Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello all and welcome to another Wednesday morning fantasy chat session. We're taking questions on fantasy football, baseball and basketball, so let's get going...

James, Indiana

With Larry Johnson reportedly out for the rest of the season, who is the more valuable pickup: Priest Holmes or Kolby Smith?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

Well, so far that is just a report, and there's no confirmation from the team that Johnson has a broken foot and is done. Regardless, both Holmes and Smith are worth owning. If Johnson is out the rest of the year, I doubt it affects the team's Week 10 philosophy. They need wins now. Holmes shouldn't get a ton of carries, but one would think he'd score touchdowns. Smith remains unproven, but anyone who gets a lot of touches is worth a look in fantasy. Holmes would be the better pickup for now.

Marco (CT)

I have Cutler as my qb, and assuming he is unable to play next sunday, do you any recommendations for a fill-in? McNair? Losman? ??

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

I actually ranked Losman better than Cutler for this week, and that's assuming Cutler does start. What's so special about Cutler? Losman is no star either, but he has played well the last two weeks and has had his moments in the past. Plus, Lee Evans is a serious weapon for him. McNair? He made my top-20 at QB, because of the matchup with Cincy, but he'd rank third here.

Tom (Chicago)

In a PPR League: Trade Steve Smith and Thomas Jones for Wes Welker?

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

Seems like a lot to give up, but then again, Welker is very productive, and the other two are not. You should try to extract a bit more in the deal, mainly with a RB, but the case can be made for this deal with how poor the Panthers QB play has been.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

Chatman or Priest this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

I ranked Priest outside my top-20 for running backs this week, so while he's a No. 2 fantasy RB in 12-team leagues, there are plenty of others I like better, including Chatman. There are a lot of Holmes questions in here, so I hope that sums them up. I'm not expecting 20 carries and 100 yards here.

Matt (NYC)

Eric- Rudi or T. Jones rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

Yuck. I still think Rudi Johnson can help a fantasy team when he gets healthy, but his injury might linger. There's little reason to expect T.Jones to score anytime soon.

Chris, OH

How bout a Travis Henry question then? Chatman or Travis Henry in week 10? I don't think it's a no brainer.

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

I ranked them close, with Chatman at 17 and Henry at 19. So that's my answer. I think Chatman is closer to getting big carries, and certainly he is the more healthy back.

Steve (Chicago, IL)

When can Chris Henry start producing for me? When will he?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

If you're talking the Bengals WR, I think you can activate him now. It's his first game and he's facing a team that just gave up 5 touchdown passes in the first half. Carson Palmer is pretty good, too. Henry is more of a flex to me, just outside my top-30 at WR.

dave - denver

Jacobs or Gore - whose better for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

Oh, to me it's definitely Brandon Jacobs. He's played really well since getting healthy, and it's clear he can have just about all the carries if he wants them. Amazing how one week off makes fantasy owners forget! As for Gore, I expect he will play this week, but he's more of a No. 2 RB.

Chris (Gainesville)

Eric, this trade is at the tipping point for vetoing in our league...please provide your input. I'm trading Steve Smith, Lendale White, and Greg Jennings for Braylon Edwards, Thomas Jones, and Shaun Alexander. Fair trade or no?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

The case can be made for both sides. I know you're probably hoping I would nix this, but I can't. I favor the side with LenDale and Jennings, of course, but I don't like vetoing trades in my leagues, because everyone has an agenda.

Mike (Orlando)

Do I continue to hold on to Harrison? Its a shallow league so people like Bowe and Branch are available.

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

I think you have to hold on to Marvin. I don't know if he will play this week, but if he does he'd be a top-20 WR option. Just make sure you don't have to activate him, and you have depth. Branch isn't healthy either, and Bowe has certainly slowed his production.

George (san diego)

is Michael Bush worth picking up??

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I actually think Justin Fargas is going to be pretty good, and as long as he stays healthy, Bush won't play much, if at all. The Raiders might not use their young players like Russell and Bush at all. Fargas probably can't stay healthy, but I like him this week.

Lee (MN)

Given the Monday night game, who's the better WR option this week...Edwards @ Pit or Colston vs. NO?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I wouldn't put too much stock in the Monday night game. These are terrific WRs who can put up numbers on any team. I ranked each in the top six.

Bryan (AZ)

Brady on bye: McNair, Carr, Losman or Lemon? Please help!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

Yikes. This is a huge week for Brady and Moss owners, because they have to replace them, so I am looking forward to interesting lineup choices and a bunch of barely competent QBs to be added in leagues. I'd take Losman. He's safe while he starts, which sounds ridiculous, but the Bills refuse to give him lineup security. The others really are not.

Bryan (Phoenix)

I like Fargas but isn't his playoff schedule BRUTAL?!

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

There are so few good teams in the league, I can't call any schedule brutal. Plus, I don't really think Fargas will last 8 weeks. But for now and the next few, he's a good option.

tim-fl

i'm very thin at rb. is cobbs worth owning as a handcuff to chatman? i would have to drop dayne or colby smith.

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I have little faith that Ahman Green will play anytime soon, so Dayne needs to be owned. And in KC, Smith has a shot to do things. I don't envision a healthy Chatman sharing carries. I think he's waited for his chance, and finally gets it, and he'll do OK with it.

Chris-CT

Our league has had 5 out of 6 trades vetoed this year. As commish, how can I encourage people to stop using the veto as a tool to stop other teams from bettering themselves? Vetos are private, do you think people should have to reveal their vote?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

i think the problem is the people. I don't prefer leagues with any veto process, but then again, I would rather play in leagues with people who know what they're doing and act accordingly. Most trades are vetoed because the vetoing owners are just jealous that another owner made a deal they'd want to, and that another owner is getting better. I would encourage your owners to play the right way, and let the best team win fairly.

Chris (Vero Beach FL)

Eric who's the better start this week at WR3 (It's weird that the first option has fallen this far): Steve Smith in a trash-talking battle with DeAngelo Hall, or Deion Branch coming off an injury?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

It's tough owning Smith, because you almost have to play him on the premise he'll break a short pass or Carr will find him, but it hasn't happened the last two games. I still rank Smith in my top-20 at WR, barely, so I would play him.

Lee, NC

I own both Hackett and Branch. Which one would you play Monday Night against SF? Or is David Patten better than both choices?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I would play Patten. He's been very good for a month now, and the Saints offense can't be stopped. For Seattle, neither of those guys are locks to produce, not after what we saw Bobby Engram do.

Rebecca (STL)

If Fargas won't last 8 weeks, won't Bush be next in line? Also, when does Selvin Young get his chance to carry the load?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

No, not necessarily. In fact, they still have LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes. Real football teams don't do what real baseball teams do, and assume they have to take a look at players late in a lost season. Players get hurt more in football. I think the Raiders figure Russell and Bush are in the plans to fight for starting roles in 2008, but they really might not play this season.

chris, IL

Gore or Benson, who's the better play this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

I don't think either is a great play, or poor one, assuming Gore does in fact suit up. I'd probably lean to Gore if he plays. Benson gets carries, but I have little faith he's going to do much with them.

Dave (Boston)

Eric, just got offered Edge and Calvin Johnson for Chatman and Lee Evans. Good deal?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

The case can be made for both sides. Currently, the best player in this deal is Evans. Edge does have a nice schedule the rest of the way, and Johnson is eventually going to emerge, but I'm gonna shock ya and say I'd prefer the Chatman-Evans side.

Matt (BR, LA)

What's the deal with Willis McGahee, will he play this week? I picked up Musa Smith as insurance, and if Willis is out, is Musa considered just as good an option?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

I think McGahee is fine, just a bit embarrassed off a bad game. If he were to miss the game, I would not assume Musa steps in with the same stats.

Dan (Charlotte NC)

Play my regular Chargers D this week vs. The Colts - or plug in the Bills???

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I would probably use the Bills. I mean, they face Miami! Batter up! I don't assume the Colts will go off, but the Bills should create turnovers.

John (Hartford)

Am I nuts to think of starting Losman over Anderson this weekend? The Steelers frighten and confuse me!

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

You are not nuts at all. I would personally go with Anderson, but I could understand someone choosing Losman.

Jim (NYC)

Best D this week and for rest of season: Packers, Eagles, and Giants. If you had to drop one, which one?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I'd go with the Packers D now and generally the rest of the season, and drop the Eagles. That team looks done to me, which I type in sadly, but it's true. Plus, the Eagles still have the Patriots and Cowboys and, it's not going to go well.

Matt (Charlotte)

Eric, you seem pretty high on Patten. Offer unproductive & injured Marvin for Patten?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

I am high on Patten, but let's not go overboard. Patten has played well for four games, and the Saints have won them all. But a healthy Marvin is going to be a must-start.

Chris , tx

E graham time to sell high?

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

Not really. Earnest Graham looks good, and I don't know why he would just stop playing well. The Bucs have found something that works to go with their Garcia-Galloway connection. That's about it for the offense.

Joe (Manhattan)

Is Maurice Morris going to get carries this week? Alexander has been terrible...

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

I think they are splitting them until Alexander finally steps away and takes a week off, which could be really soon. Would I activate Morris under the current circumstances? He's barely a flex for now. Morris had a chance last season and did nothing with it. Why would now be any different?

Joe ciolino (Madison MS)

Need to clear 1 player from roster--would you release Crayton (invisible in Dallas blowout) or R White--not flashy but no. 1 target at Atlanta?

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Tough call. I would probably cut Crayton. Roddy has played much better lately, and Dallas is going more to Witten and running backs than Crayton. But it would not shock me if Crayton still has a few good games left.

Jimmy (Atlanta)

Take a chance on Bulger at QB, or go with Kitna this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

Case can be made for either guy as a starter. I have Kitna at 10, Bulger at 12. Both should have good days.

Mike NJ

What do you expect from Warrick Dunn this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I do not expect 100 yards again, but is he someone you can start in fantasy? Sure, why not. I'd figure he's back at 65 or so yards.

Nate, Boston

When is Travis Henry going to stop playing?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I don't think he will stop playing, at least not because of legal woes. Injuries could derail him though. I don't trade for the guy, but don't cut him, either.

Nate (DC)

Eric, TMR seems to think LenDale will get hurt and he is a sell high guy. Do you agree? He's been doing so well, I'd rather not part with him.

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

i don't assume injury with LenDale, and certainly he could be a sell-high guy, but I'd expect some more good games from him. The Titans are pretty good, and it's not because of Vince Young. It's a strong running game, and LenDale looks to me like he's getting stronger. But as always, it depends on value.

JJ, Mexico

Hey Eric, whats a good price for AP?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

If I own Adrian Peterson, I don't trade him. Maybe for LT. Possibly, depending on who else you have at QB, for Brady. But the way AP is playing, how can anyone deal him?

Denise (Seminole FL)

Need to choose a D this week and for rest of season: Cowboys or Lions. If you had to drop one, which one?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

Tough call, because the Lions are the hottest fantasy defense right now, but the Cowboys are safer for the long-term. I think you'd have to go Dallas.

Peyton Manning....Indy

With Harrison hurting, Is Drew Brees a better QB than me for the remainder of the year. He has a great schedule and healthy WRs.

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Hi Peyton, thanks for checking in. Great job in the commercials. I can't make that leap yet. I still go Brady first, then Peyton and Romo in some order. Brees might be fourth though.

Kenny (NY)

what is derek anderson's outlook for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

After he gets past the Ravens and Steelers, it looks great. Stick with Anderson.

Nate, Boston

People talk about handcuffing RB's a lot. When is it NOT worth it? In Green Bay, Grant is somewhat effective when he plays, but Jackson has been atrocious for the most part. Is it worth having a mediocre back up like Jackson?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

I wouldn't bother handcuffing Green Bay running backs. In fact, other than Ryan Grant, is there a GB RB worth owning?

Josh, NJ

Hoops Question! In a weekly lineup league, do you bench a star (ie Baron Davis) if he plays only 2 games a week for another player (ie TJ Ford or Boris Diaw at utility) who plays 4 games that week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

And whatta ya know, the last question of the chat is finally hoops! Hey, I can only answer what I see! It depends on what stats you need. I generally do not sit guys like Baron, but if I have loads of scoring and need dimes or steals, I could see going with Ford. I normally play my best in weekly leagues because Baron could still go for 60 points and 20 assists in 2 games. Will Ford be better in 4 games?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Thanks for the questions and have a great day. Adios.