Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy chat. Happy Thanksgiving to all, and let's get started with the questions...

Ed, NY

Eric, With all this praise of Schaub, Does he start over Brees for you in week 12?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

I think people are getting a little too excited about Mr. Schaub. While I do think he's a viable fantasy starter, the fact is he still hasn't reached 20 fantasy points in a game. To make him top-10 at the position seems premature. I ranked him No. 11 this week, and Brees was 8, so it's close.

Matt (Ca)

Can Priest officially be dropped?

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

This is the breaking news of the day, as Holmes is likely to be announcing his retirement today. I would say it's safe to drop him then, and make sure in every league someone owns Kolby Smith. I don't expect Smith to be awesome this week, but he should be owned, and Holmes can now be let go. Thanks for the memories. Priest.

Kristofer (Jayhawk Nation)

Is C.Henry (WR) as hit-or-miss as Crayton now? Should I look to play Engram or Cotchery instead?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

i don't think Chris Henry of the Bengals is hit or miss at all. He's been hit since returning. Crayton is unlikely to play Thursday. I'd play Henry over Engram and Cotchery.

Jim (Orlando)

What can we expect from Kolby Smith this week? Start him over Grant, Gore, or Lendale?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

No, I probably rank him fourth in that group. He's a rookie with 10 carries to his name. He might be good, but I lean toward him struggling behind that line.

Callie (CA)

Eric, Are N.Washington or T. Ginn Jr. worth a flier?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

I think Washington is for sure, because Santonio Holmes is likely out for Monday's game. I don't want to rely on the Miami offense for fantasy points, other than Chatman.

Lee, NC

What do you see out of Chester Taylor this week? Is he a safer play over Jesse Chatman or Selvin Young?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

I think Chester is pretty safe, yes. Chatman is fine, but not a top-10 RB. Chester is the way his line is playing. As for Selvin, we still have no clarity on Travis Henry being suspended or injured. It's annoying.

Roy, Denver

Eric, please give me a reason not to start Chester over Westbrook this week...

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

Well, I ranked Chester No. 4 at RB, and Westbrook No. 7. The Eagles will get blown out, like all other Patriots opponents. Even as a Philly native and fan, I know this. Objectively, Westbrook is still a play, but Chester is a better one.

Ben Brady (Pittsburgh, MA)

Going forward, with Brady having a tough matchup or two, would it be crazy to play Big Ben over Brady?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

There is no chance, none at all, I would sit Brady this week. None. No matter the matchup.

Brian (Grand Rapids, MI)

What's the word on Albert Haynesworth? I have Tennessee defense and they have been horrible without him. Is it time to look elsewhere?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I didn't even have the Titans D in my top-20 this week against the Bengals, how about that? I'd look elsewhere, but try not to cut the D loose.

Jack (Chicago)

DO I give up completely on CIN RBs? I know the easy schedule, but they haven't done anything and it seems like a time share from here on. I dropped Rudi for Kolby, should I drop Kenny for Dayne or keep him? Should I try to get Rudi back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

It's tough to give up on the situation, not only because of the schedule, but because separately both Rudi and Watson can be solid players. You have to be more patient, though I have Dayne active on a few teams and I would be tempted to cut Watson and just start over, too.

Russ (Toronto, ON)

Hi Eric, Do you think Javon Walker is a go this week? How about Terry Glenn?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I didn't rank either of these guys, as I doubt they play. By the way, our staff rankings will be up in a few hours.

Michael (NY)

should I start Lee Evans or Justin Fargas this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

I think each will bounce back with decent numbers, but normally the RB is the smarter play. I'd go with Fargas.

Marc (Leesville, LA)

HELP!! I am on my parent's dial-up (yes it still exists and is sloooooowww!!) Who do you like more the rest of the way Gore or Chatman? Is Gore worth giving up for Chris Cooley and Chatman? I have Ryan Grant on my bench too.

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

Sorry to hear about the dialup! I had to deal with it a few weeks back as well. I cautiously like Gore better, because it appears Chatman is going to have to share carries, or lose them, to Ricky Williams in a matter of weeks. Plus, it's not like Chatman is scoring touchdowns. Really, I'd think about using Ryan Grant just like you would Gore. I ranked them in the same ballpark.

Mark: San Diego

I hear that Lamont Jordan has requested his release from the Raiders and they might grant it to try out the rookie, Bush. Any chance Jordan plays somewhere else this season and is he worth the pick-up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

It is possible that this situation goes just like this, with Jordan being cut and landing elsewhere. Certainly there are teams that could use him, assuming he is healthy. How about the Pats? The Giants might not have Brandon Jacobs. The Bears could use help. I'd try to hold on to Jordan for that reason in fantasy. I doubt M.Bush has much of an impact in our game, though.

Mike (Nashville)

DEADLINE APPROACHING IN 32 MINUTES!!! Frank Gore for Lee Evans straight up. Which side do you like for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

Depends on need, really. I think Evans is going to be just fine with his schedule, and Gore is still a question mark. Yes, the ESPN trade deadline is coming up in minutes...

Pat (IL)

Would you consider Favre instead of Manning? Manning has a great match-up, but his lack of options is slightly worrisome.

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

My Wednesday blog, today's, is about Peyton's value. He's the No. 6 QB in the game, so while that is mildly disappointing, it doesn't suck. And while i don't think Manning has a great matchup, it's not bad. I did rank Favre three spots higher.

Matt ( Oil City, Pa)

Are Plexico Burress and Marion Barber ever going to score again? They were hot early but not much lately.

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I bet they each score this week. Players are streaky, be patient with your stars.

Doug, KC

Would you consider any of the patriots RBs in the top 10 this week? If so, whom?

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I didn't rank any Pats RBs in the top 20. Maroney, assuming he plays, was close. This is a passing team, arguably the best season in league history for passing. Kyle Eckel could possibly score, but I wouldn't take that chance in fantasy.

Tom (CA)

Is Drew Carter a decent #3 WR option, I am desperate with a few injuries? Also Dayne or Graham this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

I like both Dayne and Graham over Carter, by the way, though that isn't the question. I think Carter is likely to be overrated after last week's big game. Steve Smith should play. If you're desperate, sure, you could do worse than Carter, but I don't expect much.

Jim (Lexington KY)

How do you rate Kevin Jones for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Risky. I don't think he's a great play this week, with his foot hurting and this being a short week. As for December, I'd make sure I had other options, but it wouldn't surprise me if Jones gets enough rest to be worth using.

Jay DC

with Lamont Jordan being released would someone say KC pick him up off waivers...does he have value after that? or period even if KC does not pick him up

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I think wherever he goes Jordan would, in theory because that team wants him, have more value than he has now. But be careful, the Chiefs' o-line is not what you think it is.

jason (s.portland, me)

M. Morris seems like a good play this week right? I have him in my lineup over LenDale.

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I think Morris is a fine play, and I rank him and LenDale at 15 and 14, respectively. Flip a coin. I don't see Alexander returning this week, maybe not at all.

Andy (CT)

You guys are so negative. Isn't it POSSIBLE that Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson are improving a bit? Running for 117 against the Steelers is no joke.

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

I'm not negative at all. I think it is possible, and what Jones did on a really good defense was impressive. It hardly means he can replicate it though. We play the percentages and go off value. Jones and Benson are having disappointing seasons, and I don't assume they'll all of a sudden flip a switch and improve.

Gerard (Celebration, FL)

Good morning Eric...Kitna vs. Packers in the dome or Schaub vs Cleveland outdoors? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I think Favre has shown us enough that he's a safe, weekly play at this point. Schaub is fine, and a nice story, but he didn't make my top-10 at QB.

Doug, KC

How about Steve Smith (CAR)? Been a disappointment all year, but if someone drops him in my league should I pick him up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Did you ever think you'd see a question like this? Yeah, I would pick him up. Smith is disappointing, but surely his owners can find room for him. He's still capable of being a No. 1 WR.

Sean (Brew City, WI)

Is Stallworth ever going to break out and have huge game? Every week the Patriots put up huge numbers and it is always mediocre stats for Stallworth. Is it bad luck, or something else?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

I wouldn't call it bad luck, he's just not one of the top two options for Brady. He's three, at best, and probably behind Ben Watson as well. Stallworth could have a big game at any time, and you'll never know. I'd think he'd want a bit of revenge on Philly this week, and since the Pats are all about revenge this week, Stallworth could have a few plays written for him.

Kam, OH

Eric, PLEASE HELP!! Is Deion Branch a better play than Wes Welker? I am just concerned that Moss is hogging all the tds?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

I would stick with Welker, personally. Moss hogged the scores last week, but I think part of that was - and I realize this sounds crazy - because of what Terrell Owens did earlier in the day. Nobody could cover Moss, so Brady kept throwing to him. It's not Welker's fault.

joe (Turkey Enthusiast)

thanks for all your advice and great columns over the years, Eric. with one RB spot and one Flex spot to fill, please choose 2 of these: Thomas Jones, Ron Dayne, Frankie Gore, Marques Colston, Chad Johnson, Hines Ward. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

Thank you for reading and watching. I ranked Gore ahead of Dayne, but if I get assurance that Ahman Green is out, I might move Dayne up. As for the WRs, you have a number of nice options. Colston is the one I ranked the best.

steve san diego

I think you missed the question above... Regarding Kitna vs Packers... you talked about Favre... So what do you think about Kitna vs Kurt Warner?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I have Warner at 12, Kitna 13, so I think they are about the same. Kitna has had a nice fantasy season, but it might be time not to jump off, but to be cautious. And Warner has a great matchup.

Neal Kerouac (NJ)

Eric, Hope you have a great Turkey Day...Need to decide between Donald Driver and the hot DJ Hackett by tomorrow morning. I am leaning towards Hackett..What are your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

Wow, what great questions this week. I ranked Hackett 18, and Driver 19! So again, I think it's very close. I'd go with Hackett.

Mikey (Chi City)

Hi Eric. Happy almost Thanksgiving. This is a PATHETIC state of affairs BUT with Priest out please pick one... Rudi Johnson, Ahman Green, Evans/Eckle, or D. Ward....this sucks. (marion barber RB1 at least...)

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Well, at least Rudi is playable. He will play. The others might not. And hey, Rudi could deliver something. Maybe he's getting healthier by the week. You should get 4 or 5 points, at least.

Mike, NY

Eric, Do you ever answer Tight End questions? Ben Watson or Owen Daniels?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

If they get asked I do. I like Watson over Daniels.

Drew (C'ville, VA)

Who do you think is a better backup for the frustrating Peyton, K. Warner or J. Cutler?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Well, I wouldn't sit Peyton at all, so in that case you'd want the one with the chance for higher upside. Cutler has the future, but Warner can put up bigger numbers, when healthy, now.

Vol ( San Antonio, TX)

For those of us who have been eliminated and are playing for pride...Who are your top 5 RB's for nexy year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Tough call. As of now, knowing what we know, I'd say LT is 1, then Peterson, Addai, L.Johnson and S.Jackson. I'm missing important people, of course, but I do like all 5 of these RBs.

Taylor (MI)

Should I be worried that Brady will be benched in the final games,(assuming they have won home-field advantage)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

They could clinch home field in a week or two. I think as long as the Pats keep winning, and even if they don't, Brady and pals are going to start every single game and go for records. Brady wants 50 TDs. The team wants the scoring record. This bunch is on a mission. It's possible the Pats sit the stars, but I doubt it.

Gerard (Celebration, FL)

Sorry to be a pest, but I asked you about Kitna vs. Schaub, and you answered Farve vs. Schaub. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

I have Schaub a few spots better, so I pick him. I don't see a big game for Kitna.

milo (DC)

wow, westbrook not in the top 5? anyway, Dayne or MB3 this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

The Pats will have another easy win, sorry to say. But I ranked him 7, so it's not like I wouldn't use Westbrook. And definitely Barber over Dayne.

Mike (Happy Valley)

What about the other stars like Romo, Addai, Wayne?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

People overrate the fact teams sit stars in Week 17. It rarely affects that many players. This season, the Cowboys and Packers are possibilities, but not the Colts. They've wrapped up nothing. If you play the title game in Week 17, you need to be prepared, but I don't trade Romo for Vinny because of it.

Mike (Marietta, GA)

Would you use Boldin over RBs such as Edge or MBIII in a flex spot? Happy Thanksgiving.

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I would use the RBs.

Taylor (MI)

Who is on your best team? Also, who is your top 5 heading into next year, Brady,LT,Moss,addai,sjax?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

One of my unbeaten teams has gone with Jeff Garcia all year at QB, if you can believe it. It's basically LT and the Cincy WRs and little else. You need luck! As for next year, I still don't assume Brady and Moss do this again, but yes, in a RB field of question marks, you'd think both are top 5 possibilities.

Bill (Boston)

Happy Holidays...Pitt D or Tampa D for the long haul?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

I'd stay with Pitt. Its problems last week were protecting the QB.

shawn (cincy)

Whats the latest on Jacobs? Due to the short week I am going to play Barber III...how long you expect Jacobs to be out?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

The rumor is he is out two weeks, if not more. It's a shame, since he was playing so well.

Rob (Miami, FL)

Would you use Kolby Smith over Kevin Jones this week? I have no idea what to do. Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

I would consider it. Smith is going to get a lot of carries. I didn't rank either guy in the top-30. Sure, go with Smith! They have nobody else in KC.

omar - nj

Trade question. I give up Lee Evans and Kevin Jones for Adrian Peterson. Yay or Nay

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

Oh so risky, but since it appears AP will be rushed back so soon, go for it.

Marcus (Phoenix)

Is it safe to assume Adrian Peterson is out again this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

This week, yeah. Next week, unbelievably, no.

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

And on that note, I need to go. Thank you all for the fine questions, and please have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Adios.