Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

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

Chris (Houston)

Is now a good time to get aboard the Christian Ponder train? I have Joe Flacco and Ponder seems to have an easier rest of the way. Flacco has been hit or miss this season and not very accurate. Should I stick with Flacco or go with Ponder?? Please Help!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Classic matchups pair in fantasy, classic, though for the record, I think Ponder is the one of the two with the higher ceiling, at least as rest-of-2012 goes. I'd certainly be mixing and matching with the two, never once getting cozy: Prime example being that Ponder's Week 6 matchup (@WSH) is considerably more favorable than Flacco's (DAL). But I look weeks down the road and wonder where you see Ponder's path is "easier." I see a couple Bears, a Texans, a Seahawks, matchup coming up. Mix and match!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Classic matchups pair in fantasy, classic, though for the record, I think Ponder is the one of the two with the higher ceiling, at least as rest-of-2012 goes. I'd certainly be mixing and matching with the two, never once getting cozy: Prime example being that Ponder's Week 6 matchup (@WSH) is considerably more favorable than Flacco's (DAL). But I look weeks down the road and wonder where you see Ponder's path is "easier." I see a couple Bears, a Texans, a Seahawks, matchup coming up. Mix and match!

TEBOW TIME (NY)

Trade Mathews after big game? What RB should i expect in return?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Absolutely not, and I'll leave it at that.

Jake (Philly)

Reggie Wayne a WR1 ROS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

If it's a PPR league, I'm board with a WR1 statistical ceiling. Standard, he's a run-of-the-mill WR2 to me. Not every week will require the volume of targets he's been getting, so don't overestimate.

Matt (Indy)

Hey, I'm reading about how Jahvid Best may be reactivated and that he's in great shape. So do I drop Joique Bell now and stash Bell before anyone else in my league is on to him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

I'd make that swap, but I readily admit I've always loved Best's skills. He's easily one of the five riskiest players in football in the health department; think as "safe" as, say, Austin Collie. But Best could factor in down the road, and comparing him to back-of-a-roster-in-deep-leagues scraps like Bell, yes, that's a speculative swap I make every time.

James (NYC)

What is andre johnson's value going forward for the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

Low-end WR1/high-end WR2. More name than true value, being that people cling dearly to preseason draft stock, at least if they're the ones who picked the guy. The Texans simply don't throw as often as they did a couple years back, during Johnson's heyday. Adjust accordingly, though that's still an awfully valuable player.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Good time to trade for RGIII?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

I don't consider the moments immediately after a player suffers a concussion the ideal time to trade for him, because all you're seeking is a panicky owner looking to unload the guy. Beyond that, I think injury-related deals are dicey. Hey, give it a shot, but that's entirely situational, perception of value/comfort level with health risk. Not something I can give you blanket advice for.

Trent (Houston)

Mendenhall for d. Martin and gates? Is this a fair trade u think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Yes. Frankly, I'd prefer the latter. But I imagine we'll delve a little more into the Rashard Mendenhall story before chat's end...

Ross (School)

Now saying that about Best coming back, what does one do with Mikel Leshoure?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

One does not go hand in hand with the other. Hence "speculative swap." You are collecting lottery tickets.

Todd (CA)

The Fantasy experts are never high on DST but with the way the Bears are playing you have to keep them and pick up another DST this week and drop a position player. Right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I've made my opinion on D/ST very clear: Always be prepared for matchups, stream wherever possible, but a few exceptions for the very, very good are allowed. Bears qualify.

B (NY)

Hey, as a desperation play, who has more upside for a big game today (as unlikely as it is) - Bilal Powell or Ben Tate?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Tate, from the angle that the Texans have a decent possibility of pummeling the Jets, meaning some garbage time work.

Joe Flacco (Baltimore)

How quickly everyone jumps off my bandwagon. A couple weeks ago I was a fantasy darling with my hurry up and more open attack. Now I'm below Christian Ponder?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

I don't recall ever being on board with that Flacco angle.

Steve (Atlanta)

Thought Mendenhall looked pretty good; do you agree? As of now, would you rate him as a RB2 for the second half of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Yes, I agree. At the same time, fantasy owners as a whole tend to be a reactionary bunch, and there's a danger today of Mendenhall landing in the "overrated" bin. Remember, it was a serious surgery from which he recovered, and we've seen the occasional blips from fellow surgery returnees Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles (both of whom are better backs). I'll upgrade Mendenhall to the RB2 class (and lower-end at that) -- but let's also recall that I said mid-October for him to return to reasonable form, so it's not a huge upgrade in my book.

J (Boston)

any chance the Big Ben 'lateral' to Mendenhall gets changed to a forward pass?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I don't make the scoring judgments; but I've seen the league change them before. Looked close to me, I'll say that, but no promises. League ruled it a lateral, so that's what it is.

K (philly)

Week 6 defense: New England D or Cincy D or go with some other sleeper?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Bengals against the Browns isn't a bad sleeper.

Exasperated Owner (NYC)

Gates has been a complete disappointment so far, big drops and missed connections week 1 and game planned away recent weeks. Any hope of him returning any semblance of ADP value at all or is this the big fade for him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

I think there's hope, but in my opinion it's entirely about how healthy he gets. Simply put, he's in the "risky" bin. Forgive Gates one thing: He'd have had a better stat line this week if not for a bad call late in that game. Also, it's not like that was the greatest matchup for him. My take is Gates gets better, probably still falls short of his ADP though. Guessing today that he's about the No. 6-8 tight end from this point forward.

Chris **ETHICS ?** (MI)

CJ 0k was 11th pick off board, Murray 13th. Traded for Murray this weekend and league wants to VETO trade after CJ stunk it up.... This is FOUL correct?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

If I'm reading this correctly, league was OK with the deal before Sunday's kickoff, but against it after? Yup, foul. Make a call and stick with it. I make bad calls just as everyone does, and I accept it. You don't just change your mind after the results.Hey, Alex Smith is gonna be GREAT in Week 5! Wait, what's that about kickoff times again?

Karyn (NJ)

Are you buying into Andrew Luck? Is he considered a high QB2?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Not a high-end QB2 but in the QB2 class that warrants your matchups consideration, yes. I still see a bit of a raw passer, but a good one at that with a high upside. And I think he'll pick apart the game's weaker secondaries. Still on board with him being a useful fantasy backup.

Jesse (Ohio)

Will Ridley continue to get the most work in the Patriots backfield? If so is he considered a low end #1?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

The worry with Stevan Ridley is the fumbling problem. He's not going to endear himself to his coach if he continues to do that, and it's something that tarnishes his solid stat lines the past two weeks in my opinion. Be careful not to upgrade his stock beyond the RB2 class, and probably the mid-to-back end of it. Very much in the Mendenhall range, because role is quite a bit less secure for Ridley of those two.

Todd (Michigan)

Best a better lottery ticket to store than the Jets Powell?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Yes, but please, let's all understand the difference in value designations. Lottery ticket being a player who's not going to help you right now, but within a few weeks could explode in terms of value. Bilal Powell, meanwhile, has a greater chance at a noticeable share of the work, and I'd label him more "desperation fill-in" than "lottery ticket," the difference being you're actually seeking touches in the short term, while his upside long-term is considerably lower.

Mike (San Diego)

As a Vick owner, I have to say that I'm really disappointed that the rest of the quarterbacks in the league aren't following the mandatory rule that you must lose a fumble every time you carry the ball.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

As a Vick owner myself, you got me to laugh here.

Justin (Boston)

So where would you place Mathews for ROS? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

RB1/easy top-10, ceiling remains a run at the five best players in the game. Sorry, skills will win this fight.

CHRIS (NC)

Anything on Ced Benson; Alex Green, Starks or more of a role for Cobb if he misses time

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

All I've got is probably what you've got: X-rays were negative, he looks to have escaped serious injury but we don't know his immediate status just yet. So pickups might be premature, but of the two backups, I think James Starks is the more talented player, but Alex Green is the one closer to 100 percent currently and therefore probably gets first shot. Hardly a backfield I endorse as a great one for pickups, not unless we learn soon that Benson is out for an extended period.

Boggie Bob (Detroit)

rodgers and nelson for ponder and lynch..

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Putting roster needs aside -- you'll need to make that determination -- I think this is too much (as in, prefer the Rodgers side).

Robert (Memphis, TN)

What are your thoughts on Justin Blackmon? Noticed he's sitting on our league's waiver wire.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Solid talent, awful quarterback. But maybe the Jaguars consider a switch soon and Blackmon gets some love. A good example of the "lottery ticket" talk from earlier.

Aero (Chicago)

Good Morning Tristan - When analysts refer to "deeper leagues," are they talking about 16 team leagues specifically, or does that start to apply to 12/14 team leagues?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

To me it's anything A) beyond the ESPN standard of 10 teams, or B) a league that has a larger than usual number of starting/reserve spots. I've got leagues that go three wideouts and have 8-10 bench spots, so those qualify. At least when I use the term.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Meaning: Think at least 15-20 more players will reside in starting lineups each week.

Jake (Cleveland)

Is it just me or was the Bills offense much more explosive when CJ Spiller was on the field every play?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Being honest with you, Jake, 49ers-Bills wasn't one of the games I watched as much of this week, for obvious reasons, so difficult for me to say as Week 5 is concerned. But from a seasonal perspective, yes, I'd agree with that.

Jason (Nashville)

Outlook on J. Charles ROS. He rolled on what I thought was a pretty decent Baltimore run D and it sounds like they don't plan on limiting his touches anytime soon.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Yeah, I buy it. I hardly expected Charles to get back to full speed this quickly, but then he has the advantage of Peyton Hillis dealing with injuries, boosting his workload. Charles looks great; like he never had the ACL surgery at all. The only complaint his fantasy owners will have going forward is that he's not getting 30-plus carries every week, because Hillis will be there to provide a breather soon. But 15-20 for Charles is still going to equal RB1 value, period.

Bill Peterson (Atlanta)

Why did it seem that Ronnie Brown was Matthews back up rather than Jackie Battle this week? Norv messing with us?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Because Battle just isn't that good a player. Not going to say that I think Brown is much better, but the Battle love a week ago was premature.

Brian (Tennessee)

I want to sell high on Ridley for an under-performing WR1 that you feel has the most potential for a rebound. Would one of the injured guys like Nicks or Jennings be fair game?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I'd deal Ridley for Nicks. Good move.

Rob (TN)

The Lions play Philly, Chicago, Seattle and Minny over the next 5 weeks. What are your thought on Calvin Johnson knowing that?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

My thoughts are: Yes, his schedule is a rough one. Shame he's going to make all those pass defenses look human, at least for one week...

Chris (Portlandia )

16 team league. Not many WR on the wire. Looking to pickup K.Wright, Mannigham. Avery, Josh Gordon? Slim pickin's

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

I'm a Kendall Wright fan, especially in a league as deep as yours. In his defense, besides the consistency numbers in the target column I wrote about a few weeks back, the switch to Matt Hasselbeck sure appeared to suit him in Week 5.

john (mass)

Mornin' Tristan! would u drop JSimpson if I need a bye wk QB? not startin' him anyway! thx

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Yes, though for Simpson owners in other leagues, understand that he was hurt this week, explaining the bad stats.

Chad (IL)

What's your thoughts on Carolina's Steve Smith? Buy low or avoid?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Buy low, if you can. Still targeted a healthy amount and much can be explained by his sophomore quarterback's struggles. And I do think Cam will get better.

Michael (Toronto)

Need a ruling. I offered Tate for Harvin. GM (who is the commissioner) accepted the deal, then didn't push it through after hearing about possible turf toe for Tate. He says all trades follow NFL rules and he would have had to pass a "physical". He "changed hid mind" and didn't push the deal through. I'm being told I'm the snake because I offered an injured player. Need your opinion on this matter.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Communication is a two-way street, and the only definitive thing I see here is "accepted the deal." One that's done, it's done. You do your injury homework before you reach that part of the process, period. Couldn't be firmer in opinion about that.Best I can say otherwise is if you own an injured player, it's always a good idea to share said knowledge with your trade counterpart. (I've had to do that as a Greg Jennings owner in one league, for example.) And your counterpart should share his reservations with you before saying "I accept." because the minute those words are uttered? Done deal, you move on.

Chris (NY)

If a redraft was being held who would be your top 5 picks in a standard league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Ooooh, I like that.Arian Foster is the obvious No. 1. Think I'd go LeSean McCoy, Lynch, Ray Rice, Aaron Rodgers. Jamaal Charles makes a compelling case. Frankly, would look at A.J. Green in the first round as well.

Tom (Calif)

BASEBALL. AL only, keep 3 from Pujos, Cano, Trout, Grandy or Price?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I like David Price quite a bit, but with that rich an offense I cannot keep the pitcher over the hitter. It's Albert Pujols, Robinson Cano and Mike Trout.

Mike (Toronto)

Russell Wilson looks pretty average, is his play going to hold back Marshawn? Marshawn has been pretty average so far.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I think we should agree to disagree about Marshawn Lynch...

John (NY)

What's for lunch? Pepperoni calzone here. Got offered Nicks for Jennings but I already have Eli. Would you make this trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Chicken sandwich (non-parm). Calzone a good choice!What's wrong with that deal if you're an Eli owner? Don't follow. I have no problem with coupling QB and WR, so long as the talents warrant. They do here. And maybe this is only my gut, but I'm less worried about Nicks' injury being a long-term obstacle than I am Jennings'.

Brian (Bristol)

Looking to sell high on Turner. Do McFadden or Lynch seem reasonable?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

It's worth a try, but I'd give you a "no" if I had either. Definitely try it.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

Brian Hartline seems to play well every other week. Would you consider him a WR2 ROS or just start him every other week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

That's not the way to look at him. Examine the matchups, but I think he's WR3/4 material, maybe even less than that. Always have. But I also think Davone Bess is a better receiver from his own team.

Justin (Connecticut)

I know the saints have a week 6 bye but is there any reason to be concerned about Graham's ankle for week 7, and is their any TE you like in a standard espn league as a potential pickup rudolph, celek, miller, chandler.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I'm shocked that Kyle Rudolph is still available. He's your man, smart insurance.I haven't heard anything about Graham's injury to hint at concern beyond the bye, but we'll also know more in the coming days.

Mike (San Diego)

Just hopped back in the chat. I would think Jamaal Charles owners would complain if he CONTINUES to get 30 carries a game. If you watched that game, his YPC fell off a cliff once he got to about 20 carries. Not sure if that was a change in Baltimore's game plan, but Charles is best suited to get about 20 touches if you ask me.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Fair counterpoint, Mike, hence my posting. But you'd be surprised; some fantasy owners want their players getting a slew of work, don't care about the future impact.

Steve (Princeton)

Is the Steelers' D going to be fantasy relevant this year? Very frustrated owner.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Needs to get healthier, same thing as in 2011. Age is a limitation, and that's not going to get any better. Hmmm ... or could we find a way to reverse the aging process? Let me think about that one...

Steven (Ny)

i need shonn Greene to score me 8 PTs which is 50 yds in my league setting .. What do u think r the odds?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

39.7%.

Exasperated Owner (NYC)

What's your take on Garcon? He looked ok yesterday just missing a few connections from RG3

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

I think he's playing hurt, and I mean more so than the average player's "playing through pain." So I'll forgive him to a certain extent. Still think he's a higher-end WR3 with upside to finish in the WR2 class. It's a great situation for him, if he and his quarterback can just get consistently healthy.

Ed (Michign)

Least upside, ROS: Meachem or Roberts

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Least upside? Roberts.

Steve (NJ)

Which side do you prefer?Brady,Jordy and D.Brown or Romo,Mendenhall and Bowe. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

Interesting deal, fairly balanced because of how much of an upgrade that is at running back. Being that Brady's the best player in the deal, though, I'm sticking with the former side.

Alex (New York City)

Trade BJGE and Malcom Floyd for Chris Johnson and Demaryius Thomas? BJGE is my #3 RB so thinking of taking a flier while upgrading receivers.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

It's a pretty decent upgrade at wideout, and it's not like Chris Johnson lacks speculative value. Worth a shot there, especially if Lawfirm is merely depth.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I couldn't get to yours. Take care everyone, best of luck tonight as your Week 5 matchups finish up, and see you again next time!