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Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Back again this week to answer as many questions, with thoughtful replies, as I can. Note that I try to field questions in which I think my replies can help multiple people. That's my goal, anyway. Let's get to it already ...

Tony (KC)

Wassup, Brendan. I just heard that Mendenhall moved past FWP on the depth chart. Is it true? Would it be wise to drop him for Jonathan Stewart? Your wisdom would be appreciated...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Yup, it's true, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review; Parker has probably been Wally Pipped. The two are very close, and valuable, so see if you can dump someone else, but if I do like Mendenhall more going forward. His durability comes into question, but not his talent or offense. I think he'll be reliable as a weekly start.

Adrian (Puerto Rico)

16 team baseball league: Need to keep Ian Kinsler or Roy Halladay. What say you? I have Hanley, Berkman, Sizemore, Figgins, Werth, Dunn and Abreu so I do have some good hitters while I lack a top notch SP (Nolasco and Brett Anderson would be my top 2 starters) - did I just answer my own question?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Hmm, yeah, you probably did, kind of. I'd keep Halladay, but I'd also keep Kinsler over several of those other guys, including Dunn and probably even Berkman. You can't afford to let an elite 2B walk, while Berkman is one of many similarly talented first basemen.

Gary (Orange County, CA)

HELP!!! Jacobs has been killing me, and I am actually thinking about starting Adai over him this week. Am I insane???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I hear ya, but I think you would be crazy to do that. So you like the matchup with St. Louis, huh? Well, Addai probably won't get any more work, and probably not even more TDs, because of it. The team will run Donald Brown in the second half to get him some work if they're leading by a lot (which I think they will be), and the team still throws in the red zone, regardless of the score. It'd rather trust Peyton than Addai in close. So I think he's barely more valuable than normal, while I smell a Jacobs breakout coming up real soon, maybe against ARI.

Jason (Lansing MI)

Is Ray Rice becoming vintage Brian Westbrook? Or will he come back down to earth

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Vintage. I don't know if he'll catch quite as many balls, but I think he'll remain firmly entrenched as a No. 1 fantasy RB. He's one of those guys who can turn two-yard swing passes to 38-yard gains. He'll have his occasional 28-yard rushing effort, but he'll catch enough passes to make it worthwhile. You have a winner there.

Marc (MS)

Brendan: Are we to a point in FF where WRs are at least just as valuable as RBs? I used Ken Daube's WR-WR-QB draft strategy and got A. Johnson, Wayne, and P. Manning. Plus, getting Ray Rice in the 5th was icing and now I'm dominating. When are more experts going move on from the tired "Draft RBs early and often" philosophy? BTW, send Daube my thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Ken would be happy to read this! I think it's still a little early to tell if the WR-WR strategy is golden, and there are several ways to go, because that second tier of RBs, the guys you'd draft in the 4th or 5th round has been pretty bad in general (D-Mac, Marshawn, LJ), outside of Rice. But it is worth noting that many of the top WRs ARE in the top 10 among WRs now, such as Fitz, Moss, Andre Johnson, etc. It's definitely gaining steam.

chris (atl)

sell high on slaton?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

No, I'd keep him. He's inconsistent, but he's a perfect fit in that offense, especially if he's catching the ball like he did this week. That Texans offense looks pretty potent, and you want any player you can get on it. Even Kevin Walter, who wasn't great in Week 6, looks better in my eyes.

tom (chi)

can we expect top 10 WR numbers from Jennings the rest of the way? schedule looks pretty nice...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

I probably wouldn't say top-10, but somewhere after that. Definitely start-worthy. Seems to me the Packers' offense is a little different this season, and Jennings is more of decoy to open the underneath routes for Driver and Finley (and others). Last year they were always fighting from behind and having to throw it downfield, and Jennings was the guy. This year, that dynamic isn't the same b/c the defense is better, and Jennings falls back a bit.

Doug (PA)

I like the Texans offense as well, so much actually that I own Schaub, Andre and Walter. Will Walter pick it up or should I look to deal him since I have the other 2 anyway?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Hmm, in your case, I might deal him. If you can wait for him to have a good game, though, all the better.

Eric (Indy)

What kind of numbers do you see Crabtree getting in his 1st career start? Worth a fantasy start?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

I dunno, something like 25 plays, 2 catches, 19 yards. In other words, not much. I see maybe a good outing in the next 3-4 games, and fantasy owners will go gaga, but I don't think I'll end up starting once this season.

Norm (Boston)

Is it OK to dump TO if he doesn't get traded in the next 45 minutes?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

Norm! No, it's not OK. Nobody on your wire has the kind of upside this guy has, and he's too bottomed out to trade for nothing. He might not catch a lot of passes, but you figure he has another 3-4 TDs left in him, no?

Mario (New York)

Pierre Thomas owner here, drop Bush for Bell? Please say YES! It's a PPR.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Oy, I've been waiting to hear from an owner who had all three ... and you can't drop any of them, unfortunately, especially in a PPR (or else it might be Bush). They all have roles, and they all could help fantasy owners, and because now all three have had injuries in the past year, they have the same amount of health risk. Sorry, but you have to hang on and probably keep starting Thomas.

John Jolly (Miami Beach)

Bye weeks are KILLING me. Hightower or Portis .5 ppr?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Hmm, the .5 PPR sways it back to Hightower, but I'd still say Portis. That said, I do think Hightower is exempt of the "tough" matchup versus the Giants because the Giants' pass rush will only force Warner to drop it short to Hightower. But I still think Portis is the safer play here.

#1 Seahawk Fan (Seattle)

Do you see Hasback picking it up after last week's devastating performance? Will the offensive line see light at the end of the tunnel? What to do with Burleson - help?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

I don't see it picking up ... I was shocked by his Week 5 performance, in fact, and felt that was an aberration. That offensive line is missing bodies, and sheesh, it looks like it's a jailbreak every pass. Hasselbeck doesn't scramble well, so not only do I think his play will suffer, but I worry about a reinjury. The bye week will help the line, but I think Hasselbeck is only a favorable-play starter from here on out.

Jerry (Las Vegas)

What can Brown (Donald) do for me this week? RB2? Flex? projections?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Yes, you're on to something here, Jerry. Brown CAN do for you this week, and should out of a flex spot (or No. 2, if you have a starting back on bye with six teams sitting). Maybe 80-90 yards total, but he'll be the guy in the second half who gets that "garbage score" or two, and those guys have value to me. I think he scores at least one TD. I just love run-out-the-clock backs on good teams.

greg (boston)

speaking of upside...is it ok to ditch Royal now? The return TDs were nice last night but zero catches has me concerned...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Yeah, I think you can ditch him. He's just not a big part of the offense. Don't quote me on this, but I think he lines up to Orton's left on most routes, and it seems to me he doesn't throw that direction very much. No factual knowledge to that, only working from memory, but seems I did take of that.

matt (seattle)

Mike Sims-Walker has been productive in all 4 games he's played this season... Is he a must-start WR now? I'm tempted to say top-15...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I think he is, and I really couldn't argue with top-15 either (although I think it's a bit high). The Jags need someone to step up and catch Garrard's short passes. They've needed someone who isn't a speed guy for a long time, which is why they signed Torry Holt. But it's the 6-2, 214-pound Sims-Walker who fits best in that role, and Garrard has a nice rapport with him.

scott (Chicago)

Sell high on Deangelo? After KC, it gets tough!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Yes, I noticed he had some tough matchups down the line -- he plays Buffalo this week, not KC -- but he's immune to them because he gets goal-line carries. He can score 10 points even in poor games. I'd hang on to him, unless he's the only viable option you have, you're having a bad season, and he can net 3 good players in return.

Bill (Boston)

Brendan, regarding your answer to the Donald Brown question. You said you love run out the clock backs for good teams. Well I started McCoy the past 2 weeks thinking exactly the same thing (TB, Oak) and got nothing in return. So now I'm skeptical about adding Brown. Anything you can say to sway me back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Good points, Bill, and that made perfect sense that you started McCoy in both cases. Unfortunately, the Eagles offense hit the skids last week, and that blowout you expected never came. As for the TB game, McCoy did get some late carries, but he didn't do much with them. In fact, the team spread around the carries. But the Colts have a one-back offense, and I highly doubt it'll hit the skids versus the Rams, even in St. Louis. I say you have a closer's memory and go back to save the game again, starting Brown!

Mike (DC)

Do you see LJ as an adequate match-ups play at flex later this season? He's getting a ton of touches despite his poor play. He's bound to find the endzone eventually.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

I agree. As long as he's getting the touches and is healthy, he deserves at least flex consideration. Plus, he has some mighty favorable matchups looking forward, including Buffalo and Cleveland in key playoff weeks. If you can get there, he might actually help you win a title.

Rob (Pa.)

Will S. Jackson ever score a TD this year? Has any back ever rushed for over a !000 yards and not scored?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Not that I know of, although I remember Warrick Dunn coming close, it seems, a few times. Don't have that off-hand, though. Either way, Jackson will score soon. I watch a lot of the Rams being a St. Louis resident, and he's still getting the ball, and getting the ball in close, too. It's a mere coincidence he hasn't scored, and nothing else. Teams focus on stopping him around the goal line, but he'll break through eventually.

Adam (Washington D.C.)

Thoughts on Jermichael Finley? Keller hasn't been doing much for me so I'd like to pick him up

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Yeah, I'd do that. Love Finley's upside, and like I've said before, the Pack have been having him run deep routes down the middle, which few tight ends not named Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates do. I say you go for it!

Steve Smith (Carolina)

This is rock bottom for me, isnt it? It's gotta get better, right?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I think so, especially with all the griping Smith is (rightfully) doing this week. The team just didn't pass much against Carolina, but I think they'll pass more, and still score well against Buffalo, Arizona and New Orleans over the next 3 weeks. Good time to get your hands on Smith, I'd say.

John (Benfield)

Do you have a problem with buyer remorse trading? So to speak - two teams trade 2 for 2, but then swap back 1 of each the week after.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

That's not really buyer remorse trading, in most cases, it's two teams helping each other get through the bye weeks. Unfortunately, there's really nothing in the rules, in my mind, to keep the teams from doing it. Plus, one could always change his mind if it suddenly looks lopsided. You can have a veto system in place to stop them, but really, I don't see that there's any way to police that because you rarely know about it ahead of time.

Marion (Dallas)

What is the likelihood of me carrying the ball more than 20 times this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

I'd say probably not. In fact, maybe even 15 seems high. The Cowboys are saying this week the RB position is now a timeshare, so Barber's starting status suddenly is doubtful. I think he's probably OK to start at home this week against Atlanta, but his value is definitely going down.

C (Canada)

What do I do with Forte? This guy is brutal this year thanks to Cutler. I have the potential to deal him for Benson, do I do it?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Boy, that is a really good question, and a very tough call for me. I'd probably look at their skeds to help me decide, since it's so close, and I think I like Benson's more. Forte, especially has Green Bay, at Baltimore and Minnesota in the key playoff weeks, which swings it to Benson. Never thought I'd say this, but yes, I'd do that.

Bob (USA)

Would you pickup Lance Moore or AGonzalez? Who has better long term value?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Well, it looks like Gonzo is not ready to return, and I wouldn't even think about picking him up till he actually is ready, which might be a few more weeks now. Moore? Depends on whom you're going to drop, of course, but the Saints move around the ball so much that it's tough to count on him even in favorable starts. So I'd have to lean toward saying no on the pickup. I think Gonzo has more long-term value, but you can wait on him.

Nick (Milwaukee)

With Anthony Gonzalez coming back would you drop Garcon for Andre Caldwell?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

Yes, thought I'd provide a bit more detail with this ... the Indy Star is reporting the Colts aren't expecting Gonzo back and that Garcon would start again versus St. Louis. The Colts won't set a timetable for Gonzalez, but he is back running again, which is a good sign. Probably get spot work in Week 8 and full go in Week 9. If you've hung on to him this long, you stick with him. As for your actual question, I'd stick with Garcon another week.

JoJo (Richmond)

Kyle Orton or Matt Ryan for the rest of the season? Is that a crazy comparison?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Lot of discussion as to how valuable Orton really is, but I still see a lot of short passes being turned into mid-range/long gains that I really can't credit to Orton. Not that that suddenly will end, but this is like a hitter who has an uncharacteristically batting average on balls in play ... I just don't expect it to continue. So I say Ryan.

david (iowa)

what happened to moreno last night? or just one of this night?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

I think it was just one of those nights. The Chargers' D was pumped up for MNF. Knowshon still got 19 touches, though. He'll be fine.

Steve (Illinois)

Do you like sidney rice or Breaston better long term? Not sure how serious Boldin's injury is.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

Definitely Breaston, for the very reason you mention. Boldin likely will be questionable this week, and this is his second game-threatening injury already this season, so there's no telling if he can stay healthy. And Breaston as a starter in that offense is a very good thing, as he has shown in the past.

Dan (Ann Arbor)

Donald Brown got no garbage time in their last blowout game against the Titans (before the bye). It was Addai who was surprisingly in there and Manning was still throwing to Collie. Not too convinced that Brown gets his.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Ya know, that's a good point, Dan. Come to think of it, you might be right. Not sure if Brown was nicked or something ... But still seems he's getting 1 touch for every 2 Addai is getting. The Colts should run more with the lead, and even if Addai gets 20 touches and Brown 10-12, that should be enough to warrant a fantasy start against the Rams.

Jordan (Dallas)

Is LT back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I'd have to say no. He still doesn't look sharp to me. It's like he has lost his explosiveness. The cuts are still there, but he isn't getting in and out of him like he once did. He seems, well, like a 30-year-old back with mileage, sorry to say. He'll score TDs, and thus should start in most weeks, but I don't see the yardage ever returning.

LIZ (IOWA)

You mentioned Forte's tough playoff schedule, is he worth buying low on then?!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Definitely. Still healthy, and still getting a lot of touches. And that playoff sked is enticing. In fact, I might have to go acquire him myself.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

This one might get me berated but I have a kicker question. As we get into the bad weather portion of the season, should we take into account where games will be played when choosing a kicker each week or should the player's abilities always take precedence?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

Well, a little too early for bad-weather games ... but the player's ability should take precedence. The way I figure it, bad-weather games affect offenses and defenses, too, so you really can't predict a kicker will be the only one affected by it. More touchdown passes are dropped, leaving field-goal chances, and more players fall down in coverage, leaving TD chances ... I rarely bring weather into play, although I do like it when a kicker on a good offense heads into a dome.

Adam (Colorado)

Who wins tonight Halos or Yanks?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

A good last question ... man, have we had some great baseball playoff games or what? I think the Yanks win behind big CC. Not sure I'm a playoff Kazmir believer just yet.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

And that ought to do it, folks. Thanks for stopping by. I'll be here again next week, rolling through the question queue once again. Good luck in Week 7!