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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Eric (Boston, MA)

Austin, Sims-Walker, McCoy, Snelling. I need to sit one. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Miles Austin, and to me that's somewhat clear. If there's a strength on the Raiders' side, it's their pass defense. LeSean McCoy is the next-most unattractive matchup of these four, but I think he'll get a good amount of work -- 15 touches easy -- which has him the stronger play.

Adam (Houston)

Runningback problems - I was going to start Forsett, but now I hear julius is starting? am I worried about this, or do i start *gulp* matt forte instead?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Yeah, I read that report too, that a healthy Jones will be the Seahawks' starter, and I could not believe it when I read it. Justin Forsett earned this start with a productive Week 11 in spite of the terrible matchup. I can't see Jones being at full strength, and there's still time for him to be ruled out in the end, so for now I'd go Forsett. But that's why we're here on Sundays, to tell you the news as it breaks with inactives, and if Jones is going to be a serious threat, I'll have it for you on the inactives page. For now I still think Forsett is the stronger play.

Ryan (Auburn U)

Pick up Boss or Finley this week as a No. 2 TE?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

I think both warrant pickups, but I'll assume this plays to starting options as a No. 2 tight end, in which case give me Jermichael Finley's matchup. Ten targets in his return to the lineup and he couldn't ask for a stronger matchup.

Ro (NYC)

How much of a factor will K. Smith be this weekend sans CJ and Stafford? Would you use either Hightower or LT over him this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

I want no part of Kevin Smith this week if I can help it, and I'll probably say that for much of the remainder of his schedule. I said it a week ago and I'll say it now, this is the prime time to deal him. Deadline's today, right? Get cracking. Might be within the hour if memory serves. As for Week 12 matchups, clearly LaDainian Tomlinson of those three, and I'd say that even if it was Stafford and Megatron playing.

Jeff (MN)

Are you downgrading S-Jax because of the injury to Bulger? He seems to get his despite the putrid offense, but with Boller in there, are teams just going to load up even more on what appears to be the best-worst-team-player in fantasy this year? My other options are Grant (who I love against the kitties), Ray Rice, Forsett, and Kevin Smith

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

I guess? I mean, I'm not downgrading Steven Jackson very much any more than normal because of his offense, being that he's among the most talented pass-catching running backs in the game and he's getting 20-plus carries a week regardless of the Rams' state on the scoreboard. Why worry?

Steve (Sea-town)

Does Pettigrew's value go up or down if Stafford sits out this week? Do you like him over Finley??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

I think it goes down, and I'd use Jermichael Finley over him no matter who was his quarterback this week.

Rashard (Richmond)

Tristan, what do you see benson doing this week if he plays?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Maybe 15 carries or so and enough production to warrant low-No. 2/flex-play status <i>if he is cleared by game time</i>. Another case of you need to check back with our inactives report, because I won't endorse Benson if he's not a participant in Friday's practice.

Dan (Ann Arbor)

Tristan, thank god you're here! Got some tough decisions. Start Steve Smith (NYG) or Crabtree at WR? And then who out of these 3 RB's: Pierre Thomas, LeSean McCoy, or Justin Forsett?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Tough for me to pick Michael Crabtree over Steve Smith, but if there's any week to do it, it's Week 12. I'm going to make that bold call and pick the rookie, being that the Jaguars have one of the worst pass defenses in the league <i>and</i> will be down their top cover corner Rashead Mathis. I think Crabtree is a strong bet -- think 75-percent probability at least -- to score his second career touchdown. Among running backs, I really want no part of Pierre Thomas right now if I can help it, but you might not be able to help it because of the Julius Jones situation mentioned earlier. Sit Thomas if Forsett is the starter, sit Forsett if Julius Jones gets a glowing recommendation.

John (Kansas)

SIDNEY RICE -- rock solid WR1 the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

"Rock solid" is a strong term, and there are barely any wide receivers who qualify in my mind as "rock solid." They range in statistics more than the quarterbacks and running backs because of the tendency for defenses to key on them individually. That said, you're probably asking for an overall take, and yes, I could absolutely see Sidney Rice being in the top 10 at his position in his remaining games. Brett Favre is being carefully maintained so he won't wear down, and it's not like the schedule is treacherous.

chris (north carolina)

B. Merriweather or D.Sharper?cant decide who to start at safety in my IDP league..

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

It's a good question this week being that Tom Brady isn't exactly turnover-prone. Then again, neither is Drew Brees, which means this comes down to the players' talent. That's in Darren Sharper's column, for sure.

Steve (PITT)

Portis: does he even come back this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

I would be very surprised if we saw much more (if any) of Clinton Portis (or for that matter Brian Westbrook) this season.

<1 Hour to Trade Deadline (Darren, MN)

Which side of this TRADE do you want: C.Benson, B.Marshall, M.Austin or Chris Johnson, M.Crabtree, S.Holmes? Is Benson going to finish the season like he started it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Latter side, latter side, latter side. Get the best player in the deal whenever you can, and in this case, let's extract the running backs. Cedric Benson has injury and workload worries. Not huge ones, I'm not aiming to trash the guy. He's reliable. But he's nowhere near the automatic that Chris Johnson is at this point. That alone carries the deal.

Dave (Chicago)

Please pick one Winslow or Celek

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

I'll take Kellen Winslow. The Falcons have holes in their secondary, especially at safety (look how the Giants exploited it), and Brent Celek was almost invisible the last time he faced the Redskins.

Mike (Cincy)

If Julius doesn't play do you start Forsett over Mendenhall?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Yes, yes and yes. To be clear: I love Justin Forsett if he's the starter and Julius Jones is scratched. Easily a top-15 back, and off the top of my head I'd be hard-pressed to find more than 10 backs I like better.

Tom (PA)

Do you think Warner will play??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Yes I do. I also do not think he will finish the game, but he will appear for long enough to be worthwhile in most leagues.

Mike (Orange County, Ca)

Need help please! I've looked at the rankings but am I crazy to sit MB3 for Forsett or dont risk it and start MB3 on Thurs? (I have Maroney too if Forsett isnt starting) THANKS FOR THE HELP!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

You cannot take such risks when faced with losing your quality alternative earlier in the week. Marion Barber is one of those backs I'd slot ahead of Justin Forsett, one of the &quot;10&quot; I was hinting at earlier.

Bill (Fresno (CA))

Knowshon on Thursday or wait to see if Benson goes Sunday? If he cant go Sunday and I wait my only option is Bernard Scott.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Well, see, Knowshon Moreno's matchup isn't anything special, and the fact that you have your Bengals backs handcuffs puts you in a safer position than in the previous question. Now, there's the risk that Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson each gets eight carries this week, sure, but it's not a high-risk thing. More likely we'll get word of one of two things: Benson is healthy and starting, or Benson is &lt;i&gt;not&lt;/i&gt; healthy, he's inactive and Scott's starting. The matchup is the Browns. I'd start either one (depending on the declared starter) facing that matchup.

TY (Kansas Ci-tay)

Is rock cartwright a flex worthy (uggh) play if I'm takin your earlier advice and playing meachem and sitting noshow austin on turkey day this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

No, for as much as I'm not a fan of Rock Cartwright this week, I can't sit him at flex, not for one of those two wide receivers. Their numbers of touches won't be equal, and I play quantity very often when I'm digging deeper.

Matt (Boston)

Sea or Atl's DEF this week? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Yuck, neither? I guess if I must, I'll go with the Falcons, if only because they've actually had some respectable outings for matchup purposes in the recent past. Seattle's defense is just a mess and I don't trust it on the road.

TE (NY)

Very lean at qb, would you start kyle orton or alex smith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Alex Smith. I actually really like that matchup, and you serve as the perfect example of an individual who can take such a chance. You said the magic words: &quot;Very lean.&quot; Other acceptable magic words: &quot;Very deep league,&quot; &quot;my starters are all injured&quot; or &quot;I have Mark Sanchez, HELP!&quot;

Danny Ware (NYC)

Do you see me putting up solid numbers this week with Ahmad out?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

No, not really. I'll cap Danny Ware's number of carries at about 10, and figure he gets some third-down work while serving as a possible change-of-pace option. In other words, nothing more special than what Ahmad Bradshaw has been to date.

Big Blue (NY)

Does Randy Moss hover over the Saints with 2 TDs on Sunday Night?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

No. But that's only because the game is played on Monday night.

Tim (Wilmington)

Sit or Start Turkey Day Question - You only have room for one more scoop - do you go with stuffing or mashed potatoes and gravy? Thanks for the HELP!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

It depends. Was the stuffing baked inside the turkey, and is all mushy and soggy? If so, that please. Also, the latter depends on the quality of the gravy. Fresh gravy gets a thumbs up.

Steve (ND)

At QB, I'm lean-ing towards starting Hasselbeck over Romo. No?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Not an unwise decision. These two are close as Week 12 options go, but I've got some worries about Tony Romo's health in the short week; he might be a lesser cog in the offense with the matchup stacked to the running backs anyway.

Ryan (MD)

This past week, I finally dropped my backup QB, trusting the health of my starter Warner. Um...yeah. In case Warner sits, who's a better bet this week, Hasselbeck or Smith? I'm actually leaning a little towards Smith since he has the same start time as Warner...thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Well, Ryan, I think you had to trust Kurt Warner's health entering the week. It's not like there's a person out there who can predict a concussion -- at least not among players without a recent history of them. You're saying all the key words here, and I agree, a healthy Warner is your best play. So from that angle, pairing up the start times isn't a foolish move, because I think Alex Smith isn't a crazy fall-back play. The Jaguars stink.

RIco (Tempe)

With Calvin J iffy for Thursday would you play Boldin over him even if he does play?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I don't want to chance on Calvin Johnson either way. He's a health risk, he might not play and his quarterback is also hurt (Matthew Stafford). It's a bad mix, no matter how nicked up the Packers' defense.

Amy (Montana)

Hester is getting a lot of targets, but not producing because Cutler can't get him the ball....is Percy a better/safer play, and Hester is boom or bust ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I think that is a fair assessment. And when I look at those matchups the first thing that strikes me is that Jay Cutler isn't going to get any time to locate Devin Hester on deep throws, and the guy does tend to make some foolish decisions. There's a huge downside to using Hester; I'd avoid it.

Frank (Philly)

Why do you think Warner wont finish the game? Thats an odd thing to say without clarification...Do you think he gets hurt again? they are blowing them out?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

OK, fair point, if it's a close game and he's capable, sure, Warner's going to hang in there. But if that game is out of hand, there's no reason to push the guy. The Cardinals' standing is pretty firm right now, so a blowout means he's hooked early. That's what struck me, more that it'll be a definite strategy, not that I see a 51-17 kind of game. Even a 17-point lead means Warner probably heads to the sidelines.

Gary (Maine)

Cincy against Cleveland or San Diego against KC? Who do you like more this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

I love the Bengals' defense this week. They're hungry, vengeful for their embarrassing Week 11 loss, and that's a tasty matchup indeed.

Taylor (Fresno (CA))

Dude if you answered two questions today from Fresno CA, that would be an epic chat session: is Ochocinco and Slaton for Michael Turner a great trade or just a fair one???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

I guess it's an epic chat session then, as your answer is &quot;just a fair one&quot;; and might not even be that much because of Turner's sketchy health.

Russel (Tempe)

Whats the deal with Sante from Indy? Seemed like Clark was in the slot and Sante was the TE. How do you see his value moving forward. Great work

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

I still think of Dallas Clark as the go-to tight end for the Colts, because as you said, he's frequently lined up in the slot. The Ravens, meanwhile, focused on containing Clark, which left Tom Santi (that's the proper spelling for him) free for the game he had. I don't think it's a trend; I think it was a one-time shifting of the matchup. Such things happen, but I need to see more before I'd advise Santi.

Scott ('Zona)

Who wins the Monday night fantasy matchup? Brees or Brady?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Tom Brady, and I say that more accounting for the Saints' number of injuries at cornerback. They're in a rough spot right now going up against a quarterback that skilled.

Bill (IL)

If Cutler won't have time to go deep, is Olsen a good play against a so-so Viking pass D? My only other options are Braylon and Miles. Thanks and happy turkey day.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Absolutely.

Heather (DC)

Starting Rodgers, Finely, GB DEF, Crosby? Desperate 5-6. Smart or Dumb?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Smart, smart, won't-say-dumb-but-it's-not-smart, smart. As for the defensive point, the Packers did have a good fantasy day against the Lions the last time, but they're injury-ravaged coming into this matchup and have been spending this week making necessary adjustments to compensate. This might be a high-scoring contest on all fronts -- I wouldn't be shocked by something like a 42-31 score, with the Packers the victors, of course.

Brad (Dtown)

Is Cedric Benson worth giving up Mike Sims-Walker with their schedules and Benson's status? Deadline in 20...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

My gut instinct is to prefer Cedric Benson. Your case will have to be build based upon your depth and your team's needs, because that's the only way I can advise Sims-Walker as the better end of the deal. I'm not saying I can't see it being the case, but I'd bet fewer than 50 percent of fantasy teams are going to be in the right spot to make that deal.

Joe (NY)

With your concern over Megatron this turkeyday, do I dare start old reliable D. Mason over him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Every report I get on the guy seems to indicate he's doubtful for Thanksgiving, and a likely inactive.

Larry (Orlando)

Pick 1 tristan.....Vernon Davis or Tony Gonzalez

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

I love both tight ends this week. Both good matchups. And with that being equal I'm taking Tony Gonzalez on talent alone. I'd advise you shop one of the two to help a weaker area on your roster.

Tim (Bakersfield, Ca)

HEY BROTHA, need help Saints DST vs Pats, or Dallas DST vs Oak

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Avoid the defenses in the Monday night game. Simple as that.

Chris (Michigan)

Schaub vs the colts or Romo

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Matt Schaub did throw for over 300 yards against the Colts earlier in the season, and it's not like their pass defense right now is as elite as it once was. I'm sticking with him.

Christopher (Dallas)

Tristan: Green Bay DST or NYG DST for the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

For as much as the Giants' schedule is a rough one and their defense is in a dreadful funk, I still see more fantasy upside in them than with the Packers, whose defenders are &lt;i&gt;also&lt;/i&gt; dropping like flies.

Ben (Boston)

Just acquired Steve Breaston before his o-fer (great timing). Do you think that was a function of Warner being knocked out of the game or am I going to have real problems with the Cards moving away from 3 WR formations?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I think it's something to be a little concerned about, yes, and I can't say this is anything you should have seen coming. I'd be faithful; I find it hard to believe that a team like this would so suddenly entirely shift its offensive philosophy for the long haul. That schedule is still very favorable for the Cardinals' receivers.

Sean (Maine)

Hi Tristan, for playoffs (wk 15 and 16) would you rather have Moss or Fitz

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Larry Fitzgerald faces the Lions and Rams. I think that just about decides it.

Jason (Philly)

Do you support the idea of moving the Lions off of the Thanksgiving game for better teams, or do you agree it's a Turkey Day tradition?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I support the idea of the Lions being committed to improving their football team so the issue gets decided that way. I'm a little surprised no one harps on &lt;i&gt;that&lt;/i&gt; point in the debate, but I admit I'm sick of watching bad Lions games on Thanksgiving. That said, they do have some intriguing youngsters who might yet turn this team around in a couple years. There's hope.

Dan (Ann Arbor)

Better sleeper defense this week, the Dolphins D against a paper thin Buffalo o-line, or the Seahawks D against Kyle Boller and the rest of the no-name Rams offense (minus S-Jax)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

I'll go with the Dolphins, but I don't say that with a high level of confidence. Neither defense strikes me as a real top-10 play, but I just don't like the Bills' matchups facing that D.

Steve (Boston)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS..1/2 PPR..Would you start Sidney Rice over Ray Rice or Vincent Jackson? Benched him 2 weeks in a row. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Yes, I would use him over Vincent Jackson.

Rudy (needs to pull the trigger!) (Queens, NY)

Do I trade Reggie Wayne, for fear that I lose him if Indy clinches early?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

If anyone is going to trade Reggie Wayne with that fear in mind, you need to pounce on the deal right now. I continue to stress that the only fear people should really have with resting of players comes in Week 17. There's enough evidence that multi-week sitting is a dangerous strategy for a playoff-bound NFL team. Go get Wayne, absolutely.

John (LA)

Favorite sub place?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Local deli down the street, to be honest...

Turducken (Dinning Table)

Ever had one? Gore, T. Jones, or S. Jax ... which one do you leave out the rankings say Gore but his big play potential is so high and we get bonus points for plays over 50 yards

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Yeah, actually I did last year, and while I wasn't blown away by it, it was interesting ... I'd have it again given the opportunity. In other words didn't see what all the buzz was for, but it was good, at least. Anyway, that's a very, very tough call on who to sit. If it's me, I'd probably sit Thomas Jones, but boy, do I like that matchup for him.

Eric (Plymouth, 1620)

Yams or sweet potatoes...?Romo or Garrard?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Pretty much the same, aren't they? Seem so to me, at least. How about both? As for the quarterbacks, close call, and here's where I'll go: With the guy with the monstrous Thanksgiving history, and that's Tony Romo. It's a factor, albeit a small one.

Ed (NY)

Steve Slaton or Matt Forte this weekend? not excited about either

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I guess I'm not &quot;excited&quot; about Steve Slaton, but I don't have much of a problem with that matchup...

Jed (West Dennis, MA)

Tristan playoff spot on the line RB2 Ryan Grant or Jason Snelling? Thanks T

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Toughie, because I think both deserve to start most anywhere. I'll go Snelling. His red-zone/goal-line numbers are too strong for him to take a seat right now, and that's a cakewalk matchup for him.

Scott ('Zona)

I'm in a salary cap league and can afford any WR this week. Who do you take?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

You're effectively asking me, &quot;Who's the best wide receiver this week?&quot; I'm going either Randy Moss or Greg Jennings. I'll go Moss; can't see him not lighting up that D in prime time.

Bob (Boston)

GOING FOWARD...FINLEY OR OLSEN?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

If there's anything I like about the Bears' passing game right now, it's how Greg Olsen has performed in the past several weeks.

my name (my location)

Matty Ice or Big Ben this week? Also do you think the Steelers trust Mendenhall or will we see another late season emurgence of Mewelde Moore?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

With the level of injury risk with Ben Roethlisberger this week, I'd go Matt Ryan, though I'm hesitant to trust him for the most part. On the bright side, that was a decent Week 11 performance by him and the Bucs sport one of the worst pass defenses in football. And I sure hope the Steelers realize Rashard Mendenhall can carry them down the stretch. Have to bank on them doing so.

Travis (Iowa)

I think your crazy to think that the GB D is going to get shredded for 31 points against. Come on...Culpepper at the helm, no Megatron, they will be lucky to score once.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Well, the first numbers I picked in my head were 24 and 27. I'm feeling 20 easy, and 31 is more fun, stands out, demonstrates the downside of the Packer D. Here's what I'll say: I can completely see some crazy touchdown connection between Daunte Culpepper and, say, Bryant Johnson. Can totally see it. Then watch, maybe a goal-line toss to Will Heller. I'm not saying you should go grab those guys and play them, but with the Packers' defense in the state it's in, there are going to be some blown plays where the Lions capitalize. Not to the extent they did against the Browns, but not worlds away from it, either.

Diego (Chicago)

Buzzer Beater! Real or Jellied Cranberry sauce? Ray Rice or Jason Snelling?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

Real, then real again. That's not close to me. The running backs are. I'd go Snelling there, matchup situation.

Michael (Milwaukee)

Does it bother you that your job is reading coaches minds as much as talent evaluation?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

Not really. It only drives me nuts when I'm forced to predict who's going to get the football for the Saints at the six-yard line. You try predicting that. But let's face it, isn't prognostication the fun of all this?

steve (san diego)

Please don't be a Turkey so close to Thanksgiving and answer my question....Does Turner play this week? and who would you play @ the flex miles austin or slaton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

I'd be surprised if Michael Turner plays, but that's just from my knowledge of the nature of high ankle sprains. It's tough to recover within two weeks' time. And I'd go Steve Slaton at flex.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:08 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for the day. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I couldn't get to yours. I want to wish each of you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving, and also the best of luck to you in your Week 12 matchups. Take care everyone, and enjoy your turkey dinners and the all-day football action!