The regular season is in full swing, so the Fantasy Doctor will be making house calls regularly, answering readers' fantasy questions Wednesday through Saturday each week. Send your questions to the Doc at fantasydoctor@pfwmedia.com.

Hey Doc,
Here is one for you. I have to start three WRs. My choices are DeSean Jackson, Wes Welker, Austin Collie and Steve Smith (Carolina). My debate is between Smith and Collie. QB Jake Delhomme has been terrible, and Smith has suffered because of it. Collie has a great matchup against St. Louis, while Smith has Buffalo. Would it be unthinkable to start Collie over Smith? Thanks.
 
— Greg

I'm guessing you're not the only one facing a dilemma like this, Greg, as there have been a bunch of surprise WRs this season and quite a few studs who have underachieved.

While it's definitely not unthinkable to considering starting Collie over Smith, it's not something I would recommend. Yes, Smith has been extremely frustrating to own thus far, with zero TD grabs in five games, but don't forget what this guy is capable of. He led the NFL in receiving yards per game last season (101.5) and as recently as Week Two had a monster 8-131-0 performance. And after coming out this week and saying he doesn't think he's an asset to the Panthers, you can be sure Delhomme will make every effort to get him the ball frequently in order to make him happy again.

With three TDs in his last two games, Collie has been hot, but remember that he's still no higher than the third option in Indy's passing attack. He's certainly liable to have another good game Sunday, but he might not be needed much if the Colts jump out to a big lead on the Rams. If it were up to me, I'd start the guy who's his team's No. 1 receiving option and who also happens to have the higher ceiling. That's Smith.

Hello Doc,
I'm in a very particular fantasy league in which if you drop or trade any player, you're not allowed to get him back on your roster for the rest of the season. The rosters are small and limited. You draft only two RBs and three WRs, play only one RB and two WRs and usually play the other RB as your flex. My dilemma is that my backs are DeAngelo Williams and Pierre Thomas. I'm wondering if I should drop Thomas and pick up Thomas Jones. I looked at the schedule ahead and see bright spots for both, but Thomas plays in a committee backfield while Jones gets the bulk of his team's carries. So, should I keep Pierre Thomas or drop him for Thomas Jones? Thanks.

— Stan

I haven't heard of many leagues like this, Stan. It certainly limits your options and kind of handcuffs you as far as transactions go. I prefer leagues with larger rosters that allow more freedom when it comes to adding and dropping players.

As for your question, I think I'd strongly consider making this move. I'm surprising even myself by saying that, as I had Thomas pegged as a sleeper prior to the season and Jones labeled as a bust, but things haven't played out as I expected in their situations. I really thought P.T. would be the workhorse in the Saints' backfield, but it turns out they apparently don't trust him in that role, as he has been forced to split carries with Mike Bell when both have been healthy. Thomas also has been bothered by a couple injuries, and that's something that could continue to plague him. While he could be solid for the remainder of the season, I don't see him living up to preseason expectations.

Now, I'm not exactly a huge Jones fan, but you can't argue with his production. The guy is averaging 80 rushing yards and a touchdown, which is terrific for almost any fantasy back. Plus, he's playing for a contract, so the motivation definitely will be there. With the Jets facing numerous suspect run defenses down the stretch, Jones has a chance to shine during fantasy playoff time, when you'll need him most. Guaranteed to get a nice workload every game, Jones could very well give you the best chance to win this season.

I have to bring Frank Gore back off of IR this week, and I need to dump one of these guys to do it: Devin Hester or Eddie Royal. I know that Royal only had one good receiving game and then ran back two kicks for scores in the next game, but that's all he has done for the season. I'm wondering if or when he may finally break out. Hester, meanwhile, hasn't been great but has at least been consistent. Whom do I drop? Thanks.

— Dan

Well, Dan, people have been wondering about Royal for a few weeks now, and I've said to be patient and see if he turns it around before dropping him. In your case, however, I don't think you have a choice.

While Hester hasn't been a stud, he has been pretty good overall. He has at least 76 yards in three separate games this season and has caught two TD passes. You figure that with more time to work on his rapport with QB Jay Cutler, his numbers will only improve. Royal has been virtually nonexistent for most of 2009, achieving more than 20 receiving yards in just one of his six contests. And despite returning two kicks for TDs on Monday night, he finished with zero catches. I don't know if he'll ever "break out" in Josh McDaniels' offense, so if you really need the roster spot, don't be afraid to cut him loose.