Q: I need to choose either Edgerrin James or Jamal Lewis to start with LaDainian Tomlinson in Week 4. Who should I start? I also have Sammy Morris. Is he a better option? -- B. Ogden, Lincoln, Neb.
Michael Fabiano: Believe it or not, Morris has more fantasy points than Laurence Maroney, Reggie Bush and Ahman Green. However, I still wouldn't start him over a featured back like James or Lewis. Neither of these runners has a favorable opponent in Week 4, but I'd have to side with James. Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt knows the Pittsburgh defense well from his time with the team, so that could be a bit of an advantage for James in what should be a defensive battle in the desert.
Q: I have Jay Cutler as my top quarterback this week, but Trent Green is available on waivers. Should I add Green and start him over Cutler? -- M. Simmons, Dover, N.H.
M.F.: Green does have a better matchup than Cutler, but I wouldn't release Cutler for a one-week quarterback. If you have another player who is expendable, I would look to make a move based on Cutler's matchup against Indianapolis. However, there are some quarterbacks with better matchups than Green who could still be free agents. First is Chad Pennington, who faces a Buffalo defense that's riddled with injuries. Second is Jeff Garcia, who faces a Carolina defense that made Joey Harrington look like Steve Bartkowski. Third is Brian Griese, who will start for Chicago and faces a Detroit defense that ranks next to last against the pass.
Q: Should I start Marshawn Lynch or Laurence Maroney this week? I have Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson against New England, and I'm not sure I want three players going from one game. -- T. Boswell, New York, N.Y.
M.F.: It doesn't matter if you have several players in the same contest, so I wouldn't base the decision on that. However, the fact that he is pulled out near the goal line in favor of Heath Evans or Sammy Morris makes Maroney less attractive in touchdown-based formats. If you are in a standard format or one that rewards points for receptions, I'd start Lynch against a Jets defense that surrendered six catches, 211 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns to Ronnie Brown last week.
Q: Who should I start with LaDainian Tomlinson -- Cedric Benson, DeShaun Foster, Brian Leonard or Derrick Ward? Also, what is the status of Hines Ward for Week 4? -- D. Hickethier, Wisconsin.
M.F.: Based on the matchups, I'd start Benson, who faces a Detroit defense that ranks 23rd against the run and has allowed an NFL-high six rushing touchdowns. Ward has been called "doubtful" for Sunday by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, so it looks like the veteran wideout will miss this week's game in Arizona. Nate Washington and Cedrick Wilson will see more work in his absence, but neither warrants serious consideration outside of larger leagues.
