Did your fantasy football question not make this week's Mailbag? You can still get an answer! Submit it to Fantasy Genius and have your question seen by millions of fantasy fans just like you!
Marcas Grant: I'll answer your question with another question: Does this deal actually make your team better? Don't just make a trade to make a trade. McCoy has had his struggles, but his recent track record makes him a commodity worth owning if you can swing a deal for him. The same applies to Megatron. Exchanging a pair of high level players looks fun on paper, but if you're not trading to fill a position of need then there's not much value in it.
M.G.: Thomas has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments through the first month of the season and even D.T. himself knows that he can be better. The matchup isn't particuarly a great one, but on some level the Broncos offense tends to transcend matchups. Look for Denver to find different ways to get the ball in the hands of one of their top playmakers. As for Tate, I'd hold off on plugging him in my lineup right away until we have some idea of how the trio of Tate, Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell fit together.
M.G.: Actually, it's not so tough at all. Jennings is the undisputed workhorse for the Giants offense. Andre Williams is an afterthought. Plus Big Blue is facing the Falcons and their putrid run defense this week. So far that unit has been shredded by every running back it has faced. That alone means that everyone else in your list of options is playing for second place. The short answer is ... start all your running backs against the Falcons.
M.G.: Both players have fairly favorable matchups this week, but Ellington gets the edge for a couple of reasons. First is that the Cardinals have been a little more explosive offensively this season -- even with Drew Stanton at quarterback. Martin, on the other hand, has been inconsistent when he's been on the field while also having to continually stay one step ahead of Bobby Rainey. Admittedly, Rainey hasn't been particularly great either. But Tampa doesn't have too many options other than rotating the two backs. As long as they're splitting carries, they'll have less value than a player who is working on bell-cow status.
M.G.: It's hard to completely give up on Martin in a fantasy climate where productive running backs are tough to come by. Just be aware that the Muscle Hamster isn't a must-start every week. Going forward, he should probably be a matchup-based play. Hopefully Mike Glennon's insertion into the lineup can jumpstart the passing game and in turn loosen things up for the running game. But this is certainly not what you were hoping for when you drafted Martin.
M.G.: If we're just talking about a one-week option, I'd rather go with Reaves. Carolina is one turned ankle away from playing either you or me in the backfield. Plus this week's matchup against the Bears defense is a positive one. The other reason to turn to Reaves is because there seems to be no rhyme or reason to what the Ravens are doing with their running game. Taliaferro has played well, but there seem to be no guarantees that he's going to see a fair amount of touches each week.
M.G.: I'd like to turn to the Dark Lord of the Sith for a little assistance on this one. Take it away, Darth. You waited through a high ankle sprain to get those numbers from Jamaal Charles and now you're going to deal one of the best backs in the league for the woefully inconsistent C.J. Spiller? Don't do it. This person does not have your best interests at heart. My mother warned me about the type of "friends" that would try to take advantage of me like that.
M.G.: This week, I'd roll with Quick. It's good to see fantasy enthusiasts learning about the Rams receiver. While we spent the preseason figuring out whether Tavon Austin or Kenny Britt would have standout seasons, Quick has quietly become a go-to option in St. Louis' passing game. Not to mention the idea of starting Patterson on a short week with Christian Ponder potentially starting under center puts a chill down my spine. Don't want none of that.
M.G.: I can't believe I'm about to type this ... but the Trent Richardson side wins this deal. Richardson isn't blowing anyone away with his 2014 performance, but he's been better than he was last season. Not to mention that the Colts offense is light years more efficient than anything we've seen from the Patriots so far. Not only has Vereen not been super productive this year, but he's seeing a lot of his touches go to Stevan Ridley. Robinson is a nice addition if you have room to stash him on your bench. If it's a keeper or dynasty league, the rookie wideout could have some added value in 2015 and beyond.
M.G.: It's not an especially attractive trio of options, but I'd lean toward the Browns this week. Houston's defense has been resurgent this season but the Cowboys offense has been very efficient behind a dominant offensive line. And the Patriots? Well ... yeah. Meanwhile Cleveland gets to face a Tennesee Titans offense that hasn't shown anything this year. After a week off, I'm optimistic about what the Browns have to offer in Week 5.
Bonus question:
M.G.: Nope. Incorrect. Teddy Bridgewater looks a little like me.
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com and a man who feels like he looks good in purple. Tweet him your fashion tips or fantasy football questions @MarcasG.
