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Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to a fantasy sports chat session on a Wednesday afternoon! What a week this is, with baseball in its final month, football starts tomorrow, and I know there are lots of hoops questions to get to... so, I assume heavy on the pigskin, any questions??

Mike (Lexington, KY)

EK...I tried to tell a friend of mine all preseason to take Chris Perry over Rudi Johnson in the middle rounds if available. Of course he picked Rudi. What kind of numbers do you expect Perry to tally this season (if healthy of course)??

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

FOOTBALL!!! Who doesn't love football, anyway? Interesting question here, so here are my thoughts on the players. Chris Perry is so injury-prone, I don't see how he can stay on the field. He missed all last season. Yes, he is the Week 1 starter, but people are really overrating him. Kenny Watson is going to get plenty of run. Rudi is dealing with a hammy issue, and Kevin Smith is the starter, but I have more confidence Rudi will have a better season, which I realize is odd.

Too many steelers (not pittsburgh)

Hey Eric, I have a line-up/strategy question for you. On my fantasy team I have parker and santonio holmes starting this week. My TE choices are H. Miller and V. Davis. Is this a case where I play Davis to avoid being entirely dependent on the steelers offense? Seems like too many eggs to put in one basket.

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

I think that gets overrated as well, especially with non QB-RB-WR types. Even if Big Ben and Parker, etc., get shut down, Miller could still have a decent day. This is kind of a coin flip choice anyway, so I guess I'd go Davis, but I wouldn't worry reach for a lesser TE.

Keith (Austin, TX)

Eric, I have Thomas Jones as my #2 back in one league, please tell me I'm in decent shape because I don't feel that way...

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Well, I made Jones my second RB in a league, and my third back in quite a few, so if you're not in good shape, then a few of my teams aren't...

Aaron (NYC)

What is going on with the RB situation in Denver? Is this another disaster in the making?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Sure is! Look, Selvin Young might be very talented, and he might go nuts for 1,500 or more yards, but I think, knowing Mr. Shanahan, that Andre Hall will get a chance to shine this week as well. And then it will be someone else. Shanahan doesn't care who the RB is, as long as they can play. Own Selvin, and Hall as well.

Bobby, NY

What do you see out of Maroney this year? I didn't really want him but had to take him as my #2 back.

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Feel the same way. I'm not a big fan at all, mostly because I see Sammy Morris and/or Lamont Jordan getting some run. This Brady foot stuff might mean the Pats run more, but I think it's all a farce. He's going to play, and play well. To get Maroney you probably had to go top 30, and he should be productive.

Jim (DC)

As a follow up to Aaron, who gets the ball in Seattle?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I think it's a split as well with Julius Jones and Maurice Morris duking it out, and even then, TJ Duckett looms for the goal line punches. I think the Seahawks are in a bit of trouble, with Hasselbeck hurting, the WRs kinda lame and average RBs sharing carries. Good thing the division is weak.

Marshall (IN)

Mr. Karabell....Is Derek Mason a quality #3 WR?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Nah, not really, and I just did a PPR draft a few hours ago today and I saw Mason sitting there, and went with Justin Gage as my No. 3 WR instead. Not sure I would do that again, but I don't see a ton of upside with Mason and his rookie QB.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Eric, Why did you rank SJax so low (13th) this week ? Is it his matchup or more of a conditioning thing ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

You noticed! Yes, everyone go to the fantasy pages and check out our projections and position rankings. They are all there. I did rank Steven Jackson low, mainly because I don't know how many carries he will get. Plus, I see the Rams throwing a lot. But 13th isn't so bad...

Tim (MD)

Is it dumb to bench HOLT for EDGE in the flex?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Well, what did Forrest Gump say, dumb is as dumb does. Nothing is technically "dumb" to me in fantasy, except kickers in round 1. I'd play Holt, probably 9 times outta 10. How is Holt not a starting WR for you, man!

Wes (KY)

Will Kurt Warner have as good a year as he had the last 8 games of last season(21 TD's)? I'm wondering if Warner can throw 30 TD's this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I will take the under on 30 TDs, but not by much. I don't see Matt Leinart having much success this season, but knowing Warner I do think he will have to play in a few games. Warner tends to get hurt. That said, he just missed my top 10 QBs for the season, and this week I have him 7th.

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

Eric! its fantasy sports, not FF! Rank these closers for the rest of the year: Torres, fuentes, Percival, C.Perez, Ziegler, Hanrahan, F.Francisco. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

There's always that angry fantasy baseball guy in September chats. Good! I have plenty of baseball leagues going on still. I would rank Fuentes and Torres the best, then Perez, Hanrahan and Francisco. All are safe. I think Percival might get hurt on the team bus today, and Ziegler just isn't pitching that well anymore, though his ERA masks it. I'd get Joey Devine.

Jared (CA)

Do you think Tim Hightower will have value at some point this season? James has been pretty healthy the last few seasons.

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Not really. I know a lot of people really like Hightower, but I am an Edge James guy, still. Not as a stud, but as a No. 3 RB, a strong flex option, absolutely. The guy was ONE rush off the NFL lead a year ago. You can say that means he's due to fall off. I say he's in really good shape and will do it again. He's so underrated. That said, the Cards throw at the goal line, they don't hand off. I think Hightower will be dropped in fantasy leagues by October.

Marsh (StL)

Can I live with my RBs being Fred Taylor, Julius Jones, and Ricky Williams if I have LT, TO, Reggie Wayne, Calvin Johnson, and Kellen Winslow on my roster?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

You can live with anything, really, but will you be pleased living with those guys, that is the question. I love the WRs, and you have LT. Your second RB could be retired and you'd be OK. Fred Taylor hasn't retired - yet. You're fine.

Kurt, Boston

The 49ers leading receiver this year is....

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Ike Bruce. I'm not sure why nobody wants him. Oh yeah, he's really old. SO WHAT. I'm really old. TMR is really old. Bruce will be OK as a No. 3 WR, get 60-plus catches, flirt with 1,000 yards.

AK (NYC)

Are you as high on Chris Johnson as your colleague TMR? It's a matter of time before Lendale gets hurt, or envelops himself in the black hole that he is...

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Lendale just isn't that good. Reminds me some of Cadillac Williams. Bit of a plodder. Johnson is not this way, he is really fast and while he has flaws, I see him making a fantasy impact, though not a consistent, all-season one.

Marshall (IN)

What about DeSean Jackson, could he have tremendous upside?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Sure he does, but he's still a rookie, and a WR on a team that has a top-3 RB. McNabb will likely spread the wealth with Curtis out, so Jackson will score some and get some catches, but I don't see him as a No. 3 WR just yet.

amanda (NAS)

i have major concerns for FFB lineup! who are must starts out of this bunch- Patrick crayton, joey Galloway, andre hall or ronnie brown....... thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Well, none of them are must starts, but I had Galloway 22 at WR and Crayton 23, so I guess that means I'd go Joey. Own Andre Hall, he could be a monster, or he might never play. Welcome to Denver.

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

And by the way, once Ricky Williams flames out, Ronnie Brown is the clear flex option here. Just not this week.

barry (boston)

So you would you rather have Edge or LenDale?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Edge, and it's not particularly close. I ranked Lendale 28 this week, Edge 18. And two of my colleagues ranked Edge even better!

Hep (UT)

Go Mets... How about Anthony Gonzalez or Devin Hester at WR this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I don't know what angers me more, the fact the Mets got 6 in the first inning an hour ago, or the fact I have Dave Bush on pretty much EVERY ONE OF MY TEAMS. No, I am angered more by the Mets winning, but the Mets and my Phils will go to the final week. What Bush did could lose h2h playoff matchups - like mine - this week. Thanks, Dave!

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Oh, and I have Gonzalez ranked 10 spots better than Hester...

Sam (Mass)

Why does no one believe me when I say Rickey Williams will be a monster this year? P.S... Bulger or Campbell Week 1?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

How many times must we be burned? I think he'll have some big games, but we'll never know quite when. And Bulger is my choice, but I don't expect a great game in Philly.

JB (Detroit, MI)

Eric,That Stephania Bell is a knockout. I almost want to tear my own ACL, just to get her attention. Speaking of injuries, How's Rudi's hamstring? Go Lions 5-11 this year!!!!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Can't believe I just posted this, but it made me laugh. Stephania knows her stuff, you have to read what she writes, and listen when she speaks. I think Rudi will be OK in a week or so, but it could be a recurring thing. I wouldn't activate him this week. Take care of that ACL!

Jeff Canton, MI

Why are you so low on Chris Perry this year all your rankings you have Watson higher?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

No, I have Perry higher because he has the opportunity, but I have little faith Perry can stay healthy. The Bengals won't regret cutting Rudi, but don't be shocked if Shaun Alexander finds work there, soon.

Mike (Sacto)

Short and sweet-Anderson or Farve?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Favre went about 3 rounds higher in our staff 14-team PPR draft this morning. Kinda shocked me when Derek Anderson fell into my lap in round 7, but I wasn't complaining. I would still, for now, rank Anderson like 8th at the position, and Favre ninth, so they are about even. This week I like Anderson one spot better, 8 to 9.

Ron (NYC)

Eric... Turner is my RB2 what are your thoughts on him? I think he is high risk/reward type.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I might have him on all but one of my double digit teams. So yeah, I like him.

Josh (KY)

Who's the better play - Ryan Grant or Earnest Graham?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Grant. Even with the Vikings being the foe, I don't sit him. Graham should be decent No. 2 RB, but I like Grant more.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Over /under on Welker getting 80 receptions this year

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Over. I think the Brady stuff is being overblown a bit, and it's Belichick just being Belichick.

Keith (Bethel CT)

I have Warner and Mcnabb - two week 7 byes with injury concerns. Trade McNabb, Peterson and R White for Brees, MJD and Andre Johnson? It's a return yards league so MJD is looking good.

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I wouldn't even worry about the bye weeks, that's still a nice trade, despite the fact Peterson is leaving. I like the players you're getting.

Paul Cincinnati

What do you think of Nate Burelson in Seattle as the #1 - and what do you see his year totals to be? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I'll be honest, when I was in this draft and I saw us projecting 1,000 yards for Burleson, I couldn't believe it. The Hawks don't have much at WR. I suppose Burleson could do this, but I'll take the under, the way under. It's a shame Obamanu got hurt.

Tim , Worcester, MA

I'm not a big fan with OCHO CINCO, and I want to trade him, what value could I get for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Wait till he lights up the Ravens this week - and he will - and then convince someone he is a top 10 fantasy WR and move him properly. Johnson always gets big numbers, but I don't enjoy the 10 nothing games he has every year. So many of his season stats are in 2 or 3 big games.

Jared (CA)

Were you serious about Shaun Alexander? Think he will play this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Kinda serious... but I have nothing to go on, really...

Jay (Lake Havasu, AZ)

Name game, this year only: Wellemyer or Grienke? Ks are of utmost importance, but I don't want to destroy my ratios either...

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Grienke, this year and next.

Ryan (PA)

Who do you at flex this week in a PPR league, Edge or #85?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Have to say Ocho there..

Joe (boston)

I know you're an Eagles honk, but AP or Westbrook at No. 2?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I ranked Westbrook second, then Addai, but have since switched A-Pete and Addai. Peterson has the potential for a monster season, if he stays healthy, but Westbrook keeps putting up monster seasons. And it's not Philly bias. I don't want to own McNabb, for example. Or Akers. Or LJ Smith.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Where is your Relief Efforts? I've got to cut Soria, Woods, or Ryan today to pick up some innings. Is your rankings a list of value from this point on or just the best closers in the game? It's hard for me to see Soria racking up better numbers from this point on than Woods due to their respective teams, even if Soria is the best closer. Finally, in your opinion, what is the best way to lower WHIP at this point in the fantasy season? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

It should be posted by now. I'd cut Kerry Wood, who I assume is the one you meant when you said Wood. Wood will be rested periodically. Soria is a better closer, and he'll still get chances. I think the ONLY way to lower an ERA or WHIP significantly this late in the season is to avoid active pitchers getting lit. Adding good innings won't cut it enough.

Mike (DC)

Driver or Roddy White this week? Will one of them be a decent #2 WR for the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I say White, but I don't think he will necessarily have a better season. I like both as safe No. 2s. I'm surprised I ranked Driver so poorly for this week, but I do like him.

Eric NYC

Mendenhall - droppable now that he isnt in line for goal line carries? Have Selvin Young and want to pick up Andre Hall so Mendenhall has to go right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I don't think Mendenhall will get goal line carries, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. IN this case, however, I would say Andre Hall has more potential for this season.

Mo - Dallas

Do you think Utecht or Boss will be effective fantasy tight ends this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I don't know if either will. I had high hopes for each, but Boss did not have a good preseason, and Utecht will start, but there's no reason to expect much. Not yet. I'd take Utecht first, or play him first, but for now I expect little either way.

Daniel, Rockville MD

over/under Reggie Bush, 1200/10

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Under with an exclamation point. Is that rushing yards? C'mon. On total yards yes, but not on the ground.

Jack (Denver)

Well if your Phillies do make the playoffs, their chances of advancing are looking much better, with the news of Zambrano either being out in the postseason, or just bad....

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

IF the Phillies overcome the Mets, they'd play the Brewers anyway. Cubbies get the Diamondbacks. Zambrano will likely miss a few starts, but I think it's presumptive to say he's done.

Solon, Huson

Buzzer Beater...QB2 Help...Garrard vs TEN or JT O?Sullivan vs ARI

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Garrard, but don't forget O'Sullivan after a few weeks. It might take him a bit, but he will get some numbers.

Mark (State College, PA)

Which WR will have a huge week this week, causing everyone to run to the waiver wire, only to have him fade back into oblivion?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

That HAS to be a column on our site! Great question. Robert Meachem? Courtney Taylor? Josh Reed? I gotta think about that one some more!

Alex (CA)

Is Chris Chambers a safe No.2 receiver?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

To quote the classic movie Fletch, "No, never, never..."

Jack ( Detroit )

Lighting round !!!! Please...Jamal Lewis or Marshawn Lynch this week and maybe even beyond

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Lynch for now and the future weeks...expect a nice season. Lewis will be OK, too, but Lynch has more upside...

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, wow, we packed in a lot of questions for the past hour, so thank you for tuning in and contributing. My time is up. Remember to check your league rules, as some of you might need full active rosters in by Thursday night this week. Check! Thanks and have a great day...