Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions, mostly fantasy football today, but if you've got something baseball related, as always, please feel free. Just make sure to begin the text of your question with "BASEBALL" if you do.Here we go!

ben (green bay)

james jones. 6 tds in 3 weeks? Must start? Even over Torrey Smith and Mike Wallace? What happens when Jennings comes back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Well, see, that's the issue, when Jennings comes back, the target pie gets sliced thinner, affecting Jones. We discussed this briefly on the podcast, but I'll reiterate in deeper detail here: Jones has averaged 6.5 targets, 4.3 catches and 47.5 receiving yards per contest the past four weeks, meaning that if he wasn't scoring the touchdowns, he'd be WR3/4 material at best. Bring Jennings back at full health and Jones might be 4.5-2.5-30 type material in those categories.And that's also giving Jones credit for "consistency," when his history says that's not an appropriate label. (He's more up-and-down than consistent.) I'd just be careful. Enjoy this, but I'm not slotting him over Wallace or Smith from a long-range perspective.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Doug Martin owner..should I be worried about LeGarrette Punch, or was that purely garbage time?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Mostly a garbage-time product, but I worry a little about Blount earning the coaches' favor in short-yardage/goal-line situations. I'm not saying I think he's the vulture, I'm saying that I'm worried he might become it if he steps up in his next opportunity (and/or, say, if Martin does not). Also, I'll admit I haven't yet had enough time to digest the next-level stats regarding that.I'm going ahead and speculating on Martin as a buy-low, because I believe. But please do tread carefully when you do.

Kevin (Chicago)

If (or when) Jahvid Best comes back, what are your expectations for him in a 0.5 PPR league? Can he be a viable RB2, assuming he stays healthy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

In his announced starts? Well, sure. Best when granted the opportunity has the talent to slot in as an RB2, but assuming he'll be granted it is the big leap. I said last week to stash, and I hope you listened. But again, to be clear: No promises. Most volatile stash you could find.

Charles (Dallas)

Visk Ballard.....what do you expect going forward after a not so impressive debut? The matchups look pretty good

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Jets blew out the Colts so I take nada from that Vick Ballard performance.

Tom (NYC)

So.....Felix Jones is teasing us again....convince us to either Stay Away or Go get Him.....what do we do?!?!!?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

I'm not remotely a Felix Jones fan and I've made that opinion quite clear over a lengthy period of time, several seasons. In spite of so many people singing inexplicable praise of the guy for years, I just haven't seen A) the health, or B) the kind of consistency, that I want out of a guy in Jones' shoes.That said?He'll be my top pickup for this week, on the prospects that DeMarco Murray cannot play in Week 7 against the Panthers. Said this on the podcast, and I feel strongly about it (despite some chatter we engaged about another sleeper there): Cowboys might be giving Jones one final chance to show what he's got here.

K (philly)

How do you feel about Dustin Kelleras a bye week replacement for Gonzo next week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

I'm anti-Keller, and perhaps I'm being too harsh considering the stats were accrued in only two games' action, but he was a complete non-factor in the fantasy points department both times. Two targets total? Thirteen yards? Give me Brandon Myers instead, please.

Thomas (PA)

Expectations for Josh Freeman this week against the Saints?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Mid-range QB2. I think that's going to be the Doug Martin show, and my hesitation from the earlier question entirely centers upon: If Martin can't slash up that Saints run D, all hope of clear weekly RB2 status might be gone. Entirely my point.

Rick (Toronto)

Is Finley even worth a roster spot anymore? or is Owen Daniels my go-to guy now ROS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

I think he is but mostly from two regards: Forgive him recent performance because he's dealing with injuries, and remember that the Packers have shown an interest in targeting him at the goal line in recent years, and that's an offense that's going to spread around a large volume of high-impact fantasy throws. He will have his weeks, but I'm not glowing about the guy.

Mitch (Vermont)

Is it time to start Rudolph over Vernon Davis and trade Davis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I would give that some serious thought, yes, and that's not my saying "I'll rank Kyle Rudolph over Vernon Davis at this point," that's my saying that the gap has narrowed considerably and I think Davis might bait someone into the better trade haul.

Keith (Chicago)

Is Ridley done, after that dropped pass in the beginning of the game he did almost nothing.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

No. Not done. Brutal matchup, I'll forgive, and right now there are enough questions about Brandon Bolden (health) and Shane Vereen (invisibility) that Ridley's going to get another shot. Jets matchup in a home game is not a bad one, and Ridley will be in my lineups as an RB2.

Jacob (DC)

Why are people so worried about C.J. Spiller's value with Fred Jackson also healthy? It seems like he can do more than enough with 10-15 touches, doesn't look like he needs a Foster-like workload to succeed...what do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

I'd agree with that, but fantasy owners are greedy and with good cause. They want a larger volume of touches from Spiller and I completely understand that, because I can attest that every time I watch Spiller, I see big plays that beg a larger share of the load. I say it's a buy-low time.

Josh (Atlanta)

Thoughts on Brandon Pettigrew?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

He's boring, and that's not entirely a criticism. Think greater PPR value, guy with a consistent 5-6-ish catches with modest yardage (10.0 YPC average thus far), but he's just not enough of a big-play guy or targeted close enough to the goal line to make a TD impact. Drops also a mild concern, I think that could contribute as to why he's less of a factor near the goal line. And I've felt this way for awhile, so I'm pretty firm about it. Let's say 10-12ish in a standard league, 8-10ish in PPR. To me, that's boring.

Jay (Attleboro MA)

Thoughts on Hardesty if TRich misses time?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I haven't watched enough of Montario Hardesty to get a firm read on how he'll hold up given a starter's workload, but impressive to come off the bench after only one offensive snap the first five weeks and do what he did. A little of a take-what-he's-given player, in my opinion, but then I see the potential for an Andre Brown-like short-term explosion being possible. Accounting for the fact that the Browns just are not the Giants, offensively speaking, so his ceiling isn't as high as Brown's apparently was.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Yes, that's a pickup, in other words.

Brian (NY)

Are you starting Kenny Britt whenever he's active going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Well, sure, but think about exactly how often he's been active throughout his career. Doubt I'll get cozy with Britt at all in 2012.

Matt (NYC)

C'mon man, can we trust Fred Davis to get hot like last year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Seems to me like no real chemistry with RGIII, specifically no looks in the red zone (zero the past four weeks). On skills, yeah, could happen, but I'd like to see some evidence of it first? C'mon, wasn't that just a game where you'd think Davis would be more integral to the offense, what with Pierre Garcon out? Exactly. I say high-end TE2.

Bill Peterson (Atlanta)

0.5 PPR League: Thinking of trading Drew Brees for Ray Rice. I already have MJD, D Martin and Michael Bush. I'm only going to do this if I can also trade D. Martin for either Big Ben or Flacco. Would you do this? If so, would either QB work? One better than the other?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I'd consider it a dangerous assumption that you could complete both deals in conjunction, and frankly, even if you do I don't think you've improved yourself all that much.

Mustwinfantasy (Miami)

Let's get this David Akers guy out of the number 1 ranking for kickers this week!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Sure thing, Mustwinfantasy, but only because you said to. Won't at all have anything to do with his (or his team's) production. Nope.

Bill (Seattle)

Who do you think has more value ROS, Harline or Hawkins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Hawkins, but I am simply not a Hartline guy.

Tim (ny)

Baseball keeper question...What do you see Manny Machado value at for next year? Will he play any SS and get eligibility there, would you keep him as last round pick or david wright as 5th round pick?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Mid-round value, think he's going to face inevitable adjustments for some portion of 2013 but he's got a high, high ceiling. As for the shortstop eligibility, I wouldn't count on it, not with J.J. Hardy around. Possible, but currently no guarantees. Hardy's locked up through 2014.I'd keep Wright in the fifth round, to be honest, but I play to win the "current" season (and right now 2013 qualifies as "current").

PPR (Help)

Witten or Mr Boring Pettigrew

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Witten. Sorry, but 2012 drop totals or not, Witten is simply a better player than Brandon Pettigrew. Similar statistical patterns, but the weekly averages range higher, and I do think Witten factors in slightly more in the TD column, albeit infrequently.

K (philly)

Streaming Defenses for next week...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Hmmm, let's take a quick look. (I readily admit that I don't do my thorough rankings scrub until Tuesday.) I'd look at Buffalo, New England, maybe even Cleveland...

Jim (Hoboken)

Do you think the Giants will start working David Wilson in more to preserve Bradshaw, or will it take an injury for him to get some meaningful playing time? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I genuinely believe it'll take an injury for him to get meaningful playing time. The Giants will work Wilson into the mix somewhat to the degree they did in Week 6, but I think the first six weeks have shown us that he's far enough removed from the game plan that he's a future prospect, nothing more. And it's a shame, because I really like the kid as a long-range project.

Joe (New England)

Jimmy Graham and Jordy Nelson for Calvin Johnson and Jared Cook. Which side wins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Man, that's close, but I think it's the Calvin Johnson side. Then again, I aim high in fantasy football and want the super-stud, which Calvin Johnson is.

matthew Stafford (NC)

Just listened to the podcast, I don't understand how you analysts hang onto injuries for years. I had surgery (probably to repair the labrum) thus decreasing the chance of subsequent dislocation, and played a full season...and you STILL hang onto the injury notion..please guys

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

You know, that's a fair point, and being completely honest, it dawned upon me almost immediately after I said it. I'm probably somewhat unfair to Stafford for his 2010-and-before injury history, but let's also not gloss over that he was a question mark already for a previous game this season. He shouldn't be termed "completely safe." And when you're talking about a top-10 guy, I think that's very relevant.

Ryan (NYC)

Depending on his performance tonight, I am thinking about just dropping Gates for his bye week to fill the spot. Am I crazy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Not crazy, if the Week 6 stats/usage justify it. One of the most disappointing players so far.

Nick (The Big Easy)

C'mon Tristan, remember Alf!? He's Back, in Pog form! Is Alf a good sell-high or is he a good RB2/matchup-RB1 ROS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

"ALF": Probably the worst show I have ever watched that, having seen a little of on reruns, admit I don't today ask myself, "Why did I ever watch this?" Inexplicable. Like irresistibly bad."ALF"-red Morris: I'm not selling, but I also have mucho respect for a player performing as well as he has in a Mike Shanahan backfield getting the volume of goal-line work (not to mention success) despite the legs of his QB, RGIII. I say he's RB2, period, and am not selling at anything beneath top-15 at his position.

Steve (Boston)

Another big game for AJ Green. Is there any other WR you would trade him straight up for now?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Hmmm. Top of my head, probably not, because "Calvin Johnson" is the one name that pops in, and that's not automatic. (It's a fine deal, just not automatic.) If you can't recognize Green as a star after how badly he burned Joe Haden, you just can't analyze wide receivers.

Joe (Pittsburgh)

You're impression of Alex Green's performance. I don't think I saw much of difference between his play and Benson's. In fact, I think Green may have a little more "burst".

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Sounds about right, and we did analyze this a bit on the podcast. But let's be clear here: To say Green has more "burst" than Cedric Benson is far more damning of the latter than praise of the former. Frankly, I didn't think he looked that explosive to me while I was watching him -- did not see every one of his many carries -- but that's understandable considering the knee injury last year. The good: He handled a hefty workload. I'll buy as a flex.

JC (Park City)

Tristan, just read the comment about AJ Green. What about Andy Dalton, the guy currently ranks #7 in fantasy points this season, and only getting stronger. Looks like he was some kind of sleeper this season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Yes, I suppose that is true, but to be clear on my opinion there: I think receiver makes the quarterback far, far more than vice versa, in that example. Green's performance should elevate Dalton to high-end QB2 going forward. (Also contributes to my Hawkins opinion from earlier.)

Matt (Dallas)

Would you go Romo over Dalton rest of season? I need to trade one. Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Yes. There's a good example of a player I rate > Dalton.

D Ball (OH)

Does Jonathan Stewart going to have any value going forward? I feel like the Panthers need to get back to the run game and give their $40M the ball more to do that.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Doesn't DeAngelo Williams have a $43-million deal? Don't see how the contracts dictate much of anything there. It's a time share and I don't see that changing, and they really do not seem to operate nearly as effectively when they are not in tandem. Flex plays at best any week.

Jay (Attleboro MA)

Top waiver pickups....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

We have a column for that every week, but I will say that I am most certainly adding Felix Jones, I continue to recommend Jahvid Best, I'd sure look at Montario Hardesty and both Josh Gordon and Chris Givens warrant a look.

Alex (Anaheim)

Floyd is good to go tonight, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

That's my understanding. Beat reporters for the Chargers who I follow on Twitter are saying he's expected to play. It's been how I've been preparing for more than 24 hours.

Jake (McLean, VA)

Thoughts on Dwayne Bowe with Brady Quinn as his QB? Is he a must-sit till Matt Cassel comes back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Not "must," but matchup-sniffing becomes imperative in Quinn games. Bowe has historically been one of the game's most obvious matchup plays, and I'd really only endorse him facing the worst pass D's.

Yatin (LA)

I know yesterday was an outlier, but is Shonn Greene at least worth using my waiver priority on?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Certainly. Good points by Matthew about Greene's future in the podcast, if you want a deeper look.

Jeremy (NYC)

I forget if you're the big "love the percentages" analyst amongst your colleagues. % Willis scores more than 15.7 in a .5ppr?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I'm a huge "percentages" guy, but you're misinterpreting what that means. To estimate percentage probability of victory in a specific format for a specific player is ridiculous. It's not like in 10 seconds I could say "Willis McGahee has a 38.7 percent chance of meeting that number. I think we have Insider tools that do that, and I leave that to them to measure.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I'm a huge "percentages" guy, but you're misinterpreting what that means. To estimate percentage probability of victory in a specific format for a specific player is ridiculous. It's not like in 10 seconds I could say "Willis McGahee has a 38.7 percent chance of meeting that number. I think we have Insider tools that do that, and I leave that to them to measure.

"Future" Shonn Green (Next Week)

Hey fantasy fans. Sorry I am such a whack-a-mole. My 25 yards on 13 carries with a fumble didn't help you much, did it...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Doesn't the fantasy "whack-a-mole" need to, you know, actually have a history of valuable performances? Last I checked, Greene's game log is pretty sparse...

aj (NYC)

Thoughts on the ARI backfield? low end RB2 for Powell, or Flex... or is just a mess to not deal w/?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I like Powell and was impressed enough by the portions I was watching, but his upcoming schedule is brutal. Tread carefully. All he has done is carve out a role that, on volume of touches, could land in the flex class the next few weeks. But not a lot to get excited about in the short term, looking at the schedule.

Perry (Baltimore, MD)

Think Tigers sweep the Yankees? your prediction?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

If I say, "Yes," I'm going to sound like your typical, pessimistic Yankee fan. So I'm saying this: The Yankees team that I have been watching for the past 3-4 weeks, yes, is unquestionably going to be swept. On paper, there's no reason this team shouldn't come out firing on Tuesday, but it's extremely difficult, analyzing what I've been seeing, and knowing Verlander is up next, to say that it's going to happen.

"Mean" Shonn Green (This Week)

My Week 1 was good too. Don't hate.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

OK, I'll give you credit for that. Though: 27 carries to manage those 15 points. It was a "volume game."

Victor (California)

Ladaruis Webb tore acl for those on IDP leagues

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

As well as for those who are examining future Ravens wide receiver opponents. This is huge for the upcoming matchups, because Webb was really the one guy the team could hang its hat on.

Jeremy (NYC)

Thanks for the reply - you don't have to post this. I understand the ridiculousness of trying to guess a players point projection, just trying to keep my hopes up after Jordy burned me last night.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

I understand, and not attempting snark with the reply. My point is that projecting a point total is fair -- we do that on our pages. And I can do that. But it's good to have the courage of your convictions in the lineup you set. You made the correct decision to start McGahee, and you've got a shot tonight. Hard for me to quickly estimate how much a shot. So I wouldn't sweat that. Good luck!

Nate (NJ)

Was offered Palmer for Luck in 2 QB league. Take it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

I'd rank Palmer slightly higher, so yes. Will be clear in that I see Luck's weekly ceiling as higher, though his downside is noticeably worse. So if you're in a position where you're trying to slot in a "home run" No. 2, keep it in mind.

Todd (37,000 feet)

Tristan, all my rb's are hurt. Who would you take out of woodhead, D Richardson, Blount, or Hunter? Thx-

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:08 PM)

Only 37,000 feet? Pfft! Felix scoffs at you, Todd. (By the way, what Felix did? Crazy. Simply crazy.)I'm speculating on Richardson. The Rams like this kid; it's one of the valuable nuggets some of our folks at ESPN St. Louis imparted when I visited there this summer. I could see them working him in as a bit of an audition, and considering Steven Jackson's age/injury (he's almost always day-to-day), I think it's a smart stash.

pat (Iowa city)

Hey TC,Any stats on how many fantasy team owners started greene this week? wanted to know if I am the only one :D !! thinking of trading him for mcgahee? any thoughts?thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:09 PM)

I'm told that he was started in 50.3 percent of ESPN leagues, which is shockingly high to me, and I know Matthew and I were wondering exactly what compelled that many people to start him?I would trade him for McGahee, yes.

Max (NYC)

Should be looking to sell Bradshaw high right now or will he be good ROS

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:11 PM)

I say no, keep him around. Outstanding running by him these past two weeks, and the backfield is now effectively his again.

Chip (NC)

Thanks for staying late! Thoughts on Houston D/ST going forward? Still a top option?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:12 PM)

Still a top option, and Week 6 is the example that mounts the case for streaming defenses and not overpaying (we will surely remind you of this particular game in the 2013 Draft Kit). I mean, c'mon, it was the Packers. It's not like that was a good matchup. Credit the Packers for a solid game and expect the Texans to do better and again be fantasy-worthy against the Ravens.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:12 PM)

Still a top option, and Week 6 is the example that mounts the case for streaming defenses and not overpaying (we will surely remind you of this particular game in the 2013 Draft Kit). I mean, c'mon, it was the Packers. It's not like that was a good matchup. Credit the Packers for a solid game and expect the Texans to do better and again be fantasy-worthy against the Ravens.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:13 PM)

OK, two more, then lunch calls...

Dave (Dallas)

Ryan/Julio for Brees/Austin. In a vacuum who wins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:14 PM)

Wow, that's a toughie. I'm a Matt Ryan fan; that's a slightly scary downgrade at quarterback (remember how much that position drives fantasy scoring), but I do believe that the difference between Julio Jones and Miles Austin will be greater than that between Brees and Ryan. Really tough call, and my gut says "Go Falcons."

Mike (Chitown)

Do you see Dez establishing himself as a top 15 WR?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:15 PM)

Yes, I do. Too skilled not to, and the only thing that stands in his path is focus. Games like this one plant seeds, and I'm going to sit back and wait for the tasty, tasty results.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:16 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for the day. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I could not get to yours. Take care everyone, and best of luck to those of you still in Week 6 matchups in the Monday night game! (Myself included, ha.)