I’ve got Steve Slaton this week against Indy. After last week’s benching, would it be wiser for me to go with Jamal Charles against JAX? – Archie

Wow, what is the lessor of two evils here? Here’s what I can say. Gary Kubiak comes from the Mike Shanahan school of coaching running backs. In Denver, if you fumbled the football, you sat. Plain and simple. There are plenty of examples – Mike Bell in New Orleans – of former Broncos that were sent to the dog house over their inability to hold on to the football.

That said, Slaton is a special talent and the Texans’ offensive is much more potent than Kansas City’s, even playing the undefeated Colts. If Houston is going to have a shot to win I think they’ll need Slaton. He’s the better play in my opinion.

I need to play three of Santana Moss, Pierre Garcon, Patrick Crayton and Hakeem Nicks at WR. Which 3? – Brian

I have a few rules of them regarding WRs. One of them is – when in doubt, go with the best quarterbacks possible. In your question, I see Jason Campbell, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo and Eli Manning. That should help answer your question.

Garcon is a solid play because the Colts have been throwing the ball all over the place to make up for their (lack of a) running game. He should be good for 9 or 10 points.

Crayton offers value for his return abilities as well, and Romo has zero chemistry with Roy Williams.

Nicks is quickly becoming a playmaker for Eli Manning and the Giants, though I personally feel they are going to run the ball, and run it a lot against the Chargers this week.

As for Moss, Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, or anyone else that gets the chance to play QB in Washington is not going to be able to get the ball to him.

Better flex start, Jamaal Charles or Cadillac Williams? – James

Another lose-lose situation. Or is it? I like Cadillac a lot in this spot. The Bucs are coming off a BYE week and are playing at home. They are starting Josh Freeman for the first time so Williams is likely to get quite a few carries. The Packers are coming off an emotionally draining loss, at home, and could come out flat.

Charles and the Chiefs are in Jacksonville, who happen to be coming off an embarrassing loss to the Titans last week. I have a feeling MJD is going to get the Jags up early and the Chiefs won’t be able to utilize Charles at all.

Which Steve Smith do you like more for the rest of the way? – Mark

The Steve Smith that plays on the better team with the better quarterback. Obviously the Carolina version is the more talented, but he is also the more disgruntled. The Giants version has proven to be a safety valve of sorts to Eli Manning, especially on 3rd down, and will likely continue to be.

Will Chris Chambers have any kind of fantasy impact in Kansas City? – Josh

I can’t say that I think he will. The drop-off performance-wise for Chambers has been startling. Let’s put it this way – if Chambers couldn’t get it going in San Diego, with Phillip Rivers throwing him the ball, I doubt he can get much going in Kansas City.

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.