Christopher Harris

  (10:57 AM)

Hi, everyone. Pretty much everyone's fantasy regular season is over, and it's time for the playoffs. Let's get to our look at the fantasy ramifications of Week 13.....

Sheik(Charm City)

Hi Chris- Any info on the extent of the injuries to Roy Williams and Larry Fitzgerald? Also, Can we expect Brandon Jacobs to return soon? Thanks for your invaluable advice in these chats.

Christopher Harris

  (10:59 AM)

Hi, Sheik. Williams has a sprained knee; he tried to come back in for one series after he hurt it, but had to leave again. The Lions are expected to give more info today, but it sounds like a week-to-week thing; if Mike Furrey is unowned in your league, he might be a good handcuff just now. Fitzgerald missed the Cards' game with a groin injury, and considering Anquan Boldin got hurt, too, Bryant Johnson is going to be a popular add this week. I had the sense that Fitz was pretty close, but obviously that's a sensitive part of the anatomy. He's likely to be questionable all week, too.

Brandon Jacobs (Meadowlands)

So now that D.Ward is down and out, am I gonna step up for the team and come back this week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:00 AM)

Well, Ward is out with a broken leg, and he's not coming back this year. Unfortunately, it didn't sound like Jacobs was all that close to playing this week; if I had to guess, I'd say Reuben Droughns will be your man next week, spelled by Ahmad Bradshaw. But Jacobs will have a chance to prove he's healthy; if he can practice, he'll play, so you should have a pretty good idea of what's up with him midweek.

Peter (Chicago)

Do you trust Gage, Battle or Burleson at WR? I need to pick someone up. Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:02 AM)

Hi, Peter. I trust Burleson least among these guys; I know he scored again yesterday, but I just don't trust his hands at *all*. Battle would be the guy I'd pick. I haven't done the math to include this week, but going into Week 13, he had the ninth-most targets of any receiver in the NFL in the last six weeks. More than T.O.! Now, obviously, those targets are quite a bit less downfield than Owens's, but still, he's a legit weapon (on a crummy offense).

greg (tallahassee)

Is the GB Defense a legit option for weeks 13 - 16?

Christopher Harris

  (11:04 AM)

Hi, Greg. Yeah, absolutely, other than this past Thursday, I view the Pack as a startable fantasy defense just about every week. The issue right now with them is injury...they need Charles Woodson back, and getting KGB back would help, too. They've had great depth on their D-line disrupted by injuries, but only one of 'em is season-ending. I like the schedule (OAK, STL, CHI, DET) a lot.

Jim (TX)

Does LenDale miss any time? And is Zach Miller a better play now than Heath?

Christopher Harris

  (11:05 AM)

Hi, Jim. Apparently White has a broken finger on his right hand, so the reports of a shoulder problem are erroneous. As of now, I think the White thing will be a pain-management issue, which makes me think he'll go next week. But Chris Brown needs to be owned in all leagues.

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Oh, and would I rate Zach Miller ahead of Heath? Probably not, though the ASU rookie is coming on. I'd have to start Heath over him, though. Remember: those last two Pittsburgh games have been played in ridiculous conditions.

Muhammad, Israel

Think any of these guys play next week? Lynch, LJ, Portis, or Jacobs?

Christopher Harris

  (11:08 AM)

Hi, Muhammad. Of these guys, I think Lynch has the best chance of playing next week. The extent of Portis's injury is unknown to me right now, but Washington plays on Thursday, so that's precious little recuperative time. Jacobs didn't sound close this week, and there are so many conflicting reports about Larry Johnson, it's hard to know what to make of him. I think Marshawn is likeliest.

Ed (J'ville)

Fargas the guy next year in Oakland? He was a FA pickup for me, so great value as a keeper obviously

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

It's a good question, Ed. You'd have to think the Raiders would consider Fargas, but he's a free agent at the end of this year, and he'll cost significantly more than the $800k he's making right now. The Raiders could be in the mix for a guy like Julius Jones, who might get cut at the end of this year, and I would definitely expect Oakland to consider letting LaMont Jordan go. Is Fargas a good keeper? He's marginal...given his size and injury history, I have a hard time believing the Raiders would unequivocally make him their starting back heading into a season.

Eric (CT)

PLAYOFF SPOT ON THE LINE...Who do I start tonight Donte Stallworth or Derrick Mason?

Christopher Harris

  (11:12 AM)

Hi, Eric. Ugh. That's kind of a bad choice to have to make, huh? You know, I think I'm actually going to say Mason. In my weekly rankings, I actually had Stallworth at No. 27 and Mason at No. 28, so obviously I think it's pretty close, but the more I think about the way the Eagles found holes in the Pats' zone, the more I think there'll be plays to be made if Kyle Boller can stay upright. Big if, but I'm picking Mason, by a hair.

Dominic, Russia

Hey Chris, my RBs are going down like the U.S.S.R.! Who do I add? Brown, Betts, or Leon Washington?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

Hi, Dominic. Just read "Absurdistan." I would pick up Chris Brown. LenDale White's health is in real question, and Brown looked good in sub duty on Sunday.

Josh (New York)

If Holmes and Boldin can't go next week, I need a good WR3 to add: Bryant Johnson, Patrick Crayton or Reggie Brown?

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

Hi, Josh. Of that group, at this moment, I like Crayton, but I'm prepared to bump Johnson to the top spot if we get confirmation that neither Boldin nor Fitzgerald can go next week. Boldin has a dislocated toe, and Fitz has the groin, so that's a possibility. Under the assumption that *one* will be able to play, though, I'll take Crayton running wild against a bad Detroit secondary.

Cliff (Uzbekistan)

So Betts isn't an add off the wire?

Christopher Harris

  (11:16 AM)

Hi, Cliff. Just read "Absurdistan." Etc. Sure, Betts is an add, too, but considering he got exactly zero carries even after Portis left, I have a hard time turning handsprings over him. He's worth a speculative pickup, though, yes.

Jay (Largo, MD)

Good morning Chris, should I keep Samko Gadu and drop Kenny Watson since Rudi has locked up the starting R&B position? Playoff time?

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Hi, Jay. Well, I'm down with dropping Kenny Watson, but I don't think Gado is going to have a lot of value. Two carries for two yards in a game where Jesse Chatman was questionable seems to just about cap his value at nothing. I'd rather find someone else -- almost anyone else.

Brian (NY, NY)

Do you think Big Ben will have a tough game at NE next week?

Christopher Harris

  (11:18 AM)

Hi, Brian. I guess we'll know more after tonight. A.J. Feeley lit 'em up, and if Kyle Boller can do the same, I'd start to feel okay about Roethlisberger in that game. Without the benefit of knowing what happens tonight, I'd guess I'm probably going to have Big Ben in my top 10 among all fantasy QBs this week. He's a consistent option, especially when it's not monsoon season.

Sox man (Temecula,California)

I'm personally a Redsox fan,I don't know if it's worth givin up Jacobe Ellsbury for Johan Santana, knowing he'll end up being like Grady Sizemore,What do you think???

Christopher Harris

  (11:19 AM)

Taking a break from football for one question.... I can see both sides of the argument; a rotation with Beckett and Santana would be sick, at least for a couple years, but Ellsbury could be Johnny Damon with good fielding. In the end, I don't think it'll wind up mattering; I think the Yankees' package of both Hughes and Cabrera is stronger, and Minnesota will probably wind up realizing that and dealing their lefty ace to the Bronx.

Willie Parker (Pitt)

How can I lead the league in carries and be second in rushing yards, but be a dissapointment? I don't even know if I would start myself any more?

Christopher Harris

  (11:21 AM)

Believe me, I understand. Just got bounced from the first round of my 16-team league's playoffs thanks in part to FWP's terrible performance last night (and also thanks to the refs completely screwing the pooch on that Kellen Winslow call at the end of the CLE/ARI game). All I really know about Parker is it's going to be mighty tough to use him next week in New England. You'll probably have no choice, but adjust your expectations.

Haden (Memphis)

Why would the Jets not give Leon more carries after last week? They should poop or get off the pot with him already.

Christopher Harris

  (11:22 AM)

Hi, Haden. There's one Jets fan here at ESPN (Nate Ravitz) who has told me he thinks Washington's career path is following that of Tiki Barber's with the Giants...viewed as too small to be a starter for years, worked into the return and passing game, third-down back, does nothing but impress but the coaches stubbornly stick with the more traditional backs until they can't stand it anymore, and then Washington/Barber takes over for the next five years. I still do worry Washington wouldn't hold up to the every-down pounding, but it's hard to argue they shouldn't give him the chance.

Jess (Philly)

Chris-you were right about Lendale-but then he got hurt-any news on if he will miss time? Also better waiver wr pickup-Sidney Rice or Bryant Johnson?

Christopher Harris

  (11:24 AM)

Hi, Jess. Yeah, I was right about White, but his day could've been so much better.... No, there's no news about his broken finger yet...as I said earlier, I think it's going to wind up being a matter of pain management for White, but remember, he's had enough fumbling problems even with all 10 digits intact. As for the Rice/ Johnson debate, I like what Rice has done (and, more importantly, what Tarvaris Jackson has done) a lot, but given the potential opportunity Johnson has in Arizona, I think I'd give him the nod, knowing what we know at this moment about Fitzgerald and Boldin (which is not too much yet).

Jem (:Westchester, NY)

Do you think Cle can be used as a sleeper D/ST next week against the Jets? I thought they reverted back to early-season form yesterday against the Fitzgerald-less Cards, which worries me because they looked to be improved leading up to that game.

Christopher Harris

  (11:25 AM)

Hi, Jem. This is a great question. I haven't put together all the spreadsheet work yet that goes into my weekly rankings (which is why it's hard for me to answer questions about who folks should start in Week 14), but more generally, yes, I agree, the Cleveland defense (which basically got its own story in Sports Illustrated this week) isn't as good as people are saying, and they played poorly yesterday. The Jets are awful. But I'm not sure I'll have stones enough to rate the Browns in my top 12 defenses next week. 12 through 18 is more likely.

Brian (NY, NY)

Chris, Who's the better WR pick up this week-- Bryant Johnson or Roddy White?

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hi, Brian. Roddy White, no question. He should be owned in all leagues...he's really having a breakout campaign.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Do you think Cotchery is really done for the season? Can I drop him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:27 AM)

Hi, Marc. If I had to guess, I would say yes. The Jets are tight-lipped about injuries, but everything I've heard indicates he did have surgery on a finger, which would put him out for a month. If you're in desperate need of a roster spot, I think you can drop him.

chris (ma)

he has had 2 weeks now....does Javon Walker finally see 80-100 yrds next week or is he just wasting space on my roster?

Christopher Harris

  (11:28 AM)

Hi, Chris. Yeah, Walker isn't ready to play. He's only out there in obvious passing situations, and they're not throwing him the ball. Could that change? Definitely. I don't think you need to drop him unless you're in desperate need of a roster spot. But I continue to stick to my guns and say he probably shouldn't be started until you see him play well. He's one of the guys where I wouldn't mind missing a big-production day, because the downside is so low.

Bobby, TX

Christopher, is McGahee dinged up for tonight? I also have Maroney, but am unsure of the Patriot factor. Which one do I use? Thanks and have a great day

Christopher Harris

  (11:30 AM)

Hi, Bobby. It's McGahee's ankle, from what I understand, but the Ravens have him listed as "probable" and in their last practice that I heard about (Friday's) he was a full participant. That makes me think he's okay to start, so I'd definitely use him over Maroney. Is there a chance the Ravens throw a lot to mimic the Eagles? Yes. But there's just as good a chance (better, actually) that the Pats do nothing but throw on Baltimore's defense, too.

Garth (Towson,MD)

Any news on how bad Selvin Young's injury is? With a suspension looming and how poorly Travis Henry played does Andre Hall become a viable starter for the rest of the season?

Christopher Harris

  (11:32 AM)

Hi, Garth. Young had a really frustrating day; he came out of the game twice with injuries, and Travis Henry kept getting the carries close in. I haven't heard specifically what's wrong with Young; I have to assume it's related to the knee problems that caused him to miss Week 12. Andre Hall, of course, didn't play at *all*, and now there's a pretty big question about whether Henry's going to get suspended at all. It's a complete mess. I'd rather not own any part of it if I had the choice.

Bill - NE

Faulk seeing action tonight, especially if the Pats are only going to throw?

Christopher Harris

  (11:34 AM)

Hi, Bill. Yeah, well, it sounds as though Faulk is ready to go; I have him ranked No. 43 on my list of running backs for Week 13. There are conflicting reports about whether it was his noggin or his thigh (I believe it was his thigh), but it sounds like he's okay, either way. Sure, he'll be on the field, and may have a little more value in point-per-reception leagues, but it'd be pretty hard to start him in standard-scoring leagues, unless it's a *really* deep one.

Drew (GA)

Can you now consider Minnesota to be a legit NFC contender?

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Hi, Drew. No, I really don't consider them to be a threat to win the NFC championship. But to get in the playoffs? Absolutely. We've already seen them get run by the Cowboys and lose twice to the Packers (the latter of those two losses was 34-0), so I'm not holding my breath to see them in the NFC title game. But right now, given a schedule that consists of SF, CHI, WAS and DEN, you'd have to give them a pretty good shot at finishing 8-8. In the NFC, that might get you a wild card spot.

Jeff (Ottawa, Ontario)

I am in a strange situation. Going into tonight i am down by 6 points my opponent has no New England or Baltimore players tonight. I have one spot left and oddly enough i have Donte Stallworth and Derrick Mason. Who should I start to get the win. (hopefully)

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Jeff. This exact question was asked earlier, and I chose Mason. I had Stallworth rated 27th among WRs headed into the week and Mason rated 28th, but I've second-guessed myself, and have picked Mason by the narrowest of margins.

Keith Hightstown NJ

Would you pick up Battle and drop Cotchery?

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Keith. Yeah, I'd definitely do that. Battle has been very good, and Cotchery is hurt.

brian (DC)

Who is going to get more points tonight in a ppr welker or watson?

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Brian. Obviously can't answer definitively, but I'd use Welker for sure.

Mike (Orlando)

Drop Boldin for Roddy White?

Christopher Harris

  (11:38 AM)

Hi, Mike. It's a really tough decision. A league where White is available might be an eight-teamer? Is there anyone else on your roster you could drop to get White? I'm all in favor of picking up White, but Boldin is the more valuable property when all his toes are attached properly.

Anthony (Long Island, NY)

Thoughts On Peterson (chi)?

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

Hi, Anthony. I'm glad you asked this question...my thoughts are that he's looked just as good as many of us thought he would for two weeks running, and the Bears were stupid and stubborn sticking with Cedric Benson this long. You could just tell from what Aikman and Buck were saying that Peterson's teammates like him better, and want to see him succeed in the role. Peterson's going to be a fine start in a most of his games the rest of the way.

Killian, Dublin

Think Henry gets suspended? If not, more reliable than Rudi?

Christopher Harris

  (11:42 AM)

Boy, Killian, I've been on the forefront of saying Henry was *definitely* going to be suspended for about a month, which is starting to be a pretty silly place to stand. I'm starting to wonder. Either way, you know what? I think Rudi is probably a better option anyway. He looks healthier, he's got his job back, and he's got a much better schedule: STL, SF, CLE, MIA. Actually, the Rams game looks a little tougher now than it did a few weeks ago, but if you make it through that one, the others would appear to be total cake. I think (and I'm surprising myself by saying this) that I'd take Rudi.

Mike (Raleigh)

Help..I just lost D Ward, have the Henry/Young mess, and have Foster/Maroney waiting on the bench. Ugh! Gave me some sleeper RBs that i can steal..the best on the wire appear to be L. Jordan,L Weaver,Pittman, Bell,Morency or B Jackson..any suggestions?

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

Hi, Mike. Suggestions, suggestions...um...take up fantasy baseball? Sorry...just kidding. Unfortunately, though, those aren't good options, are they. (You knew that.) Of the guys you mention, gosh, I mean, Leonard Weaver is the *only* one getting significant playing time. The Packers you mention are worthless except as handcuffs to Ryan Grant, LaMont Jordan got one carry yesterday, Bell hasn't been active for most of Denver's games (unless you mean Tatum, in which case, Bell hasn't been active for most of Detroit's games), and Pittman is playing, but his ankle just isn't right. It's a gross group, but I'll go with Weaver, who'll at least catch a few passes a game.

Zack (Albany, NY)

Does Prime-Time Fred Jackson (Yes I made up that nickname)have any value going forward?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Zack. I think Jackson's primary value next week is going to be as a handcuff to Marshawn Lynch, because as I said earlier, I think the Bills expect Lynch back in Week 14. It's never a bad thing to own a young guy who just put up a nice effort in his first career start, but I'm betting he doesn't get more than a few carries next week (at least based on the information we have right now).

Ursula (Soho)

Can't believe I'm asking this, but who should I start next week - Reggie Bush at Atlanta or Thomas Jones against the Browns?

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

Hi, Ursula. Yeah, I know the feeling. I think you probably have to pick Bush. He didn't look healthy on Sunday, but he played enough to be valuable. This really comes down to me having no faith in Thomas Jones.

Gabe (Birmingham)

Any news on Favre?

Christopher Harris

  (11:47 AM)

Hi, Gabe. Well, the Packers changed the official designation of his injury to an "elbow bruise," and I guess just naming something less-scary-sounding makes everyone exhale, because now people are predicting he'll be able to go against the Raiders next week, no problem. Bullet averted.

Ryan (va)

Is RB Ward for nyg done for the season, even the playoffs? Is it safe to drop him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Ryan. He has a broken leg, so I'm 98% sure he's done for the year. The Giants will probably make an announcement to that effect today, maybe tomorrow. If you're in desperate need of a roster spot, I think you can drop him with impunity; if you can afford to wait a day or two just to be absolutely certain, it wouldn't hurt to do that.

Ken (Bklyn NY)

Bext pickup for next week: Frerotte, Redman, or Luke McCown?

Christopher Harris

  (11:51 AM)

Hi, Ken. There are rumors that Jeff Garcia has a fracture in his back, rumors that both Garcia and Jon Gruden vehemently deny, and they swear up and down he'll play next week against Houston. I probably wouldn't use McCown anyway...that seemed like a fluky thing to me. Without knowing who's starting in either game (Bulger or Harrington), I'd pick Frerotte. Good match-up against the Bengals, if he starts. But yes, Redman (former Louisville guy) has a chance to be Atlanta's starting QB next week, too.

JB (IL)

Is is smart to play your qb against your own Def? i.e. - Big Ben vs NE DEF?

Christopher Harris

  (11:52 AM)

Hi, JB. There are conflicting theories about this. What I only really know for sure is that mathematically speaking, it does limit your upside...you almost certainly aren't going to get an unbelievably stellar fantasy effort from *both* the defense *and* the offensive player in question. That said, in a case where both entities are clearly every-week starts, and where presumably the backups you have are vastly inferior, I think you have no choice but to grin and bear it...hope that Big Ben gets sacked a bunch of times, but that he limits turnovers, and scores some (but not too many) points.....

Morgan (Baltimore)

What's the deal with Addai? His production has been slipping the past couple weeks (E. Graham has outscored him by almost 30 points the past 4 games). Is he no longer a must start every week? Or will he bounce back?

Christopher Harris

  (11:54 AM)

Hi, Morgan. I hate Addai's match-up this week against the Ravens, but you have to keep using him. The Colts aren't giving his carries away (Kenton Keith got exactly one on Sunday), and you can't beat up Addai too much for failing to do a lot against Jacksonville's good rush defense. He had one good chance to score and was tackled close to the goal line; I'd use him against the Ravens, and if you win and keep going in your fantasy playoffs, the schedule gets good after that: Oakland and Houston would be on deck.

Lauren, Orange County

Who should I insure my stud of the year Brady with? Cassel or QBs from the scrap heap?

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, Lauren. Probably you don't insure him with Cassel, a completely untested commodity. I have to believe there's a better, more proven guy out there on your waiver wire.

Jeff (Omaha)

Hey C! I sat RBush this week for "The Other" AP. Glad I did. Good move next week? (I know there are no guarantees)

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

Hi, Jeff. Exactly: no guarantees. And also, note that I'm mostly sticking to questions about what happened yesterday, who to start tonight, and who to pick up...I just haven't done my spreadsheet work yet to weigh in thoughtfully on which guy is a better start than which guy for Week 14; I'll do that work on Tuesday, and it'll be published on Wednesday in The Big Rotowski. That said, especially since you'll have to make a decision Chicago's Peterson by Thursday, my initial gut reaction is that with the extra day to rest (the Saints play ATL on Monday night), Bush will get healthier, and if I had to make a guess right now, I'm thinking I'll probably have him higher than the other Peterson in my lists, though regular readers know what a huge fan I am of *both* APs, and have been all year.

Mits (SLC)

Mr. Harris, Do you think we'll see Marvin Harrison again this season? I just picked him up from the waiver wire. Good move? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Mits. I think it's a fine move, provided you've got other guys you've been starting (and I'm assuming you do). There's no reason not to make a speculative pickup, and hope. For the moment, unfortunately, there's no indication that Harrison is getting any better. He's got some kind of bursitis in his knee, and it's not going to be a week-to-week thing. With the Colts locking in on the No. 2 seed, there's a great chance he'll only play in the finale as a tuneup for the playoffs, if that. But again, I like the pickup, just in case.

John (NYC)

The Titans defense didn't go crazy yesterday, but now that Haynesworth is back, and has played a full game, are they must-start again?

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Hi, John. I hear they were a lot better, though I have to admit I haven't watched the game tape yet. The fact that Matt Schaub got knocked out early didn't help Houston's cause for sure. I don't love the SD match-up this coming week, or the IND match-up the last week (if that game means anything to the Colts), but the KC and NYJ games look like utter green lights. And frankly, there's a chance I'll be all right on using the Titans against the Chargers this week, but I want to watch the game before I make a definite recommendation (check out Wednesday's Rotowski for my verdict).

Michael (NM)

Whats the word on LJ? Do you think he can come back and perform in weeks 15 and 16?

Christopher Harris

  (12:03 PM)

Hi, Michael. The word is...confusing. I'm not sure what to make of the situation. Apparently, LJ told a radio station he could've played yesterday, but the coaches didn't want him to. So maybe he'll play in Week 14? I don't know, honestly. He hasn't been hit in a while now, and it's unknown exactly what kind of paces he's put his foot through, though he reportedly ran a little in practice last week. I think at the moment, this is a "keep an eye on" situation, but if LJ has been dropped in your league, pick him up, just in case.

Jake (Augusta, GA)

Is there any chance we see Hackett back this week?

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

Hi, Jake. I guess there's always a chance, but it's not a good one. When he re-injured his high-ankle sprain in Week 12, Seattle said it would be at least two weeks, which means he'd miss Week 14...and insiders say it's quite a bit worse than that. We may have seen the last of him during the regular season.

Evan (Columbus)

When will Wade Phillips give up and just give MB3 the ball 20 times a game? Its not worth me having to start both MB3 and Jones just to get around 100 yards

Christopher Harris

  (12:06 PM)

Hi, Evan. Yeah, it's pretty obvious that Mr. Phillips (who looks a lot like someone's barber to me) doesn't understand fantasy football. The theory in Dallas is that as long as they have Jones, they might as well tenderize defenses with him in the first half, and let Barber take all the important carries later in games. That's been the pattern in most of Dallas's competitive contests this year, and unfortunately I don't think it changes over the rest of this year. There's a chance, though, that the Cowboys cut Jones this offseason and make Barber a primary back. If that happens, he goes to instant top 10 in all leagues.

Jeremy (Bellevue)

Thoughts on the Hawks RB. Morris exploded for a huge TD and SA ploded along but he got in the end zone. how do you think it plays out the rest of the year? Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (12:07 PM)

Hi, Jeremy. That's a game whose tape I've watched, and anyone who saw that game has to admit that Morris just has a better burst and is more in synch than Alexander. "Plod" is the right word...Alexander looked old and slow to these eyes, and continues his maddening habit of running down the line instead of straight ahead. Unfortunately, unless Alexander gets hurt again (a definite possibility), these guys are probably going to be a platoon going forward, severely limiting both players' values. Okay, folks, this chat room will vaporize at 12:15 ET, so I only have time for a couple more.

John, Green Bay, Wisc

Any QB "sleepers" on the wire worth a look? I have Kitna & Campbell, could add: the McCowns, Vinny, Edwards, Frerotte, T Jax, Redman. Thanks for all you do!

Christopher Harris

  (12:09 PM)

Hi, John. Well, the fact that you have Kitna and Campbell, neither of whom, obviously, is setting the world ablaze, means none of the guys you're mentioning currently on your waiver wire are likely to be very reliable fantasy starters going forward. Of the guys you mention, I guess I could see taking a shot with Jackson or Frerotte...at least you know Frerotte has weapons, and Jackson has a lot of upside, as he's fulfilling some of why the Vikes drafted him in the first place. But I couldn't see starting either of them over what you've got.

Jeff (VA)

Ijust read that Battle has an ankle sprain. Any idea how bad? Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (12:10 PM)

Hi, Jeff. Yeah, I read that, too. The SF papers seem to be saying that it's not a bad injury, and shouldn't cause him to miss time, but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Bailey (Atlanta)

C, what are the odds that Bulger or Schaub start this week?

Christopher Harris

  (12:12 PM)

Hi, Bailey. Schaub sounds very questionable. He dislocated his non-throwing shoulder, and while the Texans were adamant that he wasn't out for the year, I'm guessing we see Sage Rosenfels next week. As for Bulger, really, your guess is as good as mine. He needs to pass the NFL's neurological exam for concussion-sufferers, and until he does, he won't play. Will it happen this week? I honestly don't know, but the good news is that the news should come out definitively one way or another by Wednesday or Thursday.

Christopher Harris

  (12:13 PM)

All right, everyone. Thanks very much for coming to this chat. I really wish I could answer all questions, but there are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds.... Let me put in a pitch for becoming an ESPN Insider; if you do, you get access to our Fantasy Concierge service, where you can get an email question answered one-on-one by a fantasy expert within 24 hours. I continue to be humbled by how many folks come to these chats and ask really good, smart questions. I'm appreciative of the fact that you come, and believe me, I know that without you, there's no way I'd have so cool a job. So thank you. Have a great week.