Fantasy Sports w/AJ Mass
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Fantasy Archive: Baseball Chats | Football Chats | Fantasy Home Page
AJ Mass (10:59 AM)
Looks like it's that time again, gang. Let's chat the hour away. We fantasy writers aren't on strike like those pesky network scribes!
Paul (Atlanta)
Is it better to go with a back that will most likely share carries or go with a full time starter on a bad team? i.e. should I start Kolby Smith or Chester Taylor this weekend at my flex? Thanks.
AJ Mass (11:01 AM)
Apples and oranges, and other fruits as well. I've been pimping Taylor hard, even with AP's return. He's going to get the carries regardless. In a Dunn/Norwod or Alexander/Morris situation I'd rather start a sure number of carries... but this case ain't that.
Jeff (Bos, Mass)
Can you explain how TO laid an egg during the start of fantasy crunch time. Not long ago I remember that letter that he addressed to all fantasy players assuring us greatness.......what gives??
AJ Mass (11:03 AM)
Yes... all those fantasy owners who wouldn't be in the playoffs without an AP or a TO. Quit whining! It's one week. The best TEAM is supposed to win, not the team that relies on only one player.
jeff (ct)
I know you guys get sick of this question...but I have to ask it. Will Selvin Young be "the MAN" on Thursday...? Would you start him over Ernie Graham or Justin Fargas? Thx AJ
AJ Mass (11:04 AM)
I'd start Graham because if Stecker can get 100 on Falcons, he can too. But to try and figure out Shanahan's brain? That way lies madness.
Jay (Largo, MD)
I need major help in my fex spot behind Westbrook with one game away from the Superbowl..... who would you start Chatman... Gado... or Watson in the flex position?
AJ Mass (11:06 AM)
I'd start whoever goes in Miami. Right now it's up in the air, but as long as you have both, you can wait until the weekend to see.
Brian (Atl,Ga
In your opinion, who is a better start for flex Jackson,or Morris..Need help Round 2!
AJ Mass (11:08 AM)
I'm very leery of Jackson. He had an awesome first half last week and then pulled a Houdini act. Not sure why... not that Morris is a lock to get the most carries, but I'd take the chance.
Phil (Miami)
Is Plaxico now a safe start?
AJ Mass (11:10 AM)
"Safe" is a relative term. I think the Giants go into a running shell and Jacobs gets 30 carries... but they will have to throw some, and Plax will get most, if not all of the looks. Start him? Yes.
Ed, NY
Jay Cutler vs Houston or Warner vs the Saints?
AJ Mass (11:10 AM)
I'd go Cutler. On short weeks, I like the offense to react quicker than a defense who hasn't had time to plan on what's coming.
John (Houston, TX)
Any idea when DJ Hackett will be back on the gridiron for the Seahawks? If not, who is a better pickup this week -Reggie Williams (JAX) or Anthony Gonzalez (INDY)?
AJ Mass (11:12 AM)
Holmgren said yesterday that DJ was "ahead of schedule" - which is funny since originally, he said "two weeks" - which automatically puts him behind schedule. I'd go with Gonzalez this week due to matchup.
Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)
Is Kyle Orton a good start at Minnesota?
AJ Mass (11:12 AM)
Cowboy Bob Orton is a better start.
Jason (NY)
Best Flex start this week: Patten or Gaffney?
AJ Mass (11:13 AM)
I'd go Patten, but I wouldn't expect more than 40-50 yards.
Matt (Knoxville)
Debating between starting Anderson or Brees...seems like every time i start brees, he has a terrible week, but Anderson seems to be fading...any thoughts?
AJ Mass (11:14 AM)
I like Brees going up against a defense that just got torched by Hasselbeck over a nail-biter vs. Buffalo with playoff implications for both.
Bob (Jax, FL)
Is Brady going to throw one to Watson this week? Fred Taylor or MoMo as flex? (Heinz Field marsh an issue?)
AJ Mass (11:16 AM)
I'd go Taylor and not worry about the field. As for Watson... I challenge anyone to pick one player on each of the 32 teams to score a TD in any given week and get more than half right. It's harder than it looks.
Quizmaster
Fill in the blank: ________ Will score the most fantasy points this week.
AJ Mass (11:17 AM)
Earnest Graham
Angelo (Cleveland)
Hey AJ i can only start two of the three Lynch,Grant Barber.
AJ Mass (11:18 AM)
I'd sit Lynch.
Matt (Muncie, IN)
Is Maroney going to get some touches vs. J-E-T-S.
AJ Mass (11:19 AM)
Very few. It'll be mostly pass. Right through the final gun... no calling off the dogs this week.
Cowboy Bob Orton
My brother Barry O and I are coming for you! In a PPR league that also awards 0.5 points per carry, would you start Marion Barber, Adrian Peterson (CHI), or Aaron Stecker?
AJ Mass (11:20 AM)
Barber without question. The talent levels don't compare.
Rick (Atlanta)
I am fortunate enough to be in the playoffs in 2 leagues, one with Brady, one with Manning. Do I need to worry about either of them sitting this week???
AJ Mass (11:21 AM)
No, Rick. Brady is not sitting so long as Pats are undefeated, and Indy also wants to lock up bye.
Rebecca (St Louis)
Hi AJ. I am commissioner of a league on another site. I play my brother in the semis this week. I just noticed he changed his lineup this morning and put in Derrick Ward. This site for some reason doesn't tell him he's on IR. I'm allowed to change it. Should I because this site is messed up? Or should he know already or have to find out on his own? Don't want bad karma......
AJ Mass (11:22 AM)
It's only bad karma if he flat out asked you Ward's status and you held your tongue. You're not your brother's keeper, or anyone else for that matter... he made the switch... he has to live with it.
Jon (Boston, MA)
Wow - I like how you went out on a limb with that Graham prediction. I have him on both my playoff teams. Does that mean you would start him over AP (MIN), McGahee, AND MB3?
AJ Mass (11:23 AM)
Definitely over McGahee and MB3. If I had AP? On MNF? I think I'd have to go with AP.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Bernard Berrian or Brandon Stokely for my #2 WR this week?
AJ Mass (11:24 AM)
Stokely... unless the Broncos name Salvatore Bellomo as QB.
King (TX)
It is amazing how many "technical" situations Rebecca from StL has had this year. Could she be an ESPN person "planting" questions? Not that it matters since this is free information, but it is just kind of strange.
AJ Mass (11:26 AM)
King, you'd be surprised how many people claim to be Rebecca from StL when they see her questions answered. Watch how many Kings from Texas pop up now.
Dan, FL
I need your knowledge oh great one!I need a flex and not sure who to use in my playoffs.Ron Dayne, C Brown, Chatman or Droughs? FA available are F Jackson, Gado,Waivers AP CHI?
AJ Mass (11:27 AM)
I'd pick up Gado on waivers and then start either him or Chatman - whoever is declared starter this week.
King (TX)
The Reggie Bush injury has left me with a nice predicament in the playoffs. In his place, would I be better off starting Gado, Stecker, or Morris in week 15? Thanks!
AJ Mass (11:29 AM)
I'd go with Stecker of the three, based on his MNF performance.
King, TX
I am King from Texas. Mcgahee or Kevin Jones vs SD with Merriman out?
AJ Mass (11:29 AM)
McGahee. I don't touch Jones with a ten foot pole.
King (TX)
:) Which Bay DEF do you like better this week...Tampa or Green???
AJ Mass (11:30 AM)
If Berlin goes I like GB. If Bulger manages to get his head back on, then I'd lean to Tampa.
King Rebecca (StL, Tx)
Cincy D vs SF or Tenn D vs KC?
AJ Mass (11:31 AM)
Both on the road, and SF is awful. But I still have far more faith in Tennessee.
Rebecca King, TX
PPR...Jones-Drew, Lynch, Gado, or Plax?
AJ Mass (11:32 AM)
I'd go with Plaxico.
King (TX)
Touche', Touche' - Mr. Mass - It all makes sense now...
AJ Mass (11:32 AM)
Thanks, guys. We now can resume our "non-King" queries, already in progress.
Josh (Palm Coast, FL)
2nd WR: Stallworth, Coles, or Anthony Gonzalez?
AJ Mass (11:33 AM)
I'd go with Coles. Pats do allow some yardage, and Jets will likely throw a lot.
Mike (Nashville)
Do you put any stock in the fact that Jabar Gaffney has TD's in 3 straight games including a monster game against Pittsburgh? Or is that just an anomaly?
AJ Mass (11:35 AM)
In most cases, you'd have to consider it. But in NE's case, you can't. Moss, Welker, Stallworth... still better options. Heck, just because Vrabel gets a few TDs a year doesn't mean I slot him into flex.
Jeff (Dallas, TX)
AJ: Ben and Garrard face each other this week. Which one should I start?
AJ Mass (11:36 AM)
I'd go with Ben. At home, and Garrard is likely to throw a pick, and b/c it's been so long since he's thrown one, he may react really poorly to it.
Dan (queens, NY)
Hey AJ, if you had to pick one of these 4, who would it be....Bowe, Berrian, Gonzalez, or Crayton???
AJ Mass (11:37 AM)
This week I go Gonzalez. I don't love him, but QB wise, only Crayton compares and I don't like him vs. Philly D.
Queen (TX)
Would you trust Selvin Young on thurs. Or go with Edge or Kolby Smith?? Thanks
AJ Mass (11:38 AM)
I think I'd go with Young.
Jennifer (STL)
Technically speaking, which three would you play this week out of K. Jones, S. Young, K. Smith, J. Norwood or C. Brown?
AJ Mass (11:39 AM)
Young, Brown and Norwood. But, Rebecca, I know that's really you.
Mike(Baltimore)
Major Question--need your help. Keeper League 4 keepers per team, 10 team league. Whats the standard--snaked draft or regular?
AJ Mass (11:40 AM)
There's really no such thing as "standard" - as long as the rules are written down and everyone is cool with them, that's what you do. For me, I think in a keeper league, you should go 10-1, 10-1 and not snake.
Eric (CT)
Scheffler or Shockey this week?
AJ Mass (11:41 AM)
Scheffler. Jeremy has done far too little of late to be relied on.
Taz (MA)
Playoff Time !! Would you start Warner, Palmer, or Cutler ? Gado or D Walker? Thanks
AJ Mass (11:42 AM)
I'd take a chance with Carson, and Walker.
Freddy (Ohio)
AJ, I go up against a Brady owner this week. The plus side is I have Manning. But if Indy gets up big early (likely), Dungy will probably sit him, whereas Bill Billygoatcheck will keep Brady in with the TD record in sight. My question is should I play Warner instead of Manning? Warner should be in for most of the game if he can stay healthy. Thanks!
AJ Mass (11:43 AM)
I don't think you can worry about such things in Week 15. If Indy gets up big early, likely Peyton will have already put up more points than Kurt. Play the best guys you have.
Timmy, NY
Who the hell is AJ Mass? I guess Berry and Karabell are out of the office today.
AJ Mass (11:44 AM)
Glad to meet you, too, Timmy. I bet you have tons of friends.
Matt (Chicago)
Balt D or Minny D? Hasselbeck or Derek Anderson?
AJ Mass (11:45 AM)
Minnesota and Matt. And with that - let's go LIGHTNING ROUND.
Lassie
Bark Bark Bark Bark -- Whats that lassie? Timmy has NO friends?
AJ Mass (11:45 AM)
L to the O to the L
Homer (Springfield)
Tough playoff call--T Henry or Gado this week??
AJ Mass (11:45 AM)
Because I'd have to decide early... Henry.
Brian (MD)
If Bulger is a no-go is MJD, K. Smith or Stecker a better option then Holt at the flex?
AJ Mass (11:46 AM)
No, I think you still go Holt. He did OK with Berlin last week.
Mike (Nashville)
Better wildly inconsistent flex play: Lee Evans or Kevin Jones this week?
AJ Mass (11:47 AM)
Evans
aint too proud to beg (everywhere)
flex help: AP (CHI), holmes, s. mcdonald?
AJ Mass (11:47 AM)
A healthy Holmes, barring that, I go McDonald.
Andrew (Toledo)
Jamal Lewis, Stephen Jackson, Ryan Grant, pick two for this week?
AJ Mass (11:48 AM)
I'd sit Steven.
Kiran(philly)
Would you bench jones drew(vs steelers) and bring in Chester Taylor if it meant you?d be starting both him and Apet? Im also playing Mcgahee.
AJ Mass (11:48 AM)
Yes. MJD's not been looking all that of late.
God ( heaven)
Pick 2. Addai , Rudi j , Travis henry , lynch for this week?
AJ Mass (11:49 AM)
Addai and Travis, but shouldn't you know?
Erik (ATL)
AJ, I'm in! In a most unusual circumstance I managed to sneak into the play-offs as the #8 seed beating two others with the same record on different tie breakers. Question: I've got LT as my #1, but my #2 and flex are always question marks. Who do you like this week, Kolby (don't call me Callait) Smith, C. Taylor, T. Henry, or L. Maroney?
AJ Mass (11:50 AM)
Chester 1 and Travis 2
Kim (TX)
Pick two: Jennings, Holt, Ward, A.J.
AJ Mass (11:50 AM)
I'd sit Ward, and it's spelled with a "N-G" at the end, not an "M"
Frank (C
Does K. Keith have any business being on my roster if I'm not the Addai owner?
AJ Mass (11:51 AM)
I'd say not.
Derek (Hershey)
Trent Edwards or Chris Redman this week?
AJ Mass (11:51 AM)
Trent.
Joe (PA)
Benching Cotchery this week for sure, so Bryant Johnson or David Patten. Yuck
AJ Mass (11:52 AM)
I'd go with Patten over Bryant.
ESPN mgmt
It must be answered... Rebecca or King???
AJ Mass (11:52 AM)
Some questions are best left up to higher powers to answer.
Stanley (Mount Airy Lodge)
Im tired of your nonsense rambling about fantasy sports. None of your advice I use to set my lineup. I wish you all the best. Have a wonderful day.
AJ Mass (11:53 AM)
Enjoy the heart-shaped hot tub.
Kevin, Boston
Lendale, Gado, Stecker or Walker for the season?
AJ Mass (11:54 AM)
What little is left, I'd rather have my eggs in Aaron's basket.
Bruce (Maine)
all you have to bring is your love of everything
AJ Mass (11:54 AM)
They are your host with the most in the Poconos.
Mark (Greensboro NC)
Chester Taylor or Selvin Young this week?
AJ Mass (11:56 AM)
Chester. Although I like Young over Henry, but it's Shanahan. So, Henry will clearly do better. But it's Shanahan, so clearly I cannot drink from the cup in front of you.
Willie (Florida)
Wow, this chat just took a turn for the worse... Pick 1, Jacobs or Young
AJ Mass (11:56 AM)
Jacobs. Giants run run run.
Mark (State College, PA)
Stop that rhyming and I mean it!
AJ Mass (11:57 AM)
Three more questions left to go, peanut!
Koop, Boston
Pick Two: Wayne, Gonzalez, Crayton or Engram?
AJ Mass (11:57 AM)
Wayne and Bobby.
Jon (Kansas City, KS)
Jacobs or FWP? or R. Johnson?
AJ Mass (11:58 AM)
Jacobs 1 FWP 2.
Fred (NJ)
SEA or Jax, buttercup.
AJ Mass (11:59 AM)
Got to go Seahawks... and simply got to go... thanks to all. It was a fun hour, but it's time to storm the castle. See you all tomorrow at 3pm!
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