Hey Joe, thanks for the awesome columns/advice!

So, I’ve got Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Tim Hightower, and Jerious Norwood (also got S Jax, but for the being I’m assuming he’s not playing)

MY question is, how much do you think NYJ are going to run? I’ve got Thomas starting. Is it worth it to start Washington as well since he seems to be the go-to-guy when the opponent is expecting Thomas?

thnx

WR - Marshall, Roddy, Eddie Royal, Welker, and Breaston
RB - Forte, Turner, Slaton, and Portis

Right now I’ve got Marshall, Roddy, and Royal starting with Forte, Turner, and Slaton. (Also have Gonzalez at TE)

Would you change any of those? It’s hard to sit Welker, but they have a tougher matchup than Denver has. I’m going against the highest scoring guy in our league this week and can’t afford a loss. I have Rodgers at QB, but am trying to trade him for Brees, probably throwing Breaston into the mix. Would that be a good trade?

Thanks as always for your help!

I have to agree with you on sitting jacobs but who should i start in his place. I have ryan grant playing chicago and ricky williams playing oakland. It would be an easy choice if ricky was getting a lot of touches every week but no guarantees there.

Hey Joe,

Good thing this week I have neither Ryan or Jacobs! Decided to move LT for a top flight WR. Who do you like more, Steve Smith or Marques Colston?

Joe, I’ve got such a conundrum at WR this week. Pick two: Megatron, Braylon, Cotchery or Welker. At my flex, it’s either the oft-injured Parker or one of the aforementioned WRs? Super important week as I need to win out to make playoffs

memphis: you got it buddy, no problem. instead of starting Washington as well, id stick with Jones and insert Hightower, who plays Seattle. I feel this would give you the best option to max your point totals.

Trevor: I like the trade. you have a good receiving corp, so you can afford to make a deal like that. I’m not a fan of starting two receivers from the same team, but it has proven to work for the Broncos several times this year. I personally would start Welker, but going with Royal is a fine option

Joe,
What’s your feeling on Sammy Morris? I need to know if I should start Green-Ellis tonight. Unless you think Benson is a better option agains the Eagles. I know, I know, it’s ugly.

Sean: In your instance, I would probably start Jacobs anyway. williams is always a question in terms of how many touches he will get, and Grant has a real tough matchup (much like Jacobs). There’s always the chance B-Jac punches one in from the goal line.

Cooper: I like Smith just a little bit more, but Colston looks to be coming on real strong right now. My only concern is that you are giving up LT for too little in return.

Wes: Megatron and Welker, with FWP as your flex. I like RBs more then WRs at flex positions. Also, he is matched up against a weak SD defense.

Joey: I’d probably go with Benson. Its a bad option, but New York has a great run d and there is no assurance that Morris will get many touches, if any

You say to sit Jacobs…Who do you think should go in his place, Addai or Parker?

Hey Joe-

I’m trying to pick a RB for my flex position this week, my choices are:

D. Rhodes vs. HOU
J. Norwood vs. DEN
J. Stewart vs. DET

Which do you think would be the best option? Thanks

Joe, would you start any of these three over Jacobs: Green-Ellis, McGahee, or Norwood? I am tempted to roll the dice on “the law firm” (Green-Ellis) against the Jets tonight. My other RB slot is rock-solid this week with Michael Turner.

Chuck: I like Addai at home against a soft Houston defense.

Steve G: Go with Addai

Wade: No i wouldnt. the law firm is going against a tough d and wont shoulder the bulk of the load

Joe,
I don’t have Morris. I was just wondering if he would cut into Green-Ellis’ touches. So, it’s Benson or Green-Eillis. Ugly either way. Thanks

I’m in a small fantasy league, so small that we can’t use wavier wire or trade. For my first RB spot, I locked AP, wich always a good decision. For my second spot, I have to choose from Steven Jackson, Clinton Portis, and Willy Parker. All those players are dealing with injurys. As I’m in the first place with 100 points in advance (Look at my RBs!!!) I’m trying to play safe and don’t want to take long shots. Wich one of those 3 will be the safiest pick? (I also picked Chester Taylor just in case AP would be on the injury list)

Also, will you trust TO this week if you already have Carolina’s Steve Smith and R. Wayne?

Thanks.

Hi Joe, My lineup deadline is coming and I am struggling to fill one wide reciever position. I’m trying to decide between Chad Johnson(home vs. Philly), Desean Jackson(in cincy), or Vincent Jackson(At Pitt). Thanks I appreciate it

Joe-

Do you mean I should go with D. Rhodes? I don’t own Addai.

Thanks

phyto: Safest pick as of now is Willie Parker.

and no, i would not trust TO. Stay with the other two.

Jon: I’d rank them: D-Jax, V-Jax, Chad Johnson. Go with D-Jax

Steve: my bad, total brain freeze on that one. If Stewart is healed by this weekend, go with him, but you will have to wait until sunday to decide. if you have to make the call today, go with rhodes

D. McNabb vs CIN or A. Rogers vs CHI? There seems to be an obvious choice, but so many other resources say otherwise??? Also is Ricky Williams worth a #2 back in my line-up this week vs OAK?

Sorry… I forgot about WR Mark Bradley. Is he worth a #2 WR spot in my line-up vs NO this week too?

Flex position choice between R. Moss, Ricky Williams and Addai. Which one?

Joe,

Pick 1: (PPR league)
Chad Johnson
Kevin Walter
Mushin Muhammad

also,

TB DEF or CAROLINA DEF?

Joe I need 2 out of Cotchery, Driver and Curtis? Thanks fella,

Jake (Joe F seems busy): Go with Ocho Cinco. Walter is too inconsistent and I really don’t think Delhomme is going to have to air it out much. Carolina Defense should have top-3 numbers this weekend.

Wedge: Driver and Curtis. Chicago pass D is garbage. Did you seek what K. Collins was able to do last week? Curtis would be my other choice. Cinci, as you know, is on life-support so Curtis should get his share of looks. Also, NE is a hostile environment and they usually come to play during Prime Time too, which would keep me from putting much stock in Cotchery.

Hi Joe -

Who do you like from these four for WR3 spot -

Curtis vs @CIN, V-Jax vs @PIT, Bradley vs NO and Jenkins vs DEN

Thanks

Pras

Pras: One thing is for sure in my mind, stay away from any Charger when playing on the East Coast, especially vs PITT’s D. The other three are very close; I’d go with either Bradley or Jenkins. Both opposing pass defenses are weak and they’re both home games. The tie-breaker, there, would be the better QB, so I’d have to lean on Jenkins…

I have Cutler and Romo. I am thinking with the match-ups and the Romo injury, Cutler is the man to start versus Atlanta this week. Any thoughts? Also, for my third wide receiver spot I have Avery, Engram, and Galloway. I am leaning toward Engram, but wanted to see who you would suggest. Thanks.

Thanks Joe, I enjoy you expertise. My team is on the rise.

I consider rookies and veterans coming back from injurie the same. I need at least one game to see if they’re worthy. I’d go with Cutler; especially given the fact their running game is so depleated. Actually, with the Bucs’ ground game hurting a bit and Garcia being relied on to carry them somewhat, I would play Galloway (as long as he is truly healthy). Hasselbeck is supposed to come back and we don’t know how he’ll do his first game back.

Jason: That last bit of rambling, above, was regarding your question. Sorry, forgot to write that originally…

OK, Joe, I think a LT for Steve Smith trade may be giving up too much, despite LT being a bit erratic lately. I think I’ll sit tight with Forte, Slaton, and LT as the trade deadline passes. So if that’s the case, do I sit LT this weekend against Pitts? Seems almost criminal…

Cooper: Look at the Chargers’ recent history on the East Coast. No doubt, it’s a risk that may come back to bite you (and me for writing it). However, yes, I would sit BLT (Baby LT) this week and go with Forte and Slaton. However, nobody would fault you for going against this advice. If you can’t bring yourself to doing it, then I’d sit Forte.

BROO: I like Addai. He has a soft matchup against the Texans.

Jake: I like the Moose against Detroit and the Panthers as well. Playing the Lions is a fantasy owners dream.

Ricky Williams…I’ve had that guy on my bench for two weeks. I believe in that guy and I want to start him against oakland…but I also have Maurice Jones-Drew….who do you think I should start? \

Thanks Joe

Mike Wedge: I’d go with Cotchery and Curtis. Driver’s got the Bears while Curtis gets that weak Cincy defense. he scored last week against New York, so id expect DMac to keep looking his way

Pras: I’d go with Bradley against the Saints. The game should be a shootout and with the way he and Thigpen have been building chemistry, the upside is big.

Jason: I like Cutler this week. He is currently a top 3 fantasy QB and with the lack of a running game in Denver, look for them to continue to throw the ball. This game should be very high scoring.

Cooper: I hate to say it, but you’ve got to. Forte has been an animal this year and Slaton has an excellent matchup with a weak Indy run defense. i wouldnt want to do it either, but its your best move, especially with the way pittsburgh plays against the run

Jon Brooks: i’d start williams. you never know how many touches he is going to get, but MJD has to go up against haynesworth and the Tennessee defense. should be slim pickins

Joe: You’d go w/Cotchery vs the Patriots in NE over Driver vs the Bears in GB??? In that pounding the Jets gave STL last week, Cotchery managed ONE catch. Did you see what “old man/Mr. Game Manager” Kerry Collins did vs the terrible pass defense of the Bears in Chi-town? I would think Driver would be the clear choice there..?

Joe: Are you sure you would go with Moose over 88?? Moose isn’t even owned in two of my leagues. Check out the comparisons of how RBs do vs. WRs when playing the Lions. There’s rarely ever a need to delve too deep into the passing playbook..?

Hey Joe,
I’ve gotta sit one: Jacobs, Grant, Hightower, or J. Stewart?

I have boldin as my #1 WR who should i start as my 2 engram,cotchery,avery

utwrenn: Make sure J. Stewart is a go. Otherwise, you have your answer. If he’s healthy enough to play, you cannot sit him vs DET. Everything else being equal, I’d sit Grant in your situation (although Jacobs is a risky start as well).

Felix: I expect STL to do better this week and Avery seems to be the favorite in that passing offense lately. That being said, I expect Engram and Hasselbeck to connect vs the vulnerable passing D of ARI in Seattle. I know that goes against my theory of not trusting Hasselbeck in his first game back under center in a while, but your alternates don’t excite me. Go Engram.

Joe Pidany: I like Moose because he’s playing the 29th ranked pass defense in the NFL, who gives up 244.9 yards per game. In addition, he’s got Delhomme as his QB, rather than Fitzpatrick.

Ocho is playing the NFL’s 6th ranked passing defense in Philly (190.4 yds/g)and has had a terrible year by his standards.

Regarding Driver: he’s only gone over 80 yards once this season and has four games in which he caught for less than 50 yards

Felix: I’d start Avery at San Fran.

Utwrenn: sit Grant unless Stewart doesnt play.

Sounds good, i’ve got one last question for you… It seems Royal is really coming on as a start every week guy, but with that said should i start him over Driver or Desean Jackson this week? I’m leaning that way right now

If it was Steve Smith, I’d agree with you, but I don’t anticipate Moose piling up the numbers. Delhomme had 70 passing yards last week. Fitzpatrick, who is still getting used to the #1 job, began a wonderful relationship with 88 last week vs a reputable Jax defense and Eli tore up the birds’ secondary last weekend. Nobody even knew the Titans had WRs until they played the Bears last week, so Driver has a great chance to improve his output.

i also have colston and wayne and figure they are a must start.

utwrenn: I have that exact same dilemma in one of my leagues; Royal or D-Jax. I’m going with Royal. Cutler is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season and has been giving much of his attention to either Marshall or Royal. McNabb has been spreading it out among numerous options, especially now that the rest of his receiving corps is healing.

Any news on Portis? I picked up Alexander just in case.

I’m starting Peterson, Lynch, Colston and Marshall, and need a flex:

Fargas
Moore
Camarillo
Edwards (not a chance)
Avery
Bradley

Jackie: Portis has a grade-2 tear in his MCL and has yet to practice this week. Although Zorn is hopeful, I think it’s blind optimism. I have a feeling the MVP of the past will be filling in for the MVP of the near future this weekend.

Joe,
2 of: Avery, Megatron and Bowe
1 of: Portis, McAllister or McGahee

Normally I wouldn’t question CP, but I will probably have to make a decision before his status is known for the game.

Michael C: Lance Moore should get his number called plenty of times in what is expected to be a shootout. He’d be my choice.

Joe,
Would you feel better about Hasselbeck or Thigpen backup up Brees for the remainder of the season? (playoffs are week 15 & 16)

Utwrenn: I actually just wrote that up in yesterday’s Fantasy Stock Market. Eddie is a must start. i’d put him in over driver.

Fridge: (As a die-hard Bears fan, I love the name) Avery, Bowe and Deuce. Even if Bush suits up, I wouldn’t trust he’ll see his usual share of reps with that injury. I would be surprised if CP put on the pads this weekend.

Fridge: Until Hasselbeck proves he is truly healthy, you have to ride the Thigpen wave to back up Brees. Especially if that decision has to be made sooner than later. The boy from Coastal Carolina is on fire!

Joe F: Let’s get a column going and battle it out there. This was fun, but I’m out of here! Thanks!

Since when did you guys hire a new person? Who is this Joe Pidany character? Though he seems “informed” he is certainly not the fantasy mastermind that has given us all of our info through the season, Joe Fortenbaugh. No offense Pidany, but leave the advice to the expert, you’re too long winded.

Fridge: go with Thigpen, he’s coming on strong. We’ve seen enough out of Hasselbeck and the Seahawks this year.

Megatron and Bowe. And you may have to go McCallister. The Giants D should limit McGahee, and Portis is a poor option this week with his knee injury.

Michael C: go with Bradley

I pulled off the QB trade and now have Brees to go with my arsenal. Question on DEF though. I’ve been riding the Titans DEF all season, but Jax is a tougher play than others. Available DEF to pick up are Miami, Carolina, and Tampa. It looks like Miami and Carolina have great matchups and Porter has been a sack master. Given Oakland’s awful offense, would they be a better spot play than my current Titans? or Carolina?

Wait, wait… I had to… BRADLEY OVER MOORE??? Colston was believed to really be more out of shape than injured while he was out, they’re playing in NO and he has DREW FREAKIN’ BREES throwing him the rock!? Craziness!!!

I have a question for Joe Fortenbaugh, NOT Joe Pidany. First, who is Joe Pidany and why is he posting responses to questions to the fantasy professional?

If any of us were sick in the hospital and had a medical question for a medical professional, we wouldn’t want an answer from the mouth-breather in the hospital bed next to ours. Leave it to the pros, Joe P. Thanks!

Joe F.: Start Matt Ryan or Tony Romo?

Goo… NICE!!!

Goo… By the way… When did Fantasy Football go pro?

Before too many more get on my case, my input was part of a college project and Mr. Goo has ended it with his acknowledgement of the none-professional. Thanks for your time and take good care. Goo, take one Matt Ryan and call me in the morning. Later….

Goo: Love Matt Ryan this week. The guy has really been playing solid football as of late and Denver’s defense is terrible.

Hey Joe,

I’m back and I’m 8-2. I’m looking to do something before the trade deadline to strengthen my 3rd RB(My other two RB’s are Peterson and Forte). I have Romo and Matt Ryan as my QB’s. Would you deal one of them for LJ or Slaton?

I have a funny feeling LJ is going to roll with that offense and Slaton is on a downturn in production. I would also pick up Thigpen as my backup QB.

What do you think?

start 3 wrs

calvin johnson @ carolina
randy moss @ nyj
mark bradley @ no
donnie avery @ sfo

and which def?

minn vs tb
or
tb vs minn.

im deffinately stuck i dont know who to start at WR i have:

plaxico burress
muhsin muhhammed
antonio bryant
laverneous coles
chris chambers

i gotta pick three..i have coles muhammed and bryant what do you think? and who should i start at TE Gates or Winslow?? im frustrated haha

Joe:

I need some advise on my #2 WR. Should I keep starting Braylon Edwards or take a chance on Mark Bradley at home vs. the Saints?

The Wizz: welcome back buddy. glad to hear the team is doing well. you’re in outstanding shape. I like the idea of dealing one of your QBs and picking up Thigpen as a replacement. However, I cant recommend Larry Johnson. The front office and coaching staff are getting tired of his act, and Jamaal Charles is likely to continue to get some touches anyway. I’d look to make a trade, but not for him.

tv: i’m late on this since the game has started, but id say moss, johnson and bradley, with tb as your defense.

Steve: Burress, Bryant and Coles. Go with Gates, since Winslow only has one game to hang his hat on right now.

KC: I like Bradley this week. The problem with Edwards (as if there is just one) is that QB Quinn looks content throwing short passes over the middle to Winslow. He barely looked in Edwards’ direction last week. Couple that with the fact that his year has been miserable to date, and you shouldnt feel bad about rolling the dice with Bradley

Who do you think i should start this week cooley or scaife. Cooley can be hit and miss and scaife seems to be collins favorite target

Hey, Joe. What about my question regarding DEF’s?

Hey Joe - I just traded Cotchery for DeAngelo Williams. What are your thoughts? I think I give myself some flexibility to play the match ups. I hate to see Cotchery go, but I hope this move works out. My team is below.

QB - Rivers, Schaub, Thigpen
WR - Jenning, Royal, S. Holmes, Breaston, R Williams
RB - MJD, Addai, D Williams
TE - Daniels
K - Scobee
Def - Car, Tenn

Sean: I expect Tennessee to be successful on the ground this week. Go with Cooley.

Trevor: sorry about that. If you’re going to sub out Tennessee, I would recommend you go with Carolina. At home against Detroit is a very nice matchup.

Anthony: I think thats a pretty good deal. The emergence of Steve Breaston will help keep your receiving core deep. I expect Addai to come around for you down the stretch, but D-Will has a few very good matchups in the future.

also should i start Quinn over Orton this week? and michael jenkins possible sleeper?

thanks for the input