Fantasy corner
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Each Friday, assistant sports editors Scott Thurston and Greg Lee will answer your fantasy football questions, dispensing lineup and roster advice based on their experiences and statistical analysis. This week's dilemmas:
Q: I have a dilemma: Matt Schaub or Peyton Manning? On one hand, the Colts' running game looked like it was back, the Colts are angry, and it's the Patriots. On the other hand, Schaub is hot, Andre Johnson is hot, the Vikings' pass D is susceptible, and Manning keeps throwing INTs at the worst times. HELP!
KEITH W., Milford, N.H.
ST: Keith, so this is what it's come down to for Manning? The fact that this is even debatable speaks volumes. I would be hard pressed to ever sit Manning; more than any QB not named Tom Brady, he has the ability and weapons to go off for 350 yards and three TDs against anyone. And you must play him against the Patriots and their depleted secondary.
Q: I have a brutal schedule this week! LaDainian Tomlinson is on a bye week and my options at running back are Steve Slaton, LenDale White, or Thomas Jones. My wide receivers are Randy Moss vs. Indy (No. 2 pass defense in the league), Santana Moss vs. Pittsburgh (No. 1 pass D), Greg Jennings vs. Tennessee (No. 4 pass D), or Bernard Berrian vs. Houston. Oh, and did I mention my quarterbacks are Jason Campbell and Aaron Rodgers?! My question is, which three WRs are the best play? I'm leaning toward benching Randy Moss only because the Green Bay matchup is only slightly better and Santana Moss at least returns kicks.
MARK B., Shelburne, Vt.
GL: Mark, it looks like you have a great squad here. I tend to agree with your assessment, in part because if punt returns give you points, then starting Santana is a bonus. Randy Moss is a tough one to figure because his value hinges on the development of Matt Cassel. Jennings is the question mark. If you start both him and Rodgers, you can either get the double dip or nothing against that tough Titans defense. So, I would go with the Mosses and Berrian.
Q: Santonio Holmes was just dropped in my league. Is he worth picking up, or do you think a suspension will be handed down right away? If I do get him, is he worthy of a start over Jerricho Cotchery or Braylon Edwards? Also this week, which two at RB: Matt Forte, Brandon Jacobs, or Steven Jackson?
JUSTIN BORUS, Webster
ST: Justin, since I dropped Holmes in my league (the one week I needed to use him he gets himself in trouble) and just reacquired him, I'd say yes. He could be punished by the league, but it's unlikely to happen until the case is resolved. Unless he had a very favorable matchup, I'd be unlikely to play him ahead of Edwards, and go week to week vs. Cotchery. As for your RBs, Forte has a great matchup against the Lions, and Jacobs gets a slight nod over Jackson, who could be sidelined again with a thigh pull.
Q: RB picks - Brandon Jacobs vs. Dallas, Steve Slaton vs. Minnesota, or Earnest Graham vs. Kansas City? Best 2 of 3, I'm thinking, are Jacobs and Graham, but wanted to find out what you guys think. Also at WR, I have Greg Camarillo, Santonio Holmes, Roddy White, and I just picked up Donnie Avery. Best 3 of 4? I think Holmes, White, and Avery - do you agree?
SUE LEDWITH, Walpole
GL: Sue, I think you are making wise decisions. However, the one thing that concerns me is the ease at which we select a player going against the Chiefs. Is Graham good enough to dominate Kansas City? Slaton is going against the tough Vikings. But I would check the weather forecast. Slaton will be indoors, but the Bucs are in Kansas City. If the weather is warm in KC, then go with Graham.
Q: Who would you start this week at QB: Jason Campbell vs. Pittsburgh or Aaron Rodgers vs. Tennessee? Also, I am not sure who I should start at my WR/RB utility slot. My starting WRs are Roddy White and DeSean Jackson, while my starting RBs are Marion Barber and Michael Turner. My options for the utility spot are Laveranues Coles, Braylon Edwards, Antwaan Randle El, or Jamal Lewis. Let me know what you think are my best options for Week 9.
JARRED, Peabody
ST: Jarred, you're in a tough spot at QB. I don't like either matchup, but if forced to pick, go with Rodgers - just significantly lower your expectations. As for your flex slot, your options aren't great here, either, but Coles would get the nod.
Q: I'm in a keeper league and I've noticed that running backs and QB performance dominate. However, I can't seem to get two RBs to be consistent or anywhere close. I have Edgerrin James, Le'Ron McLain, and Michael Pitman, and no clue what to do about it!
WILL, Boston
GL: Will, you need to make some trades or just start from scratch. Your backs have no fantasy future.
Q: I have T.J. Houshmandzadeh as my No. 1 WR, but with Carson Palmer out and T.J.'s ankle banged up, he hasn't scored me many FF points. Am I wrong if I bench him in favor of a better matchup week to week? What should I expect for the rest of the year? Thanks, guys.
PETER COROLLA, Norwood
ST: Peter, you have to consider the matchup. There's no way Houshmandzadeh is an automatic start. Forget his ankle injury; that's a minor concern. The real problem is the Bengals' horrendous quarterback situation. Ryan Fitzpatrick is no Palmer. And there's no guarantee Palmer returns this season.
Q: Who should I start at QB this week: Jay Cutler vs. Miami or David Garrard vs. the lifeless Bengals? I am leaning toward Garrard. I'd appreciate any advice and I guess I am lucky to have this sort of dilemma. Thanks.
JIM DOYLE, Auburn
GL: Jim, I think Cutler will have a big rebound day, and I would lean on him more than Garrard. Remember, the Jaguars' running game can steal the thunder from Garrard.
Playing the matchups
Bears QB Kyle Orton: This one's all about the numbers. Orton has been the model of efficiency the last three weeks, completing 71 of 109 passes for 903 yards, 5 TDs, and no INTs, and with the winless Lions up next Sunday (31st in the NFL in pass defense), expect more impressive totals. Even the mediocre Jason Campbell lit up Detroit last week (23 of 28, 328 yards in a 25-17 Redskins victory).
