scraping the bottom right now, and he still has first-round upside. Eventually the Rams will at least figure out how to keep with teams by scoring garbage TDs, and that's where S-Jax will have his value (on scores more than just yards). I still believe in him.

Chip (Houston, TX)

Knowshon Moreno's value with Buckhalter injured? Is he a legit RB2?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

He is, if not more. Buckhalter is no lock to miss this week's game, of course, but he was on crutches after last week's. I think Moreno takes away the starting job and runs with it to become the primary guy. Every-week starter going forward, in my mind.

steve (mn)

twins or tigers?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

Twins. Scott Baker will be money tonight.

Tyler (VT)

Will Donald Brown slowly take over the starting job?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

I don't see it, really. I think this year's he's merely Addai insurance and someone to use when Addai gets tired. The team killed Addai with workload right away, and eventually learned he couldn't handle it. So they brought in Brown to play, well, like Dominic Rhodes' role, if not a little more work. I think, if Addai stays healthy, we're looking, at best for Brown, a 60-40 split in Addai's favor. That's not going to be enough in a pass-first offense.

Justin (Pittsburgh)

What are your thoughts on tim hightower and antonio bryant for the rest of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Why does everyone seem to be so slow to accept Hightower? I love the guy. He's a perfect fit that offense, and he's a second-year back, so there's probably untapped potential there. We saw him wear down last season -- which many rookies do -- and we think that's who he is. I think he'll be a Reggie Bush-like option and finish in the top 20 among RBs. I really do. Bryant? Not a big fan. Because of his QB situation, and because he's not the most adept anymore at simply getting open (he does run well once he gets the ball), he'll have a few too many "double-bogeys" for my taste. Two more questions ...

Chris (Waterbury)

What do I do with Eddie Royal in a deep 14 team league? Waiver wire is extremely thin, but is he worth dropping for Massaquoi or Bobby Wade?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Hmm, 14-team league? I'd probably hang on to him another week. Make this your criteria: If you need to pick up somebody to start, then drop Royal. But if it's just for a bench option, then he's as good as any.

Reed (Wildwood NJ )

aNDRE jOHNSON rANKED TOP 5 lAST WEEK vs OAK. Steve Smith Top 5 This week vs Oak. When will people learn the Nahmdi is a shut down corner?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

WHY ARE WE YELLING!? Ha, ha. Kidding. I'm with you, Reed. He's not top-5 this week, and probably not even top-15. But either way, you have to start him. He has proven he can beat tough matchups in the past, and while I don't expect that he will this time (his QB situation is a little less than desired), the simple chance that he might makes him start-worthy.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

And that'll do it, folks. Once again, the quickest hour of my week! Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see ya back here next week at this time.