Fantasy Sports with Christopher Harris
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Christopher Harris (11:02 AM)
Hi, everyone. Let's get right to the questions, after a wacky Week 9....
Nick (Cleveland)
I really need to know what is going on with LaMont Jordan? I have no one to drop and I'm not comfortable relying on Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones, or even Brandon Jacobs to go along with Addai. Do I drop Jordan for Fargas?
Christopher Harris (11:04 AM)
Hi, Nick. Boy, it's frustrating, because Jordan looked so good for a few games there at the beginning of the year, but in yesterday's game (which I haven't watched yet, I have to admit), I'm told he was pretty much a clear backup to Fargas. I haven't heard why yet. I like the idea of acquiring Fargas, but even if he gets the clear-cut starting gig in Oakland, I don't think he's going to be more startable than Jacobs, or even Lewis or Jones. I can see making the move, but I wonder if it'll impact your starting lineup at all.
Rebecca (STL)
Sell high on Colston and/or Patten? Or should I hang onto them? Thanks.
Christopher Harris (11:05 AM)
Hi, Rebecca. I wouldn't sell on Colston just yet; he's still getting healthy, and he's on pace for 10 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards all of a sudden. Patten? I know he's had three straight big games, and it's never bad to own a piece of the Drew Brees Experience. But yeah, if you have someone in your league willing to give you, say, a legit rusher for him, I'd do it.
Bob (Newton, NJ)
Jennings: Is it time to treat him like a #1 WR? I have him, Marshall,Crayton,Evans,Cal. Johnson, & A. Johnson. Package one & Maroney for a 2nd tier RB?
Christopher Harris (11:07 AM)
Hi, Bob. I'm glad you're mentioning Jennings; I think this coming week will be the first one where I rate Jennings ahead of Driver. Indeed, it appears Jennings is by far the more explosive target, and we all know how Favre likes to go downfield. I think Jennings does have to be in your starting lineup every week, and that means yes, I can definitely see dealing from your receiver depth. That said, I kind of already think Maroney *is* a second-tier running back...I might aim a little higher.
Brent (Minneapolis)
I have both Alexander and A. Green who are both ailing to some degree. I can drop Chris Henry (TEN) for either of their backups (hopefully), but not sure which one I should be backing up...thoughts?
Christopher Harris (11:09 AM)
Hi, Brent. Thanks for bringing up those two weird situations. Ahman Green told reporters yesterday he doesn't think his knee will be right all season, and Ron Dayne was certainly the primary carrier in Green's absence. However, Dayne is off this week, and has a few nasty match-ups thereafter, and of course there's the added inconvenience that Green might get healthy. As for Alexander...I guess he's having X-rays today, so we might know more soon. Maurice Morris would be the guy (though Leonard Weaver has value, too), and Seattle has a pretty nice RB schedule in two of the next three weeks. I'd say Morris is more attractive than Dayne this moment, but that's a pretty fluid situation.
Tom (DC)
Who's the better waiver claim: Priest or Fargas? I own LJ.
Christopher Harris (11:11 AM)
Hi, Tom. Yeah, and thanks to you for bringing up Larry Johnson. Jason Whitlock of the KC Star is reporting he thinks LJ is going to miss next week, which stinks, because the Chiefs have Denver, Indianapolis and Oakland the next three weeks, which should be pretty good running back match-ups. I have to think that in the short term, Priest Holmes becomes the better pickup, though Kolby Smith will get a few carries, and Fargas (as I just mentioned) does look like the starter for the moment in Oakland. I just like those opponents for Holmes.
Mike(NYC)
Time to pick up Corey Dillon?
Christopher Harris (11:13 AM)
Boy, I'm not sure, Mike. The way the Patriots felt about Dillon toward the end of last year, I'd never have believed that they'd consider bringing him back. They were angry at him for being in terrible shape last season, and I can't believe he's gotten much "shapier" sitting on his couch. I like the thought, though; if you've got a bench spot just kicking around with someone hurt or beyond useless, it's not a terrible move to make a highly speculative pick-up on Dillon. Don't use a high waiver spot, though.
Matt (FLORIDA)
Will Eli be handled next week versus the Cowboys the same way that McNabb was?!
Christopher Harris (11:14 AM)
Hi, Matt. New York's passing offense is more intimidating than Philly's by leaps and bounds, and we saw what they did to the Dallas secondary the first time those teams met, in Dallas. Now, the Cowboys have gotten healthier back there (Anthony Henry getting back to full-time next week would make a big difference), but I don't think they're good enough to close down Eli completely. I expect another pretty high-scoring game between those two.
Rob (Grand Rapids, MI)
Do I try and sell high on J. Lewis? He's got a great playoff schedule, but 2 tough weeks coming up. Maybe for B. Jacobs?
Christopher Harris (11:16 AM)
Hi, Rob. It's a great question. For those who haven't done the research Rob has, here's Jamal Lewis's schedule after Pittsburgh and Baltimore the next two weeks: Houston, at Arizona, at NY Jets, Buffalo, at Cincinnati, San Francisco. It just doesn't get any better for a fantasy rusher. I don't like Lewis, I really don't. But I'd be hesitant to trade him, unless I was getting a real stud. He's not all that good, but he should score some points in your playoffs.
Lee (MN)
Chris, I've been winning so far with Hasselbeck as my QB and Favre on my bench. I like Favre's upcoming sked, but am a little reluctant to ruin a good thing. I just think Hasselbeck is the safer, more consistent of the two. Would you make mid-season adjustments or stick with what is working? Thanks.
Christopher Harris (11:19 AM)
Hi, Lee. I'm as nervous about Favre as anyone...he didn't play very well yesterday, but did make a big throw when Green Bay needed it late. The truth is, though, they probably shouldn't have been in that position in the first place. Nothing on either guy's schedule really scares me terribly, though I don't want to have to use Hasselbeck against Baltimore in the season's second-to-last week if it's my fantasy championship game. Listen, I think your analysis is spot-on: Favre has more scoring upside, but more risk; Hasselbeck probably won't be quite as explosive, but will probably kill you less (though let's face it: Hasselbeck has made his share of turnovers). If you're a high-scoring team everywhere else, and just need consistency, go Hasselbeck. If you need that possible huge day, though........
Bob Detroit
Roy Williams, what's the deal?? What would you do with him if you owned him?
Christopher Harris (11:20 AM)
Hi, Bob. I think I'd just have to keep plugging him in there. Yesterday wasn't a fair test of Williams, just because the Lions were ahead by so much, and the Broncos schemed to try and take Williams away (to such an extent that Shaun McDonald didn't have anyone in the same area code with him on his long touchdown). It stinks, but the problem is a guy as cold as Williams is doesn't have much trade value. I think you have to just keep your fingers crossed that eventually, the Lions will go back Williams's way.
JKlipp (Milwaukee, WI)
Heap gonna play tonight? I got him or I can start Spyniewski up 16.5 playing against Santonio Holmes...
Christopher Harris (11:21 AM)
Hi, JKlipp. I don't have any particular "inside" word here...the signs point to Heap playing. He practiced Saturday, and says he's going to go. But would it be shocking to see him leave the game again? Of course not. Knowing exactly what I know now, I'd start Heap. But you should get a pretty good idea of whether he's active before you have to make your roster decision tonight.
Brandon (alabama)
Another owner is targeting Welker. I'm thinking about trading Wes for Colston and Fast Willie. That would give me AP and Fast Willie with Roy Williams, Colston, and S. Holmes. Would you pull the trigger on this trade?
Christopher Harris (11:22 AM)
Hi, Brandon. If you're saying would I deal Welker for Colston *and* Parker, the answer would be: yes, in a heartbeat.
Chris_CT
Marshawn Lynch for Anquan Boldin-fair trade?
Christopher Harris (11:23 AM)
I think it's pretty fair, actually, Chris. Boldin probably ranks a little higher on my receiver list than Lynch does on my rusher list, but since I value rushers a bit more, it basically evens out. It obviously depends on what each team needs.....
Scared to screw up (PA)
LT owner offered me him straight up for A Peterson. I have to take advantage of his overreaction. Right??
Christopher Harris (11:25 AM)
Yeah, I still think you have to do that. I know Peterson looks incredible, I know Tomlinson looked pedestrian yesterday, but it's a tremendous overreaction to worry that LDT is done. Listen, Tomlinson has some hairy match-ups in the next month: Jacksonville, Baltimore, Kansas City and Tennessee coming up after an Indy game where I think he'll go off. But after that? LDT is gold in the fantasy playoffs: Detroit, Denver, Oakland. Yum.
jeff-Rhode Island
Drop Brian Leonard for Priest Holmes? I don't own LJ or Steven Jackson!
Christopher Harris (11:27 AM)
Hi, Jeff. It's a good question. Because the Rams were on bye, I don't think we really have the latest on Steven Jackson's back, but I find it hard to believe he'd be available this coming week, so Leonard probably starts. And maybe that St. Louis O-line gets a little healthier. Still, I like Holmes for the next few weeks, because of the match-ups I mentioned earlier. Will LJ play next week? Could be. He probably won't miss too much more than that, but still, Holmes could win you a game in the next week or two. I find it hard to believe Leonard (behind that O-line) will do the same.
Nick (Greenwich, CT)
What the F was the Chargers doing against AP yesterday?? How could they let him run all over them. They knew they were going to run the ball!!
Christopher Harris (11:29 AM)
I hear you, Nick. I'm pretty heavily invested in the San Diego defense in a few leagues, and got burned. I thought it was a *great* match-up for them, exactly for the reason you said: they didn't fear Tarvaris Jackson, or Brooks Bollinger, or Joe Kapp, or whomever. The Chargers seemed to revert to their terrible-tackling ways from the season's first few games yesterday. You definitely have to tip your cap to some amazing rushing by Peterson, but *so many* long runs? Watch the tape: that's poor tackling.
Bob (Madison, WI)
Everything I have read suggests SJAX will be good to go next week.
Flip (Ft Lonesome Fl)
Yes this is a real place. Thoughts on starting Chris Henry (Cin) this week with 85 getting carted off. Good play possibly
Christopher Harris (11:37 AM)
Hi, Flip. Yeah, it's possible, though Henry got dinged up in practice (a dislocated finger) last week, so we need to make sure he's healthy. But I agree: Henry could be a sneaky pickup.
Christopher Harris (11:39 AM)
Sorry for not being able to answer Bob's comment about Steven Jackson's health...some technical weirdness here. Bob, here's what I said: Hi, Bob. Here's what Scott Linehan told reporters last Monday: "It's good timing that we had a bye this week for him. He certainly wouldn't be able to play this week. The prognosis is normally pretty good in getting back in a few weeks." There might be more current news, but still, I'm worried.
Chris (TX)
Is Crayton worth holding on to? Chris Henry is available.
Christopher Harris (11:40 AM)
Hi, Chris. I don't think I'd bounce Crayton for Henry just yet. I'm not sold that Henry's definitely the man in Cincy yet, and Crayton will still get his. It doesn't appear Terry Glenn is close.
Jim (Cincy)
After a solid 4 weeks in a row, and nearing the trade deadline, should I sell on Brees? I have Romo, too. What should I expect in terms of RB/WR value for him?
Christopher Harris (11:41 AM)
Hi, Jim. Phew, that's a great combo of quarterbacks...good drafting on your part. I do like Romo more than Brees, though I'm loving them both right now. If I were to trade Brees, yeah, I'd definitely want a starter, a very *good* fantasy starter, in exchange, at RB or WR.
Eddie (ID)
Your thoughts on Steve Smith? I can't be the only one wondering about him right? Would you trade him for Andre Johnson?
Christopher Harris (11:43 AM)
Hi, Eddie. Not only are you not the only *reader* wondering about him, I'm a Smith owner in my primarily league, and I'm miserable. David Carr is terrible, and, as yesterday showed, this Matt Moore guy isn't any better. It strikes me that the key to any value for Smith is the return of Vinny Testaverde, which is one scary proposition. I'm not ready to deal him for an injured receiver just yet, though. I know AJ sounds like he'll be back Week 11, but I'd still be too nervous to make that deal at this moment.
Rob (Miami, FL)
Should I try to trade Marvin Harrison? This cannot be just a bruised knee. What is going on. I'm scared to trade him and him go off during playoff time but at the same time I don't want to be stuck with dead weight. What should I do?
Christopher Harris (11:44 AM)
Hi, Rob. I hear you. There have been rumors (these are *completely* unsubstantiated rumors, but the talk is making the rounds) that Harrison might've had a secret scope on his knee during Indy's bye. We know Indy has said they don't think he's going to suddenly get better in a week or two. The problem, of course, is that you're not going to be able to get very much for him in a trade. You probably just have to have him ride pine for the time being. But yes, if you could get anything approximating fair value, I'd trade him.
Damien (Bronx)
What happened to D. Bowe? Zero spots ain't cool.
Christopher Harris (11:46 AM)
You're right, Damien. Apparently he had a strained hamstring, and played through it, but not very effectively. Bowe wasn't only zero fantasy points, but he was zero catches. He's got a tough match-up against Denver (well, that is, if Denver decides to show up) next week...you might have to sit him unless you get clarification that he's healthy.
Tom (Baltimore)
Fair trade in a keeper, ppr league- T. Holt & L. Jordan for M. Lynch?
Christopher Harris (11:46 AM)
Hi, Tom. Yeah, because it's a keeper league, I like the deal. Presumably the team getting Lynch is looking toward next year maybe a little bit more than the team dealing him away? I think it's fair, provided the team getting Holt has enough depth at RB, and doesn't have to rely heavily on Jordan.
Ryan Atl
If Beck is named the starter in Miami, does he have any value going foward? I am in a 2 QB league starting VY and Warner.
Christopher Harris (11:48 AM)
Hi, Ryan. I think it'd be too speculative to think about starting Beck right out of the box. In a two-QB league like yours, I can see picking him up, provided you have the bench spot. But I don't think you'd be able to justify starting him over your two options right now, at least until we see what he can do.
Mike (Arlington, VA)
I LOVE ADRIAN PETERSON!!! (no question, just proclaiming my man-crush)
Christopher Harris (11:48 AM)
Spoken like a man who drafted wisely.
Jamaal (Mount Laurel, NJ)
Hey Chris, I was offered Steve Smith for Lee Evans, and I'm pondering that seriously. What do yout think? Thanks.
Christopher Harris (11:50 AM)
Hi, Jamaal. I'll tell you: that's a little more like it. We don't exactly know what the future holds at the quarterback position in Buffalo, but Losman played pretty well (against a terrible defense) yesterday, and as long as Losman's in there, Evans's value returns. Note also that Evans is a good second-half player. I dissed the notion of trading Smith for Andre Johnson a minute ago, just because I wouldn't want to be left holding the bag if AJ can't come back from his knee. But Evans is healthy. I like that deal.
Chris (Rochester, NY)
With two easy defenses coming up who's a better QB start next week, Brees or Big Ben?
Christopher Harris (11:51 AM)
Hi, Chris. I hate to make this kind of judgment before Roethlisberger has even played, and I haven't done the work to come up with my weekly rankings yet. But I'd say Brees against the Rams tempts more more than Big Ben against Cleveland. They're both good, but the way Brees looks, I think he's a must-start every week by now.
Matt (NJ)
I have the KC and TB D/ST. Should I rotate them for the rest of the season or pick up JAX?
Christopher Harris (11:52 AM)
Hi, Matt. I like the Chiefs D more than Tampa right now. Jared Allen is playing out of his mind, though he only gave you half-a-sack and three tackles in IDP leagues this week. Jacksonville is probably better than either one when Marcus Stroud is in there, but he won't be in there for a month. I actually think if I were playing match-ups with these defenses, it'd be betwee KC and Jacksonville.
Kieth-CA
Peyton has been pretty mediocre for him this season. Our deadline is Friday, should I shop him around?
Christopher Harris (11:54 AM)
Well, I can only agree that Peyton has been mediocre by his own lofty standards. He's still throwing touchdowns (the long one to Addai yesterday was a happy little bonus), and he's obviously still a tremendous "real-life" quarterback. Still, depending on the composition of your team, I can see the logic behind shopping him. If you have another good quarterback option, and someone wants to pay you top dollar in the form of a stud running back? I'd listen.
Mark (State College, PA)
How bad is Cutler's injury?
Christopher Harris (11:55 AM)
Hi, Mark. The latest I heard is that Denver was planning on doing an MRI to see if the leg is broken. Cutler was able to stand on the sidelines in the second half, but he says it feels like it's broken, via a "hairline fracture." It doesn't sound like he'll play next week, but that certainly could be subject to change if he feels better today and the tests show nothing.
Matt (NJ)
In our keeper league an 0-8 team is trying to trade Gore to our best team for Ronnie Brown. This needs to be vetoed right?
Christopher Harris (11:55 AM)
Hi, Matt. Yeah, if it's a non-keeper league, this is the rare case where I think the veto does need to be invoked.
todd-dc
is engram now worth starting over steve smith?
Christopher Harris (11:57 AM)
Hi, Todd. Boy, it's starting to feel that way, huh? What an amazing game for Engram. 139 yards and a score, and to top it off, he had a ridiculous 20 targets yesterday. Eesh. Some of that's going to abate when Deion Branch comes back, but the Bears and Rams the next two weeks haven't been great against the pass. I can't say it's an automatic, but the fact that we're even considering it is incredible. Your deciding factor may be whether or not Branch plays next week. If he doesn't, Engram may be your guy.
Hunter (Little Rock AR)
Should I trade R. Wayne straight up for P. Burress? I have Addai and am not a big fan of having a RB and WR from the same team.
Christopher Harris (11:58 AM)
Hi, Hunter. I don't hate that deal. I like Wayne a little more, but Burress is a touchdown machine, and I think you're right about RB/WR or QB/RB cannibalizations. It's not automatically bad to own those combos on the same team, but if you can spread risk, that's not a bad thing.
Matt,MPLS
Is Derek Anderson an everyweek starter? My backup is McNabb, and I dont even see him as a matchups guy.
Christopher Harris (11:59 AM)
Hi, Matt. Absolutely, I think you have to start Anderson every week. I had him rated No. 3 among quarterbacks for Week 9.
Chris, Toronto
How bad is #85's injury?
Christopher Harris (12:00 PM)
Hi, Chris. Chad Johnson had a CT scan on his neck which came up completely normal, and he was able to get on the team's charter from Buffalo last night. That's all great news. The Bengals haven't made any comment on his availability for Week 10. I have to believe that at best he's going to be considered questionable for most of the week. Okay, folks, unfortunately I'm going to have to get out of here in about five minutes, so just a few more quick ones.
Jeremy (Bellevue, Wa)
In a keeper league, do I just sit on S Smith till next year? You figure in the offseason the panthers have to do something to help him right?
Christopher Harris (12:02 PM)
Hi, Jeremy. Well, I think what would help him would be the return of Jake Delhomme, and nothing I've read or heard would indicate Delhomme is expected to be limited next year. He's had Tommy John surgery, and he'll certainly have an arduous rehab ahead of him, but the prognosis is good. That's all Smith'll need. It's hard for me to know whether you should definitely keep him without knowing the rest of your team, but yeah, the way you're thinking sounds smart to me in a vacuum.
Sean (Philly)
Do i pick up Fargas or Chris Henry (Cinci)?
Christopher Harris (12:02 PM)
Hi, Sean. Between those two (and not knowing what you really need on your team), I'd say Fargas. I wouldn't blow the top waiver spot in my league on either, though.
JAy (MA)
Need a backup for Cutler! Warner, Clemons, or McCown! Ugh !!
Christopher Harris (12:02 PM)
Hi, Jay. Warner, definitely.
Tim (CT)
Who is Micheal Bush? And is he worth a grab in a keeper league, keep 7?
Christopher Harris (12:04 PM)
Hi, Tim. Bush is a rookie out of Louisville who broke his leg during his senior season, and had his draft stock dip as a result. He's been on the PUP list all year, and it remains to be seen if the Raiders are going to give him a chance to be active at all this season. But in keeper leagues, he's intriguing: very big, but pretty fast, relatively elusive. Before he broke his leg, he was a high first-rounder waiting to happen.
Jay-CT
Will Marshall be affected if Cutler is out for the season?
Christopher Harris (12:04 PM)
Definitely, Jay. Patrick Ramsey didn't look awful yesterday, but he doesn't have the arm Cutler does.
Christopher Harris (12:07 PM)
All right, folks, I'm sorry, but I have to bail. I hate not getting to so many questions (really, there are hundreds and hundreds of questions I couldn't get to)...I'm really appreciative for the interest, and I know I wouldn't get to do this job without your interest. Thank you very much. Not to sound too much like an ESPN shill, but if you're feeling frustrated about not getting your questions answered in chats, you can get one-on-one answers from an ESPN fantasy expert if you're an Insider...go to the "Fantasy Concierge" service, which has grown by leaps and bounds. It's really pretty cool. Okay, anyway, thanks again, and be on the lookout for the Big Rotowski on Wednesday, and The Breakdown on Friday. See you.
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