Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello all and welcome to another fun-filled fantasy sports chat. I am Eric. You have questions. Let's get moving on football, baseball, hoops, I'll handle it all today...

Mike (NJ)

This may seem like a crazy idea, but I have both Peyton and Eli Manning and am considering starting Eli against Miami. Do you think this would be a smart move or do I have to start Peyton?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

I think I ranked these guys Nos. 2 and 4 for the week, with Peyton ahead, so I would stick with him, but for everyone else who owns Eli and probably not Peyton, he's a really good play this week.

Tom (Chicago)

Who would you start in your flex: F. Taylor, C. Brown, Buckhalter, or J. Wright. Thx

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

I would probably go with Fred Taylor, because the Jags have to establish the run and he could have a decent game. There is no other strong choice, unless Jamal Lewis sits out for Cleveland. But I think he's playing.

CJ (Providence)

Chatman or Jamal Lewis?

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

I gotta say, I think Chatman is going to do quite well, starting this week. He's been waiting for opportunity, and now he's got it. I don't expect 100 rushing yards, or anything like Ronnie Brown was doing, but I have ranked Chatman pretty well this week, certainly ahead of Lewis.

Michael (NM)

Who is a better bye fill in this week, Bulger, Young, Schaub or Greise?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

How about a collective ugh. I'd say Griese against Detroit. He was in my top-10 QBs. As for struggling Vince Young, he's currently No. 28 at the position, behind many players, but notably a few who aren't even playing anymore, like Delhomme and Trent Green!

Greg, Orlando

Hey Eric, we keep hearing that Chris Henry (WR Bengals) will be eligible for play in week 10. The suspension was for 8 games. What gives? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

Not sure, but I think the bye week has something to do with it as well. In their case, eight games is nine weeks. Henry should be an instant WR producer, by the way.

Tim (North Carolina)

BASKETBALL QUESTION: Should I start Rashard Lewis (3 games) or Kirilenko (4 games) at SF for the first week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

Ah, finally a hoops question. The season starts like, really soon, but I guess everyone's got football on the mind! I start Rashard. I know he has fewer games, but I don't do a whole lot of sitting of the stars unless they have considerably fewer games than others.

Jack (Philly)

Branch and Derrick Mason cut to the wire by some fools. PPR league. Can only claim one. Who should it be?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

I like them both the rest of the way, but if PPR is your thing, then Mason has to be the choice. He's more durable, and on his way to 100 catches. Branch might score more, but what's he gonna get, 60 recepts?

lee (ny)

basketball question again - who would you take 1st?...yao, dwight, duncan, or gasol?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

I had another draft last night, and Gasol again went above all the other names here. Duncan always goes fourth among this crew. Personally, I'd like to take Dwight Howard in the first round, late, but that FT can be a killer. Last night I got KG at No. 3 and wanted to take Howard in round 2, but I got Iverson instead. I think I regret it.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

What's Maroney's fantasy value for the rest of the season???

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Well, I'm not a big fan, and never was, but it's still good value because he's on a prime team and could, in theory, get touchdowns. Brady can't throw 5 TDs every game, can he? I'm not targeting Maroney in any deals, but is he a top-20 back, sure.

Aaron (Cincinnati, OH)

Eric, do you think Marvin Harrison is a safe play this week over a Colston or Curtis? I'm worried about his knee issues.

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

Harrison was on a play count Monday, which is like when a pitcher comes back with a pitch count. I'm not particularly worried about him, nor do I believe Manning will avoid him or favor Wayne/Clark. I'd still buy low on Marvin. Then again, I'd kinda buy low on Colston, too, but Marvin first.

Jimmy (Atlanta)

Similar question, but do you see Morris retaining goal line carries when he returns and possibly even starting when the pats clinch playoffs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

I think the Pats really like the way Morris runs, and he'll split the carries with Maroney when he returns. Is that two weeks, or five? Who knows? As for sitting the final weeks, I really think the Pats WANT to rub it in and go for 15 or 16 wins. I'm not betting on Brady and pals simply missing games.

Brett Favre (Green Bay, Wisco)

Who in their right minds would play Derek Anderson over me this week???

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

Well, me, for one. I ranked Anderson No. 6, and Favre No. 7. Look at the stats, and the matchups, and recent play, it's not a stretch at all.

Bill (Chicago)

I was offered Tom Brady for Adrian Peterson and Eli. It would leave me starting Willie, Portis and either Chatman or Earnest Graham at the flex.

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

It seems like a lot to trade, but I'd still do it. A rookie and an erratic - though successful - QB on pace for 30 TDs for a guy who might break the all-time fantasy record for points? I can see both sides of this trade, that's for sure.

Corey (Fires in SoCal)

These fires are devestaing out here in So Cal. Any word on what the Chargers are going to do? Also, in an 8 team league, and I can get Chatman, but would drop my #4 back T. Jones. Make the move? Take a chance? God be with the 1,000,000 people who have been evacuated out here, and for those who have lost their homes.

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

Yes, let's remember that even football players have homes and lives that are affected here. I assume the Chargers will play this week, probably in Arizona. There is, to me, no fantasy angle here. As for Chatman, I would not cut T.Jones yet to get him. But in a week you might want to.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Would u honestly..as a fantasy analyst..start both Addai and Keith this week? and for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

I wouldn't go out of my way to start both, but I do think Keith is a worthy flex option. I ranked him No. 22 at RB, which might be a tad high, but he's going to get touches. Addai is still a weekly play and top-5 back, but he's just sharing a bit. If it keeps him healthy, good for him.

Tom (Seattle)

Eric, who puts up better numbers the rest of the year, Welker or Harrison?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I still say Harrison.

Chris (NYC)

Desperate for a bye week D. Who's my best option out of Houston, NO and Philly?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I'd say Philly, because the Vikings aren't likely to beat them through the air the way Griese did on one drive, but Peterson could skewer them. Houston has dropped back a lot after the first two weeks, and the Saints aren't particularly good defensively.

Sully (Langhorne, PA)

When does Kellen Clemens get in there and what kind of contributions can we expect?

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I don't know why so many fantasy users are so high on Clemens, to be honest. Is Pennington really their biggest problem? Why do we assume Clemens will step in and be a star with his first significant playing time? I'll stick with someone playing well now.

Ed, NY

Eric, Do you know Nick from Greenwich? 2 questions? I am trying to get one in!! I need to pick up a bye week tight end (Eric Johnson). Which reciever would you drop to do this? Lee Evans or Deion Branch? I can't afford to cut anyone else. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

Dude, I don't look at who asks the questions, I just answer. And there's a ton of them in here. I would cut Branch. Evans won't be a fantasy monster, but he's healthy now, and improving.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Fill in the blanks...Kellen Clemens at QB is a _____________________ thing for Thomas Jones' fantasy value. I need to start getting some production from him!

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

I don't think it changes a thing, personally. Jones has been inconsistent, and I'm sure the line has something to do with it. I don't blame Pennington there.

Anthony (San Antonio,TX)

Palmer is usually an every week start. But does Roethlisberger have a better matchup to start over Palmer this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

He does, and I ranked him better because of it. Great matchup for Big Ben.

Matt (Chicago)

Eric, drop a guy like Reggie Brown for Chris Henry (WR)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I think I would do that, yes.

Jake (Atlanta)

So I'm hearing S Jax is actually playing this week. Can I feel okay about starting him over Kenny Watson? How silly was this question two months ago?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Jackson is playing this week, he says, and I believe him. I ranked him as the No. 10 RB for the week, so clearly I'm buying.

Lee (MN)

Eric...I'm not an insider so I can't see your rankings. Where do you have Bulger and Garcia, respectively? I can't help but think Bulger HAS to bounce back against CLE (19 QB TDs in 6 games).

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

I don't assume Bulger bounces back at all. Is he struggling because of the matchups, or because he has no line and he's beaten up? I ranked Garcia 13 and Bulger 14, so it's really a toss up I guess.

John (Boston, MA)

Any news on Travis Henry's health/legal issues?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

He's healthy enough to play this week, and to be honest, I'm leaning toward the side of him having his legal issues addressed in January, when the season is over. Most times situations like these involving athletes end up this way.

Roy, Denver

Eric, am I crazy to sit Westbrook for Jacobs this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Well, I wouldn't do it, but I suppose the case can be made. Westbrook should be just fine, even though the Vikings are a challenge to run on.

SalPacino (CT)

Does that mean give up on stashing S Young?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

No, not necessarily, but the news also came out last night that Andre Hall and Selvin Young are like 1a and 1b if Henry leaves the lineup. That's not great news for Selvin! I think you have to wait and make sure, but I could see dropping Selvin if you could get immediate bye week help. I'd also drop him to get Chatman. Win now, worry about Week 12 if you're still relevant.

Jack (Chicago)

B-Ball here. I need a C (Camby is my only C and we all know how durable he is)and was wondering if you prefer Peja for AL Harrington or J Rich for Tyson. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I like Chandler better than Harrington, but you're trading different things there. How likely is it Peja makes it through the season, anyway? I'd deal him.

Alan (Orlando)

As an Addai owner, what's the most you would give up to get Keith in a trade in a 12 team league. The other owner wants me to trade Wynn for Keith straight up.

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

Well, that seems more than fair to me. I'm not expecting much from any Packers RB this entire season, really. I'll take Keith for Wynn in a second.

Mike (Philly)

Does Ryan Grant have any value in GB? Reports are saying he got the majority of carries with the first team yesterday.

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Any of them could have value, but I remain skeptical since about five of them have had a shot, and except for Wynn breaking one big play, they've been shut down.

Scott (KC)

My stubborness will be the death of me! Do I finally suck it up and put McNabb on the bench in favor of Favre and T.Henry on the bench in favor of Jacobs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I don't know about McNabb vs. Favre, really, since McNabb should throw OK in Minnesota, but at RB, I'd go Jacobs.

Abe (Detroit)

Hoops Questions: Al Thorton, Al Horford or Yi who is more worthy of a roster spot?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Be careful with rookies. There was about one decent NBA fantasy rookie last season. Of these three, if I must own one, it's Horford in Atlanta. He'll get minutes.

Joe (San Diego)

Why is McNabb so average this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

I think he's a step or two slower because his knee isn't 100 percent, that's all. He'll get better as the season goes on, and he'll be worth owning. The Eagles have a way of burying themselves and having to win late in seasons. I could see that this year.

Michelle (LV)

Would you trade Cooley and Young for Gates? Initially, I thought "no" but seems you are down on Young.

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

I think we have to be down on Young until he shows something. Gates is the best player in that deal.

dan (irvine, ca)

Should Darrell Jackson still be on my fantasy team? Should Bengals Henry be on my team instead? Dj Hacket?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Well, it's up to you since it's your team, but I haven't seen a whole lot from Jackson this year, and I expect Henry is going to be good and angry when he finally gets activated.

Tony (Palm Beach, FL):

Trade evaluation, please: Julius Jones for Marques Colston. (Or, if you prefer, my problem for his problem.)

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Yeah, but I still see Colston breaking out of his problem sooner. Jones' problem isn't going away. Colston's is probably just health and Brees.

John (NYC)

Am I crazy, or are Detroit's WRs slowly declining in production each week? Maybe I'm the only one who's noticing this, because no one else seems to mention a word about it. As an owner of McDonald and Furrey, is this something to be worried about?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

You're not crazy, and it's not a mirage. It's Kitna who is declining really, because the Lions are throwing less and playing better defense. In time, only Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson will be worth activating.

Rob (Ky)

Is Cutler a viable starter from here on out, or do I need to play matchups with him and Griese (or look elsewhere completely)??

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I don't view Cutler as a weekly start, not yet. Griese, for example, has a tremendous matchup this week, and in some future weeks. How many QBs have to be played every week at this point? Brady and Peyton?

Jamaal (Washington Twp, NJ)

Does Norwood have RB2 potential down the line in 2007 when he begins recieving more touches?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

Of course he does, but when is that going to happen? Week 9? Week 16? I don't get what's going on in Atlanta, but the result of it in fantasy is that people are making Norwood out to be some misunderstood, underused stud about to explode. He can be productive with 15 touches a week, but he's not Reggie Bush either. And Bush isn't that stud.

Johnny (Fort Myers)

Buzzer Beater, and my ONLY question of the day. What are the odds in percentages that Ricky Williams becomes viable for FF purposes by week 10?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

My feeling is there is no chance.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Can u name a few sleeper WRs for the week? A lot of my WRs are on bye? Thnx Eric!

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

I like Toomer, Evans, Stokley, Muhammad and Battle as WRs generally out there.

Rizzo ( WI )

C'mon Eric, who was ur first 5-7 picks in B-ball, last night ?? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I took KG at No. 3, then Iverson late in round 2. I feel OK about that. Then it was Vince Carter, Okafor (maybe too high, but center is really weak), Durant, T.Parker, Z.Randolph and Marbury. It's not a particularly young team other than Durant, but that's OK. Later I got Dalembert, Alston, Shaq and Tim Thomas. I might be weak in threes, but everywhere else I should compete.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

OK, and on that note, my time is up. You've been great. Thanks for the questions and remember, I'm not excluding anyone, just trying to get lots of questions in as quickly as I can. Enjoy your Wednesday and our future chats.