Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Hey gang... I'm here. As always... all subjects answered...

Brian (Iowa)

I MADE A FACEBOOK GROUP 4 U! Is it too much to think that Priest can get 70 yards and a score this week? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Really? That's awesome. Send me the link. Now I just need a Wikipedia page. Yeah, I do think so. Remember, KC is playing CHI and they are 26th vs run. I like him a lot this week

Sarge (Lee's Summit, MO)

LJ likely out, according to Herm. Is Holmes or Smith the better play this week against the horrid Denver rush D?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

Holmes. i'm not buying the "Priest will only get 15 carries thing"

Chris (MI)

Would you give Kevin "Sell High" Jones and Justin "#1 WW Pickup" Fargas for "Fast" Willie Parker?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

Yeah, I would. Willie will be much better down the stretch and I am not crazy about KJ's sked the rest of the way

Tim (NJ)

Berry, I have a beef that I need your help with. I am a paying Insider subscriber, and every day I have to play hide and go seek with the ESPN Fantasy Football page. I would say 25% of the links are wrong (old articles, chats) and its really frustrating. Don't you have someone over there that can update the links each morning so that we can see the chat for TODAY, not last Tuesday? The chats are 11am, and the link is not fixed till usually the afternoon. Today's Engel chat was taking me to Nates chat last Tuesday, all day. My 2nd thing is this: Why do most articles post later at night? Can't you adjust things, so articles get posted throughout the day? All of us readers just sit around waiting, and then can't read most things until night time. I LOVE all your content, but there is no rhyme or reason on how or when to find it these days.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

Hey Tim: We're working on it. All of it. The great thing about ESPN is that it's this huge company with tons of resources... the tought thing is that, well, it's a huge company with tons of resources. Fantasy is a priority but unlike other websites, we also do many other things... we're working on getting the content posted at more consistent times and earlier in the day ... we're getting there. As for the links, I'll look into that as well. It shouldn't happen - there's no excuse. Appreciate your patience

matt

is branch for priest a good trade? if not who is getting the better of the deal?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

No, I'd rather have Branch until we know for sure how long Larry is out

kevin (boston)

your as well as the rest of your co-workers rankings were horrible, thanks for knocking me out of the playoffs. (oh and this isn't even about peterson)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Aw, shucks. Go on.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Aw, shucks. Go on.

Rebecca (STL)

I have the same issue as Tim. Bookmark this link: http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=ChatArchiveIndexHome

Ben (MN)

TMR, Gore owner here, I picked up Hicks last weekend and played him. If Gore misses significant time do I want to keep Hicks or go after Robinson who got more touches.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Hicks is the better talent, Robinson is getting more touches.... I'd probably say Hicks. I initially thought Robinson but looking at it more closely, it's Hicks

Joe (Philly)

Does Rebecca in STL have any other links that could be bookmarked?

Matt (Chicago, IL)

The CHIEFS DO NOT PLAY CHICAGO THIS WEEK!!! Check your facts man.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

You are correct. Confusing them with Oakland for some reason (I've been talking Fargsa a lot all day too - OAK plays CHI)... KC plays DEN. An even better matchup. My bad.

Curious Minds (USA)

What does the average Fantasy expert start out making?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

I started out writing for free in '99 as a freelance writer. Most websites pay $25 to $150 an article. Full time writers for large websites can make from the 30k area to well into six figures depending on a lot of different factors.

Bill (NYC)

I think what Tim was also referring to were the "Weekly Football Schedule" links in the middle/bottom of the page. Today, for example, all the links were a week old until about 1 p.m. or so. Usually, they reset every day, but sometimes the links do go to old columns. I agree though that the content is great and I look forward to reading everything you guys put out (especially the podcasts) Why no mention of the Coke Zero shower for Ravitz on today's podcast???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Yeah, we forgot that. We'll get into the Coke Zero shower when I fele better. We have a pretty big surprise coming up on the podcast that is going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for the heads up on the calendar links.

Jim

Fargas value from here on in?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

I like him as a #2 RB. People forget that even with all their struggles and QB issues, OAK is 4th in rushing yards. They can run the ball. And now that they have comitted to Fargas, he's a legit #2

Rob (Rowlett, TX)

Willie Parker killed me last night...should I continue to expect that?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

No. That was the result of BALT's run defense and their pass D being so horrific. Willie will be fine and makes a good buy low

Steve (IL)

Already knocked out of the playoffs and you're blaming the people who didn't put your team together? Excellent job at passing the buck there Kevin.

James (NYC)

MAtt- I miss the boards from the old site. The email service is cool but the interaction on the boards with C-Dub, Hunter, Ian, madison (and sometimes even TMR) ect. was really cool. Anthing like that in the works for ESPN?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

yes, we're working on it. Many folks from the old TMR message board days went over to RotoPass.com incidentally if you miss those guys.

Ryan (Chicago)

I cant believe I'm asking advice from the guy who wrote "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles," but here goes: Who do you think puts up better numbers for the remainder of the season? MJD, Edge, or Jamal Lewis w/ his tasty playoff schedule?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

For the record, I co-wrote it. And was Razzie nominee for my work, thank you very much. You have those RB ranked correctly.

Cameron (Egypt's land)

Did I screw up trading flavor of the month A-peterson for historic #1 LT?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

No, not at all. I'd rather have LT

Paymon (Pensacola, FL)

Matt, I sold high (so I thought) on AP like you said 4 weeks ago, Matt. I've been crying every since. The team I traded him to is now enjoying first place while I'm scrambling to make the playoffs. Not blaming you because I'm the one who pulled the trigger, but WE blew it on that one, huh?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Well depends what you traded for. When I say sell high I don't mean just sell... but rather that his value will never be higher. After the first explosion game vs CHI I figured you could get anything you wanted for him... You're correct - I didn't see the almost 300 yard game coming, but who did? All that said.... sorry dude.

Paul Hogan (Outback)

You owe me this one, Berry: David Patten or Reggie Brown for the rest of the way?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Patten

Jake (KC)

Do you think Big Ben can go on a big tear the next 4 weeks with such a cake schedule after destroying the Ravens in the rain or will he come back down to reality?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Yes. We've been talking about Ben for a while now. He's legit. I'd say there's only 5 QB's I want more... Brady, Manning Romo, Anderson... maybe Palmer

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Oh and Brees of course

Coty (LA)

McNabb and Rivers at QB. Stick with one of them or plug-in Warner?

Rob, NY

Fargas or Priest?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Fargas then Priest

TitanEddie

Trade Deadline today!! Trade Hasselbeck for Branch? Other QB's are Romo and Smith and thin at WR.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

Gotta get more than that I think, but yeah, if you're truly desperate

Joey (Austin, TX)

Never thought I'd be asking this at the start of the season: Drop Rudi for Priest?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Wow. Yeah, right? But no, I wouldn't. Rudi has a very favorable sked and will get the gig back eventually

Jack (UP)

If Chad were to be out this week, would you ever consider starting Henry with Housh if own both (Start 3 WR PPR)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

depending on your other guys, yeah I would

Adam (NoLA)

Quick question, should I drop Calvin Johnson for D.J. Hackett?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

In a non keeper league, yes, I would

brad (harrisburg, pa)

steve smith, wtf!!! do you see him coming around before its too late?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

I see him as a #2 wide out the rest of the way... so certainly not what you drafted. Too many questions at QB... He's like Hines Ward / Donald Driver level... big name that has disappointed - #2 WR

Bob Sacamano (NY/NJ)

Stop the Holmes hype! Kolby Smith will put up better numbers!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

I disagree.

Larry (Des Moines)

Who are your top 5 plug in Ds this week?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

DET vs AZ ; BUF vs MIA ; NO vs STL ; SEA vs SF

Chris-CT

Sell high on Earnest Graham, or can he do this the rest of the season as a flex/#3?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

He's legit. TB can run the ball fairly effectively

Mork (Ork)

Is Santana Moss still worthy of a roster slot, or cut him for someone like Stokely or Curry for the balance of the season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

he's very cutable

Scott (Dickeyville, WI)

Need your help here, a guy in my league asked me this morning if I were interesed in trading A. Peterson. I replied and said that anybody is tradeable for the right price, because he owns Moss and LT. He comes back and says that he's not trading Moss or LT, but was there anybody else on his team that I would want? My question is, what's the best way to publicly humiliate him for being an idiot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

ask him what the offer is, then post it on your league's message board.

Matt (Dallas)

Is MJD for Brees fair Value?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

yes

Jeff (Vegas)

Favorite fantasy question tagline - "in a vacuum" or "considering his tasty playoff schedule"?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

in a vaccum

Chris (STL)

Can we have your sell high and buy low guys.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

SELL HIGH: Kevin Jones, LenDale White (he'll get injured), Clinton Portis,

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

BUY LOW: Willie Parker, Lav Coles, Rudi Johnson, D Driver

SalPacino (CT)

Priest is 34 years old, hasn't played in 2 years and isn't playing in the same great system or behind the same great OL that he was 4-5 years ago. Why should we assume that he's going to step right in and be an effective runner again. I'm an LJ Owner and I'm all over Smith.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

All of that makes sound, logical sense. But - and this is what I wrote today- every single time someone counts Priest out, he steps up.

The Talented Mr. Franken Berry

In a vacuum, Count Chocula or Boo Berry?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

boo Berry!

Vernon Davis

Am i for real? can i post numbers like antonio gates?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

No, you can't. You're sort of for real - a decent lower tier starting TE but no. Not elite

Robert (Eugene, Or)

Worth more down the stretch, D.J. Hackett or David Patten?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

Patten

Steve (Philly)

In a league where there are no required TE's but one can be played as a WR, would you trade Steve Smith for Antonio Gates? Maybe I should reword that...how fast would you make that trade??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

wicked fast

Jeremy (Bellevue, Wa)

Do you questions VD's team or his ability to stay healthy or why is it that he cant be like Gate or Gonzo in the future?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

Because he has trouble blocking and running routes and he has QB issues.

Matt (Long Island)

Priest against Denver or MJD against Tenn.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

Wow. MJD but it's close

James (Corona, CA)

I disagree with most posters that you (ESPN in general) suck with rankings. In a two QB league - 1 flez (usually QB as well), I was almost going to start A. Smith with the favorable ATL matchup vs. Huard going against a tougher GB but after looking at your recommendations on the Crystal Ball feature (LOVE IT by the way) I switched and it's a good thing I did.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

Thanks James.

Jeff (SD)

Are you still as high on Owen Daniels as you were earlier in the season??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

if he could get healthy, yeah... I do still like him a lot from a skills standpoint. HOU on a bye this week so let's see how he (and the QB) is when they come out

John-CA

Who is your top "underrated" celebrity hot chick?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Anne Hathaway

Jon (Boston)

Will there ever be a pure Fantasy BAsketball chat? Why is material for Fantasy BAsketball so lacking? It's by far the best of the fantasy sports!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

We're doing three new articles a day for fantasy hoops. And yeah, we'll get a hoops chat going. Good suggestion.

Mason (SC)

I think your Love/Hate column idea is great...I was wondering if the other fantasy guys could do something similar and we could get a breakdown of how each analyst does against 'the spread".

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

No, every writer needs his or her own style. Ultimately, it's up to you to decided who you trust and like and make your own decisions

Carl-CT

Anne Hathaway!?!?!? The Princess Diary girl?!?! Wow! How about Maria Menounos?

Joseph (Baltimore)

Anne Hathaway great call....

Foghorn (Tennessee)

Still curious! Do you experts play against experts from other sites? (Fox, Yahoo, etc.) If so, how are you doing? If not, you should. Would be fun to see who emerges as having the ultimate experts.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Yes, I am in a number of those expert leagues but honeslty it does not matter. Playing and winning those leagues is not my job. It's to write, analyze and comment on all players. Things I do in a specific league do not help most people... When a trade or injury or something happens... I'm immeadiately writing about it, working it up for TV, what have you... not running to my waiver wire to pick him up, you know? I play in a variety of different leagues and try different things to best report to you guys who is out there, what is working, what isn't.... The ability to compete in an exp[ert league (and I've won my share of them) has very little to do with my job or any of the other guys jobs

Lee, NYC

Favorite east coast fast food joint?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Dunkin Donuts

Jim (STL)

Need a fill-in for Brady this week. Lemon, Warner, Losman, or McCown? Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

I say Losman

Michael (Charlotte)

Hey Matt. When will you do an article that features NFL players we'll want to get on our teams because of their favorable matchups during the fantasy playoffs? Can you name several off the top of your head?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

I did an article like this for ESPN the Magazine and posted it on my fan page... Bengals, Browns and Bills all have great skeds.... Saints too and Chiefs to an extent. Bad skeds are Redskins, Steelers, Bears, Dolphins and Jets

Helpful Harry

Anne Hathaway fans...google her name and the movie Havoc. You're welcome.

Jon (LA)

Matt, been a fan since your Dave Winfield pic days... I can't find your hoops Love/Hate on the site. Can you give a link?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Thanks. I didn't do one this year - just couldn't find the time unfortunately...

Homer Simpson

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.........donuts!!! Trade Tory Holt for a more reliable option?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

I actually like Holt and would hold tight

Jake (VA Beach)

HOW long ago are your ESPN mag articles submitted. The one with the Celtics on the cover had you saying to sell high on Ronnie Brown. Um, yea, that woulda worked 4 weeks ago.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

About a month ago. I have to write them a week in advance of publishing. Like the mag will come out today with an article i worte last Wednesday

Matt,MPLS

So if you were to try and play the matchup games for the playoffs, would you trade Willie Parker for Lynch?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

I think I might, yes

Hines, Pittsburgh

Trade me for Romo? (Other QB is McNabb, other WRs are Boldin, AJ, Cotchery, Crayton)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

in a heartbeat

Kevin Curtis (Philadelphia, PA)

Why do you guys keep rating me so high? I've only had one decent game since I blew up in week three. Can you just tell my owner to bench me already?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Not true. You've been solid recently - just were terrible last week

Adam (Austin, TX)

I've been holding onto Andre Johnson for 8 weeks now. Do you see him coming back from the bye week and being a factor down the stretch?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

yes and yes

Drew (FL)

"The ability to compete in an exp[ert league (and I've won my share of them) has very little to do with my job or any of the other guys jobs". Sounds like something a guy getting his butt kicked would say. Bring it Berry!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Maybe. I'm in first or tied for first in most of them, getting my butt kicked in one (stupid Mcnabb)... but whatever. I'm interested in helping YOU gys win, not helping ME win. Expert Leagues might be the most overrated thing in the universe - and most "experts" agree with me.

Christopher-=CT

What about Santonio Holmes???? I have been very high on him, just like you, but is he the ultimate sell high considering last night and his bad playoff schedule?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Well, anyone is available for the right price, but yes his value is at an all time high. That said, I don't thin last night was a fluke

Cedric (Chicago)

Is it possible for me to have 100 yards and a touchdown against oakland??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

If you were anyone else, yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

ok gang, I gotta run. Thanks for stopping by!