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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get things rolling...

alex (las vegas)

Is it time to pick up crabtree or take the wait and see approach? I'm sold hes a starter once he gets the playbook down and waiting for him later might be a mistake. Whats your take?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Dynasty pickup without question -- not that I expect he's available in any of those leagues. Redraft? Well, I think he's going to take some time to get acclimated into the offense, it's a run-based offense besides, and all the missed preseason (not to mention regular-season) time can't help but affect him. We're in the bye weeks; you might need those bench spots to bench your studs who are off. So let's say, if you're in a deep league, sure, go for it. There's upside. But pardon me if I'm not buying all in, and thinking he belongs more on a watch than pickup list right now.

Braylon Edwards (New York, NY)

Hey Tristan, now that I'm a Jet, will I return to fantasy relevance and be the man I think I am?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

The other big news of the day, I feel similarly about Edwards as I do Crabtree, though in no way do I intend that to mean "boy, these two guys are worth the same." I think Edwards will take a little time to get adjusted to his new surroundings, there's always a chance a suspension is coming and the guy was a drop machine a year ago. That said, he's also a tremendous receiver when he's focused. Can he be top 20 from today forward? Certainly. But I have a hunch he'll have a few stinkers sprinkled in the rest of the year.

Ryan (Atlanta)

I need a bye week DST, would you go with Bills, Broncos, or Colts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Bills, though it pains me to have to pick any of them. Just in standard ESPN scoring, he might get you turnovers, facing a bad Browns team.

Jon (Chapel Hill)

Hey Tristan, what's this trade do for Massaquoi's value? Is he an immediate add if you're in need of a WR2 or WR3?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Probably makes performances like his Week 4 more likely, though, again, it's a bad offense. If you pick up Massaquoi thinking he's an every-week No. 2/3 receiver, you're likely going to end up disappointed. Good chance he's got matchups appeal looking forward, though, and seeing that I tabbed him a pickup in my "Instant Replay" before the Braylon Edwards trade, yes, I'd say he's worth adding.

Brian (de)

Pick up Celek and drop Dustin Keller... good move, bad move or a wash? I have Owen Daniels also.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Frankly I'd rather have Brent Celek. Just a more pass-friendly offense.

Tiago (San Diego, CA)

Ever since McNabb went down in week 1, I've been forced to play both Schaub and Slaton. Been getting by so far, but nervous about the prospects of a bad offensive game by Houston totally wiping me out. Is playing at Arizona, coming off a bye, that game? Is it safe to trust McNabb against Tampa this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I'm huge on both Matt Schaub and Donovan McNabb this week, and while I think the Eagles will ease McNabb in somewhat with a few more "Wildcat" plays, the matchup couldn't be softer for him. The Bucs stink defending the pass. That said, the Cardinals get routed by opposing passers; it's Schaub all the way for me. No worries here, I think that's going to be a high-scoring affair.

Mike (Reno)

Your thoughts on trading LT2 for Jacobs ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

Wow, grab that now before the other owner wises up.

tc (toronto)

who should I pick up on the waiver wire: Mendenhall or Harrison? Got leanage towards harrison....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Tough one, as Jerome Harrison probably stands the greater chance at touches, but Rashard Mendenhall strikes me as an excellent short-yardage/goal-line type, and I'm all about the touchdowns. I'll go Mendenhall and play for the upside.

Mike (Cincy)

Am I crazy to start Flacco over Brady, who faces a tough Denver d?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Nope. I'd make that call in any format. Not enamored with Tom Brady's matchup; I do like Joe Flacco's. But I watched the Bengals game last week, and they sure didn't seem to want to play the final three quarters plus overtime.

Joe (NY)

You riding San Francisco's D against Atlanta? Or would you go with Philly against Tampa Bay?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Neither matchup terrifies me, but let's just make that decision this way: Falcons bring Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez ... to town. Buccaneers bring Josh Johnson, Cadillac Williams, Kellen Winslow... higher upside with the Eagles.

Peter (Springfield)

Good Morning Tristan. What is going on with Tony Romo? Should I keep holding on to him, or drop him for someone like Eli, Big Ben, or Farve??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

Can't drop Romo. I'm as concerned as anyone about him, being that I loved his performance in Week 1 and hoped it meant more games like that were coming, but the guy has way too much talent to simply let go. One thing to point out: How the heck are all those guys free agents in your league?

Philip (Dallas)

A blog yesterday suggested keeping McFadden, because of his upside after returning. However, I have Felix Jones also (and subsequently picked up Choice to cover the lack of production). I need to drop somebody in order to cover the bye weeks for players who have actually helped me. Who should I drop?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Read that blog, and can't say I disagree with the assessment of Darren McFadden, though it's easy for me to say that being that in the league I own the guy, it's 12-team with a deep bench (7-8 players). Not even a consideration to me to cut him, mainly because I think he's still a starting running back when healthy, and the 32 starters certainly warrant being on fantasy rosters. Sounds like you might be in a more shallow format than mine, and I admit that if it's McFadden or Felix Jones who has to go, well, I think Jones' upside is greater. He sticks around, if you must choose.

Mike (Tampa Bay)

TRISTAN! Good Morning, How bout that Baseball game last night? Best Baseball game this Century? Anyway, Who do I go with this week, Fred Taylor or Beanie Wells against Houston's Run D?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Fantastic game, though I stop short of calling it the best of the century, being that 2003 ALCS Game 7 still stacks ahead of it based upon the stakes and storylines with that one. Anyway, back to football, don't like either of these matchups particularly, but I'd go Fred Taylor. I know on paper the Beanie matchup looks fabulous, but the Cardinals don't seem to trust him with enough carries to make him useful. At least Taylor will get a bit bigger piece of the pie.

M.J. (Fla.)

your thoughts on M Manningham (NYG-WR)--Keep--drop--trade--play--bench?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

In shallow leagues, I suppose he'll be a cut candidate, at least during these thinned-out bye weeks. People need to remember that these are tough times where you might have to let a useful player go, if your talent pool is that shallow. (It's why I tend to prefer deeper leagues.) I do see Manningham having matchups appeal looking forward, but he's not an every-week play. And with Hakeem Nicks now healthy, I think a rotation is indeed possible.

Chris (MPLS)

What is Braylon Edwards effect on Jerricho Cotchery's fantasy value?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Probably helps it more than hurts it.

bob (chi)

Mendenhall over Sjax this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

No, but only because Willie Parker is likely to grit it out and play, and I absolutely could see some sort of committee between the two. Just a much higher probability of touches for Steven Jackson.

Matt (ATl)

Better keeper value: Kevin Smith or Ray Rice?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Big Kevin Smith fan. That team won't be terrible forever and I can see him developing into a top-five back in a couple years.

Jason (Wichita)

Here is a trade question. I was offered S. Hill and D. Clark for K. Orton and M. Sims-Walker. Hill would be used only on bye weeks and my current TE is Z. Miller. Do I accept?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Seems fair, being that Dallas Clark is about as productive as any tight end out there. I'd probably want a tad safer quarterback; that is a downgrade in my eyes. But if those are just your backups and Shaun Hill's matchup in your bye weeks appeals, by all means go for it. Clark's the safest, most valuable long-term bet of the bunch.

Nick (Chicago,IL)

STRATEGY question. If your opponent has no backup at a position for a bye week and you have an open roster spot. Do you pick up the best player at that position or take a flier on a waiver guy that could help you in the future?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Depends on the specific players you're referring to, but if what you're asking is, "Do I steal my opponent's fill-in?" Then yes, sure. I think it's a legitimate strategy, and worth considering.

Ben (NJ)

With Rodgers on a bye week and Carson Palmer as my backup against Balt would I be better off picking up Eli or David Garrad? I was leaning toward Garrad.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

I'd take Garrard mainly in that Eli Manning has that foot issue, and as a result of that, coupled with the strong matchup for the Giants' running game, I bet the team takes it a bit easier on ol' Eli this week. Besides, the Seahawks' defense has been plagued by injuries, so the matchup does favor Garrard.

Katrina (Baltimore)

C'mon Tristan, help me out. 4-0 and need a receiver with Jennings on a bye. Anyone worth using the number 1 waiver spot on?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Hmmm. Sidney Rice? Pierre Garcon? Mohamed Massaquoi? I wouldn't dig too deep in spending a top waiver position, but any of those guys seems like a fine fill-in to me this week.

Brad Bailey (Cincinnati)

You like Carolina d off a bye against powerless Washington or Miami D is a better choice?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Not at all a fan of that Dolphins defense, especially not in a prime-time game against the division-rival Jets. Neither of these defenses is a great one, but sure, I'd take a chance on the Panthers.

Jason (Gaithersburg, MD.)

Marshawn Lynch is sitting on the Waiver Wire....would waive Run DMC to get Lynch. Considering EK's Blog and your previous comments, Run DMC or Marshawn?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Do you need Marshawn Lynch this week? That's the better question. I'm advising Lynch as a flex-play type, and that'll be valuable to some, but for the most part I think I'd prefer to take my chances on McFadden long-term! (That's based upon being a pretty big Fred Jackson fan; don't see Lynch being "the guy" at any point soon.)

Chad (Portland)

You honestly think Parker will play?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I'm no doctor, that's just the last report I read and it wouldn't surprise me. You have to take the information you have when you're making the decision and evaluate that. If Parker plays, does anyone really dispute it's a hit to Mendenhall's value?

Stephen (Pittsburgh)

Who has the worst week? R Moss, B Marshall, D Mason

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

I think the obvious choice to sit here is Derrick Mason, but I just want to point something out: If Randy Moss is the correct answer here I won't be in the slightest bit surprised. Accounting for the matchup he's a boom/bust play to me, and certain owners might not like to chance that. It's a risk I'll take, but don't say there wasn't a warning flag.

George (NY)

Gore/Gates for Fitz/Lynch -- clear winner?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Yeah, the first half. Again, not a big Marshawn Lynch fan, haven't been since camps opened.

Joel (MI)

Tristan, Are you really that down on Brady this week ? Cant you see "Belichek and McDaniels shooting it out ? Who has Denver played ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Absolutely I could see it. I could also see the Broncos, improved as they are defensively, causing some real headaches for the Patriots in a game that's lower-scoring and closer than you think. It's foolish if you don't approach those matchups with at least a degree of caution. I know, it's crazy to ever say "sit Tom Brady," but without a doubt there are better plays this week. Joe Flacco is one of them, in my mind. (So is Matt Schaub.)

Eric (Chicago)

So, Tristan if Moss is boom or bust, especially with Champ on him, does that make Welker all that more valuable?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Sure, though more in PPR leagues, and let's not forget that Julian Edelman did a pretty decent job in Welker's absence. He'll cut into that target total somewhat, so I'm a tad down on Welker this week, too. PPR type who probably disappoints with modest yardage and no scores.

Hank (Miami)

I waited all week to ask you!!! PPR 12 team league:Who do you like out of Sidney Rice, Nate Washington or Bobby Wade for most value rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Has to be Rice or Washington, and in terms of talent I'm leaning the latter, opportunity the former. Put the entire package together and I'm feeling a little more pro-Washington right now.

Eddie (NYC)

Trying to buy low on LDT. Offer Roddy White straight up? Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

If you really want LaDainian Tomlinson, that seems fair to me. For the record, I don't want LaDainian Tomlinson. As I pointed out countless times in the preseason, he's 30, he has tons of miles on his legs, he has battled injuries already this year and last season he clearly looked like a guy who had lost a step. I'd call it foolish to term him a certain top-tier running back looking forward. Best-case scenario has him a good No. 2, and I'm iffy on that.

Lasagna's For Lunch (NC)

3 WR league, play 2 from the same team, even if they are Andre and Kevin? Best available to pick up would be Housh, Burleson, Bryant.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Well, I actually like the T.J. Houshmandzadeh matchup quite a bit, and I'd consider using him over Kevin Walter simply to break up that "same-team" thing, plus the probability that he sees more targets. In general, though, if guys like Andre Johnson and Walter are facing a matchup such as this, I wouldn't be scared to trust them both. It's that favorable.

Michael Jordan (Chicago)

I could do better than both of these guys but who do you trust more this week, MBIII or Choice?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

If I had to forecast it today, I think Marion Barber is limited in practice, questionable on the injury report, left on the active roster and then granted the start and maybe 60 percent of the rushing chores. So today I'm saying Barber. But if you own the guy, it gives you the homework of checking for setbacks during his practice sessions. Health decides such things for you.

cj (oh)

in a dynasty league, could you order these players in terms of value: Ahmad Bradshaw, Darren Sproles, Derrick Ward, Chester Taylor?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Probably in that very order, though I'm tempted to swap the last two, who seem somewhat close to me. And I don't really think either Ward or Taylor has a heck of a lot of dynasty-league potential.

Chris (At Work )

Need to get waiver claim in today. Would you drop any of the following for Massaquoi: Josh Morgan, Camarillo or Torry Holt. My other WR are Welker, Knox and Crabtree so I certainly need help.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Adios, Greg Camarillo.

Dana (Boston)

who do you like more going forward. Housh or Roddy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Roddy White. Just like the T.J. Houshmandzadeh matchup this week. Overall, I think he hasn't been the greatest fit in Seattle to date.

Fred Jackson (Buffalo)

I'm in for a huge week against CLE. I can feel it. Can you?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Yes, the weather just has that feel of a big Fred Jackson day. For the record, Jackson, strong No. 2. Marshawn Lynch, flex-play plug-in if you need him. That's where I stand on 'em.

Dave (DC)

Tristan, which DEF do you prefer this week: Jets @ Miami or 49ers at home against Atlanta...and WHY?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

I would probably go 49ers, and a lot of it has to do with the home/road status. The rest has to do with the former being a prime-time game of division rivals, and from my memory those Jets-Dolphins games are often harder-fought contests than people expect, without elite defensive statistics.

Harry (Indiana)

Big numbers for Coffee this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Sure, though he's not a top-tier play. Think a strong No. 2.

Carl (San Diego)

Strategy question. Do most leagues have a max number of pickups?? We always have and are very careful about using them (18) but it seems like alot of people ak questions without regard to wasting valuable pickups, which are also very big trade pieces as well. Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Carl, I must admit that I have never played in a league with a cap on pickups. I'm not a fan of them either, so it's no surprise to me I haven't. But if that's the case, yes, strategy changes, especially since you're generally going to spend 6-8 signings alone during the bye weeks just to find useful stopgaps.

Mike (Syracuse)

One Hour, One Question cant get it answered huh? Would you trade Roddy White and Mccoy (Eagles) for Benson and Braylon?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Remember, Mike, there are thousands of questions. Typing as fast as I can! As for yours, I'd rather have the former half. Cedric Benson is an upgrade from LeSean McCoy, yes, but I don't term it a substantial one. And I do see the drop-off at wide receiver being at least as much as the difference at running back.

DC (NC)

pick 2 - hightower, sjax, coffee, addai

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Tim Hightower for certain. Then it's Steven Jackson versus Glen Coffee, and I have an extremely hard time sitting Jackson. He'll get his touches one way or another, runner or receiver, so don't fear that matchup.

Kyle (Miami)

Bye weeks galore for me, need a flex play between Berrian, Nate Washington, and Mohamed Massaquoi, thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Bernard Berrian's stock is on the rise, and the matchup is entirely stacked in his favor. Clear call to me.

Your Biggest Fan!!! (Chicago)

What do you make Cedric Benson this week vs. Balt?! Also do I start L. Evans over him?!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Don't like the matchup one bit. That said, I couldn't use Lee Evans over Cedric Benson. Just not a luxury you can afford.

Shane (NJ)

I got most of my byes into 1 week. If I was gonna play Braylon this week @ FLEX, and have no other options currently rostered... Will he play at all? (there is almost no one worthwhile available)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I think he'll play, but I wouldn't want him in my fantasy lineup. I'm expecting a minimal role initially. The excitement with Braylon Edwards shouldn't start for a couple more weeks. There must be someone out there you can plug in?

Dan (NY)

Which one should i sit this week in a .5 PPR league....D Mason, Sims-Walker, Roddy White, or K Walter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

I'm thinking this boils down to Roddy White versus Derrick Mason, and with the PPR points included, I'd sit White. Just not a matchup I love.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

OK folks, time to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. Take care everyone, and best of luck to you in Week 5!