Get caught up on the Fantasy Fallout from Week 2, then check out our Waiver Wire Watch for Week 3.
Still have questions? Feel free to post them here. (Be sure to give me a general idea of your starting lineup requirements and scoring system — standard, TD-heavy, PPR, etc.)
Let’s start with a leftover question from Raj from the Week 2 thread…
Hi John,
Again, your recommendations are GREAT! You are a genuis. Eventhough I lost last week, I still wanted to thank you!!!! Many thanks!!! Now down to business and help!
Pick 1
Tom Brady vs ATL
Brett Favre vs SF
Pick 3
Terrell Owens vs NO
Kevin Walter vs Jac
Mario Mannigham vs TB
Steve Smith(giants) vs TB
Pick 2
Steven Jackson vs GB
Darrel Sproles vs Mia
ROnnie Brown vs SD
Many thanks again for your help!!
Raj
Raj — Brady, TO, Manningham, Smith (Walter is dinged up), Jackson and Brown (assuming LT2 is back).
JP,
Here is my current roster. I dropped Henderson and picked up Robinson as you suggested last week. Do you think I should stick with him or pick up whats available on the list below. Also, im kind of in a bind with my RB situation.
Should I drop any of the RB’s I have and pick up whats available?
Also, I have Warner handcuffed. Should I hold on to him and tie up a spot or cut him loose?
Current Roster:
RB: C.Williams, T.Jones, M.Bell, P.Thomas
WR: Robinson
Available RBs: Buckhalter, R.Bush, R.Williams, J.Lewis, J.Stewart, L.Johnson, M.Bush, H.Evans, D.Brown, F.Jones, F.Taylor,
Available WRs: Henderson, Stokley, L.Murphy, Burleson, Hester, Ginn Jr, Gage, Randle el, Clayton (Bal), Stuckey,Avant, Holt
Thanks!
Hi JP,
I dropped B.Marshall and picked up S.Smith (Giant), was that a dumb move?
I have DeSean Jackson as my #1 WR, do you think I should start him? Do you think he will be out with the groin injury? Who would you start this week? Jackson or Smith? or should I pick up one of these free agents, Nate Washington, Henderson, Stokley, Ginn Jr., Gage.
I have Tennessee D, but they have been disappointment so far, should I start them for Arizona, Denver or Dallas’ D?
F.Gore is my #1 RB, do you think his injury will stop him from playing as good as he was last Sunday?
I have T.Hightower still, to play the flex spot. Should I keep him there or start D.Ward instead? I thought Colts’ rushing D is worst than Giants’ rushing D, right?
In my QB spot, I’m going to keep Rodger as my starting QB since they are playing against the Rams, or do you think I should start Palmer? But they are playing against the mighty Steelers’ D.
Many THANKS!! So if LT is still injured..then you would play Darrel Sproles over Brown?
Denver D is no longer available, Buffalo is.
Texas — So you have Leinart eating up a roster spot. I don’t think it’s necessary, but it depends what kind of QBs are available on your waiver wire. I really like Robinson going forward.
Is this a PPR league? If so, R. Bush should be rostered. I guess I’d cut Bell given his knee injury. If not, it’s kind of a tough call. I guess I’d hold onto Bell because he and Pierre are sort of a handcuff for each other. It would be nice to grab Ginn, but you definitely want to hold onto Robinson.
Scorpion – Not dumb. I like Steve Smith and Marshall is in a rotation at WR according to his coach. I would start Smith this week with Jackson’s injury. DAL has a pretty good matchup, but they haven’t played very well this year. I think I’d stick with TEN for now. I’d go with Hightower against a porous Indy rush D. I don’t know if Gore is going to play. I’d find a spot for Coffee if you can. Start Rodgers.
Raj — It’s very tough to bench any of these RBs. Let’s wait and see if LT practices this week and check back with another question if he doesn’t.
Hi JP,
Im having problems with my roster at RB I don’t know what to do.I had Marion Barber but he seems to be out this week, Marshawn Lynch is still suspended, so im left with LenDale White, Mike Bell (who also might be out), Ray Rice, and Deangelo Williams. Should i stay or go pick someone up and if so who?
Max — First off, great name. (It’s my son’s name.) Secondly, you are pretty good with Williams and Rice starting this week, so it depends on who is available on the waiver wire. If Felix Jones is available, he’d be worth a pickup.
Thanks for the help last week.
I am trying to decide if I should replace any of my WRs or RBs with anyone on waiver. (Non-PPR league – 1pt/20 return yards)
Players I think could be expendable are (although I see potential in each of these):
WR: Burleson, Hester
TE: Zach Miller
RB: Bradshaw, Moreno
Players that are FAs that interest me:
WR: Laurent Robinson, Randle El, Garcon, Edelman, Meachem, & Jacoby Jones
TE: Shiancoe, Robert Royal, Marcedes Lewis
RB: Buckhalter, Michael Bush, Donald Brown, Cobbs
Are any of these FAs worth dropping my players for?
Thanks
I’d cut Burleson or Hester (whomever you like the least) for L. Robinson, who is now the Rams #1 WR. Hold onto those other guys.
Since this is not a PPR league I could see going with Shiancoe over Z. Miller, because I think he’ll finish with a good amount of TDs, but Miller is going to have more receptions and yards.
John,
I have a chance to get Colston (I have Brees at QB) but it will cost me O. Daniels (I have Keller) and Greg Jennings, is the deal worth it? I would be making that trade within our division where the division winner makes the playoffs and receives a nice payout.
PPR league, standard scoring otherwise…
Oh, and knock Anthony off of that pedestal of his, he’s the only 2-0 team in the league and definitely letting us know about it!
Great, thanks.
Should I start Rivers or Edwards for QB this week? I want to start Rivers but am worried about how much time the Dolphins had the ball last night (even though Manning still had a great game and they have the rookie CBs) – and since New Orleans scores a lot of points quickly I think Edwards will have the opportunity and need to pass a lot (and I think NO’s defense is suspect).
Thanks again.
Hi JP,
Thanks for answering my last question: Are any of these players worth using my waiver wire to pickup:
Darren McFadden (RB)
Antonio Bryant (WR)
Justin Gage (WR)
Lance Moore (WR)
Eddie Royal (WR)
Chris Chambers (WR)
Jonathan Stewart (RB)
RB
I could give up Daren Sproles for Darren McFadden:
I would still have Steven Jackson and Ronnie Brown left.
WR
I have Steve Smith(Giants) and Mario Mannigham,
Kevin Walter. Would you drop any of the above for
Eddie Royal,Lance Moore, Justin Gauge? This would again be using my waiver wire.
Thanks so much!
I like your sons name too Max. It’s a great name.
Hi JP, would you drop D.Ward for G.Coffee if you were me?
RJR – Both matchups are pretty good. One of the reasons that the Dolphins had the ball a long time is because the Colts struck quickly with Dallas Clark. I think Rivers is the better QB and is more likely to have the better game.
Raj – I’d rather have Royal than Walter, who is finally supposed to play this week. I’d hold onto Sproles for now to see how this LT thing shakes out.
Scorpion – It looks like Gore will play, so you may not have to do it this week, but you should think about it. If Gore were to go down, you’d have Hightower and Ward as your starters, and I think you’d rather have Coffee, who would then be the starting RB in SF. Since Gore will play you can wait a bit longer to see how Ward/Hightower shakes out, but you run the risk of Gore going down.
Hey John,
Thanks for the advice last week. I did well.
This week I am trying to determine which QB would be the better choice… Warner or Eli Manning? From what I can tell, it looks like a coin flip, with Manning improving the passing game and Warner leaving the game early.
Also, Randy Moss is making me nervous should I be concerned? (non PPR) I have Andre Johnson and 2 other WRs, Breaston and Manningham.
0
Hey John,
Pick 1
1.Warner
2. Eli
Pick 2
1. Brandon Jacobs
2. Steve slaton (hes been doin nothing)
3. Tim hightower
4. Cedric benson
Pick 3
1. Santonio holmes
2. Steve Smith (car)
3. Steve Smith (nyg)
4. Roddy White
4. Roy Williams
John,
Thanks for the great advice last week..only one in the league 2-0! Need a flex player and have the following (Non-PPR)
Knowshon moreno
Randle el
justin forsett
johnny knox
Thanks
Thanks JP… I know… Cadilac William is playing very well… D.Ward is not getting the goalline opportunity… B.Wells still need to prove himself, do you think I should D.Ward and pick up Coffee as insurance?
Bolt Power — I’d actually recommend Eli over Kurt this week. Manning has a nice matchup with the Bucs who are giving up a ton of passing yards while Warner faces a Colts defense that is pretty good against the pass. And I’d stick with R. Moss. The Pats’ passing game will come around.
YA Boy – Eli, for the reasons above. At RB, I’d go with Jacobs and Slaton. Slaton has had two tough matchups with the Jets and Titans, and should have an easier time finding holes against JAX. Benson is playing great, but he has BAL this week. At WR, I’d go with CAR S. Smith, Holmes and NYG S. Smith. Tough to sit Roddy, but he has a bad matchup with the Pats this week.
stewart — I’d go with Moreno. It looks like the Broncos are featuring him a bit more and he has a pretty nice matchup with the Raiders.
Hi JP,
Thanks for your assistance. If I can’t get Eddie Royal b/c I am the idiot let him go, I have wait till he clears waivers. Would you try to get Lance Moore for Kevin Walter?
Thanks very much for your help.
Best,
Raj
Raj – Yeah I think I’d take Moore over Walter right now. Is this a PPR league?
Update: Moore missed practice again today, so hold onto Walter for now.
JP,
My Dallas defense has been looking awful. Any words of wisdom on their outlook? Are they just in a slump? I am seriously considering dropping them and picking up NYJ…they have looked good past 2 games.
Which out of these is a good def to pick up and keep…my moves are limited to 35 this year…so i really dont wanna mess with defense
Here is what is available out there:Ariz, Buff, Cin, Oak, SF, KC, Det, NE, StL, Car, Jax, SD.
Texas — The Jets should be a solid defense week to week. I am still hopeful about the Cowboys, but they have been awful this year. If you can’t get the Jets, I guess the Pats are your next best bet.
2-0 in both leagues. Thanks
Week 3
.5 PPR
BigBen
Cutler
Fitzgerald
S Smith (NYG)
Santana Moss
T. Jones
Ray Rice
Fred Jackson
Lendale White
Cedric Benson
Caddy Williams
Oh and I have 1 QB, 2 WR, 2 RB and a flex.
Hey JP,
Moore over Walter….this is a non-ppr league.
Thanks,
Raj
Randy — Cutler/Ben is pretty close, but I’d go with Big Ben. At WR, go with Fitz and S. Smith. At RB, I like Ray Rice and F. Jackson, and probably Jones as your flex.
Raj — I’d hold onto Walter this week since Moore didn’t practice today.
Sorry one more thing this week – I thought I was set on RB this week but now I’m not sure – I have Turner, Rice, Moreno, & Bradshaw – which 2 should I start?
Thanks
Hey.
[PPR] Ted Ginn or Mike Sims-Walker as my 3rd WR? and for my Flex either: Felix Jones, Sproles, or Rice? Thx in advanced.
RJR — Turner and Rice.
Nan — I lean Ginn this week. At flex, I’d go with Sproles assuming LT2 doesn’t play. If he does, then I’d go with Rice, who has a great matchup. Felix isn’t a bad third option, but MBIII’s status is unknown at this point.
JP
Ok i need your take on Ginn. I know you think highly of him and he is developing into Pennington’s reliable hook up down the field. Is he worth dropping Cadillac or P.Thomas? I’m getting impatient with Thomas and his day by day status updates. Even when he does return, is he even solid enough to hold up and dominate the number of carries between Bush and Bell? Right now I have Bush.
Also, would you keep Warner on your roster if you already have P. Manning?
Texas – I’d hold onto Warner or try to move him and upgrade elsewhere. You shouldn’t cut him.
I’m not terribly high on Ginn but I think he’s a serviceable WR2 or a good WR3 in PPR leagues. I like Caddy and Pierre, but it depends on your roster. Pierre when healthy should be great, but Bell is the X factor. I’d wait to see how that shakes out before parting ways with Pierre. There’s a pretty good chance that he starts this Sunday and has a nice game.
JP,
Ok, the latest in the Bush,Bell,Thomas saga. Hamilton has taken importance over Thomas in first team reps at practice? What does all of this really mean and point to?
Here’s my RB roster: R.Bush, Cadillac, P.Thomas, T. Jones. Which 2 should I start? I like Bush’s statistics as far as touches and opportunities to score in the redzone. So far he’s got the highest percentage of touches in redzone. What do you think?
John,
How much faith should us rookies put in the “weekly projections” of fantasy players?
I know they are “forecasts” and playing conditions change based on the game time matchups, so my question is… what percentage are the projections correct? (ballpark)
I enjoy reading your comments. In addition to helping me select my team, Your comments enable me to see what my weekly opponents “should” be doing. I like the fact they don’t do what you recommend.
I have to apologize, to you, because I will not share your site with the other owners in my league.
By the way, I am in first place, 2-0, with 179 fantasy pts. I drafted tenth of 10 teams.
Thank You for your research and website.
Bolt
JP,
A follow up to my RB question, is Mendenhall worth picking up and dropping either bush, p.thomas, or cadillac?
Texas — I think the Saints aren’t ready to throw Pierre out there just yet. So I’d definitely start Bush. After that, it’s between Caddy and TJ, and Caddy just missed practice, so I’d lean TJ. Neither guy has a good matchup. I wouldn’t pick up Mendenhall. I think Pierre would be a good guy to have if he can get healthy.
bolt power — Projections are inherently inaccurate, but they are based on historical stats (how the player has performed recently, how the team he is facing has performed against players of his position, etc.) so there is some logic to them. They are a good guide, but sometimes the assumptions are bad. I look at it this way — if I’m trying to decide between two players, projections are just one thing to consider.
And I have a feeling that most people that use this Q&A and read this site probably don’t share it with people in their league. All I ask is that they share it with friends that aren’t in their league.
JP, your insight and input is much appreciated and i can genuinely say that i have sent scoresreport link to a couple of my friends in different leagues. your Q&A is the best and if I knew more people in different leagues, i will be sending them your way. keep up the good work!
T2W
Hi JP,
So looks like LT it out for Sunday, and will likely not play. So here is my situation:
Non-PPR League.
Pick 3:
Steve Smith(Giants) vs TB
Mario Mannigham (Giants) vs TB
Eddie Royal(Den) vs Oak – little worried about him b/c he was given intravenous fluids last game)
Terell Owens vs NO
Pick 2
Steven Jackson vs GB
Ronnie Brown vs SD at San Diego
Darren Sproles vs Mia at San Diego
If you knew that Darren Sproles is playing, would you play him over Ronnie Brown? And Then Marrio Mannigham will probably deliver another hot game, but at the same time Eddie Royal is playing the Raiders, your help above would be appreciated.
I am playing the guy in first place this week.
THANKS!
Raj
Thanks, Texas.
Raj — Smith, Mario and TO at WR. The Raiders are actually a bad matchup for WRs and Royal has been a stinker so far this season.
At RB, you have a tough call. I love Ronnie’s matchup with a Chargers defense that isn’t going to be able to stop the run and S. Jackson is still a stud that could have a very nice game against the Packers. I would go with Jackson and Brown. (But Sproles would be a good start too — this is a good problem to have, believe me.)
Scorpion — If you’re out there, I hope you held onto Ward. It looks like Cadillac’s knee is acting up and Ward will start this week. I’d rather have Gore in my starting lineup, but you should hold onto Ward.
Should I drop Zach Miller for Jermichael Finley?
Also, should I start Laurent Robinson or Burleson over Roy Williams?
Thanks.
Raj – I’d hold onto Z. Miller, assuming you’re talking about OAK Z. Miller and not JAX Z. Miller.
At WR, Roy and Laurent are very close for me, but I lean Roy after he was griping about not being involved in the offense against the Giants.
To John:
I’m in a PPR league where we start QB RB RB WR WR WR FlexWR/TE/RB TE.
I like to use a RB in the flex spot and have a crowded backfield of DeAngelo Williams, Ray Rice, Sproles and Forte. Last week I sat Forte against the Steelers and started Rice in his stead. I’m thinking of sitting either Williams or Forte this week. What say you?
Hey John,
New to your site and your advice looks very credible. Love your Q & A.
Non PPR: Ronnie Brown or Steven Jackson
JP,
Ok. I’m in a dilemma here. Here’s the million dollar question. Start Bush or Thomas?
PW
Joe — Four good options at RB. I’d go with DeAngelo, Rice and Forte. I like Sproles too, but in that group, he’s fourth. Forte plays SEA who just gave up a ton of yards to Gore and Lovie says he wants to get the running game going. DeAngelo faces the Cowboys who got shredded by the Bucs in Week 1. Rice has the Browns. Nuff said.
MoreBeer — That is a tough call because the Green Bay rush defense has been inconsistent. I think I’d go with Ronnie Brown because the Chargers are missing their NT and can’t stop the run. The Rams are having a tough time scoring, so I think Brown will have a better chance of hitting paydirt.
Texas — If it’s a PPR league, Bush is a no brainer. Even if it’s not, I’d go with Bush given Pierre’s knee and the talk about Lynell Hamilton getting some work.
Good luck!
Hey John, Who should I start week 3 TE?PPR League
Jeremy shockey or J.Witten?
Hey again,
PPR league, who should I go with:
2 RB:
Reggie Bush, Steve Slaton, Michael Turner, Darren McFadden, Pierre Thomas?
3 WR:
Roddy White, Dwayne Bowe, Antonio Bryant, Hines Ward, Mario Manningham?
I was thinking Turner and Slaton at RB. I feel mcfad isnt slaton and turner level and pierre still hindered. Do I chance playing bush over slaton or stick with Slaton?
Also at wr i was thinking Ward, White, and Mann. Bowe is questionable, do I roll with him? Pick who you would go with!
Yo john, need some help on who to start this week…..PPr and at RB i have PierreThomas,Sproles, and S. Jackson. pick 2
And at WR I have Lee Evans or Johnny Knox at my 3rd receiver.
Hey,
could you help please?
WR (pick 3)
R. White (ATL)
D. Hester (CHI)
D. Henderson (NO)
M. Manningham (NYG)
RB (pick 2)
R. Grant (GB)
F. Jackson (BUF)
S. Jackson (STL)
T. Jones (NYJ)
D. Brown (IND)
PS. this is not a PPR league
Thanks for your help…
Having major WR issues. I have both Marshall and Royal and I can’t seem to find confidence to start either. Oh I have TO as well.
My bench:
Ginn Jr.
Henderson
Manningham
In your opinion which one do you think is more expendable? I’m thinking of picking up Knox. Worth it or should i stick with my guys?
Nick — Go with your gut, Slaton and Turner should be solid. Roddy and Mario for sure at WR, and I think Bowe is going to play, so start him unless you hear that he’s inactive Sunday morning.
Da Kid — I am much more confident and Sproles and Jackson than I am in Thomas this week coming off an injury.
Unger — I’m thinking White, Manningham and Henderson. Devery has a better chance to score than Hester (I think). At RB, it’s a tough call amongst Grant, F. Jackson and S. Jackson. I think all three will have good games, but I’d go with Grant and F. Jackson because STL is having a tough time scoring and I think Grant and F. Jackson will have more carries inside the 5.
Dani — I think Henderson is the most expendable of those three. Definitely hold onto Manningham. I could see cutting Ginn, but I think he’ll be targeted with much more regularity than Henderson, since Brees spreads the ball around so much. I do like Knox, but Henderson has more value right now, so I think I’d stand pat.
John-
PPR-RB need 2
DeAngelo Williams
Sproles
Fred Jackson
Which 3 wide recievers should I start out of the 6 listed?
Santana Moss, DeSean Jackson, Lee Evans, Mario Manningham, Laurent Robinson and Brandon Marshall
Which of the two should i start this week?
Pierre Thomas, Correll Buckhalter, Jonathan Stewart…
In my other league i have the same question but with more choices..
Lesean McCoy, Lendale White, LeRon McClain, Michael Bush…I also have Adrian Peterson but i already know thats a obvious start right there, so who else should i start alongside of AP??
John,
I have hit the injury bug on a lot of players (although questionable status not doubtful) so I scoured the waivers and picked up on players with decent matchups. My question is: should I gamble on the plug-ins, or roll the dice with the typical starters? (Please see (???) below)
Thanks,
Brian
PPR 1QB 2WR 2RB 1TE FLEX K D
QB Aaron Rodgers (Start)
WR 1 Andre Johnson (Start)
WR 2 Dwayne Bowe OR Mario Manningham (???)
RB 1 Steve Slaton (Start)
RB 2 Joseph Addai OR LeSean McCoy (???)
TE Heath Miller OR Todd Heap (???)
K Rob Bironas OR (I understand a kicker – but points are points – no backup but Rian Lindell on WW)(???)
FLEX Willis McHahee OR DeSean Jackson OR Leon Washington (???)
D Pittsburg (Start)
hey i was wondering if i could get some help at reciever this week, ive got
manningham vs tb
desean jackson vs kc
calvin johnson vs was
knox vs seahawks
i can start two recievers and a flex, or should i start derrick ward in my flex spot instead of a reciever
Seb — Three good options there, but I’d recommend Jackson and DeAangelo.
Jennifer C – It would help to know if this is a PPR league. Assuming it’s not, Manningham and D. Jackson are two good plays. The third slot is a tough call, but I’d probably go with Robinson with the idea that the Rams will be trailing for most of the game and he will get some stats in garbage time.
Louis — #1 Pierre for sure, and then I guess Buckhalter since Moreno is nicked up. #2 I think I would go with McCoy since the Eagles are probably going to limit Westbrook’s snaps and he should get a lot of work later on in the game if Philly is leaving. Update: Westbrook is out, so start McCoy for sure.
Brian — Bowe is out, so go with Mario. I’d go with Addai at RB2. Heap at TE. Bironas is fine at K. McGahee at flex. (In fact, I’d go with McGahee has my RB2 and D. Jackson at flex) Update: Westy is out, so start McCoy at RB2 and McGahee at flex.
Greg — Go with Calvin and Mario at WR. Flex is a tough call between Ward and Jackson, but I lean Ward since Caddy is dinged up and Ward is starting against a banged up Giants defense.
i get points for return yards and knox will be returning kicks for the bears today, would that make a difference, 1 point every 25 yeard
hey what do u guys think- i have sproles, grant and gore- which two do i start?
Help with a last second decision. Start ginn or Marshall?
I have Elam for my kicker and he is worrying me right now – I don’t have anyone I want to drop to pick up a new kicker for his bye in week 4 – does he have any trade value or should I just drop him for one of these FA kickers:
Lawrence Tynes
Neil Rackers
Rian Lindell
Thanks,
He doesn’t have any trade value unless your league’s scoring system is strange. My favorite on that list is Tynes.
This week’s thread is now closed.
Please direct future questions to the Week 4 Q&A.