RealTime Fantasy Sports Mailbag

I have been riding the Houston Texans defense all year. They were dominant, then faltered, then had a good week last week. However, they have a tough matchup against the Vikings and AP. Would you still go with them, or roll the dice and pick up a defense with a better matchup this weekend, even if they aren't one of the top Ds in the league?

Don

Don : I think it depends on what defenses are available. I actually don't think the Texans defense is an awful play this week as their pass defense has been the issue lately. They have allowed at least 272-passing yards five straight games and more than 350 yards all but one of those games. Their rush defense has allowed fewer than 100 yards two of five games and allows the fewest fantasy points to running backs for the entire season. You know Peterson will get his yards but I think he might not go quite as crazy as the last few weeks. Plus, while Peterson is very good, the rest of the offense does little and produces low point totals. So for me, I probably stick with the Texans unless you have something really good out there on the waiver wire.

I'm in the second week of my Fantasy Bowl and I'm up five pts. I need help picking the right WRs to bring the trophy home after Week 15. Considering matchups and injuries, which 3 should I play out of Hakeem Nicks, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, James Jones, Michael Crabtree, or Roddy White?

Rob

Rob : Those are some great choices. For me, I like White, Bryant and Crabtree. I like White and Bryant a lot this week and think they are pretty easy choices. It is tough to sit Jones but he is a little boom or bust in my eyes as his yardage totals aren't great. If he doesn't score, he isn't going to help much. I give Crabtree the edge over him with his great play of late, having 93 or more yards three straight games.

Flex start: pick one from Jimmy Graham, Eric Decker or Reggie Wayne? Yikes, please help clear this up. I have Marshall and A. Johnson starting already.

Johnny

Johnny : Wow, three great choices. You can really make a case for any of these guys. For me, I guess I go with Wayne. I know he had his worst game of the season last week but he has been super consistent until that game. I think he'll rebound against the Chiefs, a team that allows 26 points per game. I also like Graham but just think Wayne brings a little more reception and yardage potential to the table. I give him the slight edge.

I have a good, but tough decision to make this Sunday. What two running backs would you start this week in the championship game: K. Moreno, D. Murray or S. Ridley? I was thinking about Moreno (who's on a run) and D. Murray (good matchup). I'm not sure how many carries S. Ridley(also good matchup) will get considering the back load of RBs they have and the fumbles he had last week. What do you think?

Tom

Tom : I like your choices as well. I'm not giving up on Ridley after a bad game but just think the other two have a little more upside right now. Moreno is getting very high total yardage numbers on a weekly basis (100-plus total yards three of four games) and Murray is coming off his best game since early in the year and plays the Saints, a team that allows the second most fantasy points to running backs.

I have tough one for you. I need to start three backs from this list. Jamaal Charles, M. Lynch, K. Moreno, D. Murray or D. Martin? Could you explain your decisions?

David

David : I like Martin, Moreno and Murray. You have five great choices but give those first three the edge. Martin hasn't been quite as good lately but I think he has the most big-game potential out of your choices so I want that in my lineup. He plays the Rams, who tend to be bend but don't break, meaning they'll allow some yards. And Moreno is about as hot as any back out there right now, having 100-plus total yards three of four games. Lastly, Murray is coming off his best game since early in the season and has a great matchup against the Saints, a team that allows the second most fantasy points to running backs. I like Charles but think he presents the most risk out of your choices, especially after last week. Lynch is the toughest call to bench but he has the worst matchup, playing the 49ers, a team that allows the second fewest fantasy points to running backs.