Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

Finally! It's here ... Week 1. And I'm excited, and sure you are to. Let's get to it.

Nick (Boston, MA)

The Denver RB situation is perennially a hard read. What's your take? Will Young, Hall, or even Torain untimately be fantasy producers this year, or is it best to avoid the "Shanahan-igans"?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:02 PM)

I never feel comfortable with the read I get on Denver RBs, but I still like Selvin Young to be the guy this season. It's certainly possible that Andre Hall steals some goal-line carries or even works his way into a time-share. Shanahan always keeps us guessing. That being said, I think that if you have an extra spot on your roster, Hall wouldn't make a bad pickup, just in case he gets more of the workload than we expect vs. the Raiders. Otherwise, you'll be in the waiver-wire scramble on Tuesday.

Adam ( Toronto )

Would I be crazy if I took Addai before AP in PPR League(3rd pick)? I think Addai will have his best season yet, and AP is still has Chester cutting into his carries.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:04 PM)

Definitely not crazy. Saw it happen twice in drafts this week, actually. Follow your instincts, Adam! :-)

Matt (MD)

Keith, I know the cardinal rule is to not bench a player based on them playing each other. Your studs are your studs. But given the loss of players on the Giants D, do I bench them against Portis? Other option is Cards D against the 9ers. Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

Well, I don't personally don't feel like there is an undisputed top fantasy defense this season, so playing matchups isn't such a bad thing in this case. I would agree that the Niners are likely to be more mistake-prone. It's never easy playing the guessing game on defense, but I don't see a problem with taking Arizona, really.

Carl (NY)

What do you expect out of Fred Taylor this year? Everyone seems to think he is on the decline but his numbers seem to be steadly increasing each year. . .

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

That's what's interesting, Carl. Taylor has shaken the injury-prone label and been very productive in recent years. I think it's the time-share in which both backs still have nice value. That said, I think Taylor's numbers do take a small dip this season, but he's still a good No. 3 back.

David (Los Angeles)

I know you're excited about FFB, but start both Slowey vs TOR and Kazmir vs NYY if I'm a bit over on innings? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

The way Slowey has pitched of late, I think you have to throw him out there and see if he can keep it going. And Kazmir's had success against the Yanks, even if it hasn't always ended with a win. Yes, I start them both.

Richard,TX

Would you drop Felix Jones for Chris Johnson?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

I would, yes, because it's more likely that Johnson gets consistent touches.

andrew

Better pick up off the wire...Kenny Watson or Andre Hall. ppr league.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

I still expect Watson to get some touches, but if both current starters remain healthy (a big if, given Chris Perry's history, but play along with me) ... I think Hall's more likely to suddenly be given the starting nod out of the blue. Watson's the better receiver. Very close for me, but I think I'd side with Hall entering the season, in hopes Shanahan changes his mind.

James (Miami)

Keith, who would you start in Week 1 - Joey Galloway or Darren McFadden?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

I've gotta go with Galloway's history against New Orleans ... lots of big plays and 9 TDs in 9 games. McFadden has the upside, but Galloway has history on his side.

Mike (DC)

Any word on Mora? Cut him for Ethier or Dukes?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

If you simply can't wait any longer, then Ethier would be my choice. I haven't heard any update lately, sorry to say.

King (TX)

Steve Slaton, snagged him when Chris Brown went down. What do I have on my hands with this kid?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

He's a nice final RB option simply because he could be starting in Houston at some point. But even if he does get the job, he's more of a bye-week fill-in type than anything. I'm not big on anyone running the ball in Houston.

Jenny (NYC)

Hey Keith, any chance Scherzer gets some September starts or will they keep him in the pen for the rest of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:22 PM)

Yes, there's a chance he gets a start here and there, since he's what Bob Melvin called a "wild card".

Andy, NC

santana moss or derrick mason as the flex?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

Despite the rookie Joe Flacco under center, I'd still go with Mason. At least he's coming off a 100-catch season, whereas Moss is a streaky player. Mason's the more sure thing.

Bill (DC)

Santana Moss or Dwayne Bowe for this week?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:24 PM)

I go with Bowe for the simply reason that the Chiefs should be coming from behind, and he's also the better option normally.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Derek Anderson or Kitna this week?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

I'm not huge on Anderson this season. He's gotta show me that last season was for real. And facing Dallas' defense will be a challenge as well. Meanwhile, Kitna faces a softer Atlanta defense, and has two great weapons to throw to. I think Kitna puts up better numbers.

Eggman (Liverpool)

Keith, I could use your advice for a Week 1 flex (PPR): Forte or L. Coles?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

Coles has been dealing with a thigh injury, which concerns me enough that he won't be the threat he normally is. Even though Forte may not put up huge numbers against the Colts, I'd say he's more likely to score a TD, so I'd go with Forte.

steve, la

HI Keith, Great Chat. In A PPR league, who would you start at Flex? Santana Moss, Deangelo Williams, Chris Chambers, Julis Jones or Ahman Green? THANKS

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

Very tough call here, Steve. Ahman Green is not an option this week (banged up) and I mentioned the streaky nature of Moss, so I'm not huge on him. It comes down to Chambers and Williams for me. Williams will obviously get more touches, but San Diego's defense can put more guys in the box with Steve Smith out to stop the Panthers' run game. Going on a hunch, I'd play Chambers.

Michael (Toronto)

Hey Keith, great job as always. Need help with my flex. I have Mo-Jo, so it is bad to start Fred Talyor in my flex? My other options are sadly only Berrian, Chris Johnson, and Chris Perry. Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

Perry's set to get the most opportunities, so I'd take him over Berrian (who's been nicked up) and Johnson, who's splitting carries, at best. I'm not big on playing both ends of a RB platoon. It's a mental thing for me, I guess, so I'd try Perry over Taylor.

Chris (OH)

who do you prefer for wr: ginn jr, bryant johnson, or sidney rice

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

I think Ginn's been underdrafted this season, since he's the No. 1 receiver on a team that will be trailing in many games ... and he returns kicks, which is a bonus. I'd go with Ginn against the Jets.

Nick (Philly,PA)

I've got one spot left keith, who do i take Andre Hall or D.J. Hackett??

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

If you're talking this week, I'm not high on either, really, since Hackett just returned to practice. They Panthers could use him, but it's still hard to say how many plays he'll get. Hall, of course, would be a play in hopes of goal-line carries. I guess Hall's the better play, simply because he might get a few carries and could do something with them, whereas Hackett's just coming back from injury.

Eric (Cleveland)

Do I start Ryan Grant or Ricky Williams this week?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

I think Grant's a must-start, really. At least until he proves otherwise. Williams still has a ways to go before I feel that way about him.

suzanne

Start Litsch tonight at home against the Twins/Slowey?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

Litsch has been pretty good recently, so you could ride the hot streak, so while I'd probably give him a go, it's not a strong recommendation, really.

Dave (Boston, MA)

How do you think this toe injury will affect Gates? I'm counting on him to be a top tier tieght end and this injury has me scared.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:40 PM)

Yeah, I'm a little concerned, too, Dave. He's been productive playing through some things in the past, but since I've yet to see him in action, I'm trying to keep an open mind. Gates at 80% is still better than most, but maybe not at the slot in which he was drafted.

Marty, OH

Who do you think gets the start this week, McGahee or Rice?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

Anytime you hear the word game-time decision, it's hard to give an answer, really, Marty. I think that Rice will play some even if McGahee is able to go, though. We'll have a gameday chat starting at 10 am on Sunday, so hopefully you can wait until then when we'll have a lot more information.

alex (SF)

TE question: Tony Scheffler or Donald Lee for week 1?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

I like Scheffler better this week, particularly because Cutler likes him and he won't have Brandon Marshall to throw to. That will likely mean more targets, even if defenses are paying more attention to him.

Jordan Berger ( st louis)

Keith, whats going on sir. Crazy to start Chris Johnson over Edge at the flex in a ppr league?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

While it's hard for me to call anything crazy in fantasy football, since the unexpected often happens, I would personally Edge over Johnson. He should get more touches and I'm still not buying the talk that Tim Hightower will be so many touches each week. I want to see it happen (and when it happens) before I start to buy in.

Rob (FL)

KEITH!! In a PPR LEAGUE, trust Aaron Rodgers to complete passes to Greg Jennings or throw Derrick Mason into my flex position?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

I'm not so down on Rodgers, like some others are, and I think he's more than capable of finding Jennings. And while the Vikings defense is much better than the Bengals', a big-play guy like Jennings is hard to bench, because you'll kick yourself if he goes off.

Andrea (FL)

Hey Keith, If you don't like Derek Anderson this season, do you like Brett Favre or Matt Hasselbeck better?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:48 PM)

I actually do, Andrea. For me, it's the track record that does it for me, even knowing that Hasselbeck's receiving corps is currently depleted. I feel more confident that Favre and Hasselbeck will be more consistent, especially early on when Anderson plays the Cowboys and Steelers.

Chris (Ashland, Ore)

As a Broncos fan who follows the team pretty closely, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Hall gets more carries than Young starting this week. I believe that Shanahan has said they'll alternate, and Hall has gotten all the goal line carries. He also out performed Young in the preseason. At any rate, they're both losing their jobs ones Torain is healthy.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

I wanted to make sure to post this, just so that all of you know how opinions can differ on Denver backs. It's really a guessing game, and we're all at Shanahan's mercy. Thanks for chiming in, Chris.

Haden (Memphis)

Jacobs or Willie Parker? Obama or McCain?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:51 PM)

I'm definitely staying away from the politics. Talk about a no-win situation for me! :-) But I like Parker over Jacobs. And if the Steelers get ahead of Houston, like I expect, then he could have a pretty nice day.

John (AZ)

Any ideas for a nickname for Michael Turner? He needs one

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:51 PM)

He was actually called The Burner at Northern Illinois, so there you go, John.

Larry (St. Lous)

Keith - PLEASE help ... Willie Parker or Kevin Smith and would you drop DJ Hackett for Kevin Walter?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

While I think Smith could do well against Atlanta, I feel safer with Parker. And I do like Walter better than Hackett, so I would make that move.

Eric Lincoln, NE

Kurt Warner or Phillip Rivers for the whole season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

Luckily, I don't have to play guys for the entire season in any leagues I'm in. I just play head-to-head each week. With Warner, it's unlikely he starts all 16 games, so that means his season-long value takes a hit. But Rivers' upside is so limited with a great running game around him that I think I'd still go with Warner, even knowing he'd only play 12 or 13 games.

Roger (NM)

Roddy White or Jason Witten for my WR/TE spot?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

Wow...I like both players a lot this week, actually. White is underappreciated in my mind and faces a Detroit team which was next-to-last in pass defense in '07. And Witten will face a team whose LBs won't be able to handle him. It's really close for me, but I'll go with Witten after flipping a coin. Total toss up for me.

Rick,TX

LAST ONE! Is Kevin Gregg, closer for Florida a cut?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

Anytime a player himself says that returning on Sept. 12 is an optimistic goal, I'm concerned. And I'm not convinced the Marlins will throw him right back into the closer's role upon his return. If there are other options that could get you saves on your waiver wire, I think it's worth the gamble.

Ben (Tempe, AZ)

Hi Keith!!! Long time reader first time caller... I need you to pick 2 for a 1/2 ppr league... greg jennings, roddy white, kevin smith, jamal lewis, thomas jones -- Thanks for the help!!

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

Thanks for reading AND calling, Ben. Some good but tough choices, huh? My gut tells me White and T. Jones, but that's a tough call. Follow your gut!

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

Sorry I can't stick around longer, but I've gotta go. Enjoy Week 1 ... and remember for the latest updates and input from members of our staff, check in Sunday morning starting at 10 am and taking you right up to kickoff! See you next week.