KC Joyner

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon! Let's talk some fantasy football!

Matt (Philly)

So I finally got fed up and benched Antonio Gates last week and started Pitta, only to have Pitta get me a big fat 0.Who should I go with this week?

KC Joyner

  (3:02 PM)

Gates has actually been productive on the passes thrown his way, so his only issue is targets. He'll get those against NO and since their strong safety is banged up (he didn't practice on Wednesday), Gates also has the benefit of a potentially favorable matchup.

Studebaker (NJ)

Hey Scientist! Need some help on a trade offer - I give Al Morris and Titus Young and I get Torrey Smith and Martellus Bennett. What side ya got?

KC Joyner

  (3:02 PM)

In a vaccum, the Smith/Bennett side is better because, as good as Morris is, Young is doing nothing so far this year.

Matt (Ohio)

I have, count them, 9 players on a bye this week. I will obviously be doing some work on the waiver wire. Is Pitta, Heath Miller, or Tamme a better pickup for the week. Also, do I start Maclin as my second WR or do I risk dropping him for a safer fill-in for the week.

KC Joyner

  (3:04 PM)

Nine players on a bye - brutal! Pitta rates highest on this week's TFS TE start-sit charts. For Maclin, consider someone else, as that hip injury slowed him last week and that isn't a good sign heading into a Pittsburgh matchup.

Chandler (Tulsa)

Hey TFS, I have an ethics question. Ramses Barden was included in a deal that was accepted on Tuesday and then news of a concussion came on Wednesday while the trade was pending. The trade processed this morning. Fair or foul?

KC Joyner

  (3:05 PM)

From a pure ethics perspective, as long as there wasn't knowledge of the injury prior to the trade being accepted, it's copasetic.

Jennifer Aniston (Your House)

In a ppr league would you roll with Forte or Sproles this week?

KC Joyner

  (3:06 PM)

Sure, Jennifer Aniston is at my house and I'm sitting here doing a chat. Got Forte rated higher on the RB PPR charts because of the very favorable run D matchup.

Phineas (Danville)

Gates going against the #1 defense against TE's or Rudolph against Tennessee's pathic D. Which one scores more?

KC Joyner

  (3:07 PM)

Figures Ferb doesn't ask the question - he doesn't say much. Got Rudolph rated a bit higher on the start-sit charts.

Alex (Chicago)

KC, in a bind with a 1-3 start. Do you expect Stewart and Greene to be more productive ROS, or is it time for me to consider trading my meal ticket Foster to plug a few holes?

KC Joyner

  (3:09 PM)

The expectations for Stewart and Greene shoudn't be very high ROS, so it might be time to make that trade. Just make sure to get ample value in return.

Dan Tan Man (The Beach)

Is Ryan Williams a top 20 RB?

KC Joyner

  (3:09 PM)

He's rated 25th on the TFS RB start-sit charts this week but let's not forget that last week said as much about the Miami run D as it did about the Arizona run O. Williams could and should be a top 20 candidate in most weeks.

Kate Upton (My house)

Vick at Pitt or Cutler at Jax?

KC Joyner

  (3:11 PM)

Same thing here - if Kate Upton is at your house, why in the world are you chatting with me? Got Vick rated slightly higher on the QB start-sit charts but they are essentially rated equal.

Brandon (TX)

What are your expectations for Mendenhall this week? Worthy flex play?

KC Joyner

  (3:11 PM)

Got him rated 32nd on the RB start-sit charts, so he's a low-end flex play at best. Just can't quite trust the Pittsburgh run game yet.

Chris (Cleveland)

Sell high on Gore for the buy-low combo of Mathews & Fred Jackson? (Charles is my other RB) Thanks KC!

KC Joyner

  (3:12 PM)

Gore should be expected to do this well for ROS but getting those two in trade for him is a good move. Pull the trigger on that one.

Casey (SoCali)

Ryan Williams or Donald Brown for the flex this week?

KC Joyner

  (3:13 PM)

Getting a lot of Williams questions. In a nutshell, he rates as a solid start this week but there was a thought to rate him much higher based on his earlier productivity. He does rate just a bit ahead of Brown on the start-sit charts.

Bob (LA)

Given a choice who would you rather have Harvin or Peterson?

KC Joyner

  (3:14 PM)

Peterson, unless it is a PPR.

Concerned Citizen (My neighborhood)

PPR value of garcon? top 25? top 35?

KC Joyner

  (3:15 PM)

He rates No. 24 on the WR PPR charts. Could have rated him higher but the injury history is enough of a concern to cap him at that point.

Dave (Nyc)

I can't decide between Vick and Rothlisberger this weekend. I think Big Ben is the better qb but he is facing the better d. What are your thoughts on these two guys? Thanks!

KC Joyner

  (3:16 PM)

Got them rated as equals in the start-sit grade but Vick does have a slightly more favorable matchup point rating.

Mila Kunis (My dreams)

Would you trade Forte for Fitzgerald in a PPR if it left you with Peterson and Spiller as your top 2 backs?

KC Joyner

  (3:17 PM)

Ashton Kutcher might have something to say about that. Given Forte's health, that is a very good trade to make.

JJ (Boston)

Am I wacko for starting Flacco over Cam Newton?

KC Joyner

  (3:17 PM)

Nope. Newton still has a blue rating but that Seattle defense is enough to cause one to have hesitation in starting a QB. Flacco rates higher on the QB start-sit charts because of that.

James (A Giant Peach)

Based on the first quarter of the season, where do you think Julio Jones will end up week-to-week? Is consistency something of a pipe dream this year?

KC Joyner

  (3:18 PM)

Jones should end up as a top 20 WR in most weeks. Last week was more of a health issue than anything else.

Ferb (Danville)

Here's my question. Would you trade McCoy and Ryan Williams for Matthews and Trent Richardson?

KC Joyner

  (3:19 PM)

Ferb speaks!! He's like the Silent Bob of Danville - he doesn't say much but when he does, everyone listens. The risk in that trade is Mathews but Battle won't be the bell cow in SD all season long. Make that trade.

Beth Phoenix (Your house )

With Nicks out would u start FLEX ppr league : Hixon vs Clev, Floyd vs NO or Ridley vs denver ?

KC Joyner

  (3:20 PM)

If she was at my house, I'd never even get a chance to say hello since my kids would be out of their minds having a WWE superstar in their home. Ridley gets the go, as NE will use that power run game early and often versus that Denver D.

scooby doo (chicago)

What is CJ2k's trade value right now?

KC Joyner

  (3:21 PM)

He just got upgraded back to a green rating but it's a tentative green rating. Basically speaking, he could be a sell high candidate but don't undersell him, as there will be more games like last week in his future.

Todd (CA)

I'm trying to decide on starting Amendola tonight or Antonio Brown this weekend.

KC Joyner

  (3:22 PM)

Tough call but the start-sit charts have Brown rated just a bit higher.

Billy (KC)

Hey KC. I was thinking of offering Greg Jennings and Leshoure for Forte in a .5 PPR. Is that too much to pay or not enough, in your opinion?

KC Joyner

  (3:23 PM)

If Jennings were healthy it would be enough, but with the talk of his having to possibly shut it down until he is healthy, it probably isn't enough.

Bobby (Madison, WI)

KC! Thanks for the Start/Sit Update! What are your thoughts on DMC going forward? His schedule has been rough but gets very friendly. Still, should I bee looking to move him for anything I can at this point? Your thoughts are always appreciated.

KC Joyner

  (3:24 PM)

Glad to help! Oakland faces three green-rated run defenses between now and week 12 (green being the most favorable matchup type). That bodes for his being a huge upside player in those contests, so don't give up on him yet.

Mark (San Diego)

What defense should I pick this week Vikings or Baltimore?

KC Joyner

  (3:25 PM)

Nod actually goes to the Vikings. Just had a chance to do a full review of Minnesota for an Insider article posted today that shows why the Purple and Gold are not a fluke - they can actually contend for an NFC playoff berth.

Scott (Your Site)

KC...not to sound clueless bu where are these "start sit updates" on your site....the newest thing I see are cheat sheets....sorry!!

KC Joyner

  (3:27 PM)

Sorry for the confusion - the start-sit charts are a subscription element of the site (www.thefootballscientist.com). I usually take a moment to explain that early on in the chat but have been going through questions so fast that it slipped my mind.

Matt (Kentucky)

I saw the rankings, but in a PPR would you still rank Amendola that far below M. Wallace and T. Smith?

KC Joyner

  (3:27 PM)

That was a tough call but I didn't want to overvalue Amendola's one huge game.

Just back from Meetings (Hiding in office)

KC, as a Nicks owner - do i roll with Hixon at flex or take chance on Mendy?

KC Joyner

  (3:29 PM)

What better way to celebrate leaving a meeting than going to ESPN.com to talk fantasy football! Roll with Hixon, as it is a big risk to trust an injured player in his first game back.

Candace (Danville)

MOM!! Phineas and Ferb are asking fantasy football questions! Start Bradshaw or Williams in a standard league?

KC Joyner

  (3:30 PM)

My kids are going to get a kick out of these questions! Got Bradshaw rated higher this week.

Brian (Boston)

Would you trade Gronk & Greene for Marshawn

KC Joyner

  (3:31 PM)

In a vacuum, probably so, as Marshawn's ceiling is probably higher than Gronk's.

Brian (Philly)

Hey TFS, would you trade Brees, D Martin and Maclin for Vick, McFadden and Harvin? Would leave me w/Vick and Big Ben at QB. Is the potential improvement at RB/WR worth it?

KC Joyner

  (3:32 PM)

The key to that deal looks to be Martin for McFadden. Since DMC's upside looks to be much higher (Martin is now sharing some PT with Blount and DMC has the aforementioned favorable matchups), his side of the deal is the one to be on.

John (Flex City)

Would it be "Crazy" to start a Lance Moore or Amendola over Steve Smith going vs that superb Seattle Secondary???

KC Joyner

  (3:34 PM)

It probably is in that Smith is due to face Browner. Browner has been so-so in his coverage this year and last, so Carolina probably won't hesitate to throw at that matchup.

Kelly (Big Sky Country)

Confused and baffled on who to start at flex...Simpson, Britt, Hixon, Battle? HELP!!

KC Joyner

  (3:35 PM)

Glad to have the Big Sky Country join the chat! Avoid Britt because of the injury. Would probably start Hixon in that case.

Baljeet ((Danville))

Uh!... I would like to ask a question please! My schedule says I have 3 minutes to get the answer back... Please pick 2 (S Jax, Maclin, James Jones, Steve Johnson, Kenny Britt (if he plays)... Thank you so much!

KC Joyner

  (3:37 PM)

Johnson is the easiest pick out of that bunch. For the others, Jones might be the best pick in that every other player has an injury issue. If you are willing to risk playing an injured player, start Maclin.

Big Bird (In the Crosshairs)

I have Spiller AND F-Jax. Who do I start and why?? No reason to put kendall hunter in instead, right??

KC Joyner

  (3:39 PM)

Usually don't post names with political comments but this question is too interesting to pass up. The likely scenario for those two is what was expected coming into the season - it's a platoon with Jackson being the slight workload leader. It's why he rates higher on the start-sit charts. Put him in the lineup.

Heinz Doofenshmirtz (Tri-state area)

I think Scott found your site, but couldn't find how to buy the start sit charts. I had the same problem. This is the link he wants: http://www.thefootballscientist.com/kcjoyner/?page_id=71&shopp_pid=8

KC Joyner

  (3:39 PM)

Much obliged for the clarification.

Heinz Doofensmirtz (Danville)

KC - you can call me Dr. - am I going to end up being happy or sad about trade I made last week - gave up Stevie Johnson and BJGE for Nicks and D Martin.

KC Joyner

  (3:41 PM)

Well, we all know how the story will end up (explosion, curse you Perry, etc.), but I'll try to help make the lead to that ending as smooth as possible. If Nicks is healthy, you did good. If Nicks stays hurt, it's a bad deal.

Tim (Orlando)

Is Jared Cook a good buy low right now?

KC Joyner

  (3:42 PM)

Absolutely. That Titans offense will probably take a step forward with Locker on the bench.

The Sunshine Band (Your House)

KC - Thoughts on Ridley? Would you try to sell high, given the history of the New England RB situation? What comparable RBs do you like more ROS?

KC Joyner

  (3:43 PM)

Got some KC & The Sunshine Band songs on iTunes (get a kick out of that 70s groove). Don't sell high on Ridley, as NE is going to use the power running game a lot more often than they won't.

Isabella (Danville)

Whatcha doin' (with Jackie Battle, sell high or hold tight)?

KC Joyner

  (3:44 PM)

Sell high. Battle has posted very good GBYPA marks this year but he cannot be expected to be the lead RB in SD for very long.

Dusty Rhodes (Throwin' the Bionic Elbow)

Would you trade Michael Bush for Jeremy Maclin. I need some help at WR and Bush is on the becnh unless Forte is injured.

KC Joyner

  (3:46 PM)

Funniest part of The Bionic Elbow - Dusty used to claim he built that up with one-armed pushups. More like 12-ounce curls. Big issue with Maclin is health but if that's a risk to take (and it looks to be given the WR situation), make the trade.

Tank (NJ)

Skelton get the starting gig back (when healthy) even if Kolb still putting up current #s?

KC Joyner

  (3:46 PM)

Nope. Kolb has responded to being benched by getting more fired up and that team is responding to him. Skelton only gets the job back if Kolb implodes.

Baljeet (Obsessing over your answer)

If you would please expand on your answer... Steve Johnson is playing the best defense in San Francisco, and Steven Jackson will get more touches than all of them... please explain?

KC Joyner

  (3:47 PM)

It boils down to this - Jackson is injured. The general rule here is to avoid injuries whenever possible, even if that means starting someone with a tough matchup.

Mike Clark (Ohio)

KC, I traded for Rodgers, Nelson, Julio Jones, S.Jackson and Kevin Smith and I gave up Romo, Jimmy Graham, Trent Rich, Dez Bry, Amendola.. this is a two QB league I have Schaub too.. was this a good trade for me? Please answer!!!

KC Joyner

  (3:49 PM)

The trade was essentially a five for four deal since Smith won't likely offer much value. Having said that, Jones and Rodgers are blue rated players on more days than not and the other side of that trade just doesn't have as much blue-rated value. Good move on your part.

BWO (Better than NWO)

What do you think of B. Hartline for the rest of the season in a non ppr league.

KC Joyner

  (3:51 PM)

The Blue World Order had to be the most ridiculous group ever in ECW but it was a riot of laughs. Like Hartline ROS, as he has always posted good metrics and is now getting enough targets to make those metrics valuable fantasy football-wise.

Jordan (Kansas)

Alright last try to get this ? answered. All I'm asking for tonight is 80 yards and 1 TD for Ryan Williams. Do you like the over or under?

KC Joyner

  (3:52 PM)

Probably taking the under on his posting 14 points, but not by much (thinking more like 10-12).

Zach (Philly)

Darren Mcfadden for Julio Jones? who wins?

KC Joyner

  (3:53 PM)

ROS, DMC. Like those matchups spoken of earlier.

Matt (ATX)

Time to start shopping Witten around? I've had him on my bench due to Marty B's breakout.

KC Joyner

  (3:54 PM)

Witten will probably play better from here on out than he did earlier this season but let's not forget his MNF game included a bunch of garbage time catches and a garbage time TD. Could be a sell high candidate.

Brandon LaFell (Carolina)

Is it possible that it makes more sense to pick up a guy on IR - Vincent Brown now, than carry me with a bye week coming?

KC Joyner

  (3:55 PM)

LaFell will likely get back to his early production at some point, but that bye week does make him a bit of baggage at this point. Not sure Brown is the one to replace him with, however.

Buzzer Beater!!!! (CLE)

Spiller for D Martin. What side you taking?

KC Joyner

  (3:55 PM)

Spiller. Still haven't seen home run ability from Martin and now Martin could be in a time-share with Blount.

Nick (FL)

You think B. Llyod eventually breaks out and has WR 2 consistency ROS?

KC Joyner

  (3:56 PM)

He's posted two consecutive double-digit games and would have three of those in four weeks were it not for being slightly out of synch with Brady on a pass in week 1. He'll have WR2 consistency at the very least.

Matt (PA)

Lloyd or Austin ROS? Non ppr

KC Joyner

  (3:57 PM)

Lloyd, as Austin has a ton of unfavorable matchups coming up.

Sean (WI)

"martin could be in a time-share" umm in case you don't watch football Spiller IS in a time-share

KC Joyner

  (3:59 PM)

The idea with Martin is that if he was a bell cow (as he was early on) he would be more valuable than Spiller. Since Martin is now in a time-share, he and Spiller can be judged based on their relative productivity levels in that type of offense. Spiller is much more explosive and therefore is more valuable in that particular comparison.

Nathan (Mpls)

Am I crazy to start Dalton over Cam this week?! So afraid of Seattle!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:00 PM)

Agreed. Dalton does rate higher than Cam this week for that very reason.

Buford (Danville)

Answer this or I'll beat you up. Trade Ryan Williams and Britt for Jordy?

KC Joyner

  (4:02 PM)

The Buford character is brilliant, as only Phineas and Ferb could make a bully a welcome part of their group. In a vacuum, that is probably a trade to make, as green-rated players of Jordy's caliber are the ones who tend to win games.

Jeff (RI)

KC, thanks for dealing with all us paranoid fantasy players. Hixon is the hot name this week. In a 3 WR league, would you start him along with Cruz and A.Brown? Other options are Boldin and Simpson.

KC Joyner

  (4:04 PM)

Hey, dealing with paranoia can be fun! It's a close call between Hixon and those other two but the NY offense probably gives him the edge, so put him in the lineup.

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

Wow, this hour flew by fast! A couple of quick notes before hitting the road. The TFS material is always posted on Twitter @KCJoynerTFS. More info on the TFS weekly start-sit charts can be found at www.thefootballscientist.com. I'll be taking part in an ESPN.com chat during tonight's game, so come over and say hello if you have a moment. Thanks again for the questions and I hope to see you all here next week!