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Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

Hello, everyone! Sorry I missed ya last Tuesday ... I got pulled away on another assignment. But I'm back this week and ready to answer your football -- and baseball, if I see some -- questions. Let's do this thing!

Colby (CA)

Daniels is out and now I'm scrambling! Any other Texans TE's worth picking up? If so what can we expect from them?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

Not really. It's probably Joel Dreessen, and he's not interesting to me in the least. You'll have to look elsewhere, but that middle range of tight ends is rather plentiful in many leagues, meaning there should be an option the waiver wire, if not this week, then next week, when the six-team-bye weeks are done.

T.N (Atlanta, Ga)

Has Bob Sanders fully recovered from his injury ? Is he a better play this week than Quintin Mikell (PHI) since HOU is a pass heavy offense ? Thanks a lot

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Bob Sanders is the better option in just about any scenario, and as far as I know, he's fine after increasing his workload this past week.

Daniel (Sacramento)

Is it crazy to start Jamaal Charles against Jacksonville over LaDanian Tomlinson against New York (Giants) this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Boy, I can see why you'd want to do that, but I think that is crazy. I think you choose talent over matchup here and stick with LT. He has the much better shot at touchdowns, and obviously has the greater upside. I stay LT.

david (iowa)

Portis have any value of trying to trade for? Which WR would make most sense to trade for Portis...Marshall or Rice?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Portis is a first-half back, for sure. But in today's savvy fantasy football world, his owners seem to know that, meaning you can probably get at least a viable No. 2 RB for a decent price. If you can get him for Rice, I think that'd be ideal. If you have to give up Marshall, that would be tougher ... but if your team needs warrant it, I say you do it.

Matt (NY)

How does Larry Johnson's situation affect someone like Dwayne Bowe? Is he going to get more targets or see more double teams now? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

Hmm, that's a good question. I really don't think teams will defend the Chiefs much differently, since they really weren't doing anything special to stop LJ, from what I could tell. The only thing that changes, I think, works in Bowe's favor. It seems the Chiefs were "forcing" the ball to LJ in some games, and now, without the depth at RB, they won't be doing that. So if anything, the Chiefs pass more and Bowe gets another target or two per game. I definitely like him a lot going forward.

Greg (Toronto)

My opponent this week only has Ahmad Bradshaw NOT on a bye, so which RB should i pick up off waivers to stick it to him: Moats, Caddy, MoMo, or Jamaal Charles? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Definitely Charles here, and good idea. And a good lesson for all! I'm decimated on one of my teams, and have No. 4 waiver priority ... gee, I hope my opponents don't know this little trick.

Tim (Boston)

I've been hanging onto Anthony Gonzalez all year, should I finally give up and drop him for Malcolm Floyd??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

I've been wrestling with this one myself as an A-Gonz owner, and I've decided to keep him. Austin Collie has stepped up nicely, but I still think Gonzalez fits better as the starter with Collie in the slot, and the long, athletic Gonzalez is also a good target in the red zone. I think he'll make an impact when he returns, which still should be soon. At least he's back practicing. Also, I'm still not sold on Floyd. He won't have much upside being really the 4th option (behind the backs) on that team.

Kolby Smith (Kansas City Cheifs)

Am I addable in a 14 team league with LJ down?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Good point. Yes, Kolby Smith is worth adding in a deep league as a backup behind what really is an unproven starter. Still not sure about the LJ situation, but it sounds like he could miss more than just Week 9.

Dan (FL)

Took a perceived performance hit on both Slaton and Sims-Walker. Any thoughts on which one to start this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Yeah, that one stings, huh? I'd still say Slaton. Gary Kubiak was "noncommittal" about his starting RB situation this week, saying all 3 backs would play, but speculation is Slaton will still get a majority of the work unless he goofs. He just has too much upside with the big plays, and not a bad matchup, to boot.

Jason (Bmore)

Braylon Edwards mystifies me. He gets traded to the Jets, has a great game against them Monday night, then proceeds to stink the rest of the way. ESPN gave Braylon a decent point projection, but I scoffed at started him. Alas, he scores and did somewhat well. Is this attributed towards playing the dolphins and matchup based, or is this a sign of things to come?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

Ah, you sound like a "new" Braylon owner! He mystifies everyone, and is about as unpredictable as they come (except for maybe Lee Evans). I wouldn't chalk up his TDs to playing against the Dolphins at all. In fact, Miami has a decent D. It's just the dice roll fell on his number. ... So how to handle Braylon? Well, given his talent and propensity (at least in the past) to get in the end zone, I'd start him in most weeks. If there's a week in which you don't expect much from the Jets offense, you sit him. But he has pretty good week-to-week upside, and you'll just have to deal with the lumps.

Dan (Ann Arbor)

Piggy-backing on the Braylon question...do you think he's better the rest of the way than Steve Smith (NYG)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Oh boy, that is close, but I'd still lean toward Smith. The G-men still have a good offense, and while he hasn't sparkled, Smith still has gotten his targets and yards in recent weeks. I just think he's the safer start week to week.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Beeing a running threat. Is it ok to pick up V. Young for future consideration.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

If your league has maybe 14 teams or more. I just don't see Vince helping you. Quarterbacks are the highest scorers in fantasy, and they rack up those points mostly from passing TDs, if history is any indication. And that's precisely what Young won't give you much of. He'd have to run for an awful lot of yards to make up for the lack of passing stats, and he's not quite Michael Vick in his prime. He's interesting, but I'm leaving him be on my waiver wires.

B Jacobs (NY)

Am I ever gonna get my TD's this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Hey, at least Brandon Jacobs is healthy, right? And he is getting a lot of carries, with 20 last week in a losing cause. He'll get his TDs, and it'll happen all at once. Remember, you're playing with the playoffs in mind, and can't you just see Jacobs exploding against his divisional rivals in the fantasy playoffs? I could, and that's why I'd keep him.

Ted (NJ)

What TE would be a good pickup for Daniels? Fred Davis, Winslow or Watson for this week and going forward? Also Slaton, Moats, Kevin Smith or Jamal Charles?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

I don't normally answer questions like these, but I want to further endorse Winslow, who is a big part of the Bucs' offense (like it or not). Even after the bye, he's 5th in the league in targets among tight ends, and he has great hands and good YAC potential. I think he's an every-week starter, and you're lucky to get him on the FA wire. Same goes for Kevin Smith; he's a good get.

Word Nazi (Oxford)

First off, "decimated" means to cause harm to ten percent of a population, group or set of objects, not "destroyed." It comes from a Roman practice of killing one in every ten men in a mutinous squadron. It's a common enough error so I can forgive you.But on to fantasy football. What is your take on Moats? Worth a pick up as a #2 or flex RB?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Wow, look at you! I suppose I fell into using a rather mainstream term, and one that is understood, which matters most. But interesting stuff ... Moats is worth a pickup this week, no doubt, but I don't really feel good about starting him yet. Like I said, I think Slaton is still the man there, and will get a fresh start. Moats is a risky play on the road in what could be a shootout (and Slaton is the better receiver).

Tim (ATL)

i feel crazy even asking... but would you consider starting julius jones against detroit ahead of benson playing the ravens?? (other RB is turner vs. the 'skins)?? thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Unfortunately, that IS crazy. But not really because of the Jones side of things ... more for the Benson. He's been so solid, including against the Ravens earlier this year. All this said, I am considering starting Jones this week in a flex spot. I think even 10-15 carries is enough to do well against that team.

Dale (Cleveland)

Brendan, you seem to endorse Slaton this week even though Kubiak is using a 3 man rotation. Do you like Slaton in week 9 over Kevin Smith who you say is a "good get "?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Good catch, Dale, and it gives me the option to clear things up. I like Slaton more than the other Houston backs, but not necessarily overall. I'd probably rank him in the mid- to late 20s among RBs this week. If I had my druthers and weren't dealing with byes, I'd start NO Houston back this week, but if I had to start one, it'd be Slaton. As such, I'd definitely start Kevin Smith over him in Week 9. Everyone is talking about the Seahawks' matchup with Detroit, but the Lions' matchup with Seattle ain't so bad either!

Bobby Lavell (Jersey)

Please Help I need some Bye Week Help: Hightower or Charles this week? Thanks Mr. Roberts

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Hey there, Bobby! I'd have to say Charles. He's likely to get more touches. I've been a Hightower fan all season, but I'm starting to sour on him. He's still scoring a TD per game, but the carries just aren't there anymore, with 12 in the past two games. That just won't cut it, even if he catches 4-5 balls. I'll take Charles and his 15-plus carries at Jacksonville.

John (PA)

With Burleson playing Detroit would you start him over Steve Smith (NYG)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Burleson is one of the more unheralded stories of the season. The guy has been pretty solid, and many aren't noticing. That said, I'd stick with Smith. I think the way you beat the Lions (among other ways) is on the ground, and I think the 'Hawks will take that approach. Meanwhile, like I said, Smith is still getting his targets and catches regularly.

JSTEW (Ohio)

Am I a RB2 now that the Panthers have rediscoved their running game?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

Obviously, it depends upon what you have available to you, but in most weeks, sure I could see that. Jon Stewart has been getting regular touches and scoring opps the past several weeks (except, I think, the game vs. Buffalo), and even though the Panthers play a Saints D that ranks 6th in the league against the run, the Panthers have the personnel to make it pay (like they did the Cardinals' highly ranked run D). The way to beat the Saints is by controlling the ball, and I think that's what the Panthers will do. Go for it!

Hooper (TX)

Brendan...help me out bud! Should i feel comfortable with Romo or Schaub in tough match ups on the road this week? and is crabtree a better option than housemanzadeh this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Definitely like Housh. more this week, first of all. As for the two QBs, that's a pretty close call. Normally I'd say Schaub, but the Colts have a very good pass D, and Sanders is healthy, and Schaub just lost Daniels, which I was told today led tight ends in 25-plus-yard catches. I like Romo much better against that Eagles D. He's athletic enough to escape the blitz and now has more developed WR options (ahem, Miles Austin) to find. I say Romo.

paul (upstate ny)

slaton or mendenhall for the rest of the year? thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Definitely Mendenhall. Love me the Mendenhall upside, and anybody who has seen his breakaway ability would agree. I'm not kidding, I think the guy will be a perennial top-3 back as soon as next season.

Chaz (Scranton, PA)

Is LJ worth holding on to, or do I drop him for a player like Willie Parker or Josh Cribbs and hope for big things in the future?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

I think you have to hang on to him, at least till you know what his "punishment" will be. He might return in Week 10, you just don't know. And if Charles flops this week, he could be right back to 15-plus carries in Week 10, and this time with fresh legs and a TON of motivation to work them.

Mike S (DC)

Should I be worried about Warner? Good schedule coming up, awful performance so far. Someone in my league has Schaub and Roethlisburger. Should I try to make a trade for one of those guys or ride it out with Warner?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

I wouldn't be concerned with Warner. He's healthy, as far as we know, and here is the number you need to know: 40.4. That's his passes per game. Anybody who passes that much, to the kind of quality receivers he has, and has the kind of accuracy he has, to me, is an every-week starter. Sure, he'll have the occasional multi-pick day, but he's definitely much more likely to have a multiple-score day.

Will (WV)

Basketball Question .... Would you rather have OJ Mayo or Rose in a keeper league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Sure, I'll field a hoops question, because in my mind, this one is easy: Derrick Rose. The sky is the limit for that guy.

Steve (Boston)

Good Afternoon Brendan..CHARLES or K. SMITH? Also Choice dropable?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Charles, and yes Choice is droppable.

Not Brendan (Not Bristol)

I want to offer Olsen and Fargas for Gates. Fair in your revered opinion?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

I suppose it's close if the guy really needs backs, especially in a heavy bye week. But usually you have to give up elite talent to get a Gates. Worth a try -- he won't backhand you -- but don't expect him to accept it.

Jacob (Ohio)

What kind of production do you see from Smith (car) and Jennings? Have they turned a corner on the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

I like them both, but for different reasons. The Panthers' D has come around, as well as the running game, which puts the team in fewer obvious passing situations, and maybe takes off a few double-teams that have been hindering Smith. The Panthers are bad when they have to pass to win. And Jennings is kinda like the Kurt Warner deal; the Packers have a good offense, with a good QB and it passes a lot. Just by shear mathematics, the No. 1 receiver is libel to have good games. Are they elite like you expected? No. Are they still every-week starters? Yes.

Chuck (NY)

Miami seems to have problems with power runners, do I start Maroney against them, or an untested Charles against Jax?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Hmm, I'm not really sure I'd call Maroney a power runner. Plus, I'm still not sure he's for sure in line for 15-plus touches in that offense. And the Dolphins still somehow rank 7th in the league against the run. The Jags rank 25th and have been torched several times this season, especially by speed backs. If Charles is anything, it'd be a speed back. I'd go with him.

Matt (St. Louis)

Please gimme some help! Need help at WR. Have Gates and V. Davis at TE. What do you think each one could bring me? Is Davis a steady enough option to keep over Gates at this point?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Yeah, I endorse your thoughts here. Basically, the difference between Gates and Davis' production is maybe A to D, and the difference in their trade value is A to G (what is this, physics class?). So Gates will get you a very good WR, and yes, Davis has earned start-worthy status. Try to get it done this week; the Titans are last in the league in pass D, and you probably are squirming having to watch Davis rack up points on your bench.

Chris (Boston)

Is D-Jax a certifiable #1 fantasy wr? If you were looking to trade him for a Rb, whom would you target?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Well, it doesn't really matter what I think; it's your trade mates. I think DeSean is a good/average No. 2 WR; that's how I'd classify him, not as a No. 1. But I've found, including this season, that trading for a WR for a decent RB has proven very difficult. The impression fantasy owners have is that there are plenty of WR options available on the FA wire, and to an extent, they're right. You can shoot for a viable No. 2 RB, but probably won't get better than a flex/part-time starting RB.

Jimbo (MS)

BOOOMSHAKALAKA!Would you receive steve smith (NYG) for Ryan Grant?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Sweet NBA Jam reference ... I like Grant here still.

jenn (nj)

i have the saints and pitt def...wr is my only short coming to upgrade...i was thinking a pitt and smith(car) trade for andre johnson...fair?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I think it's semi-fair, although again, good luck getting Johnson's owner to give him up. It's awful tough to trade for top-20 options in fantasy, and AJ certainly is that. The guy will probably want more, and I'm guessing you can't give him any more than that.

Steve (Bear, CO)

Is that Charles over Kevin Smith you were saying? Or Charles over Kolby Smith which is a no brainer.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Oh, you know what, I probably was spacing out and thinking Kolby Smith. But glad you caught it: I like Kevin Smith more this week than Jamaal Charles.

jenn (nj)

the guy with andre johnson is 0-8...and a good friend...so he has nothing to lose...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Well, there ya go, Jenn. Although you might get some stink eyes for trading with an 0-8 team. But good luck! Two more, folks.

Brian ((WI))

Is it too early to get rid of Steve Smith (CAR)? So much talent, but Jake is behind the helm. If I could get Cotchery, would you send Smith sailing?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

I still like Smith more there. I kinda stated earlier why I liked him -- all is right with the Panthers again -- and Cotchery bothers me with that injury and the fact that he might have even lost his No. 1 WR status.

John (LA)

Steven Jackson or Brandon Jacobs.. sale high?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

No way ... we've only begun to see what they can do. Did you know S-Jax's numbers are very similar to Adrian Peterson's? Yup -- except for the TDs. And he's due to get more of those. Both are good guys to keep.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

And that'll do it, all. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you here next week. As always, great questions, and I hope I helped at least some of you!