Fantasy Fan Mail: Week 10

Austin: Should I trade Andre Johnson for Randall Cobb ? Would it be fair or would i have to offer someone better?

Not sure what’s worse: that Austin is thinking about trading the preseason No. 1 overall receiver for a player that went undrafted in most leagues, or that he believes Johnson wouldn’t be enough ammo to acquire Cobb. Either way, pretty sure that sums up the 2012 campaign of the Texans wideout.

I know Cobbs has been lights-out this season, especially in end-zone excursions (45 catches, 500 yards, seven total touchdowns). However, while Johnson has yet to hit pay dirt, the former All-Pro has 25 catches for 279 yards in his last three contests. After this week’s tilt with Chicago, Houston has a multitude of exploitable pass defenses on their slate, including Jacksonville, Detroit, Tennessee, New England and Indianapolis (twice). Keep the faith with Johnson down the home stretch.

Chris in Georgia: I have Arian Foster and the Chicago defense. Do I play both, sit both or mix?

Understand the sentiment, but roll both of those bad boys out, as the Bears defense is echelons above the rest of fantasy units, and you can’t sit Foster, who enters the weekend behind Doug Martin for the most production from the position. Best case scenario: Foster tops the 100-yard plateau with a touchdown while Chicago houses an errant Matt Schaub pass. Win-win. (Of course, this means Foster will finish with 35 yards and zero scores while Schaub tosses four aerial strikes for six. And while we are here, whoever thinks Peanut Tillman is weak for possibly missing a game for the birth of his child, sorry, you're an idiot. It's just football. Now, if this is basketball we are talking about...)

Felix the Cat: Should I even consider starting Felix in flex vs. Philly? Thanks.

You’re cruising for a bruising with that implementation, Felix. DeMarco Murray’s replacement has underwhelmed in the spotlight, racking up a meager 102 rushing yards in his last three outings (albeit with 10 receptions, 100 receiving yards and a score). Worse, the Eagles have been stout against adversarial rushers, ranking 11th versus fantasy running backs this season. Oh, backups Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner are good bets to siphon opportunities away. Not exactly what you would call a ringing endorsement for Mr. Jones.

In deeper formats, perhaps the Arkansas product warrants a roster spot, but in most standard leagues, avoid Jones in Week 10.

H. Jlome: Any reason to think Kenny Britt will become productive?

From a schedule standpoint, a mixed bag in terms of advantageous opponents, and Jake Locker replacing Matt Hasselbeck is kind of like going to Hardees and deciding Waffle House sounds better. Throw in the increasing assimilation Kendall Wright, and Britt’s ceiling as a No. 1 receiver has vanished. Still merits a roster space, yet only insert Britt if dealing with a bye, injury or ominous matchup from one of your receiving studs.

Poncho: Pierre Garcon, Mike Williams, Andre Roberts, or Michael Crabtree? Rest of the year in PPR league.

Easy: Williams. Has been the most consistent producer, and is armed with the best throwing quarterback out of the aforementioned group. Who knows if, or when, Garcon will return, Roberts is losing value with the emergence of Michael Floyd and the San Francisco air assault prefers to spread the rock around rather than focus on one individual. Though Vincent Jackson is the primary target in Tampa, there’s more than enough love to go around to facilitate fantasy fruition for Williams as winter approaches.

TweetyBird: Pick up Donald Brown or Vick Ballard long term?

The carry allotment was split down the middle Thursday night, but I’m going with Ballard as the Indianapolis entity to own. This is Brown’s fourth rodeo in the NFL, and the dividends haven’t been fruitful. Ballard, on the other end of the spectrum, possesses amazing wherewithal for a rookie, and is equally apt in the passing and blocking games. Neither is worth starting at the moment, but if I’m looking to snatch one off the waiver wire, I’m going Ballard.

Phuh Kyu: Do you believe Chan Gailey is looking to get C.J. Spiller more of a featured role going forward?

Think this question has been asked by reporters every week to Gailey since Spiller was drafted, followed by the retort, “Ya know, C.J. is a great kid, he’s working hard, and we’re always looking for ways to get playmakers on the field.” So, in short, no.

After this week’s date with New England, the schedule slightly opens up for Buffalo, with battles versus Miami, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and St. Louis, so Spiller isn’t the worst of flex plays. Alas, as long as Fred Jackson is healthy, Spiller is always a gamble.

MaryLove: Time to give up on Torrey Smith?

Um, no. Not at all, MaryLove. Dude is on pace for 60 catches, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Solid production for a player drafted in the ninth round or later in most formats. I know Joe Flacco’s, ahem, Joe Flacconess can correlate to rough outings from Baltimore receivers, yet Smith’s high ceiling will make it worth the wait.