Mike, Brett Favre as a sit 'em last week! Not good. Glad I played him instead of Kerry Collins! (I'm a big fan, just having some fun with you!) Anyway, do I start Collins or Kyle Orton this week with Favre on a bye? -- T. Jonas, Lafayette, La.
Michael Fabiano: Yeah, that was a rough one. But again, it's not about me making a prediction as much as it's about examining the numbers and playing the matchups. With six teams on a bye last week, it was also tough to find options for the sit'em portion of Start 'Em & Sit 'Em. So rather than tell you to sit Matt Ryan or Gus Frerotte, which to me helps no one, I'd rather tell you that Favre has an unfavorable matchup with the preface that he'll still be active in a lot of leagues.
As for your quarterback question, I'd start Orton over Collins. The Chicago quarterback had more touchdown passes in the first half last week than Jay Cutler and Philip Rivers had combined in their full starts. That's more of a sign on how unpredictable the NFL can be each season rather than a reason to start him in Week 5, but it's true nonetheless. This week Orton faces a Lions defense that ranks 22nd in pass defense. That's enough to give him the mod over Collins.
Which two wide receivers should I start alongside Reggie Wayne from Bobby Engram, DeSean Jackson and Santonio Holmes? I also have Marques Colston. Should I make a trade from thie depth even if I have no other weakness? -- D. Blue, England
M.F.: Engram is expected to be back this week, but he has a tough matchup against the Giants. It's probably a good idea to give him a week or two to get back into playing shape, especially with the depth you have at wide receiver, so I'd start Jackson and Holmes. Jackson has been one of the best sleepers of the season after four weeks. In fact, he's on pace to record 88 catches and 1,308 yards based on his current numbers. If your team is stacked, then making a trade isn't as important. But it never hurts to target a team that needs a wideout and make an offer that could upgrade you at another position. Try to build an All-Star team, that's what I'd do!
Should I start Eli Manning over David Garrard this week with Plaxico Burress suspended? Also, should I start Larry Johnson or Michael Turner? -- B. Boraghi, Denmark
M.F.: I'd stick with Manning, despite the absence of Burress. The Giants can't make up for the loss of their star wideout, but the team does have some other options in the passing game. Furthermore, Manning's matchup against Seattle (25th vs. pass) is much more attractive than Garrard's matchup against Pittsburgh (3rd vs. pass). At the running back position, I'd ride the hot hand and start Johnson. Turner does have a better matchup against Green Bay and is a very attractive option, but he's also been much less productive on the road this season.
What is the current backfield situation in Pittsburgh? I heard the team might use Najeh Davenport this week. Is he worth a roster spot? Please help! -- T. Franco, Oak Park, Ill.
M.F.: Reports out of Pittsburgh suggest that Mewelde Moore will be the team's featured back this week in Jacksonville, so he's the best fantasy option in a patchwork backfield. He's not the typical Steelers' power running back, but he'll see enough touches to be active in a lot of fantasy leagues. Davenport, Gary Russell and Carey Davis could also see some work for coach Mike Tomlin, but Moore is the best bet for production. With Willie Parker expected back in Week 7 (after the team's bye), Moore will be more of a short-term solution and fantasy handcuff in the absence of Rashard Mendenhall.
What should I do with Andre Johnson? I've been playing him every week and he's done next to nothing. Thanks! -- H. Saltrelli, Amherst, Mass.
M.F.: Johnson is one of a boatload of elite wide receivers that have failed to meet the expectations of fantasy owners in 2008. But like most of these wideouts, Johnson is still too valuable to reserve. Believe me, the second you put him on the bench he'll probably post 125 yards and two touchdowns! You might not like the production he's giving you right now, but sitting a player of Johnson's caliber isn't an option.
I have been offered Brett Favre and Jamal Lewis for Joseph Addai. I also have Carson Palmer, Ryan Grant and Edgerrin James. Should I make this trade? Cheers mate! -- A. Cuff, Australia
M.F.: This decision all depends on what you have behind Palmer at the quarterback position. His sore right elbow is cause for concern, as there's no guarantee he'll be under center this week in Dallas. Favre is a definite sell-high player after his six touchdowns against Arizona, but he won't help you this week with the Jets on a bye. If you're weak at quarterback, this deal makes sense. But I wouldn't pull the trigger until next week, because Favre is out and you'll know more about Palmer's status.
Which running back will have more fantasy value the rest of the season: Rudi Johnson or Deuce McAllister? -- J. Wolfe, Livingston, Mon.
M.F.: Johnson is the starter in Detroit, so it looks like he'll be the more valuable back. The Lions want to establish the run under OC Jim Colletto, so the veteran should see more than his share of carries. McAllister did make waves against San Francisco, but he's part of a crowded Saints backfield and is playing on two reconstructed knees. Johnson and McAllister should both be owned in all leagues with 12-plus teams, but at this point I'd rather have the former on my fantasy team.
What is going on with Ryan Grant? Is he a buy-low candidate? I have been offered Brandon Jacobs and Torry Holt for Grant and Braylon Edwards. Should I pull the trigger? -- R.C., College Station, Texas
M.F.: Grant has been a serious bust to this point, but this is his judgement week in fantasy circles. His injured hamstring shouldn't be an issue anymore, and he's facing an Atlanta defense that ranks 26th against the run. If Grant fails to produce with that matchup on the slate, then I think it's time to panic. If you really want to shake up you current roster, making this deal is worth considering. It's basically an apples-for-apples trade, however, and I've never been a fan of them.
I have Joseph Addai, Marion Barber and Matt Forte, but I can only start two this week. Who should I choose? Also, should I deal of of these three backs for a wideout like Larry Fitzgerald or Reggie Wayne? -- D. Musilli, Buffalo, N.Y.
M.F.: As much as I love Forte this week, I'd sit him in favor of Addai and Barber. Addai has a great matchup against a Houston defense that ranks 27th against the run, and Barber is a must start against a shaky Cincinnati defense. In fact, I think Barber could be the most productive running back in fantasy football this week. OC Jason Garrett will look to get him the ball much more often than the ridiculous eight carries in a loss to Washington. I think you can definitely land an elite reciever in a trade for Addai or Barber. In fact, Forte could even be worth a Fitzgerald or a Wayne if he puts up a huge stat line against the Lions. If he performs well, put him on the block and see what offers are made.
Who should I start between Roy Williams, Anthony Gonzalez and Bernard Berrian in Week 5? -- N. Nielson, Denmark
M.F.: Williams hasn't done much in his three starts (eight catches, 113 yards, one tuochdown), but I still think he's the best option of this trio. He'll face a Chicago defense that's ranked 28th in the NFL against the pass. He has also recorded a combined 26 receptions in his past four games against the Bears.
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