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Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Great to be back talking primary football as we prepare for Week 6. Let's get right to the questions ...

lassie (tacoma)

will austin collie take the slot receiver position after a-gon's return and be this year's lance moore?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

I just don't see it. Lance Moore was able to step up because the team really didn't have a second receiving option when Reggie Bush was out (and even with him in). The Colts have no such problem, and I still think A-Gonz. gets more targets after he returns. Collie will slide back to obscurity, with the occasional good game thanks to his offense. ... Speaking of Moore, was just reading a story that noted he hasn't been as effective because the Saints haven't been running as many 3-WR sets because they've been leading in games. In essence, his own defense has hurt Moore "more" than anything.

Ron (CT)

I'm sick of L. Washington! He's going to the WW and being replaced by a kicker for this week. Too much hype and not enough production.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I hear ya, and if you must, you must. Not scoring TDs really hurts him. But man, have you watched this guy play? He's so dynamic, fun to watch and explosive. Like Sproles. I'm confident if something happened to T.Jones, Washington would be a beast with 20 touches per game. In essence, those are the guys you want on your bench. If bye weeks forces you to do otherwise, so be it. But I'd keep him around and just cut your normal starting kicker. Just so much upside.

Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh)

When FWP (or SWP for now) returns to the lineup, do you think he steals half of my carries?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

I'd have to say no ... each of the past two weeks, he has lost a grip on that role, and I now see something more like a 60-30-10 (with Mewelde as the 10) happening here. Take that for what it's worth, which is just my guess, but I wouldn't expect much out of Parker.

Kevin (Alaska)

Does Arizoan know how to run the ball? Is Breaston a better play than Wells b/c of this?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

They know how to run the ball, but two things play in here: 1) They have such a great passing game; and 2) Kurt Warner is so much more effective as a shotgun passer than a dropback passer, which limits the back somewhat, especially a power back. As such, yes, in most weeks I think Breaston will outproduce Wells. I really do. The exception would be if you think Arizona will blow out a team (like the Rams), which should lead to more late-game carries, and probably for Wells.

Kyle (St. Louis)

Braylon looked pretty good last night in the Jets offense. What do you see from me the rest of the season and am I worth starting over MSW against my pitiful Rams at WR3 this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Yes, Braylon looked darn good, and Sanchez was repeatedly looking for him. I know Cotchery was bothered by a hammy, but he was still in there a lot. I really think Braylon will be their No. 1 WR going forward. I know it's just one game, but the Jets know they have a versatile weapon there, and with a fresh start, he will be productive. I start him until he gives me a reason not to going forward, and yes, I'd start him over Sims-Walker, even against the pitiful Rams. The Jags should be able to run on the Rams.

jesse (nj)

Is Ricky Williams becoming a possible start or RB3 in most leagues?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Tough to tell. I watched last night's game, and he certainly looked explosive, but the moment the team got inside the 10, off he went. Ricky has been a good team player, but once I swear I saw him give a "body-language sigh" when he essentially took the team down the field, then succumbed to Brown. I just don't think Williams can be a viable weekly starter in standard sized leagues with just yards alone.

LT (Sandiego)

Do you think I will turn it around this year and rejoin the elite backs? Or am I a thing of the past?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

I think LT will turn it around. Maybe not to the level he was in previous years, but he'll be a viable fantasy starter, for sure. The dude got his ankle rolled early in Week 1 and has been playing hurt since. The bye will help, and so will his matchups. Roll with him.

Joe (Jersey)

Maclin and Miles Austin.......who is the pickup of the week and will they have long term potential? i can drop Hester or berrian for one

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Well, in Austin's case, I felt he only got a chance to have a big game b/c Williams was sidelined, which we can't count on again. But Maclin might just emerge as a steady target for McNabb, and he has more upside to begin with, in my eyes. I'd go with Maclin.

Andrew (Atlanta)

Start Kevin Smith over the struggling Slaton on Sunday??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

They're very close, but I'd probably say Smith. One thing I've been impressed with regarding Smith is he gets his carries/touches, regardless of game situation. The Steelers shut him down, but the Lions kept feeding him the ball. And if Megatron is hurting or out, you figure Smith becomes even more of the focus. I go with him.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

You really think A-Gonz will be back as the primary slot receiver? I think Manning may have lost confidence in him; Gonz dropped a lot of passes that were "right in the bread basket" this pre-season/seadon. With Collie and Garcon up-and-coming, A-Gonz may not be worth starting anymore. Plus the Colts dont hesitate to line Dallas Clark in the slot at times.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Well, the last part is true, which is why I think any Colts No. 2 WR is only so good. But I think it's too early to write off A-Gonz. I'm relatively sure the Colts still consider him a part of the future of the team at WR. Plus, you kinda answer some of this yourself. Whereas Collie is a great slot receiver, A-Gonz can play flanker and split end adeptly, which should have him on the field more. That alone will help. I just think slot WRs have only so much per-game upside unless they are major focuses of the offense (like Welker with all his catches).

Carlos (Chicago)

What happened to Reggie Bush, is he a flex guy, he is in the sort of position where you can't drop him (like LJ), but is he going to start to produce for the PPR guys?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Reggie hasn't been quite we expected, huh? But you kinda nailed him. He has too much upside to drop, but can't be relied upon in tough matchups. You kinda save him for soft ones, especially soft, but high-scoring ones. His best games are still ahead, but they will be tough to predict.

Matt (lafayette, indiana)

I always end up with really deep teams in Fantasy that may be more balanced instead of top heavy. The problem is in almost every league I've ever been in I'm never able to trade my depth for star power. Should I overpay for the stars since most the time I'm offering somebody off my bench or should I hold pat. I have yet to win a league even when I've felt I had a clear advantage in players from keeping my teams intact with deep benches.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Trading in fantasy football is very difficult, and it becomes even more difficult each year, it seems to me. But I think the trades have as much to do with position than just how the good the player is. For instance, if you have a stud WR to trade for seemingly just a pretty good RB, the owner balks. If you have two stud QBs, though, sometimes that works, but you usually don't get as much as you like in return. This is just an unfortunate byproduct of fantasy owners becoming too smart, and the waiver wire in most leagues being too deep. You're probably better off standing pat unless injuries have backed you in a corner and you need to trade to survive. In which case you have to settle for less than you want.

Steve (ND)

Does Fred Jackson still have a role, or will he just have a roll? Sammy Morris a better option? I have to question this based on the Big Rotowski rankings.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

After a long one, I'll try to keep this short ... I still like Jackson more than Morris. Both are backups (when all players are healthy), but we know Morris doesn't have great upside, and F-Jax does.

Bobo (Spain)

Thoughts on Eddie Royal after finally having a good week? Has his rapport with Orton improved?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I don't think so. I saw a lot of that game, and I swear half of Royal's targets happened when he was a checkdown option, sometimes even No. 2 or 3 checkdown. Until he is a more consistent first option, or should something happen to Knowshon, I wouldn't expect much from him.

sjax, slaton, and deangelo (owner)

Brenden. I know how you must feel about repetitive questions but I'm in the fetal position sucking my thumb and weeping bitterly. Console me.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I can't. There's just not much you can do. All three are healthy and have major upside. Just one of those seasons, brother. You can trade them, but you probably stand a better chance at getting burned by it. (Sheesh, I console people about as well as a sargeant in boot camp.)

dave (Pittsburgh)

Should I be scared about Desean going up against Namdi(?), is he going to lay another egg? Is Roddy white or Wes Welker or even MSW a better play?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

I would be concerned, yes. In fact, I'm even going to say I wouldn't start him outside a deep league. Even in 3-WR leagues. Nnamdi has a history of shutting down WRs, and I'm hearing this week that the Eagles really like the idea of spreading around the ball anyway. Check, and check. The Eagles take more to the ground against Oakland, and DeSean goes for 2 catches and 24 yards. All three are better plays.

Dave (Indy)

What do you think of owning both Roddy and Tony Gonzo? Is it too risky to put "all your eggs in one basket", persay? If you err on the side of trading one of them, which one, and for what caliber of RB?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

I'm terrible at the "what caliber of RB" questions because it varies so much league to league and I don't know the setup. But I don't have a problem with owning both WRs. I still don't like Roddy as much, but if you start them both, it's likely one of them will have a big week. That's the glass-half-full approach, whereas the pessimists would say it's likely one WON'T have a big week. But I value them independently, and don't worry about teams.

Smith (MD)

Anyone ever told you that you look like a young Mel Gibson? Wes Welker or Calvin Johnson in a PPR?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Uh, no in fact. If Johnson is healthy, then him. If he's not, then Welker. If he's even limited, then Welker.

Scott (Boulder)

Westbrook is killing me! Could it really be true that I need to start Benson over him from now on??!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Sorry, Scott, but yes, it's true. Well, kind of. He deserves consideration; I value them close to the same going forward. Benson is a big part of that offense, and that Bengals O-line is really jelling and is more cut out for the run with its size anyway. But Westbrook also has proven big-play upside and can catch passes, too. I'd to choose between them week to week, but my guess is you might end up with close to a 50-50 split.

Martin (California)

Is Cincy's D for real? I want to keep Schuab in there but thinking Flacco vs. MIN could be better after Rodgers had a good game against the Vikes. Help please!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

I'm not convinced Cincy's deal is for real, especially its pass D. Its run defense does look markedly better to me. Either way, I'd stick with Schaub. He has better weapons to work with, a team that runs less, and overall, the Bengals D, esp. its pass rush, doesn't match the Vikings'. Those Vikes have a heck of a pass rush, and Flacco often doesn't deal with that.

John (NC)

After Tony Romo's bye should he still be trusted over Hesslebeck?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Can you trust either, really? Not having examined their schedules, I'd probably take Romo over Hasselbeck still. A bye week should do that team some good.

mendel (fl)

brob, would you go with a qb by committee if you are loaded at RB and WR, or trade for a good qb? Passing td's are worth only 4 as opposed to 7 for rushing or receiving.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I really despise QB by committees in fantasy, even if you're forced to do it. Going back to what I said before, if you have excess RBs, those are a premium on the trade market. If you're willing to give up one of them and seek a team with two good QBs, you could pull a nice deal. I think it's worth a shot, honestly, because there's nothing more agonizing than watching your starting QB score 2 points and your "co-starter" score 22 points on your bench. And in the process, you could be watching the same thing happen at RB and WR.

Bruce (Chicago)

You mentioned Donovan likes to pass the rock around. Trust Celek anymore as a low #1, high #2? Do you like him or Cooley more this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

I think Celek is safe. He's one of the "pass it around" guys, and it takes less to satisfy a tight end. McNabb likes throwing to TEs, and has a nice rapport with Celek. I feel he's safe, and yes, I'd start him this week over Cooley. Celek plays OAK, and Cooley might be kept in more to block with the Redskins' offensive line banged up.

Eric (Middle America)

whats with Jacobs? everyone says he will come around, but bradshaw looks like a beast. is Jacobs in jeopardy of losing his job?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Not at all. In fact, I think the slow start might work in your favor if you've managed to win without big games from him. He's being used about the same as he was last year, it's just that the game situations haven't been focused toward pounding the football. But once the weather cools down and surfaces get dicey, and once the Giants return to winning 21-14 grind-it-out games, Jacobs and is surprisingly fresh legs will be the beast. And like I said, that could happen right around your fantasy playoffs. Worry not, Eric.

Jermichael Finley (Ohio)

With the current state of my O-Line, am I the real deal since the TE checkdown is get's my boy A-Rog out of trouble?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Real deal. Yes, Rodgers is good at hitting his checkdowns, more because of his scrambling ability than anything else. And Grant is not much of a checkdown option. It's Finley, and the team even likes running him up the field, too. I REALLY like him going forward, and think he should start most weeks.

Terry (Boston)

How do you see McGahee bouncing back this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Well, I don't. I mean, he had two touches last week, and Rice looked great in his 16 touches (or whatever it was). Plus, the Ravens face the Vikes, a tough team to run on. McGahee is just so TD-heavy, and those guys aren't easy starts in my eyes. I sit him for sure this week.

Chad (Omaha)

Is there any reason to hang onto Coffee?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Yeah, because Gore has hardly proven durable, and his injuries tend to linger a week or two longer than expected. Granted, Frank is due back on the practice field this week, but who knows how he'll progress. Until he gets 20 carries in a game, and maybe even after he does (esp. if you own Gore), I hang on to Coffee.

matt (seattle)

Brendan, why is Hines Ward getting such disrespect from the weekly rankings? I get that he's "old", but on pace for 100 catches and 1400 yards...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

Well, I wasn't aware that he was. I don't have the early rankings yet for this week, but I expect him to rank higher than even last week. You're right, he has been solid, and Santonio hasn't slowed him down one bit. (How 'bout that Steelers passing game?) He doesn't rank higher in our projections this week only because we don't have him projected to score. That's an important distinction to make here: It's tough to predict scores. So if we have a guy predicted with 6 catches, 82 yards as we do Ward, we still like him.

Steven Jackson (Rams)

Do I hold more value than McGahee for the rest of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Definitely. Stand by Jackson, folks. Hang with him. I'm a St. Louis resident, and by default, I happen to watch those Rams games. Jackson still looks very good, and very explosive. His runs are negated by getting hit in the backfield, but it's a young O-line that will get better, and Jackson still has the goods. Once the Rams actually get on the board, Jackson will get his TDs. But he's just such an important part of the offense -- they lined him up wide several times last week -- and it'll show up to fantasy owners eventually.

Mike B. (Yonkers)

I swear that the Giants often get lazy and don't feel like they have to block as well for Jacobs. Then Bradshaw comes in and they create these huge holes for him. I realize Bradshaw is more explosive, but I can recall a ton of situations where someone missed a block that prevented Jacobs from scoring or running for a big gain. They need to watch some video.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

Good stuff. If that's really true, you can bet Tom Coughlin and Pat Flaherty and Co. will also notice that. I wouldn't expect it to become a trend. Maybe it's just the formation packages the Giants use when Jacobs is in the game?

Tr (Detroit)

What is the problem with G Jennings. I know the GB O-line is bad but Rodger's/Driver's #s have been decent enough. Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

The line has been bad such that Rodgers has had to either throw it short or scramble and find a checkdown guy. Poor offensive lines rarely lead to big years for downfield WRs. But Jennings will get his yards and big plays eventually. Have a little more patience with him.

matt (seattle)

Brendan, how do you like Moreno going forward? Around 20 total touches per week, great offensive line... commitment to rushing.. top-15 RB?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Ya know, I really can't argue with that assesment. I'm really impressed with the way he runs. I still worry a little bit about him getting banged up -- he does take a lot of hits and doesn't seem to me to be a guy who knows when to "hit the dirt" when he's inevitably going to go down -- but I still foresee top-15 numbers regardless. I'm with you there, Matt.

The Kid (Cali)

Makilin! He's just about as fast as Desean and 30 lbs larger, get on the band wagon cause he's going to be the number 1.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

And you're a Cali guy! I am on the bandwagon; I think Maclin will be the No. 1.

The Real Deal (Vegas)

Begging here! Cadillac or Ward a better pick up? Or leave both alone?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Hmm, one of them is worth a pickup, but which one? Probably Cadillac.

Makilin (Philley)

What do you think of Steve Smith (Car)? I have an offer of Walter and Pierre Thomas for him on the table .... think he'll be a WR1 again this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

I do think he will, just because who else is going to? And it seems the Panthers are still trying to get him the ball, just having difficulty doing so. Seems he goes through the same spell every season like this, and we get similar questions, and then he bounces back in a big way. I foresee the same thing happening. All that said, if you are weak at RB, that's a pretty close trade offer, and I might consider it. By now (entering Week 6), you might have to do things that are less than ideal. ... One more question, folks.

Moose (Salt Lake)

Buzzer beater, should I pick up Henne?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Well, I have no idea your league setup and such, but if you're asking whether I think Henne will be a starting consideration, my answer was definitely no. The Jets looked confused a lot Monday, and Henne just doesn't have the WR corps or type of offense to produce like a fantasy starter. Heck, he's not even on the field like 25 percent of the time. I can't value him highly.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

And that'll do it. My apologies if I didn't get to your question; I got more than 1,000 this week and only see a certain portion of them because I'm moving so quickly. But I thank you for stopping by, and I hope I helped someone! See ya again this time next week.