KC Joyner

  (4:00 PM)

Good afternoon! Let's get this thing rolling.

Jason (NY)

I have Moss & TO in a 12-team keeper league. I can match on one more player. Should it be Mcgahee or Parker?

KC Joyner

  (4:00 PM)

I haven't liked what I've seen out of the Steelers O line this year, so go with McGahee.

David (Douglasville, GA)

KC, I just wanted to let you know that you're going down bud.......N2 for Towing!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:02 PM)

I knew I wasn't going to get even one minute into this before the trash talking started. We are having the first of three fantasy chatter drafts at 7:30 tonight. I'd be glad to go toe to toe on trash talk but let's do it in the league. We've got to keep this forum open for everyone, right?!

jeremy(syracuse,ny)

KC all these so called experts keep counting the raiders out of the playoffs when i see this year setup for them to be the saints of 06'. There in a weak division with a cupcake early schedule this will give russell time to grow confident.The chargers also have major health issues early to meeriman the defensive leader and phillip rivers the offensive leader which is not a good sign. And Darren will rival AP's impact im telling you he may not break as many tackles but he makes up 4 that in the passing game and hes also more durable. I think there defense is where its gonna shock alot of people with hall the can play more man and line wilson up to stop the run while blitzing alot the raiders will lead the league in sacks this year as a team. What do you think?

KC Joyner

  (4:03 PM)

I don't know about a playoff run for Oakland simply because I still don't trust their quarterbacking. Losing Drew Carter also probably didn't help, as now they will be one injury away from starting a 4th string WR. With Walker's previous issues that could pose a problem sooner rather than later. Even with that, I agree Oakland should be much improved this year, maybe 7-9 or 8-8 if the ball bounces right.

Brett Favre, NY

Why didnt anyone tell me about the media here? im tired of answering questions. everything i say ends up in print! KC, do you believe in the madden curse?

KC Joyner

  (4:04 PM)

Very funny! And yes I do believe in the Madden curse. It's bad karma at the very least.

Nick (Cleveland)

What do you expect from Carson Palmer this year? We start two QB's and I have Romo, Palmer, Shaub, and Russell. Should I try to trade Palmer for help elsewhere and depend on Shaub or should I stick with what I got?

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

You do seem pretty stacked at QB so if you can get a player of similar value to Palmer (i.e. a #1 player at his position), I'd make the trade.

Steve (Rochester, NY)

Will 2008 be a breakout season for Santonio Holmes? What can we expect from him this year?

KC Joyner

  (4:06 PM)

Holmes has dominant metrics every year (he was in double digit YPAs once again last year) but volume has always been his issue. All he needs is to go from 80 attempts to 100-120 attempts to really be considered a top flight receiver and I think this is the year that could happen.

Xander (Philly)

KC my man, I'm getting married on Saturday!!! Any advice? How about some fantasy advice too? Rivers or Young at QB week 1?

KC Joyner

  (4:08 PM)

Congrats! You are the 2nd person I know who is getting hitched this weekend, so it must be going around. I'd start Rivers in week 1, although I do like Young's value this season.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

KC, I have to ask you one more time! I have the 6th pick in my FF draft and I want to pick either Peyton Manning or Randy Moss(I really like Moss). The Pts are 6pts for TD's, 1pt for every 20yds, and 1pt per reception. Why would Manning be a better pick? Oh yeah I bet you take JP Losman with your 1st rd pick tonight? HAHa

KC Joyner

  (4:09 PM)

I'd go with Manning (assuming the 6 pts is for passing TDs). If his receiving corps is healthy, he's a 40 TD candidate. I think Moss will drop to 10-12 TDs this year.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

Who do you think is a better fantasy option at QB- Schaub, Rodgers, Favre, or Rivers? You probably don't want to answer this question because I could use it against you later.

KC Joyner

  (4:10 PM)

Yes you could but I'll answer the question and still beat you! Favre has the most upside. I just moved him up to 5th on my fantasy cheat sheet because of the Kevin Curtis injury (lowers McNabb's value a bit).

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

First comes the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, and finally the suffe-ring.

KC Joyner

  (4:11 PM)

Xander, here is Lane's marriage advice!

PT (Franklin, NC)

Do the Raiders have a chance to have two RB's with over 1000 yards?

KC Joyner

  (4:12 PM)

If they both averaged 4 yards per carry (which is typically the league average) each RB would have to post 250 carries. That's 500 rush attempts and I just can't see Oakland running the ball that often. They won't have the lead enough and Kiffin will want to air the ball out a bit more than that.

Tom (Hackensack)

KC...what are your thoughts on LJ this year? is brandon jacobs a better start in week 1?

KC Joyner

  (4:14 PM)

LJ doesn't have the downside he had last year because he won't command the draft premium he used to. He's a solid top 10 pick. Jacobs is a better week 1 start.

Dan (Ohio)

Getting married during football season is a bad idea. It's easy not to think about football during your wedding, but the anniversaries are a different story.

KC Joyner

  (4:14 PM)

I know what you mean. I got married in September and we can never do anything because it's football, football, football that time of year!

Ryan (San Diego)

Do you like Vincent Jackson's potential this year? In his first preseason action he and Rivers picked up right where they left off last year? He's great value late

KC Joyner

  (4:16 PM)

Everyone seems to be on the Vincent Jackson is a great receiver bandwagon but I'm not there just yet. He did have a great playoff run but he also had a number of games late in 2007 that really weren't that good. I want to see him put up good numbers week to week before I concur with his having turned the corner.

Eric (Long Island, NY)

KC! I see only one person picked the Bills to make the playoffs this season. I guess the easy schedule and all the offseason pickups dont matter to espn...

KC Joyner

  (4:17 PM)

I know I risk turning this into a Buffalo chat if I answer this, but I have to defend my picks. I just can't see Buffalo outplaying Jacksonville and Houston has made just as many improvements as the Bills. I see Buffalo putting up a 9-7 year and being just on the outside of the playoffs.

KING Kevin (Austin, Texas)

I got married in Las Vegas 5 years ago on Dec 7th, went the the ESPN Zone with my wife and friends afterwards and saw the Falcons beat the Panthers in OT in the Sunday Night Game on ESPN on an INT returned for a TD. I will remember that day forever!

KC Joyner

  (4:18 PM)

OK, one vote for getting married during the season!

Frank Gore, SF Giants

How come nobody loves me this year? I'm looking great at camp and reports say I'll be used like Marshal Faulk.

KC Joyner

  (4:19 PM)

Hey now, I've got you ranked as one of the best fantasy RBs around, so keep me off of that list! And the reports also say you play for the 49ers!

John(Bethlaham Park)

Do you think Marvin Harrison will rebound from his injury and have a solid season?

KC Joyner

  (4:20 PM)

The issue for Marvin Harrison will be how many passes will Anthony Gonzalez see. Gonzalez had a double digit YPA last year and if Harrison is slowed even a bit by his physical ailments, the Colts may lean on Gonzalez more to give Harrison a break.

Jon (Mad-town)

Give your surprise team of the season (and please don't say the Cardinals...)

KC Joyner

  (4:21 PM)

I've got to stick with my Houston pick. If their offense stays healthy and they can get just a bit of improvement out of their secondary, they'll be able to get in and win a lot of shootouts.

Matt Berry (CT)

Congrats to Xander! Although, statistically it's very likely you will get a divorce...just saying.

KC Joyner

  (4:22 PM)

Mr. Berry weighs in (although I can't say for certain if this is the real Matt Berry!).

Brian (NC)

Man, Jeremy. Picking the defending Superbowl champs to finish DEAD LAST in their division? Seriously? I know, I know...all the losses on defense, but if you really break them down, they're replacing Strahan with Tuck (slight downgrade, possibly even), Osi with Kiwi (slight downgrade, possibly even), Gibril with Kenny Phillips (likely upgrade), Reggie Torbor with Danny Clark (slight upgrade, possibly even) and Kawika Mitchell with Gerris Wilkinson (possible slight upgrade, possible slight downgrade). So how will they be THAT much worse than last year, especially given how young the team is?

KC Joyner

  (4:23 PM)

Brian, I have to take up for Jeremy on this one. I think his rationale is that the Giants are already starting to thin out with injuries. Their history prior to last year was one of injury after injury, so they could be on their way to being shorthanded. That's a tough hurdle to overcome in any division but it's especially tough in the NFC East.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

Here's some advice to everyone getting married. Don't plan on having your honeymoon in Philadelphia. Spend a few bucks more on a ticket to Hawaii. BTW Congrats Xander!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:24 PM)

More marriage advice for Xander!

Alan (Richmond, VA)

Skins fan getting married to a Cowboys fan on 9/27/08, one day before we play :)

KC Joyner

  (4:24 PM)

The metrics say that is a risky proposition!

brian (de)

I got Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown later in my draft. Should I be looking to play Ricky early in the year?

KC Joyner

  (4:26 PM)

That has to be one of the toughest quandaries of this offseason. Brown hasn't seen the ball much and hasn't looked that good when he has. Williams has lit it up (no pun intended) and looks to be an early fantasy favorite. I believe Brown will come back to full form a few weeks into the season so I've still got him ranked higher than Williams.

Ryan (NJ)

Should I drop Drew Bennett for Kevin Curtis. It doesn't hurt my team that Curtis is out at least a month, who do think will be better when he gets back?

KC Joyner

  (4:27 PM)

As much as I've been a Curtis backer over the years, in this case I wouldn't take the chance. He could be out even longer than expected if his recovery doesn't go well and if that happens, it's a wasted fantasy slot for your team.

Gary(Indiana)

Where do you rank Andre Johnson in a PPR league? Top 5 WR?

KC Joyner

  (4:28 PM)

I've got Johnson as a top five in any league, but he's a risky top five. He's injury prone and is a candidate to miss time but even if he only plays 10 games, he has a chance of posting 15-20 points in any of those contests. That equates to wins and makes him worth the injury risk.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

Do you think certain chatters are holding up on asking questions because the draft is today?

KC Joyner

  (4:28 PM)

I am wondering about that!

Toby (TX)

pick 2 to replace marshall and steve smith in weeks 1 and 2 (i couldnt resist the upside later on) crayton, isaac bruce, vincent jackson and sidney rice? Thanks!

KC Joyner

  (4:30 PM)

They all have tough matchups so it's a difficult call. I'd go with Crayton over Bruce but only by a bit.

Nick (Cleveland)

So I'm screwed with a WR corps of Andre Johnson, Roy Williams, Roddy White, and Vincent Jackson as my starter and Mark Clayton on the bench. I go to you for hope KC! Not agony!

KC Joyner

  (4:31 PM)

You are kidding, right? Johnson is great, Williams will see 100-125 passes and White is a YPA stud. You're not in nearly as bad of shape as you might think!

Eric (Sioux City)

I'm with Lane. Hopefully, none of your opinions are misinformation to sabotage your competitors' drafts.

KC Joyner

  (4:31 PM)

Hey, I'll be going by what's in the draft guide, so no curveballs here!

Matt(Georgia)

How do you think Michael Turner will do in a Falcons uniform?

KC Joyner

  (4:33 PM)

I wasn't originally on board with Turner because he was coming from a man blocking environment and hooking up with a zone blocking team (or at least they have zone blocking personnel). From what I've seen so far this preseason, though, it looks like it doesn't matter what kind of line he runs behind. I'm getting at least one foot on his bandwagon and getting ready to put the other one on.

Jeff (Ohio)

I got Roy Williams in the 6th round in my draft, a round after Calvin Johnson went to someone else, did I get a steal?

KC Joyner

  (4:35 PM)

Maybe a bit of a steal. I do agree that Johnson is the better pick because I think the Lions will throw him the ball more often than they will Williams. Williams will still be a 100-125 attempt candidate and that's a pretty good total that late in a draft.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

I am my own draft guide! I do like to seek others opinions though! Like KC's!

KC Joyner

  (4:35 PM)

I love that first line! That's a keeper.

Jason (Orlando)

KC- I've been told I'm weak at WR. What do you think? This isn't a ppr league. Calvin, Chambers, White, Hackett, and James Jones.

KC Joyner

  (4:37 PM)

I think you are actually in good shape. I've covered Calvin and White in earlier posts. Chambers posted double digit YPA during his SD run last year, so he's a good pick. If Hackett stays healthy (and that's a big if given how it's going so far), he'd be a great spot starter.

Landon(Boulder)

Love your stuff KC. I used your Fantasy Guide for my 10 team draft and made out pretty well. What are your thoughts on my team in a 1 ppr 6pt td for QB,RB,and Reciever, 1pt for 20yards passing and 1pt for every 10 recieving and rushing? I have Brees, Delhomme, R.Bush,B.Westbrook,C.Taylor,F.Taylor,E.Graham, A.Johnson,D.Driver,Roddy White,Tony Gonazalez,S.Rice,and the Bears D. Any assesment would be greatly appreciated!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:38 PM)

I like this team a lot. Brees is a volume passer. Bush/Westbrook are both great in the PPR environment. Graham is probably underrated and should give you a good amount of rush yards. Gonzo means you are solid at TE. I don't see any glaring weaknesses so it's a good draft!

Ben (San Fran)

Yo KC, do the metrics suggest that Brett Favre can be as good this year as he was last year? I think his supporting cast is almost as talented.

KC Joyner

  (4:40 PM)

I think Favre's supporting cast is actually better than he had in GB. It may sound crazy but he also should be an improvement in the bad decision category. Favre had a bad decision once every 37 passes while Pennington had one once every 27 passes. You would never think Favre would be an improvement in that area but if he plays like he did last year, he will be.

Kellen (Merced, CA)

KC what do you think of Merriman's decision to skip surgery and play?

KC Joyner

  (4:41 PM)

I didn't read his quotes but I have to think he is coming back because this team has a Super Bowl shot. If he skips this season and the Chargers win it all, he'd probably never forgive himself. It's a risky move but I like it from that perspective.

$Mof$ (Butler, NJ)

What's up KC! Did you set a time for chat league #2 yet? And what do the metrics look like for the Jets receivers? I know Cotchery has tough matchups, but can Brad Smith be an effective #3?

KC Joyner

  (4:42 PM)

Chat league #2 drafts on Friday evening at 6 PM. Brad Smith's metrics last year were quite subpar. He's looked better this preseason so there is hope but I'm still a skeptic.

MIke (Houston)

KC, what is the IR roster spot for in ESPN leagues? If it's not a keeper league, why not just cut a player placed on the IR.

KC Joyner

  (4:44 PM)

Mike, IR is a place to keep an injured player who you expect to come back later. For example, if you had already drafted Kevin Curtis and thought he would be a good 2nd half player, you could stash him on IR until he returned.

Keith (Chicago)

None of my fantasies have anything to do with Sports... You said you're worried about the Steelers line, but what about the Browns?!?! They were actually supposed to be good!

KC Joyner

  (4:45 PM)

Yeah, the Brownies O line is looking pretty bad. Pitt's O line had some problems last year so I think that is more of a talent issue than anything else. Cleveland simply has to get back to playing to their talent level. I expect that to happen but it might not be until a few weeks into the season.

Mike(Cali)

I think Shawne Merriman is a Warrior!

KC Joyner

  (4:45 PM)

I'm just glad you didn't say he was a soldier!

Jon (Mad-town)

How much of an impact do you see Pacman Jones having on the Cowboys D?

KC Joyner

  (4:47 PM)

I'll give you the short skinny of what I said about this in Scientific Football 2008. He is essentially replacing Jacques Reeves and his 7.9 YPA. If Jones puts up a 6.2 YPA (which would be about average for him) he'll save Dallas about 100 yards. He'll need to put up some picks to make an impact, in other words.

Marco (Seattle, WA)

KC, my man! I'm getting divorced this weekend, any advice? Also, the Seahawks rule and will coast to home field. That means we're headed back to the SuperBowl. Thoughts?

KC Joyner

  (4:48 PM)

Now that is a different take on our marriage talk this chat! Regarding Seattle, they are playing in a weak division. According the research I did in my new book Blindsided (available in bookstores and on Amazon), teams in weak divisions don't do well in the playoffs. I see Seattle in the divisional round and then out.

Gary (Boston)

Do you think Cutler will have a breakout year especially if makes better decisions? He's looks to be the best of the 3 in the draft of 2006.

KC Joyner

  (4:50 PM)

Lowering his bad decision rate is all Cutler has to do but his history says that will be quite a challenge. He was at a 5% clip in that category last year. If he drops it to 3.5% he'd still be near the bottom of the league but that's where he'll need to be before I'd call it a breakout year. I do think he will get there, though.

Marco (Seattle, WA)

But not if we get homefield!!! we can't be beat here in the playoffs!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:51 PM)

Marco, Chicago said the same thing in the mid/late 80s and look what happened to them!

Tim (NJ)

What are your thoughts on Marc Bulger this year for a 2 QB league?

KC Joyner

  (4:52 PM)

Bulger has an incredibly tough set of matchups, so I'm not sold on his prospects. He's not bad but he's at the bottom of my #1 QBs.

James(NYC)

Marco is a free man again! Hip Hip Hooray!

KC Joyner

  (4:52 PM)

Sticking with the football theme, wouldn't we call him a free agent?

Jon (Mad=town)

Who would you want as your kick returner, Hester or Cribbs?

KC Joyner

  (4:53 PM)

I'd take Hester but given how well Manning has done on kickoffs this preseason, I have to wonder if maybe the Bears ST should get more credit for the big returns. I know preseason is not the best time to grade kickoff performances but if Manning does it during the year, whoever Chicago's ST coach is should get some kind of postseason award.

Marco (Seattle, WA)

They won a Superbowl in '85? SWEET!! I'll take one!!! You're the best KC!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:55 PM)

Marco, you must bleed Seahawk blue if you think this Hawks team is the 1985 Bears. I give you credit for being dedicated!

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Congrats to Xander on signing his girlfriend (soon to be wife) to a long term contract! Best wishes!

KC Joyner

  (4:55 PM)

Putting it in football terms - that's more like it!

Mel (NJ)

Since you have one foot on the Turner bandwagon...I have a keeper draft coming up and it is between him and R. Grant, losing 10th rd pick for either. Which one do you go with?

KC Joyner

  (4:56 PM)

Wow, that is another tough call. I'd go with Grant but it ain't by much.

George Costanza (NY)

KC, What's your thoughts on Steven Jackson this year? Between the weak OL, his injuries, and now he just signed his contract, I can't see him having a great year. But yet he's still projected near the top? Any advice?

KC Joyner

  (4:59 PM)

The issue for Jackson is that there aren't many other RBs that would be taken in front of him. If he's healthy, his volume of touches will still be a top 10, and probably a top 5, total. That's why he is still ranked as high as he is.

Frank (chicago)

Didn't Ricky Manning get relesed?

KC Joyner

  (5:00 PM)

Danieal Manning, not Ricky Manning.

Mike (San Diego)

KC, everything I read from Dolphans they seem to be thinking playoff possibility...I think they're actually smoking the Kool Aid....Your thoughts on Miami?

KC Joyner

  (5:02 PM)

Try as I might as a former Dolphins fan (I gave up that habit when I started writing about football), I just can't see Miami in the postseason. They weren't as bad as their record (there were a number of games where they looked like an 8-8 club last year) but they've made so many personnel changes that it will have to take a while for them to gel. Plus the AFC is a very tough conference and it might take 10 wins to get into the playoffs.

John (Manayunk)

Let's hope Xander doesn't "offer a contract" to another "free angent" and end up having to "renegotiate the contract" he agreed to with his girlfriend this time around. KC, SI has the Eagles going to the Super Bowl. Agree with that call?

KC Joyner

  (5:03 PM)

More marriage talk in a football sense! I do have Philly making the playoffs but a Super Bowl run seems a bit much. I'm sticking with my SD-Dallas pick.

Eric (Sioux City)

Is drinking prohibited from the 7:30 draft? I like having an excuse if I draft poorly.

KC Joyner

  (5:04 PM)

It is actually encouraged if you are drafting against me!

George Costanza (NY)

Thanks KC. But you didn't answer if YOU like Steven Jackson that high.

KC Joyner

  (5:05 PM)

I've got him either #5 or #6 on my board (don't have the latest charts in front of me), so that says I do agree with the high rank assessment!

Anthony (NYC)

KC in terms of fantasy value wouldn't one be better off rating Westbrook ahead of Peterson?

KC Joyner

  (5:05 PM)

I'd do that in a PPR league but not in a pure performance league.

Nick (Cleveland)

What are the odds you get Lee Evans?

KC Joyner

  (5:07 PM)

I can tell you that I won't be reaching for him but don't be surprised if I do draft him at some point! Well, I hate to do it but dinner is on the table and my family is eating without me. I hope to see you all next and will see many of you at the 7:30 PM draft!