Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fun-filled fantasy sports chat session. One week down in football, 16 to go, and in baseball we have just a few more weeks left. So, let's get moving ... any questions?

Ryan (Washington, DC)

With Brady out, I've got 3 options. Who do you like this week? Also, for the rest of the season? J.Kitna, T. Edwards or K. Collins. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Let's start with the biggest news of the week, probably the season. No more Tom Brady. There is no lesson to be learned here, just that it's bad luck and there's nothing you can do about it. But don't give up on your team. There's nobody like Brady, but I do think Kitna is worth owning, now and for the rest of the season. I don't really trust Edwards or Collins much. Don't give up!

Scott (Minneapolis)

Hi Eric, need to replace Colston for 4-6. I have Megatron, Driver, Santana Moss, and Crayton on my bench...Royal is available is it worth dropping any of my current WR for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

And the big news from today is Marques Colston broke a thumb and won't play for another month. What a shame. But he's not done. You must have one great team if Calvin Johnson, Driver and Moss are all on your bench. Johnson is worth playing every week. And no, Royal is not better than what you have.

Bobby G, Los Angeles CA

Who the hell gets married on Week 1 Sunday of the NFL? More importantly, why would anyone attend? I caught that bit about you in Tristan's column yesterday. Anyway, Sammy Morris Laurence Maroney, or D. Williams as my RB2?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Well, I kind of had to attend. Then again, it was a long time ago, and people probably didn't think about wedding schedules and football season in 1991. But it's all true! Maroney was ranked better by us rankers than Morris, but I do think it's close. For now I'd stay with Maroney, despite some evidence he's not the main guy. Or, if you can't choose, I'd have no worry taking DeAngelo, who I ranked similarly anyway.

Tony (Clifton,nj)

With Colston out for a month. Which saint WR steps up in his place?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I bet the Saints use Reggie Bush so much out of the backfield he's tired by December. No, really, I don't see Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem or someone like that being totally reliable for Brees, so I bet Bush catches like 10 passes per week, and Pierre Thomas and Deuce do more running.

Brian, Vancouver, WA

Harris, Casilla, DeRosa, Barmes or Punto to replace Phillips at 2B the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Yes, there remains plenty of people playing fantasy baseball, so let's take questions there as well. Brandon Phillips broke a finger on the swing before the game-winning hit last night, and he is done. The Reds are starting Andy Phillips at 2B today. Yuck. Man, if you can still get Mark DeRosa, who might knock in 100 runs, that's kinda crazy!

Steve (Chicago)

Is Alexia Ramirez the next Soriano? Over/under for AR next year - .280-20-75?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

He is going to be very good, but I can't project 30/30 yet. Ramirez profiles as a shortstop, which helps fantasy as well. I could see 20 homers next season, but no idea on the RBIs because he might still hit eighth in the order. He should be very good soon.

Ron (Denver)

Eric, how much will Randy Moss's value be impacted by the loss of Brady? I assume he remains a must start in all scenarios..

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

It certainly is impacted, but I still think Matt Cassel can find Moss enough to make him worth using. I wouldn't expect more than a TD per game, though. Really, I think we're all going to be surprised at just how good Cassel is. I know that sounds crazy, and he's no Brady, but I expect good numbers.

linnis (los angeles)

I have both Robert Meachem and James Hardy "stashed" on my bench in case one develops. If you had to drop one, which and why? Thank you.

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

See, I like good questions like this, not when someone lists 5 RBs and says choose 3. It's your team! But this is a thoughtful query. Anyway, if you had asked yesterday, I might have said drop Meachem. He was inactive in Week 1, and seemed buried. He doesn't seem buried today, not with Colston out. I'd drop Hardy. Rookie WRs are sketchy, and I don't like the fact he's not being used much, and Edwards isn't emerging. The Bills will run a lot. I'd keep Meachem around, though I really don't expect much from him, either.

Aaron (Elkhart, IN)

Is it too soon to drop Rashard Mendenhall?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Yes. It's too soon to drop just about everyone, it's been only one week! Parker went nuts, but I still think at some point Mendenhall becomes relevant. I like to give rookies seeking a chance about a month before letting them go, if possible.

Chris-CT

What do you think of Pierre Thomas? I bypassed Royal and Sammy Morris for him because I think Duece is pretty much toast! Right move?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I don't think McAllister is toast. It was just one week, and his knee will get stronger. Thomas should get good carries this week, again. I think Sammy Morris is legit. As for Royal, now that Brandon Marshall is back, I don't expect Royal to put up numbers. I buried him a bit in the rankings.

Dan(Jersey)

How worried would you be about addai's health? Seems like he gets nicked up alot. Would you trade bush and hines ward for addai and galloway? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Ya know, I'm starting to get that impression as well on Addai. I don't think I'd take Bush/Ward over Addai/Galloway though. Addai is going to put up numbers, and maybe him being rested occasionally will be good for him.

Tim (VA)

Is Torry Holt going to produce again or will he be doubled all year ending the streak of identical seasons?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

One game, one bad game for that team. I don't expect Holt will be shut down like that very often, but almost every player is going to have a down week or two.

Majeed

But don't you think Royal will still produce since the opponents #1 CB will be on Marshall?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Not really. Look at last season's Broncos, there was just no room for other WRs on that team to produce. Marshall got looked at all the time. So no, I don't think Royal is going to be a top 30 WR very often. Sure, once in a while, but this was a misleading game.

Ron, OH

Eric, lets be honest. People come to you and the other fantasy experts for advice. We know its our team but you are the " expert " on here. Also, why do you have the answer guys section in fantasy if you don't advocate we seek your opinion. I never understood why your so against helping people with their lineup decisions.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I'm not at all against helping people, but I like bigger picture questions. On a week to week basis, crazy things happen, and a lot of it cannot possibly be predicted. It just can't. Sometimes I don't even follow my own advice. Fantasy football, more than other sports, is a game of intuition as well as sheer stats and matchups. Go with your instincts once in a while. I know how I will manage my teams, and frankly I don't want people telling me who to play. I seek advice and get all the facts, then decide.

jay(san diego)

I keep asking myself, How come everyone is high on MJD prior to the season? can he have a top 10-15 season? what about joe addai, what can we expect for the season.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I'm not down on Jones-Drew, not yet, but the fact is the Jax offensive line is a mess right now, so it affects pretty much everyone on offense. I think he'll get his numbers, but might struggle for awhile. Addai should be fine, a 1,200-yard back with 10 or so TDs.

Andy (St. Louis)

Everyone seems down on Larry Johnson, but he has to have a good game in him against Oakland doesn't he?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

He should. And I like the fact Damon Huard is in there to help the other Chiefs to get some stats. LJ might not rush for 1,400 yards, but he will have some big games.

Javier (Lodi CA)

Gotta agree with you Eric. If I had trusted my instincts and my gut, I would've played Kevin Smith over Portis. That TD woud have won my week. Oh well.

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I would have played Portis. It was the right move. But sometimes crazy things will happen. You do the best you can on lineup choices, don't look back.

Brian(Indiana)

Eric, can I rely on Dallas Clark this week or should I grab another tight end? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Rumor is he will be playing, but I didn't give him a great ranking. I think Peyton and the Colts have another tough game here, especially if they cannot stop the run. Bad time to meet up with Adrian Peterson.

Tom (Boston)

Carlos Quentin, is he ever going to hit the DL or is roster expansion going to force me to cut him for Jason Wyerth?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Players don't go on the DL in mid-September, because the teams don't need the roster spots, like you do. Just drop Quentin. He is not coming back.

Joe (NJ)

Is Wes Welker still an every week starter in a PPR league with Brady out?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Yes, I believe he is, though he might be a bit more inconsistent now that a raw player is the QB. But Welker just needs to get open, and I say he will. Our consensus rank on him was 21, so he's a starter.

Mike (Lowell, MA)

Eric - With McNaab's week 1 performance and Brady going down, where do you rank him among all QB's? Top 5? I have Romo and McNaab and would like to move one of them to upgrade. Which one would you move and what sort of value would you look for?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I would take Romo over McNabb, without much question, so if you're going to move someone, you have about 4 days before McNabb's value really alters. As for value, who knows what someone in your league will pay? Shoot for the stars, as McNabb just had a huge game. And I do think McNabb will play well this season, but we know injury is always around the corner.

Josh (Las Vegas, NV)

Is Colston worth hanging on to or does a 4-6 week injury justify dropping him and maybe picking him back up again later?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

If you drop Colston, he will get snatched up well before October. He's a top 10 WR, no question. In a really shallow league you can try it, but a smart owner would snap him up. I did a draft 2 weeks ago and nobody wanted Brandon Marshall OR Steve Smith. I wait a few weeks and I have a great receiving corps.

John (Seattle, WA)

Any concerns with Chris Perry's first game as a starter in 08'?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Sure. He didn't look very good, and now there are rumors the Bengals will sign Shaun Alexander. Perry is running outta time, and he also has to contend with Kenny Watson catching passes from the backfield.

Kevin, Boston

Is this a breakout year for anthony Gonzalez? He seems to get some good targets. Although Harrison is back, Manning seems to look his way maybe more so now with Clark hurt. Thank you

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I don't think Gonzalez will do much better than his composite rookie stats. He could get 50 catches, maybe score 4 or 5 times, but he's third on the depth chart.

Greg (Milwaukee)

Who is going to have the longer year, Carson Palmer or Derek Anderson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I definitely have concerns about both of them, but I will still say Palmer has a better season than Anderson. For one, if they both really struggle, Anderson is the one with a top draft pick breathing down his neck. I just think Palmer is more talented. And his weapons should eventually find some health.

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

I know its football season, but i still gotta do some winning in baseball. Galarraga had another poor outting today, would Scherzer be a better pickup for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

It's two bad outings, but I wouldn't panic. That said, Max Scherzer has more upside, especially in strikeouts, and yes I would take him now over Galarraga. I have Galarraga in a deep dynasty league, and knew he was just average heading into this season. He's been great, but a bit of an overachiever.

DGA

I own Matt Forte and have handcuffed Kevin Jones to him. Right now Forte is my flex player. Do you think dropping Jones for Pierre Thomas makes any sense, or should I stick with the Bears running game?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Here's where I don't think handcuffing works. If Forte gets hurt, would Jones be so great? I don't think so. I don't think Thomas is special, either, though. But if you own Jones, it's not because you own Forte. I'd choose Thomas first, incidentally.

Geoff (Indy)

Eric...Turner...sell now? If so, what would be a reasonable expectation to receive in return?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I'd sell almost any player if someone's overpaying, but I would need quite a bit to move Turner. I ranked Turner better than everyone else for the season and Week 1. It's only one week, but I believe he's a top 10 back. So, get another top 10 back!

Michael (Atlanta, GA)

Chris Johnson, will be a top 10 RB this year? Don't give me the "can he, sure" answer. I want a firm opinion from you. Would you rather start him or Thomas Jones this week? Rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

No. But I'd be lying. I don't expect he will be a top 10 RB. I would choose at least 10 or 15 others over him. But could this be possible? Does he have the talent? Of course he does. I would start Jones this week, and go week to week on this decision if Johnson proves he will get enough touches.

Derek (Minneapolis, MN)

Deshaun Jackson then will produce over Royal you're saying?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Similarly. Each will come down to earth starting this week. Let's not overreact to one game, for anyone. Jackson is small, and if he manages to avoid injury, he will have some games in which he disappears. If you ask me who I would rather have this season, I take Jackson, but because McNabb spreads the ball around. Jay Cutler might not.

Brian, Seattle

Whats the difference between a keeper and a dynasty league? I know, a dumb question.

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

In baseball, generally, a dynasty league has more categories, a lot more players, and is run more like a 40-man roster. My dynasty league counts quality starts, OPS categories, net steals. Just more to think about. And no question is dumb... unless it's "should I start Cassel over Peyton?"

Roger

If you say go with your gut, and I agree with that, then who are the experts around Bristol that put out these weekly projections? I would like to know so that I can change the value of their opinions. Thanks EK

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Projections are part opinion, part statistical analysis. I never call anyone crazy for their opinion. I don't have to agree. And like everything else, our projections are what we think will happen in a particular game, but they are just a gauge for you to follow, if you so desire.

Jon (Washington)

Trade question. Which side do you want: Addai or Warner/McGahee? I would be getting Addai and the other team just lost Brady.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I would probably do that. I have concerns about McGahee not just this week, but all 16 remaining weeks.

tom (columbia, sc)

How bad is Marion Barber's injury, and will it hurt his numbers this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I'm saying no, there is no story here. But I don't know what Marion is thinking.

D. Jones (Knoxville)

should I start Cassel over Peyton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Thank you!

Jimmy (Rockville, MD)

Eric, what happens if you marry a girl named Kara Bell and her name becomes Kara Bell Karabell? On a fantasy note, I was offered a trade of Colston for V. Jackson and K. Curtis. My other two receivers are Holmes and Jennings. Do you think I should take it?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I have, along with my wife, discussed this very issue. Good thing that's not her name. And yes, it's a perfect time to trade for Colston. Curtis probably won't be back before him anyway.

Derek (Minneapolis, MN)

Royal vs. Jackson continued...Royal is the more polished WR though and Culter seems to like him? However Jackson would remain the number one WR for a while, then Curits comes back....So you'd still take Jackson for the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Why is Royal more polished? Because he had one good game schooling an overrated Oakland defensive back? Royal is fine. Jackson is fine. Both are overrated right now for fantasy. The difference here is Marshall is a dominating No. 1 WR. Curtis is not, and Curtis might not be back for at least a month, maybe two.

Dave (NYC)

All systems go on Ocho Cinco this week or play it safe with Hines Ward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

I would use Ocho man, but I could see the argument, with the matchups, for Ward as well.

jake-NC

Enough already with Royal and Jakson...they aren't even top 35 WRS!!!!!!!!!!!!What do you make of Justin Fargas? We all know how injury prone he is and we can't really count on him. Should I offer him to the McFadden owner in my league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I think you can count on him, but if the McFadden owner makes a really good offer, then see what you can get. The problem with the Oakland RBs is that they will probably steal carries from each other for months. This is not a handcuffing situation, per se. Anyway, if a lot of people ask about Royal/Jackson, then I have to assume it is of great interest. No dumb questions, remember.

Mighty Mouse (NYC)

Turner after an explosive Week 1 or Chris "4.2" Johnson with a sweet matchup against Cincy? Have Westbrook in my other RB slot. Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Johnson could be great, but you're really going to sit a guy who just ran for 220 yards and 2 scores? Really?

Joe (iowa)

quick! Would you give up chad johnson for colston right now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

No, I wouldn't call that buying low. They are similarly ranked.

David: Tallahassee, FL

What is the deal with your cohort Christopher Harris' love for Megatron, he has him finishing the year as a top 10 WR?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

That's his opinion, and trust me, he can back it up. I find no fault with it. I think Calvin will have a huge year as well, but he doesn't crack my top 10 yet. You won't get me to rip colleagues. Ever.

Levi (Salt Lake)

Name game: Pick up Sammy Morris or Steve Slaton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Morris. Definitely. I didn't even want to rank a Houston RB this week.

Drew (Hartford)

Who would you pick up? Matt Schaub or Jake Delhomme Std scoring

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Probably Shaub, but it would depend on whether I wanted to play it safe or not. Delhomme is safer.

Dan (Lancaster, PA)

You worried about Ryan Grant? I just lost Colston so I am kinda on edge.

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I'm not worried about Grant. In fact, we have him projected as like the No. 3 RB this week...

Will (KS)

How valuable is Shockey now? Is he worth Thomas Jones or Chris Johnson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

No and no. He becomes even more overrated now that Colston is out. OK, so Shockey is a top 10 TE, barely, but let's not go overboard. He's not a RB.

Jeffrey Fla

Ted Ginn Jr disaapointed in week one after a training camp full of hype. There are reports now that he is lost in that offense and his route running is terrible. Should I give up on him? I could possibily get Coles for him.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Well, I won't give up on Ginn yet, but that said, I'd prefer Coles. Two different questions. It's just one week, and Ginn has very large upside.

jack (ATL)

No one noticed but Norwood looked incredible and he's not schackled by petrino this year, your thoughts

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

If that game wasn't out of hand, Norwood doesn't get the chance to run wild. That said, he is talented, but Turner is the man.

Tom (Hackensack)

I need to decide between LJ and brandon jacobs...let me know if this sounds right...the giants dominate the rams...and ward and bradshaw run for the majority of the 2nd half. KC/Oak will be a closer game with LJ getting plenty of touches...this is why i pick LJ right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Well, I would go with Jacobs. He can do so much damage in the first half, he can outscore LJ that way.

dan (atlanta)

Why are you uncomfortable with McGahee? Also, which defense will have a better week this week: pittsburg or Buffalo?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Knee surgery, and it's still a mess. Other than that, he's fine. And I went with the Bills, but nobody else agreed. Oh well!

Joe (Baltimore)

Baseball keeper league question! Deep league, 10 keepers per team, and I need my last two, between Hideki, Lastings Milledge, Pelfrey, Furcal, Chris Young (P), and Alexi Casilla. Please help!

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

And we finish with baseball! Furcal and Milledge.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, thanks to everyone for the great questions, and lively debate, and have a great Week 2....