Nate Ravitz

  (11:01 AM)

Hey guys and gals. I'm here for your football AND baseball questions, so let's do it.

Chris (MD)

Quick ruling question. One of the teams in our league won by a point after getting 2 points for the forced fumble by the Pats O on the INT return last night credited to his Def. Should we edit the scoring to take away those points since the "Defense " didnt score?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:02 AM)

No, you shouldn't edit the scoring. You've been playing by those rules all season.

Mike (DC)

Talented Mr Ravitz, I need your sage-like wisdom. Do I dare bench Fargas against Green Bay in favor of either T. Jones or Chicago AP. Already starting MBIII and Graham.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:04 AM)

Tough call. Fargas has been a monster the last two weeks but not against defenses as good as Green Bay. I think I'd probably leave him in there, but it's very close.

Justin (B'ham)

Perhaps this is blasphemous, but do I dare start Romo over Brady this weekend based on matchups? I guess this thought could be do to my mancrush on the Steelers though.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:05 AM)

I don't think it's blasphemous. I'll bet at least 1-2 of our guys (possibly including me) will rank Romo ahead of Brady in tomorrow's Week 14 rankings.

Mark (MD)

Roy Williams-should I just dump him? (one league=play three receivers-bench size 7 players)

Nate Ravitz

  (11:05 AM)

Yep. It looks like he's done for the year.

Confused(tie breaker Land)

PLEASE take a sec and respond many other people may have a similar issue? League rules:overall rec, head to head(2teams only), div rec, overall points. 3 teams at 7-6, two teams div rec = 4-4, the other 3-5. Do you then revert to head to head between the 2 remaning teams?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:06 AM)

You really should have decided tiebreakers ahead of time. Absent that, I'd go with total points.

Rick (Irvine, CA)

I have rolled with Gore all year, just made the playoffs, and now in the first week I am thinking about sitting him. I would go Kolby Smith, The other and Graham at the 2 RB and one flex, what do you think?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:09 AM)

That sounds right. I can't see playing Gore against Minnesota.

Damian (Nor Cal)

BASEBALL!!!! What is your take on A. Soriano in an NL only league? Do you see him improving from his stats last year? I need to decide on if i should keep him at $37 bucks.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:10 AM)

I think he'll have a similar season to last, but with more RBIs as they (hopefully) get him out of the leadoff spot. He's a borderline keeper at that price.

Sammy (CA)

Nate, Just to let you know for the 2nd striaght day, there's nothing to click on to get into the am or pm chat.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:11 AM)

What do you mean? I see the link on the fantasy page.

Craig (fl)

Would you go with a healthy D Bowe or a gimpy and possibly inactive Fitzgerald.... Thursday lineup deadline.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:12 AM)

With the early deadline, I'd have to go with Bowe, although I expect Fitzgerald to play.

Jw (NH)

All baseball, all day. In a 1 year keeper h2h league which of these guys is the most valuable '08, '09 and combined? J. Bruce, Manny Parra, Evan Longoria, Salty?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:13 AM)

Same rankings for all three: 1. Bruce 2. Longoria 3. Salty 4. Parra

Sammy is right

I had to go to the Sportsnation chat archive

Nate Ravitz

  (11:14 AM)

Where were you normally going? Do you see the chat module on the right column of the fantasy home page?

Bill (700 Level)

What do you think the chances of Romo resting for week 16?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:15 AM)

Possible, but I doubt it.

Todd, KS

Brady or Brees due to Matchup

Nate Ravitz

  (11:15 AM)

Brady, even though Brees has been playing better on the road.

Raul (Philadelphia)

Hey Nate have the Steelers DST this week vs the Pats. This is the first week of our playoffs, would you stick with the Steelers DST? Could you give me a better pick?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:16 AM)

I would not play the Steelers D. In fact, I've ranked the team playing the Pats 30-32 almost every week since early in the season. Almost anyone is a better choice.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:17 AM)

Thanks everyone for writing about the chat link. It appears most were clicking on the link in the weekly schedule. We created a new module to promote the chats, but I guess it may take some time for you guys to get used to that. We'll add the links back into the schedule.

Rusty(Long Beach, NY)

Somehow I made the playoffs in a win or go home situation marching out a receiving core of Kevin Curtis, Nate Washington and Keenan McCardell. For my 1st round games this week, what can you tell me about M. Harrison, S.Holmes, D. Hackett, Justin Gage? It's a PPR league. Thanks alot

Nate Ravitz

  (11:18 AM)

I have no update on Holmes yet, but it's highly unlikely that Harrison or Hackett plays.

Josh (Asheville, NC)

Please help?! I got Big Ben on my fantasy team and have no back up since I traded away Kitna after the Steelers bye. The Steelers play New England on Sunday and don't know if I should bench him or not? The past two QB's to play the Patriots have played well and Ben has been good for my team since I only one game this year. Should I bench him? If so, who should I look at on the wire? Rivers? Grossman? Help?!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:18 AM)

I'd stick with Ben.

Desperate (Richmond Va)

Is tj houshmanzadeh worth mcgahee?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:19 AM)

That's roughly comparable value.

Bryant (AL)

14 TEAM LEAGE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!! Set my lineup (qb,1rb,2wr,1flex): Brees or Warner, AP(Min) Grant or S.Jackson, T.O. B.Edwards or A.Johnson???? Help!!! Thanks Nate!!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:20 AM)

Brees. AP and Jackson, T.O and Edwards

Chris (Evansville)

I have a fairly weak WR corps. Should I drop Bowe or Stallworth (or both) to pick up Gage/Rice/Bryant Johnson/Burleson?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:21 AM)

Probably not. Maybe drop Stallworth for Johnson if Boldin or Fitz is out.

Jim (TX)

Does last night's performance and the potential of more bad weather games change your perception of Maroney going forward?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:21 AM)

No. He had 13 carries, right? I liked that he made a big play in the passing game, but he's not exactly a big part of the attack.

Jordan (NJ)

I know fantasy defenses aren't popular, but should I start the Vikings or Dallas defense? Punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns don't count. Thanks Nate.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:22 AM)

I like Vikings over Dallas.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:22 AM)

By the way. Commish's Court from yesterday covers the tiebreaker issue.

Maitiu (DC)

Hey Nate, you ever just get the urge to tell people to do their own research and take responsibility for their teams? You have more patience than I? (Oh and do I start GB or Minny this week vs two weak teams)

Nate Ravitz

  (11:24 AM)

No, I never get that urge. If they did, a lot of us would be out of jobs. I'm a patient man as long as people are respectful and understand that no one else wants to read a bunch of "start X or Y" questions. With that said, I'll take the Minny D

Justin (Queens, NY)

I've been stubbornly starting L.Evans all year, and despite that have made the playoffs. Should I bench him in favor of A. Gonzalez or James Jones this week? Also, would you start either over J.Walker? TY

Nate Ravitz

  (11:25 AM)

Tough call. Evans stinks without Losman, but the other guys are hardly reliable, either. I *think* I'd go with Gonzalez, but I'm not at all confident in that.

Raul (Philadelphia)

Hey Nate do you like Lee Evans for a good day vs. Miami? (A good day being 70yrds, 1 TD)

Nate Ravitz

  (11:25 AM)

Unlikely, though he does have a pretty good track record against Miami.

Jeff (NY)

Nate, any relation to Neil who received football honors in 1999? Go with Henry (assuming no suspension)or Jacobs as RB2 for this week?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:27 AM)

If Jacobs is healthy, he's my pick. And, yes, my cousin Neil was the captain of the football team for Army in 1999. Somehow I ended up 5-10 and 165 pounds and he played at 6-3, 260 or so. Other than that, we're identical.

Nate (Tx)

Nate, need some playoff help! You have to help someone with your own name, i mean come' on! pick 3 Stallworth, jacobs, e graham, driver, jennings, c. henry (cinci)

Nate Ravitz

  (11:27 AM)

Graham, Driver, Jennings.

matt (the chi)

I have a bye week this week (playoffs) what should i do?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:28 AM)

Go to Vegas.

Raul (Philadelphia)

Last question on a scale from 1 - 10, 10 being the best, what's the likely hood that Matthew Berry becomes part of the Ravitz family? Thanks for all your help nate I relly enjoy the podcasts. Down with PodVader!!!!!!!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:29 AM)

What's lower than 1?

Craig ( PA)

I normally always start a RB at flex, but would you consider starting Deion Branch in a good matchup over a banged up Jacobs or Willie Parker in a tough matchup?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:30 AM)

I've been starting WRs over RBs at flex all year. It's been the better play. But there's no way I'd start Branch over Parker.

Eddie (Atlanta)

Hey Nate, thoughts on Leon Washington?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:31 AM)

I really like him. I think there's about a 30 percent chance he has a Tiki Barber-like career path ... being a part timer for a few years before eventually getting a shot as a starter. Won't be as good as Barber. As for this year, very limited value.

matt (the chi)

There is a huge problem in my league. Our commish is not doing his job and did not catch a scam. One team traded a S.Jackson (not STL) for Mcgahee (bal). The trade went through and no one knows what to do. your thoughts?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:32 AM)

Fire your commish and throw both other teams out of the league.

Andrew (CA)

So who would be your top 5 WRs for the rest of this year and heading into 2008. Thanks!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:34 AM)

I'm not sure the top 5 the rest of the year is the same as next season. Rest of year 1. Owens 2. Moss 3. Braylon 4. Housh 5. Wayne. Next season is highly dependent on where Moss ends up, among other things.

Jack (Slappyville, TX)

BASEBALL QUESTION: Where do you think Hanley Ramirez goes in next year's draft and how do you see him doing without Cabrera to drive him in?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:34 AM)

I think he'll be a top 3 pick, and should be, and I think a potential Cabrera trade has little impact on his value.

Matt (Philly)

Where moss ends up?? he's leaving new england?? More importantly do steve smith and ocho cinco get traded??

Nate Ravitz

  (11:36 AM)

Moss is a free agent. My guess is he'll be back in NE, but I don't think I'd assume that the only options are NE or big money with a bad team. What if a good team offers him big money? I doubt Smith or Ocho gets traded.

steve SD

would you rather have adrian peterson or rudi for the remainder of the season? i know rudi has better schedule, but his brittleness scares me....

Nate Ravitz

  (11:37 AM)

Adrian

al (DC)

baseball question! - where do u rank beckett heading into next year? chosen 2nd behind santana?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:39 AM)

Beckett would about 5 for me. He might get taken after Santana, but I'd rather have Peavy, Webb, maybe Sabathia, maybe Bedard.

John ( PA)

I think Willie Parker gets extremely overrated EVERY week. He's 16th in total points in standard scoring leagues, and even worse in ppr leagues. What gives?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:41 AM)

We keep thinking he'll get in the end zone. And when you're ranking you take the guy with 90 yards per game and a possible TD over a guy with 60 yards per game and a possible TD.

Andy - Detroit

How can you leave Andre Johnson out of that Top 5? If that guy was healthy all year he would be there right now

Nate Ravitz

  (11:42 AM)

I didn't realize I was asked to rank without taking past and possibly future injuries into account. Also, I don't like AJ as much without Schaub.

Dave Saginasty MI

Nate, approx. what time (EST) will the podcast be up today? I know you guys said yesterday it'd be up later. I need it to get me through work.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:42 AM)

Actually, it should be up right now or any minute.

Mike (DC)

COMMISH ETHICS QUESTION: a non playoff team in my league just dumped Graham and Andre Johnson to waivers. I squeaked into the playoffs (8-seed), have the 1st priority, and could use an RB, but as commish I could also return those players to his roster since he's clearly trying to eff with the first place teams. Are the karma points I'd get for taking those players out of the mix worth more than the points Graham would score for me this week?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:43 AM)

Unless he had a valid reason for dumping them (maybe it's a keeper league and those guys aren't keepable for some reason), you should send them back, and kick the guy out of the league.

Jim Mora

PLAYOFFS, what, PLAYOFFS: What is your favorite playoff format? Top 4 6 or 8 make it? I think 6 is the best personally so top 2 get more of a reward with 1st round byes.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:44 AM)

I like 6, for the same reason.

Sean (PA)

Was Kelvim Escobar a fluke last year, would you take him or Lincecum in a keeper league

Nate Ravitz

  (11:44 AM)

Not a fluke. I like Lincecum's upside better, but I probably wouldn't draft him over Kelvim.

Blick (DC)

Is Chris Brown a good start at flex this week? Over Donald Driver or Jesse Chatman (or whomever the Dolphins start)?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:45 AM)

Not over Driver. Probably not over Chatman.

Matt (Ca)

Any word on Portis? Is Kolby Smith a better start this week against Denver anyways? Also, since Driver is going against Oakland, is Engram a better start at WR?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:47 AM)

No word on Portis. If he's healthy, I start him over Smith, even though Kolby has a good matchup. I'd start Driver over Engram, but it's close.

Jon

One last time Nate. AP(Chi) or FWP this week? Now I'll stop bugging you. ;)

Nate Ravitz

  (11:48 AM)

I think FWP.

Brandon (Alabama)

In best Chris Berman voice, Mike "Mighty Mouse" Furrey, Justin "Gaged and Confused", or a possibly healthy Santonio "There's no place like" Holmes?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:49 AM)

Holmes if healthy, Furrey if not.

Tom (Miami, FL)

What are your views on dumping D.J. Hackett and picking up Michael Bush as a keeper for next year? I should add that I did make the playoffs as the #1 seed with a bye.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:49 AM)

I would not make that deal.

John Baughman (St. Louis, MO)

How much crap do you have spread all over your desk to answer these questions? Or do you do this all from memory?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:50 AM)

It's mostly memory and a couple of extra browser windows. Although, in unrelated news, there's a lot of crap on my desk.

Mike (DC)

I've been starting both Brady and Welker most of the year. Going against the Steelers, do I bench Welker in favor of Colston or Galloway to help diversify my risk?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:51 AM)

I think Colston is a better play than Welker this week regardless.

Cole (Dallas)

What's the latest on Lynch... need to know if I should pick up Jackson as a fill-in

Nate Ravitz

  (11:51 AM)

Nothing definitive. He might play.

Jack (Chicago)

YOu are really harsh about just kicking people out of the league. Is that really how you operate? Seems like you could warn and fin draft position etc. Its not that easy to fill up a league with all people you know to make it more interesting

Nate Ravitz

  (11:52 AM)

That's why they call me Negative Nate. My guess is if you try to fine the guy or take away picks, he'll quit the league, anyway.

Brian (Annapolis)

So, should I expect Heath Millers recent down streak to continue against the Pats? Enough to start Scaife?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:52 AM)

Yes. No.

John Baughman (St. Louis, MO)

I've got crap all over my desk too.... do you think Rudi Johnson shows up at all during the fantasy playoffs?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:52 AM)

A little bit, but I don't trust him at all.

jumbo (atl)

I think you have to take a hard line approach to people dumping in leagues. r williams being out, who do i replace him w/: I.Bruce, S.Rice, B.Johnson, furrey or Battle?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:53 AM)

I agree. Probably Bruce, as long as one of the top 2 STL quarterbacks is healthy.

Michelle (Boston)

Yes, me again..give a gal a break Nate & please answer. Strategy question. Is picking up & starting Rex Grossman a good play if my oppon starts both Bears WRs & Clark (TE)? Guess I am thinking I would match him pnt for pnt & he would use 3 players to my one. Am I wrong?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:54 AM)

Sorry, but I can't condone that. You don't start Rex Grossman unless he's your best player, which he probably isn't. What if he throws for 300 yards -- all to Clark and Berrian -- but no TDs, and 4 INTs and a fumble?

Nate (ohio)

Does Holt take a hit with Ferrotte now out? Or does it really matter vs the Bungles?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:55 AM)

if Brock Berlin starts, it matters.

Brick (Brooklyn)

New England D exposed last night?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:56 AM)

A little bit, but we've known for a while that you could run on them.

Dan (NYC)

BASEBALL QUESTION - In a league transitioning to a dynasty format, knowing that Braun is likely moving to LF, who is the better 3B draft - Longoria or Alex Gordon?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:56 AM)

Well Braun is still better than those 2, even as a LF, but I'd take Gordon over Longoria.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:57 AM)

I have to head out kids. Check out the TMR's chat at 3 ET. And remember, no matter how bad you think you had it this week, you didn't lose a fantasy game because your opponent had Mark Clayton catching a hail mary on the last play of the last game of the week. Yes, this happened to me. See ya later.