Week 9 Q&A Fantasy Mailbag: Kevin Smith Set To Direct Monster Fantasy Performance

Q: I have to make a decision about who to start this week between Reggie Bush and Kevin Smith. Which one would you go with? - Kedrick

A: I don’t believe for a second that Kevin Smith won’t be the featured back in Detroit. He is simply the best guy they have. Maurice Morris might get a few more carries than he otherwise would to help Smith carry the load, but Smith is the man in Detroit. He is turning into a great receiver for Stafford and has the ability to turn every touch into a touchdown run from anywhere on the field. Reggie Bush is not going to steal carries from Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. He is going to get his catches, but Smith is the better play for sure. He is going to bust out on Seattle this week. I promise you.

Q: I lucked out and won both Ryan Moats and Leonard Weaver in the free agent auction this week. Which one should I start in Week 9? - Harry

A: Harry, nicely done. If the Eagles decided to commit to the run on a weekly basis, Weaver is a guy who would benefit a ton. He is a big, physical back and is violent in open space. The thing is, Andy Reid abandons the run like it is his job. Weaver is intriguing as a goal-line back though in touchdown leagues. On the other hand, Ryan Moats blew up big-time last week. The Texans look like they will be going with the dreaded Running Back By Committee approach going forward, using Moats, Steve Slaton and Chris Brown. If you have to start one, you might go with Moats, since I think Gary Kubiak has some real trust issues with Slaton.

Q: Which team coming off the bye has the best fantasy possibilities this week: Cincinnati, Washington, New England, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, or Tampa Bay? - Derrick

A: Here are the matchups you are asking me to pick from:

Cincinnati hosts Baltimore
Washington at Atlanta
New England hosts Miami
Kansas City at Jacksonville
Pittsburgh at Denver
Tampa Bay hosts Green Bay

I am taking the Bengals. Last week I wanted nothing to do with the Ravens defense. This week I like Carson Palmer and his offense with two weeks to prepare for Ray Lewis and company. I like the Bengals defense against Flacco. I am sure Tom Brady and Randy Moss will get their stat, Miami is good at keeping opposing offenses off the field. For my money, give me Chad Ochocinco, Cedric Benson, and Carson Palmer.

Q: I have both the Broncos and the Steelers defensive units on my team, and they play each other this week on Monday Night Football. Which one should I start and what is the best I can hope for? - Andy

A: Andy, I have already gotten into an argument over this game and I am not a hometown fan of either team. I honestly believe the Broncos are going to win a close game and I have predicted this game goes to overtime to get it done. The extra frame will send the Steelers defense over the edge in total yards and points. Take the Broncos defense and pray that they can bring down Big Ben with the first guy on the scene. It isn’t easy, but if they can do that, they are going to be the better unit for you on Monday night.