Christopher Harris

  (11:02 AM)

Good morning everyone. First off, have you listened to this week's Hard Count yet? We talk about CJ0K, R. Bush, Demaryius, Rivers, BJGE and much more. Get it at iTunes or espn.com/podcenter. Also, read my football novel, right? www.slotbackrhapsody.com. Finally, if you have single-position questions, my answers are here: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=12ranksWeek6QB Okay, let's get to your questions.

Mike (Boston)

Bradshaw owner. Who would you rather have going forward as a handcuff: Wilson or Brown?

Christopher Harris

  (11:05 AM)

Hi, Mike. I think the larger point might be that there isn't a clear handcuff here. Wilson won some points with his big run last week and seems to be out of the doghouse, while Brown had a concussion and his short-term availability is in question. If I had to roster one, it would probably be Wilson at this very moment for his upside, but I'm skeptical either guy would take the job and become a no-doubt fantasy starter.

Mac (Las Vegas)

Chris, would you drop Leshoure or martin for Mendenhall?

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Hi, Mac -- I would drop Leshoure for him if I had to. He would be my choice before Martin, who I still think looks *this close* to breaking out on a carry-by-carry basis.

Will (Rochester NY)

Which QB do you like best down the stretch Luck Dalton or Romo? Would you drop one if you cant trade him

Christopher Harris

  (11:07 AM)

Hi, Will. I sure am not dropping Luck. There are rookie mistakes in his recent past, but he played very well vs. GB. Dalton is my least favorite of this group.

Matt (Denver)

Would you trade for Ridley, say give up Michael Turner?

Christopher Harris

  (11:08 AM)

Hi, Matt. Interesting, I see questions also asking the exact reverse of this, whether someone should deal Ridley and get Turner. I would say it's probably pretty fair. I prefer Ridley. Turner is going to be very TD-dependent; I trust Ridley's yards more. But listen to what I just said! Trusting a NE RB! Am I nuts? I think either side of this trade is eminently arguable. I prefer Ridley.

Kenny (Boston)

Would you buy low on Brandon Lloyd?

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

Hi, Kenny. Obviously it depends how low. If you're getting him for pennies on the dollar, sure. But I never believed Lloyd was a top-15 WR when he joined the Pats. As you can see here: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k12_decisionslloydeffect I put Lloyd 18th among WRs to begin the year, and that's about right for me now.

David (Nanuet, NY)

If the Texans keep winning, will Foster still get the workload come fantasy playoff time?

Christopher Harris

  (11:12 AM)

Hi, David. It's a good question. The Texans certainly aren't going to tell anyone their plans in this regard in October, alas. This is really a way of asking whether you should plan on trading Foster away sometime around midseason for something great, and honestly, I don't have an answer for you. My tendency would be to think that Foster *will* see his workload lessened somewhere along the way. But it would be mighty hard to think about dealing him until there are signs that's about to happen. He's really good.

StatBot 2000 (Yo Momma's Planet)

Thoughts on Vick Ballard getting a place at the table? Isn't he the guy who tripped and fell during the combine's 40-yard dash?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

He is, in fact, that guy who cratered running a 40. I'm not holding that against him. I'm writing about him, the ARI RBs and the GB RBs at length in this week's Hard Count, which will be up tomorrow mid-morning, and I haven't finished writing the Ballard section. But yeah, I mean, it's kind of an ideal situation for him. He's not a "special" player (whatever that means), but the Jets have turtled versus the run the past two weeks. As a desperation flex, I think you could do worse.

Christopher Harris

  (11:15 AM)

This worked last week, so let's try a variation this week. In Slotback Rhapsody, if you can tell me the name of Nick Morrison's best pal on the team (his minicamp roommate) in the next five minutes, I'll answer your question. Go!

rotomeister (Georgia)

Deep league. Who do you like better as a flex this week. J.Rodgers, William Powell or Nate Washington?

Christopher Harris

  (11:16 AM)

I would love to say Powell, because I think he has the most upside. But he also has bagel downside. If you need a high-upside play, pick him. If you need to get *something*, go Washington.

Kyle (Pittsburgh)

What are your expectations for Brandon Gibson now that Danny Amendola is out?

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Well, my expectations are that he might see a slight uptick, but it's mighty hard to trust any of those Rams WRs. Chris Givens will get extra looks, too... I'd stay away from starting these guys.

Jeff (Arkansas)

Hey Chris, love the new podcast, I like the different look at fantasy, anyway ppr flex, Doug Martin or CJ Spiller??

Christopher Harris

  (11:18 AM)

Hi, Jeff. Thank you. I think I'm still going with Martin. The Spiller/Jackson thing is way frustrating, and the ARI defense is rough. Would be better if Martin plays on third downs over D.J. Ware, of course.

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Once more: tell me the name of Morrison's training camp roommate in Slotback Rhapsody in the next minute or so, and you'll get answered. (I see several correct answers and I'll get to you momentarily.....)

Max (NYC)

How high on Ryan Mathews are you?

Christopher Harris

  (11:21 AM)

Hi, Max. Pretty dang high. There are always caveats about his health -- he's brittle. But boy, he looked terrific when he was in there against the Saints. He's a borderline RB1 to me.

Christopher Harris

  (11:21 AM)

(p.s. Slotbackers --- it's not Gasper...that's his equipment manager pal whose leg he crunches.)

Chris Johnson (TN)

What do you expect from me tonight?

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Frustration! I spoke at great length about CJ0K in this week's Fantasy Underground podcast.... Field and I looked at his tape from the whole season. Give it a listen!

Tom (Office Cubicle)

Considering the matchup and Bye weeks, is "double dipping" Wallace and Mendy OK tonight??

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Hi, Tom. I prefer not to, obviously. But yeah, I mean, TEN isn't exactly a juggernaut on defense. If you have no choice, this is a case where you could very well get production out of each.

Christopher Harris

  (11:24 AM)

OK...getting to the correct answerers......

Jeff (NYC)

Townsel.I dropped Bennett to pick up Cook for tonight. Smart move? I know you ranked Bennett higher, but there is injury concern... and who's the better long-term option: Cook, Bennett, or Fred Davis?

Christopher Harris

  (11:25 AM)

Hi, Jeff. Indeed. Isaiah Townsel. Yeah, I can understand why you'd be scared of Bennett, given his comment about his knee being messed up. (More colorful language from him, obviously.) Me, I think I still do have Bennett as the most valuable long-term option of the troika you mention.

Townsel (Philly)

I can play 2 TEs in a PPR, drafted Hernandez and Petti, and added Gates off waivers. With Hernandez back I need to drop one of the 3 TEs or Leshoure or Garcon...is it really the Antonio Gates who gets dropped?

Christopher Harris

  (11:27 AM)

Ugly, isn't it? I'd have a hard time doing it, to be honest. Is there a trade market for Gates, since it sounds like you've almost cornered the market on TEs. Tough to answer definitively as I don't know how strongly you're relying on Leshoure/Garcon, but I think if you have good RB depth, I'd drop Leshoure before Gates, but maybe try and package them both for something better? Play on Gates' big name, even though you're selling low?

Townsel (Slotback Rhapsody)

I can play 2 TEs in a PPR, drafted Hernandez and Petti, and added Gates off waivers. With Hernandez back I need to drop one of the 3 TEs or Leshoure or Garcon...is it really the Antonio Gates who gets dropped?

Christopher Harris

  (11:27 AM)

Whoops, just answered that one.

Townsel (Slotback Rhapsody)

Are Spiller or FJax going to be "trustable" anytime this season barring injury?

Christopher Harris

  (11:28 AM)

I think it will get better for them. This is a bad stretch of two games where the defenses look awfully difficult to produce against anyway. They get TEN next week, which could offer a reprieve and get Jackson into RB2 land (with Spiller in Flexland). Unfortunately after that we're looking at a bye and then HOU/NE, so it's going to be tough for a while.......

Townsel (Slotback Rhapsody)

Would you try to sell high (if you could) on Mathews or Bush or are they going to maintain what they've done so far?

Christopher Harris

  (11:29 AM)

We talk at length about Reggie Bush in this week's Fantasy Underground podcast, and I try and tackle the question of whether I'd sell high. I don't think I'd sell high on Mathews. I like him a lot, though obviously there are always injury questions. As for Bush? Field Yates (my co-host) is adamantly against trading him away right now. I'm less so. I think he could be pried away from me if the offer was sweet enough......

Readerboy (Slotback)

TOWNSELOf these tight ends who will be most consistent ROS and who will has the most upside. Pitta Daniels Pettigrew F. Favis

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

I'd say consistency-wise, I'm probably looking at Pettigrew...he doesn't score many TDs (and apparently he's a bit nicked up at this moment in time), but he gets so many targets that he usually gives you something. For upside I guess you'd have to go with that TD machine Daniels, though the downside figures to be pretty scary at times.

bigfan (at work !)

Isaiah Townsel !

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Thank you. But you didn't ask a question!

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Okay, that's it for our contest winners...back to the big pile o' questions. (Not that I'm incentivizing you to read the book...but I'll probably keep doing this...each week....)

FunkMaster Flex (Chi-town)

Any concern that Pitt gets up big early and goes run heavy? Torn between flexing A.Brown, DJax, and Doug MartinThanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:33 AM)

It's always a possibility. I try not to evaluate based on suppositions about how the game will go, simply because I don't think anyone is that smart. Brown seems the safest to me. However, unless this is a PPR, I might be sorely tempted to go Martin. I know there are Blount and Ware worries, but I still think things are going to get better for him soon.

Mike (Raleigh)

Is Hakeem still a must-start if he goes? Would you consider Dez or James Jones over him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:34 AM)

Hi, Mike. Well, at this point, I don't know. I might just wait. It's a bad matchup against the 49ers, and who knows how long his dang foot/legs/whatever stay healthy? If I had the luxury of waiting (and if watching him do great wouldn't send me into a week's worth of depression), I might just let him sit and chalk the week up to research. But if he plays, that pretty much puts the kibosh on Hixon/Randle/Barden for the week.

Buying Your Book from Kindle Tonight ((NC))

Promise! FLEX, NON-PPR: Hawkins or Maclin? I kind of like Hawkins vs. Browns (bc of Haden) and Maclin's injured production over past 2 weeks. Thoughts?

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

That would be lovely, thank you. I am a civil blackmailer. I dunno, I'm not sure the return of Haden means good things for any CIN WR (though I suppose you mean Haden will be on Green...). In a non-PPR, I think I go Maclin.

Owen (Iowa)

What's the status on publishing of your detective book? Did he smoke too much weed and procrastinate getting this published? PPR flex this week: FJax, Spiller, Maclin, Garcon

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Hi, Owen. Ha. Well, my agent hasn't had success selling it yet. I'm hopeful for something early next year, and will keep Twitter followers posted. In a PPR, of this group given the matchups, I think I go Maclin.

Stop giving away parts of your book. (I haven't read about the E

By the way, do you think Martin and McFadden benefit from the bye's they just had?

Christopher Harris

  (11:39 AM)

Ha. Okay, I'll not give away major plot points, I promise. But I do think people who like football (and HGH use and dabbling in Buddhism) will enjoy it and find it quite amusing. I would say the bye probably isn't the leading factor with either of these guys. With Run-DMC, it's about whether the line gets better (though to be fair, I suppose one could argue they could learn during a bye), and with Martin, I'm still optimistic and think better times are ahead. Put it this way: they're both still RB2s for me despite their struggles.

Brian (IN)

You said that you are down on Lloyd.. not so much that you would recommend Kenny Britt over him tonight though right?

Christopher Harris

  (11:39 AM)

Hi, Brian. Right. I'm not super *down* on Lloyd, I just think if the Pats aren't going to throw it to him much deep, it takes away what he does best for fantasy owners. But yes, given Britt's uncertainty (he *could* bust out, but it would be the first time this year), I do have Lloyd rated above him.

Matt (Columbus)

Hey Chris! Your my favorite analyst because I feel like you actually watch the games and figure out why players do or do not do well. Our league starts 2 QB's and I have Romo, Dez and Witten would you have a problem with starting 3 cowboys or would you start Gates over Witten or Ponder over Romo in this situation?

Christopher Harris

  (11:41 AM)

Thanks, Matt. I do watch an awful lot of film. I recommend anyone who really wants to get to know football better get NFL.com's GameRewind package, which is really cheap (like $50 for the season) and make sit *so* easy to watch individual plays. It's made my life so much easier it's not even funny. Yeah, listen, I mean, in a 2QB league you're going to need to start Romo, I think, but I do hate going the 3-Cowboy route right now. Maybe you have an alternative over Dez? I have Witten ranked above Gates and Romo above Ponder.

CAM-BUST-IBLES (Kalamazoo)

Any more recent updates on the severity of the C. Benson / D. Amendola injuries?Should I still roster?

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

I don't think we know the answer to either of those questions definitively. Amendola is out "at least a month" and Benson isn't even eligible to play again for two months. I would say Benson is the more droppable player at this moment, but I can't promise he won't have an impact very late in the year. Still, if you need a roster spot, he's probably your man.

Jeff (CA)

Bye week desperation mixed with losing Amendola. Britt or Brandon Gibson for standard scoring flex?

Christopher Harris

  (11:44 AM)

Hi, Jeff. You can always find answers to single-position questions here: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=12ranksWeek6WR I have Britt higher than Gibson.

Ben (Charlotte)

Maclin had a great week 1 but not much since. seems like he's getting healthy, but is his O/QB now the problem, as opposed to health? does he have a high WR2 ceiling anymore?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Ben. I think he does. I think you're right that this has been about hip health more than anything else, and he'll start re-gaining his mojo as we go. I'm not sure I ever thought his ceiling was high as some other folks', but I do think holding onto him and even starting him is a good idea.

Townsel (That's what everyone else said)

Really enjoyed Fantasy Underground this week. You and Field did a great job of addressing my WR concerns in a deeper league. Did you rank Hixon with the assumption that Nicks in inactive and DHB with the assumption that he is starting this week? Trying to figure out who to start out of Meachem, Wright, DHB, and Hixon. Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

Ha. Indeed, yes, answering Townsel now doesn't mean much since the answer is scrolling beneath. Thanks for your nice comment about the UG. Yes, those were exactly my assumptions when I ranked those players...and if Nicks goes, I don't think you'd be able to trust Hixon/Randle/Barden at all. I think it's pretty well expected that DHB plays this week.

Scared Ridley Owner (NE)

Hey Chris. Can you use your industry sources to make sure Bellicheck doesn't put Ridley in the doghouse? He's clearly the most talented back in NE. Seriously, what do you think of him ROS? Sell High?

Christopher Harris

  (11:47 AM)

You have every right to be scared. This is which BB does, and after Ridley's fumble in kind of a big clock-killing spot last week, a part of me worries that another change could come quickly. One thing we know is that the change won't be advertised. It'll come, and we'll be gobsmacked. I'm afraid my influence in these matters isn't quite so strong. Whether or not Ridley is a sell-high probably depends on your appetite for risk. If you can't live with the possibility of the bottom dropping out, then I'd sell. But I'm still cautiously optimistic, and for me, I'd probably hold.

Ryan (Boston)

I know people are down on Vick and he is allergic to the football. But why no talk that he is a buy low? His schedule has been hard and gets A LOT easier.

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Ryan. Ha! I love the term "allergic to the football." Well played, sir. I agree that the schedule looks a little bit better going forward (including this week), and I still rank him in my top 10. I think the reason people don't view him as a buy-low, though, is that what differentiates him is his running, and if he's not running, or not running effectively (i.e., without fumbling), he's Jay Cutler. And nobody wants that. If you can convince yourself that the rushing yards (and maybe even TDs) will return, you're right, you should buy him low. But it's a legit question.....

Chris (NYC)

Mendenhall ready to step in to 15-20 carrier per week mode?

Matthew (Thrillmington, DE)

Thanks Chris, love the podcast. You've discussed each of these guys, but I'm looking at a trade where I can pick between Bradshaw, Ridley, and Martin. Who would you recommend?

Christopher Harris

  (11:50 AM)

Thanks, Matthew, I appreciate it. I'm going to say Ridley. He's easily the *riskiest* of that trio, but I like him best. I think some people would say I'm crazy, because BB eventually screws anyone who relies on his RBs. If I had to pick a second, I'd still go Martin, despite last week's explosion from Bradshaw.

Christopher Harris

  (11:52 AM)

Whoops, and my answer to Chris (NYC)'s question about Mendenhall apparently didn't take...Chris, I'm not *quite* there with Mendy's workload just yet...even after a very strong outing last week the Steelers are talking about easing him in, and to me that means sub-20-touches for the moment. We'll get a bigger piece of that puzzle tonight, obviously, and in this matchup, I still think he's startable even with a potentially mid-teens workload.

Joe (NE)

Would you trade Spiller or FJax for Lloyd?

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

Hi, Joe. A lot of Lloyd talk today (you can scroll up to see more detailed thoughts about him in earlier questions). I think this kind of deal is *fair*. But I don't think I'd do it. Jackson and Spiller have each proven they can get hurt, and when one guy is injured, the other guy is a top-10 back many weeks. I think if I was made to split the set, I would make sure I got a surer thing than Lloyd has been to this point.

Matt (The City of Brotherly Hating Vick)

Chris, any chance the Underground might expand to more than once a week in the future? Great in depth analysis. Also, what WR do you feel most comfortable trading for help elsewhere - Nelson, Lloyd, or Vincent J? Thanks for the advice!

Christopher Harris

  (11:54 AM)

Hi, Matt. In future seasons, it's possible the Underground goes more than once per week, but that's what we're signed up for for this year, so pretty much we're locked into Wednesdays for 2012. Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you'll keep listening. ROS, I'd probably rank those WRs Nelson, then Lloyd, then Jackson. So I'd probably rather trade Jackson. But I assume I'd get more for the other guys, know what I mean?

aj (pittsburgh)

thoughts on bill powell taking starting job in az?

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, AJ. I'm writing at length about the ARI RB situation (along with GB and IND) for tomorrow's Hard Count column on ESPN.com. There isn't really *any* tape on Powell...from what I've seen, I think he looks pretty average to me, and I have a hard time believing he's about to become a fantasy stud in a muddled backfield with a poor O-line. But the matchup (BUF) is certainly right to take a flyer if you need to this week.

Nathan (Hamilton, Canada)

Does AP ever return to top 5 back form?

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

Hi, Nathan. I have to admit I think he's borderline there already. He's maybe not quite the same change-of-direction guy we remember, but the speed and power really seem to have returned, which I'm shocked by. (I felt sure he was being over-drafted this summer, which was WRONG WRONG WRONG.) Sure, he lost a red-zone TD carry to Harvin last week, and he hasn't found the end zone as much as we'd like, but he's getting plenty of chances, and they'll come. In short: Yes, I think you're just fine with AP as your RB1.

Ken (Wyoming)

Is VJax a legit WR1 going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

Hi, Ken. Boy, I don't think so, not with Freeman slinging him the rock.

Some guy (Asky-town)

Horrible FLEX sitch...Maclin, Ballard, A Green?

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

I have Ballard above Alex Green, so choosing between him and Maclin...um...I guess non-PPR I'll take a wild stab on Ballard vs. NYJ.

Alfred Morris (Washington)

Do I continue to the be the feature back or do I get Shannahaned? Sell now while my value is high, or if so what is my value for WR in return?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Another situation where I wish I could see the future. The past certainly tells us that Shanny likes to monkey around with his backfield, but really, he doesn't seem to have many good options at the moment. Maybe Evan Royster? Morris has played really well, and I *think* it would take a series of gaffes for him to lose that job. I *think*. But no, I'm not selling Morris. I'm going to ride him.

Clancy Swift (Practice Field)

Do I have a Jimi Hendrix afro or a Michael Jackson Thriller Afro?Trade V. Ballard and Best for CJ0K? I need a bye week fill in next week. That is why I picked up Best and Ballard buy CJ has a good match up as well.

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Ha! Good question. Let's see, since ol' Clancy doesn't actually exist, I'm going to say it's a Jimi Afro. Big and wonderful. Honestly, yes, this is a deal that I think makes sense. You're buying *so* low on Johnson that you won't feel beholden to him, and you can look at him with clear eyes. He's purely a workload guy right now who needs way better blocking to resume form. I think I'd do this.

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

OK, gang, one more and then I've got to get back to the Hard Count.

Justin (Michigan )

Love the Podcast. Im listening to it right now at work... I have Luck and Matt Ryan., I am trying to get rid of Luck for WR help... Luck for Lloyd?

Christopher Harris

  (12:02 PM)

Thanks Justin. I like the idea of selling Luck high since you have Ryan...but maybe Lloyd isn't high enough? Maybe someone in your league can be convinced that Luck's Week 5 performance puts him into an elite category? I think Lloyd is *fair*. I just don't know that I think it's selling *high* enough. I might try and get a top-15 WR, which I don't quite think Lloyd is.

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

Okay gang...I'm sorry not to be able to get to more of your questions (and forgive the Slotback Rhapsody manner of picking questions, but I have to admit, it's nice to know folks have read the book)...there were > 2,600 in a single hour, which is crazy. I try and answer Q's on Twitter as much as I can, including before the games on Sunday morning. You can follow me @writerboyESPN, and you can friend me at www.facebook.com/writerboy. In a way, I miss the old days where there were far fewer of you and I could pay more individual attention, but those days are apparently gone, and I'm super-appreciative of your interest. I wouldn't have this amazing job without you. Thank you. Have a great day.