Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

Sorry for the tardiness, everyone. Drafts are upon us for one final weekend!

Steve (Indy)

My playoffs start next week..do I roll the dice on Marcum making a quick return or dump him for any of the following available: Pelfrey, Sonnanstine, Maholm, Bush or Wandy?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:04 PM)

Well, start with a baseball one real quick ... I don't think you can count on Marcum, so I'd go with Bush or Pelfrey, Steve. Both teams in the playoff hunt, too, so they're all big starts.

Cody Philly

Keith, in a league where return yds and tds are credited to the player how far do you bump up guys like Hester anbd Cribbs? thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

Well, Cody, it really depends on how many points they are getting for return yardage, because guys like Cribbs are going to get 1,500 or more yards on kickoffs alone. But this is definitely a good point to look into how it's scored in your league and adjust your personal rankings accordingly. It's difficult to predict return TDs, though, so I would focus more on the yardage. I expect teams to finally kick away from Hester this season if they can help it.

Steve(Boston)

FOOTBALL KEEPER? Keith we start 2Rb's, 2 Wr's, and a flex. 1 point 10 yds rushing, 1 point 15 yds receiving, and 1/2 ppr. I can keep Brees 3rd round, Wayne 3rd round, A. Johnson 5th round, or Turner 8th. I was thinking of keeping Johnson if he is healthty. Thanks for all your help in baseball which has gotten me to the top.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

Glad you're doing well in baseball, Steve. I was able to get Brees in the 3rd round of a 10-team league, while Wayne went in the 2nd round. Johnson went in the late 2nd in that same draft, so if indeed he can stay healthy, he would probably be the best bargain of those three. That being said, you likely won't be able to get a guaranteed starting RB like Michael Turner in the 8th round, either. While he's not an elite player (top-30) like the others, you'll still have a chance to draft Brees, Wayne and Johnson (even if it's a round or so earlier than their keeper round), while you won't be able to get Turner anywhere near the 8th. I think I would take the chance and keep Turner.

Jason (Dayton)

******Need help fast!!!!!!!!Trade LT for R. Moss / Grant / J. Stewart? I am pretty deep at running back and can pair Moss with Owens and Wayne.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:12 PM)

If you really feel you'll be OK at RB even after trading LT, then having those three WRs sure is awful nice. I don't know enough about your roster specifically, but the end result doesn't sound too bad, either.

steve (phoenix, az)

latest on kendrick and hafner please...i need howie's avg bad.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

Supposedly this hamstring injury isn't as bad as the last one Kendrick suffered, but I'm sure he'll miss a few games. Hamstrings are very tough to predict. As far as Hafner goes, he's been dealing with soreness in his shoulder and has missed a few rehab games in a row. I'm not sure he'll be able to help in any meaningful way the rest of the season. I'll need to see more positive reports, before I change my mind.

Dan (Oakland, CA)

Drop Curtis for Desean? Watson for C Perry? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

Well, it sounds like Curtis could be out another month or so, and the Bengals really seem like they want Perry to tote the rock for them most of all, so I'd say go for it on both accounts. Just try to keep up on Curtis' progress and maybe scoop him back up once he seems a week or two away from returning, if you still like his prospects.

Michael (Tucson, AZ):

Keith, would you be comfortable with David Garrard and Marc Bulger as your only QBs in a ten-team league?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:18 PM)

I'd feel better if I knew I had a nasty RB duo and at least one stud receiver I could count on for big points most weeks, Michael. Garrard isn't a high-scoring fantasy option. He's nice because he doesn't make mistakes, but Bulger obviously has higher upside in terms of scoring on a weekly basis. He's the risk/reward play.

Mike, Cleveland

Seems to me like there are sleepers to be found in the Houston backfield. Slaton or Chris Taylor, assuming Green cuts hurt and Brown gets cut?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

If I had to pick one guy to take out of Houston, I think it would be Slaton. He's got nice burst and I think he'll get a chance to show it, because of the injury-prone nature of both Green and Brown, should they keep both. I would be surprised if Taylor played more than Slaton, personally.

Peter (Baltimore)

Drafted last night for one of my 12 team leagues. If you had Wayne, Colston and B. Marshall filling your 2 WR & 1 Flex slots. How are you feeling with LenDale as my #2 RB (SJax #1) knowing you have D. Williams, K. Watson, Norwood & Slaton on your bench?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:21 PM)

A little worried that I won't get much out of my No. 2 back many weeks. Jeff Fisher has said it could be 60/40 or even 50/50 in carries between White and Chris Johnson, and I expect Williams and Jonathan Stewart to do something similar in Carolina. The other three backs don't appear to even have that kind of opportunity coming their way at this point.

Randy (Wyoming)

A lot of people have dropped B. Marshall because of his 2 game suspension. But I picked him at a value price as my number 1 WR. I feel I can weather the storm for 2 weeks. After his suspension do you expect him to put up top 10 numbers?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

Yes, he is capable of that and I think he'll have a very good season. He's easily the No. 1 guy in Denver and if Scheffler can stay healthy, he'll command attention in the middle of the field. Then it will be up to the Broncos' running game to do its best and keep defenses from focusing so much on Marshall. I like Marshall a lot.

Joe (NY)

Keith, can you give us your top 10 as of today. Thanks a lot. Love the chats!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:25 PM)

I'll go with these 10: LT, Westbrook, Addai, Peterson, Brady, S. Jackson, Portis, Moss, Lynch and let's say Barber. I'm always changing my mind!

Tom (Hackensack)

so i drafted LJ in the third round to complement westbrook. I later took brandon jacobs in th 6th round (cant believe he was there) Is it crazy to consider starting jacobs and westbrook in week 1?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

Not crazy at all. He should still get the goal-line carries, even if he does share time in the backfield. I agree that LJ isn't a great play in Week 1.

Charlie (Clev., OH)

Is Lewis on a short closer leash for our Tribe? & if so, are any of Percival, Francisco, or even Street better options for this season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

I think he's the man the rest of the way, and since Cleveland is winning, fantasy owners are winning with Lewis right now. Out of those you bring up, only Francisco has a chance to have more saves than Lewis the rest of the way.

Al (Queens)

Wiggy a good backup option for the playoffs? The Super-Util has 2 HRs today already.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

Without a doubt. And in 12-team leagues and more, he's a starting option. He's really swung the bat well in the second half. Should be owned in all leagues.

Cal (Philly)

Thoughts on Rajai Davis - will he keep playing regularly?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

Right now, it appears his playing time is predicated on the health of others. But even if he doesn't play everyday, he's a good stolen base option in deeper leagues the rest of the way.

Steven (tulsa)

what is your opinion of jamal lewis this year? solid #2 RB?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

Yeah, I'd say he's a solid No. 2 back, simply because there aren't many backs who have the backfield to themselves. I'm not sure he'll repeat last season's performance, but getting at least 80% of the carries isn't too common anymore.

ryan(nj)

Does Jonathan Stewart emerge as a high end keeper toward the end of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:34 PM)

He very well could. He's talented enough, and it's obvious the Panthers don't think Williams is someone who can handle the big workload over the course of the entire season. I think they like him as a tandem guy, but not THE guy. Stewart could wind up being THE guy. Hopefully his toe allows him the chance to be.

Fernando (Pembroke Pines)

Hey Keith, should I drop Chone Figgins for Denard Span heading into the playoffs? With the sore big toe it makes him worthless if he can't steal bases now.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

Gotta agree with you, there. Figgins' value isn't the same if he isn't running. Still I think he'll hit for a higher BA than Span. I'm still trying to come around on Span. I think I saw too many games of his here in New Britain and can't get out of the funk.

Mike (Nashville)

What are your thoughts on Vincent Jackson? He's apparently having a great camp to continue his momentum from the playoffs. Is he turning the corner or a flash in the pan?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:38 PM)

Well, since the running game is the bread-and-butter in San Diego, receivers can easily get lost. And the fact that Antonio Gates is option No. 1 doesn't help, either. But I do think Jackson is going later (or not at all) in a lot of drafts and who's to say he doesn't at least become a TD scorer and worthy of No. 4/5 WR status in leagues?

Jason (NYC)

Michael Turner or Thomas Jones as my #2 RB? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:40 PM)

I'm going to say Jones, although I think Turner will have some big games this year. I'm just worried that Atlanta won't be very good this year and if they're coming from behind, they'll have to throw more often. It's still close, but I'll go with Jones.

Adam (Toronto)

Eh,You'd draft Addai before Peterson, or was that just a in the moment rankings? So, Oviously in a PPR league your taking Addai 100%...Please explain....Thanks Eh!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

That was just listing them, really ... but looking back at the answer, the only guys I'd switch to put them in order would be Peterson and Addai. That being said, I think it's VERY close between them, and yes, in a PPR league, I actually would take Addai before Peterson. I still have concerns about Peterson's durability.

David (Sac)

Who's more droppable, VY or Rodgers?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

Gotta say Young, David. Rodgers has weapons at his disposal and I think he'll do just fine. The only way Young's value approaches Rodgers is if he runs the ball well and cuts down on the INTs.

Birdman(Boston)

Thoughts on Anthony Gonzalez?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

Gonzalez's value is tied to the health of Marvin Harrison, in my opinion. You could argue he's the fifth option in terms of targets with all weapons healthy (Addai being 4th). If Harrison were to go down, that would change things, but I don't see him doing any more than last year at this point.

joe (york)

pick 2 from patrick crayton, vincent jackson, isaac bruce and sidney rice. I need replacements for steve smith and brandon marshall...Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

I think I'd go Crayton and Bruce, since they are closer to top options in offenses that are potent (Dallas) and throw a bunch (SF). They should help you for the first two weeks more than the others.

Ed( San Diego,CA)

Who do you like to have a bigger year? A.Boldin or C.Johnson? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

Only Chad Johnson's pain threshold will tell. I liked Johnson more before the injury, but Boldin is a safer option.

Phil (Flushing, NY)

I see Jay Cutler having a tremendous year. What do you think?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:48 PM)

I think he'll keep taking steps, but I'm not predicting a breakout season, like some are. If the Broncos' running game isn't potent, it will put more pressure on Cutler to make things happen. If that running game is solid, though, and defenses are forced to keep more guys in the box, I agree that Cutler could pick defenses apart.

Dave (Houston)

What are your thoughts on Reg. Bush as #2 RB to along side Brian Westbrook? I also have Fred Taylor and Selvin Young. Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

I think you're in decent shape, Dave. Provided everything is OK with Reggie's health, I really expect the Saints to finally "get it" and find ways to get him the ball in an even better position to succeed. But Reggie's also got to show he can make people miss, too. He's really disappointed me in that respect so far. And having Taylor and Young should supply you with plenty of depth, should Bush struggle. If it's a PPR league, Bush is that much more valuable, of course.

Jamaal (Sewell, NJ)

Hello Keith, which TE do you like most for this year only ina PPR league...Daniels, Utecht, or Keller? Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:52 PM)

Well, I definitely think Daniels will catch the most balls, so the question is whether more of those will be TDs this year. I'd take him first among the three, but it's definitely possible Keller could outperform Utecht if indeed Favre looks for him in the red zone like he has past TEs during his career.

Toby (TX)

who is more affected by their terrible o-line, LJ or sJax

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

I gotta go with LJ, also because of the fact I think his workload has taken a toll on him to the point where he doesn't appear to be the same explosive back he was a few years ago.

p(boston)

Santonio, Calvin or Marshall? Which one do you like the most this year PPR?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:54 PM)

In PPR, I like Marshall more. Clear No. 1 guy and should score as many TDs or more than the other guys. However, I do think Calvin Johnson could emerge this season and I'd rather have him than Roy Williams in Detroit. Holmes is still a big home-run hitter, but I don't expect him to catch as many balls as the other two.

Brad (Birmingham)

Last second shot! Please rank these closers for the rest of the year: Chris Perez, Mike Gonzalez, and Brad Ziegler.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

Perez, Ziegler, Gonzalez ... Perez looks pretty good in that role to me, and the Braves just haven't had many save chances all year, so Gonzalez has to be last.

Gabriel Orlando, FL

Keith, what exactly is Chad Johnsons status? Some say he is hurt and he might not play, then I hear other wise? Do you have any insight?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

He's going to play through the injury and hope he doesn't hurt it any further. He'll wear a brace, much like Kellen Winslow did last season. So, it can be done, making it through the season, but I'm interested to say how it affects his ability to go up and get balls, knowing a safety is bearing down on him.

Michael (Toronto)

Chris Johnson becomes Jones-Drew or Jerious Norwood?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

Good question, Michael. I think somewhere in between. The Titans badly need a guy like Johnson, a home-run type of back. Last year, they had one run longer than 28 yards and that came in Week 1! Pretty sad, so he'll help them out and give LenDale White a blow to keep him fresher throughout the season. But I'm not sure Johnson has the TD potential Jones-Drew has shown, because he won't be used in short-yardage situations, for one.

Kelly (Iowa)

Sorry for the repetition, but I'll try one more time...Zach Miller is my backup TE. I've heard good things about him. Would you be comfortable enough with him to trade Witten to strengthen another position? In other words, is he a decent sleeper starter? Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

I think it's pretty nice having a stud like Witten, and because I'm not a huge JaMarcus Russell fan, I have a hard time seeing Miller being a consistent performer week in, week out. I would stick with Witten, personally.

Tom (Trenton)

Buzzer beater- Better #2 RB- R. Grant or E. Graham in standard league?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

Grant for me. Not worried about his health.

Gray (Chicago)

Should I be trying to deal Chris Perry right now or do you think he has value for a good portion of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

It really depends on what you could get back. Perry could wind up doing quite well if he gets the opportunity the Bengals appear willing to give him. And he can catch the ball, so he won't necessarily give way to Kenny Watson on third downs, at least not all the time. If you're really deep at RB and thin elsewhere, then it's definitely worth seeing what you can get in return.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Picking 9 and 12. If I don't like the RBs there, what do you think of drafting Moss and Owens?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

It's something I probably wouldn't do, because then I feel like I'd be playing major catch-up in trying to find that No. 1 RB in Round 3. Obviously, you'd have two studs at WR, but I just prefer to have at least one RB that I know I can rely on to put up big numbers most weeks. I've seen it done and work, so it's just a matter of personal preference.

Fred (Philly)

Better TE in PPR league LJ Smith or D. keller?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

I think I'd go Keller. I have a feeling LJ won't be a huge factor and I'd go with the upside Keller offers.

Jud (SD)

With Denard Span and Nelson Cruz on my squad is there any reason for Ken Griffey on my roster down the strech?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:04 PM)

It's pretty hard to argue FOR him, really, even though he hasn't been bad the past week or so. He's just not driving in runs and has just one homer since coming to the South Side.

Jason (Cleveland, OH)

Great chat Keith! Please help me out with this one...Should I drop Hermida for Werth? Hermida has barely played this week.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:06 PM)

You know, it's been tough to own Hermida this season, so I can see why you feel that way. And Werth is playing everyday, pretty much. I would go with Werth, at this point, just because I'm tired of the roller coaster ride with Hermida.

Justin (Islip, NY)

Keith, my man...3rd keeper in ppr league to go along with Gore & Wayne: Big Ben (top 4 QB's r being kept) or Brandon Marshall?? Chris Harris says Marshall, agree or disagree? good job on the Fantasy focus Podcasts, your appearance helped the analsis big time

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:08 PM)

I appreciate the kind words, Justin. Very nice of you. I would keep Marshall, too, because I think he's a more elite WR option than Ben is at QB. I don't think Roethlisberger approaches 30 TD passes again this year, and while I think he's still a top-6 or 7 QB, you can get someone similar in the draft. I'll agree with Chris.

James(Huntington)

Will Eli have a good fantasy year, I managed to pick him up in the 7th round? Eli or Schaub?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:10 PM)

That's not bad value. I like Eli more than some others around here and think he's a top-12 QB, meaning he's a passable No. 1 in deeper leagues. I don't feel that way about Schaub. I'd say he's a 2-3 below Eli on my board.

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

Hello Keith...I know you're not big on handcuffs but to Edge owner need Hightower?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:13 PM)

Hey Chris, the reason I'm not huge on handcuffs like the situation in Arizona is that you still have to pick one guy to play, barring injury. So, James gets 19 for 67 and Hightower goes 5 for 16 and 2 TDs. It's not a fun game to play and I wouldn't handcuff those two. I would rather handcuff the Williams/Stewart or Young/A.Hall (if indeed they wind up 1-2 in Denver), if I really had to.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:13 PM)

OK, last one before I have to run...

John (White Plains, NY)

Final roster spot...Ginn or Hightower?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:14 PM)

Easily Ginn on that one. I'm actually pretty high on him as a No. 4 WR in leagues, because he's explosive and the Dolphins should find ways to get him the ball in space. And since he's still returning kicks and punts, he's got added value.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:15 PM)

OK, everyone. I know you all had lots of questions and I'm sorry I couldn't get to them all. I hope you do well in your final football drafts. We'll talk Week 1 next Thursday, as well as the final month of the baseball season!