Would you start Rashad Jennings even with Maurice Jones-Drew expected to play in Week 1? - @Noahkatz66 (via Twitter)
Michael Fabiano: According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jennings will start ahead of Jones-Drew against the Minnesota Vikings. In fact, there have been reports that "Pocket Hercules" will serve as a third-down runner as opposed to a featured option in the contest. That scenario would see Jennings receive 15-20 touches and limit Jones-Drew to around 8-12 touches. Clearly, that makes Jennings the better fantasy option and worthy of consideration as a low-end No. 2 fantasy back or flex starter. On the flip side, it will be tough to start Jones-Drew as more than a risk-reward flex option.
I have been offered Tom Brady and Wes Welker in exchange for Aaron Rodgers. Should I make this deal? - J. Grayson (via Facebook)
M.F.: Rodgers has been the most reliable quarterback in fantasy football over the last four years, and he'll be a top-two pick in most drafts this season. But outside of the 2008 campaign that he missed with a torn ACL, Brady's numbers have been extremely consistent as well. With a core of receivers that includes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd, there's no reason to think that Brady's success won't continue in 2012. Also, keep in mind that Josh McDaniels is back calling the plays in New England -- the same McDaniels who called the shots when Brady threw 50 touchdown passes in 2007. The fact that you will get a quarterback who's value is close to Rodgers plus a solid wideout like Welker, well, I like this deal.
What can we expect from Adrian Peterson this weekend? Is he worth starting in fantasy leagues? - B. Theis (via Google+)
M.F.: This is a fluid situation, as Peterson is slated to be a game-time decision to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. What's more, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier has already stated that Peterson's role will be limited if he's active. Keep in mind that if A.D. does suit up, he will do so a mere 254 days removed from a major reconstructive procedure on his ACL and MCL. So unless you're in dire straits or the news on his status improves, I'm not sure how you can start Peterson with confidence.
What would you do with the running back situation in Washington? - @mariah10412 (via Twitter)
M.F.: Avoid it! Even Chris Cooley, who played for the Redskins in 2011, admitted that he didn't know who was going to lead the team in carries from week to week. In fact, the noted fantasy football enthusiast even shared a moment where coach Mike Shanahan burned him! In Week 9, Roy Helu started against the San Francisco 49ers. The following week, Ryan Torain was called upon as the top option. Cooley then decided to start Torain on his fantasy team, only to see him start but see five carries against the Dallas Cowboys. So ... despite the fact that Evan Royster is listed atop the team's depth chart at this point, it could change in the blink of an eye. That means one week it could be Royster, next it could be Helu, who knows. You need a crystal ball or Nostradamus' phone number to figure it out!
What do you think of Michael Bush and Malcom Floyd in Week 1? - M. Brown (via Facebook)
M.F.: In 2011, the Indianapolis Colts allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. So while Bush is firmly behind Matt Forte on the Chicago Bears' depth chart, he is going to see short-yardage and goal-line opportunities. Thatmakess Bush worth starting as a flex option if your options are limited. As for Floyd, he is an interesting option because of his recent success against the Oakland Raiders. In his last three games against this AFC West rival, the veteran has recorded a combined 20 receptions for 412 yards and two touchdowns. Based on that trend, I'd consider him a viable No. 3 fantasy wideout.
Who would you start at a flex position: Jennings, Kevin Smith or Robert Meachem? - D. Carruthers (via Google+)
M.F.: I know he's about as durable as a house of cards, but I like Smith this week. With Jahvid Best on the PUP list and Mikel Leshoure suspended, he's going to see a ton carries in the contest. Smith also has a fantastic matchup against the St. Louis Rams, who allowed an average of close to 22 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs last season. Also keep in mind that Smith was a pretty productive runner when he was on the field and in a prominent role in 2011.
I'm nervous about Trent Richardson. What do you think about him this season coming off two knee scopes? - @fantasmm (via Twitter)
M.F.: I have been a fan of Richardson ever since he was drafted in April, and I'm not going to let a couple of minor knee procedures knock me off the bandwagon. While his lack of work in training camp could lead to a slow start, it's tough not to like a player who is considered by many to be the best running back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. The centerpiece of the Browns offense and a three-down caliber runner, I can see Richardson finishing this season with 300 carries and as one of the top 12-15 best backs based on fantasy points.
Do you think Ahmad Bradshaw for Dez Bryant is a fair trade? - R. Fajardo (via Facebook)
M.F.: Yes, absolutely. Unless a trade is ridiculous (Ex.: Drew Brees for Michael Floyd) or smells of collusion and requires a league vote, I typically don't reject trades due to the simple fact that no one can predict the future. Take this into consideration. Heading into the 2010 season, a fantasy football team that had both Chris Johnson and Andre Johnson would have been in terrific shape. But if a trade of Johnson and Johnson for Arian Foster and Brandon Lloyd has been proposed during the preseason, well, that would have looked just dumb. We all know what happened -- Foster and Lloyd went on to lead their respective positions in fantasy points and combined to be far better options than CJ2K and A.J.
I'm in a PPR league and need to start Doug Martin or Stevan Ridley. Who do I choose? - L. Nimmer (via Google+)
M.F.: I'm a fan of both players, but I'd start Martin this week. The rookie out of Boise State had a terrific preseason and is now the top runner in Tampa Bay for coach Greg Schiano. He also has a great matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who had one of the worst run defenses in the league last season. I have Martin ranked among the top 10 fantasy runners heading into Week 1.
Would I be nuts to start Robert Griffin III over Tony Romo in Week 1? - @JuanlGiglio (via Twitter)
M.F.: If the Cowboys are without Miles Austin and Bryant due to injuries (Jason Witten is doubtful), I would start Griffin III over Romo. He has a tremendous matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who allowed an average of close to 18 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in 2011. The team also had a pretty traumatic offseason on the defensive side of the football (to say the least), and starting middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is a bit of a question mark due to a high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason. So, be sure to keep tabs on the NFL.com injury report heading into Wednesday's contest before making a final decision.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
