Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello there and welcome to another fantasy sports chat. I'm guessing much of this will be football, since it has been for weeks, but if I see a good hoops/baseball question, I'll go there, too... let's go!

Bill (Chicago)

Hey Eric, Just saw that Ricky Williams got reinstated. Any fantasy implications this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

Yes, let's start with the breaking news of the day, as Williams has been reinstated. I don't think it matters for our purposes. Williams won't play this week, if ever again for the Dolphins. He was merely reinstated to the league, and Miami holds his rights. Plus, this is not a good team looking for an edge. This is the only winless team, and I can't believe it wants more bad press. I don't think this matters for fantasy.

Kevin (Portland, OR)

How much should I offer for Peterson? My playoff status is firm and the guy who owns him needs 3 straight wins to make the playoffs. He may be willing to trade. I own Alexander, Jackson, Ryan Grant, and Selvin Young.

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Well, I wouldn't offer a ton, because I don't think AP will have a huge impact in December. Try to get him cheap of course, just in case, especially when you don't have much at RB yourself. But he won't play again in November, and I'm skeptical a 4-8 team like the Vikes will take chances in mid-December.

Dave (Longmont)

Is this the week Benson loses his job to Peterson?

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

I don't think there is a week when Benson loses the job. The Bears don't even discuss it. And why does anyone think that other Adrian Peterson will be any good? I don't. The Chicago line and lack of threat at QB is a big problem there. Benson is safe. As for fantasy, you know what you're getting, and it's barely average.

Tim (Cleveland, OH)

Hey Eric, what do you think the Bills will do this weekend? I see nothing, but I have Losman, Evans, and Lynch on one of my teams and I was j/w. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

I think the Pats will tear them apart and the Bills will struggle to keep up, personally. Lynch has the best shot of the three players, but this is not a good week to own Bills on any fantasy team.

Marco (CT)

Would you start ryan grant over jesse chatman this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

I ranked them Nos. 17 and 18 at RB, so obviously I think it is very close. I like them both as No. 2 backs, but I did have Chatman one spot higher. Flip a coin.

Kevin (Princeton NJ)

Hey Eric, can you rank the following QB's for the remainder of the season: Derek Anderson, Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

I'd put D.Anderson first, then probably Bulger, with McNabb last. I don't have a good feeling about the Eagles, and I think if they're under .500 in three weeks we'll see Kevin Kolb over McNabb. Donovan will be a Viking or Bear next season.

jeff (ct)

Hey Eric... Do you think that Jerious Norwood has any value for the rest of this season? He's available...(and I can drop the Chicago Adrian Peterson)

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

I think Norwood has value, but it was clear before he got hurt that he wasn't getting enough carries. Still, he gets more than Chicago's AP. I could be wrong about Benson, but I doubt it. The Bears are sticking with Benson.

Jeremy (OH)

Eric, I know you can't trust Mike Shenanigans but IF Henry is actually going to be suspended after this game where do you rank S. Young for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

Well, I don't think Selvin is a top-10 back, but he would be useful as a No. 2 RB. By the way, I don't think Henry has to be suspended for Young to play. Henry is still hurt, and I get the feeling Denver is tired of dealing with him at all.

Matt (san francisco)

Drop Chris Chambers for DJ Hackett, Eric?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

If you're implying that Hackett is a safe fantasy starter who will put up numbers each week, I don't agree. These guys are about even, like 20 other receivers who will have a good week or two, but generally underachieve.

Brent (New Mexico)

Is this a fair and sensible trade? LT and Crayton for Grant and B. Edwards

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

I'll take the LT side. 10 out of 10 times. I know he's not leading fantasy in points, but he's still LT. Stick with him and don't overrate Ryan Grant.

Tony Micelli (Brooklyn)

Yo!! Eric!! A banged up Lynch against a tough Pats D, or Gore against a soft St Louis D??

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I ranked Lynch a few spots better, 12 to 15, but I might change that later in the week depending on his injury status. The Bills probably can't keep up and will abandon the run anyway, but it's not like Gore is safe.

Chris (Cincinnati)

I am a concerned Plaxico and Boldin owner. Is it time to start benching these two since they are clearly not healthy? I could start Winslow over one of them.

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

I don't think it's clear to sit them at all. Even hurt, they remain very good options. Winslow is as well, but I'd still rank him third among this crew.

Joe (St. Louis)

Would you start C Taylor over Kevin Jones or Frank Gore this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

Yes, I certainly would. There are rumors K.Jones might sit out this week, but even if he plays, we have to love Taylor behind that mammoth Minny line.

Alfred (Cape Cod)

Would you start a frustrated Eli Manning or a pumped up Brodie Croyle for week 11? Thanks man

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I didn't even rank Croyle in my top 25 for QBs. I think fantasy owners get a little too excited about players who haven't performed yet, thinking they will be better than average options like Eli. Don't fall for that.

Alfonso (Miami)

Please pick two out of these three to start this week: DJ Hackett, Jamal Lewis, and Priest

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I'll take the running backs. I almost always take the RBs, frankly. You know they'll get 20 carries, but Hackett might get 5 plays to do something. Too risky. Plus, Lewis and Holmes could score TDs.

Deaven(pittsburgh)

Does Deion Branch produce like a #1WR the rest of the way?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I don't know why he would, let's put it that way. Let's see the guy play first. If he does play, I'd make him a No. 3 WR for now, and he could be more, but can he even stay on the field?

Greg (Orlando)

Will Ryan Grant score TD's if they arent on 30 yard runs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Green Bay's so good on offense they rarely get inside the 5! I actually like Grant a lot more than I did a week ago, because he proved he could run on a good run defense. And it gets cold in Wisconsin in December, so I think Favre has to develop a run game.

King (IL)

So you like Lynch for the rest of the year, just not this week, right?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

Yeah, I'd say that. In fact I called him the eventual rookie of the year in Tuesday's blog, over Peterson, so yeah, Lynch should be good.

Jeff (MI)

Play Schaub over Big ben?

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

No, I wouldn't go that far. I do think Schaub and Andre Johnson can start recreating magic this week, but that got Schaub a No. 15 ranking for me. I had Big Ben at 2.

Alex (NYC)

Eric- What do I do with Marbury? Wait? Drop for Tinsley?

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

Hoops! I'd wait. I doubt Marbury just sits out the rest of the year. The Knicks can trade him, and there's a column on ESPN today that says he's actually in demand for his contract. Marbury wasn't off to that bad a start. Hold on to him.

dan (DC)

Who would you rather have for the rest of the year....Marshawn or Housh???

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

You can't look at things that way. It's always the top RB over the top WR. Has to be.

Bill (Oak Park, IL)

Hey Eric, would you start Derrick Mason over Lee Evans, Santonio Holmes or Hines Ward this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

No. I have Ward and Holmes ranked pretty well, they're playing the Jets! Mason is a better option than Evans, but still only a No. 2 WR at best.

Marc (Malden, MA)

What should I do with Kenny Watson? He's clearly the better RB now, but Cincy refuses to use him.

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I think Rudi Johnson gets a bit healthier every week, and Watson becomes less relevant. I'd drop Watson if there was something good to pick up.

Tim (DC)

We have to make baseball keeper decisions in a few weeks. I can keep 2 players of the following: Josh Beckett, Hanley Ramirez, Cole Hamels, and Chase Utley?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

Baseball!! This is easy; Hanley might be the No. 2 pick in leagues next year, and Utley is also a first rounder. Keep the middle infielders, every time.

Chris (Dallas)

Which QB should I start McNabb or Garcia?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Well, it's your team, you should do what you want. I would start McNabb. Great matchup that even he can't mess up. But in two Sundays, when McNabb faces the Pats, it's Garcia, pretty much no matter who he's facing.

Derek (Toronto)

Which side do you like of Dunn for LJ? Fair?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I suppose a case can be made, but I doubt Dunn keeps playing well. At least he's playing. Larry Johnson should miss a few more weeks, at least, and I think he might be done. So in that case, then Dunn is better.

Jay (VT)

What do you expect out of Warner the rest of the year? He's playing through pain, but has a very nice schedule ahead. Also, your thoughts on Todd Heap? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

I just don't trust Warner, despite the great schedule. He makes too many mistakes and is a candidate to be hurt at any time. It's too risky taking him into your playoffs. Heap is different. You don't expect production from TEs, you hope you get something, I'd keep him around.

Mike (Baltimore)

Should I take a chance with Andre Johnson this week over Steve Smith, Stallworth and Bowe?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

You could take a chance, sure. I'll say this about Smith; one of these weeks the Panthers will find a way to get him involved, and he'll go off for 10 catches and 150 yards. It will happen. That's probably why I keep ranking him in my top 20.

Tim Chicago

Priest Holmes or Jesse Chatman?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

As an Eagles fan, I am concerned that Chatman has a big day and this game is a lot closer than it should be.The Eagles just aren't that good. I ranked Chatman better, 7 spots better.

jose (Chicago)

just saw Ricky Williams has been reinstated. What's his fantasy effect on the Dolphins and Chatman to be procise.

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Answered this first today. No impact. On anyone.

Paul (New Jersey)

Need one more back.....MJD, Rudi Johnson, Maurice Morris???

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I'd go with MJD every time. They all could share or lose carries, but Drew still finds ways to score and be productive.

Chris (MI)

Even though you say Smith is going to go off one of these weeks, can you justify starting him over solid options such as Holt, Welker or the steady Winslow?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

I didn't rank Smith ahead of Holt or Welker, so no, I would not try to justify it. With Winslow I think it's pretty close actually.

JB (Villanova)

You don't seem to answer girl's questions. I'm 8-2 ina league with 11 guys- so show me a little respect and please help! Please help-Who would YOU bench-Driver, Hackett, B. Marshall or I. Hilliard?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

I don't really look at who's asking, trust me. Not with a few thousand questions in here.. I'd sit Hilliard.

Mark (IN)

Steven Jackson a stud here on out?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

I could see that happening, yes. He got plenty of touches in Week 10 and put up numbers. He's my No. 7 RB this week.

Marco (CT)

Wait, so you're supposed to be able to tell whether a poster is a girl simply by the initials of "JB"??

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

Yeah, I also found that odd. Whatever...

AC (FL)

Who would be the best QB to trade for the rest of the way: Big Ben, Palmer, or Favre?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

It would probably be Favre. I think Palmer is going to get better, and Ben has that nice schedule. I'm sure someone in your league will overpay for Favre. He's good, of course, but December in Green Bay is a different story.

Rob (Miami, FL)

Do you think Kevin Jones sits out? I lost Peterson and if Jones doesn't play, I'm dead.

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

I don't know if he will sit, but let's just say the outlook on that foot injury isn't great.

Andrew (NY)

Is Westbrook the #1 RB the rest of the way? his injuries seem to be past him, correct?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Injuries are never past anyone. Westbrook is my No. 1 RB this week, but he won't be the following week in New England. He's terrific, which I think is your point.

Andy (NYC)

Really? NO impact from Ricky? Not even if the Pats pick him up? The Dolphins will have to do something with him.

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

First of all, how good did Ricky look the last time he played? Second, how are the Pats going to get him? There is no trading in the NFL at this point. Miami has the rights. I doubt the Dolphins will just cut him in December.

Andrew (NY)

What i meant is that he is fully healthy now. His knee/shoulder/abdominal is no longer bothering him.

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

How do you know Ricky is healthy? Does anyone really know? Also, what are the chances he stays clean, with that track record. Sorry to be negative, but I think this is irrelevant to fantasy.

Harley (VT)

Will Earnest Graham be an every week starter for the rest of the season? What's your thoughts on Pittman coming back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

I think Pittman will be used as a third down back and Graham will continue to be the main runner. Value the rest of the way remains pretty good.

Travis (Annapolis, MD)

I think Andrew in NY was referring to Westbrook, not Ricky. So who should I pick up if Kevin Jones can't go? Bell, Duckett?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Yeah, I kinda see that now. My answer on Westbrook is that really, an injury with him is a play away. He tends to get beaten up in games. So even if he is past the problems from earlier this year, most Eagles fans would say he's never totally safe. As for Detroit, I think Duckett is next in line.

Bailey (GA)

How have you answered the same question about Ricky Williams four times? This week: Schaub or Bulger? Rest of year: Lynch or R.Grant? Thanks, Eric

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I think so, but people keep asking. I'd go Bulger this week, and probably rest of the year, too. At RB, Lynch for the rest of the year. I really think Lynch could go for 1,300 yards and 10 scores this year.

Howie (RI)

Latest news on SA. Please tell a M. Morris owner he sits again.

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

Sorry, I think Shaun Alexander plays this week. I really do. It's possible he and Morris each get like 12 carries, which isn't good for anyone in fantasy.

Michael (NM)

You said LJ might be done by that do you mean he may be out for the season or that he'll come back but won't produce? If so who do you like better: J.Lewis, S.Young, Maroney?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I think he might be done for the season. You have to read between the lines on the ridiculous coach speak on injuries and playing time. It's not definite that LJ is done, especially if the Chiefs are contending and Priest isn't thriving, which i think will happen. But this is a foot problem that won't go away in a week or two, so if LJ does return, like AP, I think his production is questionable. As for the 3 RBs you named, it's tough to tell. Lewis gets carries and scores. Young might or might not get carries. Maroney never scores. None are top-10 backs, that's for sure.

Andy (CT)

How serious is DeShaun Foster's injury? Hes involved a in a trade offer I'm considering.

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

What's the difference? He hasn't done much at all this season, and I don't see it getting better. Trade for him? Why?

Sam (AZ)

Going back to Benson, EK, the Bears take a long time to realize their bad draft choices (i.e. Rex last year and this year) and Benson was the 3rd overall pick a few years ago, they wouldnt want to give up on him now

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

I totally agree. Benson is their guy no matter what.

Sean (Johnstown)

Baseball Keeper Question, I know you say keep hitters over pitchers but I need to choose 4 from Smoltz, Hudson, Lincecum, Kelvim, Aramis, Abreu, and Chipper

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Baseball! I take the 3 hitters and either Smoltz or Lincecum, depending on whether you think you can win now. I'd also consider keeping both those pitchers and cutting Chipper. You have a 3B, and he doesn't run or stay healthy.

Rocky Balboa (Philly)

Bill Parcels even said it the other night on MNF -- the Running Back is a disposable position. So why is it that none of the experts expect Chatman to be almost as good as Ronnie Brown and Chester to be almost as good as AP? Sure, they won't be just as good, but doesn't the offense/offensive line make the RB? Haven't we learned this by now? I just think Chatman is a top 10 RB right now...do you disagree?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

I agree with Parcells, and your statement, except I wouldn't trust Chatman as a top-10 back. But yes, part of the reason AP was so good in Minny was that line, and Chester Taylor will thrive.

Grant (Baltimore)

I'm facing Brady this week, so should I start Watson or go with Shockey? Also Campbell or Schaub?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

Shockey over Watson, no matter what your opponent does. I never understand why people care about that stuff. Also, Schaub over Campbell.

Sean

Marvin Harrison play at all this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

Yes. I bet he plays this week.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

OK, it appears our time is done for the chat. There's another one coming later today, so check it out. Good luck in Week 11 in fantasy football... adios.