The regular season is here. That means all of your roster decisions now come with significantly more gravitas. Every choice you make from here on out comes with a lot more consequences. That means it's important that you make the right call. In that case, it's good that you're here for Make the Right Call. What a coincidence, eh?
Who should I add from the waiver wire: Knile Davis or Charcandrick West?
With Jamaal Charles out for the rest of the season, both the Chiefs and fantasy owners are scrambling to fill the tremendous void in production. Andy Reid was quick to proclaim that it would be a committee situation between Charcandrick West and Knile Davis. But if you're looking for the guy who will sit at the head of the table, it's going to be West. Last week after the injury to Charles, West (eight total touches) quadrupled Davis' opportunities (two). Keep in mind that neither is suited to replicate the production of a player like Jamaal Charles, but West is on track to get the lion's share of the attempts.
Who should I start: Carson Palmer or Blake Bortles?
Bortles has definitely taken a step forward this season with his play, ranking sixth among fantasy quarterbacks through the first five weeks. He and the Jaguars also have a tantalizing matchup against the woebegone Houston Texans and their disorganized defense. But one spot ahead of him in the rankings is Carson Palmer. The veteran quarterback has been lights out even if his numbers don't always show it. In two games this season, the Cardinals defense has helped the team out to a big lead meaning Palmer hasn't needed to do much. Expect Arizona to be in a bit more competitive contest this season, which means the Redbirds passing game should be called upon to take advantage of a sketchy Steelers secondary. Roll with Palmer.
Should I trade Demaryius Thomas for Chris Ivory and Keenan Allen?
Right now, I would absolutely make that deal. The Broncos are winning games, but it's certainly not because of their passing game. Peyton Manning isn't the same quarterback and the team is struggling with consistency through the air. It's relegated Demaryius Thomas to the 22nd-best wideout in fantasy. As the season continues, Emmanuel Sanders looks to be the better Denver wideout. Meanwhile, Chris Ivory has been even better than advertised (even though he has a tough matchup this week against Washington) and Keenan Allen is currently a top 10 fantasy wideout. Anyone looking to acquire Thomas is doing so either on his name value or the promise of Denver turning things around. Take advantage of that.
Who should I drop: Matthew Stafford or Sam Bradford?
Both of these quarterbacks have underperformed this season, but they also seem to be going in opposite directions. Dating back to last season, Stafford has produced fewer than 14 fantasy points in six of his last eight contests. This year, the Lions signal-caller seems to have regressed even further and the team's offense as a whole is a mess. Bradford and the Eagles offense got off to a slow start, but he's turned things around in the past two weeks with 17-plus points in each of his last two outings. He also has a very good matchup this week against a Giants secondary that has been carved up all year long -- most recently by Colin Kaepernick. It's time to say goodbye to Matthew Stafford.
Should I start Gary Barnidge or Travis Kelce?
The Barn Yard Dog is a thing people! Who woulda thunk it at the start of the season? Gary Barnidge has averaged eight targets and seven receptions over the past three weeks. But he has a tough matchup against the fierce Denver Broncos defense this week, making him a risky play. The Vikings have been a little more forgiving when it comes to fantasy tight ends. Plus with the loss of Jamaal Charles, Kansas City will have to get the ball into the hands of their other playmakers. Count Travis Kelce among those playmakers and get him in your lineup.
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarcasG.
