Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello everyone and welcome to another fantasy sports chat. Lots of football today, I would assume, so let's get right to it...

David (Michigan)

Eric, Michael Turner has been very inconsistent from week to week. One week he gets 34 the next 4. My question is do I start him this week @ GB in the WR/RB spot or do I start Santana Moss @ Eagles?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

That's the only concern with Turner, because he has done so well in home games against bad teams, but not so well in road games against better ones. I'd still start him over Moss, frankly. You know he will get carries, and he think he's going to run on good teams as well...

Ross, Cincy, OH

I was curious to know what you thought about Chris Henry's return to the Cincy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I'm really not expecting very much, because that team is such a dreadful mess. Chad Ocho boy has done nothing, and now the team has brought in Cedric Benson to ruin team chemistry even more. As for Henry, I wouldn't play him right away when he's back.

Kyle (Arkansas)

Eric, So these days you hear running back by committee..well I have decided to go quarterback by committee. I'm in a 10 team league and I need your help this week because I'm 1-3! Who should I start: Schaub, Hasselbeck, Edwards, or Kitna. You can prolly see why I'm 1-3...

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Yeah, that's a bit of bad luck, but I wasn't high on Hasselbeck to start with. He's prolly the pick this week in that crew. Note that Kitna hasn't thrown a pick in his past four games against the Bears, and he has 5 TDs.

Chris (Orlando)

Good Afternoon Eric!!! I have Chad Johnson and Holt is available. Now that Bulger has "returned", is dropping Johnson for Holt reasonable? Benching Holt for Week 5 of course.

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Whoa... you can't drop Chad Ocho, but what is Holt doing available? What kind of league is this! I'd rank Holt a bit better than Chad, but both remain top-20 WRs!

Brandon (Grand Rapids)

who would you suggest starting in the flex, Chester Taylor or Mewelde Moore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Definitely Moore for this week, because he is Pittsburgh's top RB for now. That says a lot, eh? Taylor isn't getting the touches he was a season ago, for obvious reasons...

Greg (Fayetteville)

Was offered Portis for Bush straight up. You'd take it right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Yes, as much as I think Reggie Bush - I assume you mean him and not Michael - is fine and a worthy weekly play, Portis is still more valuable.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Najeh Davenport resigned with the Steelers---does he get any carries?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

I don't expect him to this week, but in the future, I do. Probably at the goal line, too. Moore is not the biggest fella, so with Fast Willie gone - and it should be another few weeks, by the way - then Najeh will get some touches.

Chris (NYC)

HELP!!! who would you rather have for the rest of the season (pick two): MJD, Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton.

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Tough one! I have to say MJD, I think. He's going to get his numbers, eventually. But Slaton and Johnson are totally legit as well. I guess, for now, Slaton is left out, but what a nice play he is this week.

Joe New York

Should I sell McFadden now or is he the real deal

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

I'm leaning toward real deal, and one would think with a new coach he'll be leaned on even more. Fargas should be back soon, but I have a feeling the Raiders will show off their rookie toy.

Bret in Buffalo

How much value do you think Randy Moss has in a trade? I also have Santana Moss and Calvin Johnson... should I try to trade him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Everyone is tradable, including Moss, but it's not the best time to move him when his value is so low. Depends, as always, on the return in trade. But see if someone in your league thinks he's a top-10 WR. I do not.

Tim (Miami, FL)

What are the odds Cedric Benson scores any points this year for the Bengals?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

He should score some, but I expect very little here. Chris Perry has really been a workhorse, with like 72 of their 95 team rushes. And while he's not getting the yards per carry, he has been productive. I fail to see why an 0-4 team would bring in someone - another one! - with off-field troubles.

Zac Denver

Mr. Karabell, what do you think of Willis Mcgahee? will he come around or should i try to deal him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I do not think McGahee will end up a top-10 running back. He's clearly not 100 percent, and he has too much company in the Baltimore backfield. LeRon McClain is a big fella, and these carries could be split soon. If someone offers you enough, thinking McGahee is a second-round talent, then go for it.

Alon (Brooklyn)

Any news on Boldin? Sea def or Was des this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Latest I heard on Boldin was that he was doing better, and he has a shot to play this week. Hard to believe after the hit he took. If Boldin is active, I would use him in fantasy, no question. As for those defenses, neither looks appealing, but I would take Washington this week if Westbrook is out again.

Chris (Jersey)

How much value does Lance Moore has once Colston and Patten return? PPR leauge

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I see Moore keeping an important role in the WR rotation when Colston returns, possibly getting more run than Patten and Meachem, and definitely Devery. So Moore should remain relevant.

Jayson (NYC)

SHANAHAN! When do us stupid Selvin owners cut bait? Is Sammy Morris worth cutting him for? I'm sure the second I make the move Shanahan goes back to the run.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Probably. You think Shanahan cares about your team? HA! He's actually got a good thing going, with a dominant QB-WR pairing, and a few RBs who give different looks. Morris is probably even with Selvin at this point.

Mike (Seattle)

Thoughts on Ricky Williams for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I don't want to really comment on his quotes over the weekend, how he was "tempted" and nearly reverted back to his old issues, but that can't be a good thing for his longterm value in the NFL. And Ronnie Brown is taking off. I don't think Williams is worth much.

Shawn (SB, CA)

Whats your take on J.Jones for the rest of the year - he's played well when not sharing carries and with the receivers starting to come around. Why would seattle mess with this?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Well, because they aren't a very good team this way without wide receivers, and now that they are coming back, I think you'll see Jones get fewer carries. It's not so good for his health to get so many carries, and I think the Seahawks know this.

Mike (nj)

Where do you have Ronnie Brown ending up among RB's this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I don't think he's top 10, but there is upside here for numbers. Chris Harris in his latest column ranked Brown 18 the rest of the way, which sounds about right.

Brandon (Lake Elmo, MN)

Big Ben, Hasselbeck or Shaub the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

It is definitely premature to give up on Roethlisberger. He really doesn't belong in this group - yet.

Kyle (Columbia)

What do you think of Thomas Jones? I think he's a buy-low ... his match-up sked after the bye is insane (CIN, @OAK, KC, @BUF, STL).

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

The schedule is nice, and I do think the Jets will give him more love soon. They do not expect Favre to throw 6 TDs per week. Jones has to have a larger role.

Justin (Louisville)

Trade Question: I have the TN Defense. Someone wants them and are offering me Ocho Cinco? What do you think?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Well, that's kinda interesting. The Titans are a legit defense, but still, a top-20 WR for any defense is kinda crazy. Take Ochenta Cinco...

David (MA)

Blessing or a curse? Which 3 to start: Addai, Turner, LJ, R. Brown? Trying to stay undefeated this week.

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

C'mon, is there ever really a time that any of us wants to lose? There are times we can afford to, but not in Week 5! Anyway, it's good to have depth. I'd probably sit Brown this week of this crew.

Joe (NY)

ALL OF YOU GO SIGN UP FOR ESPN'S FREE FANTASY BASKETBALL DIRECTLY AFTER THIS CHAT!!! now assuming the top 4 of Lebron, Kobe, CP3, and Amare are off the board who rounds out your top 5 and why?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Nice plug! Good work! I think I have Steve Nash at No. 5, a smidge ahead of Dirk. I love the point guards, and I don't know if Dirk's overall numbers support that high a pick. I might have him 6 though.

Ryan (Dover)

Why do you still think Chad is a top-20 WR?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Too much ability, too big a mouth, too much to prove, and I just think they started with bad matchups and we might find them throwing a ton now that they don't seem to care. I might change in a week or two, but I'd like to see Palmer play and really open things up.

Peter (Denver, Colorado)

Is it a good time to trade larry johnson -- value should be high after last two weeks

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Value should be high, and if I can get another top-10 RB, then sure. But I do not think LJ is going to fall apart. I just think he, and probably Turner, will have some big games to make their overall stats appear better.

Jeff (Detroit)

So if Chad Ochenta y Cinco is top 20, where do you have Braylon Edwards?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Similar spot, outside the top 10, but still in top 20 range. Can't give up on all these WRs yet. At some point we'll have to decide if guys like R.Moss, Braylon and Ocho have fallen so far that borderline top-20 WRs like Roddy White and Driver have passed them. Not yet, but close.

Mark (Portland)

Here's a tough one for you -- pick 2 this week between Portis, Turner, Graham

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Not too tough. I sit Graham. Misleading game last week, as nearly half his yards came really late on one play.

Micho (Lansing, MI)

Thoughts on Tim Hightower? Will his #'s increase as the year goes on or will he be a goalline vulture all year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Impossible to tell. Edge is still doing fine, and I don't see the Cards changing this situation anytime soon. Hightower is barely a flex for me.

Dan (MI)

Hey Eric! In Ken Daube's "Playing With Numbers" column, he hints that McFadden will be a disappoint all year because of his turf toe. Do you agree?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I think disappointment is a tough word, but if expectations are really high, then it makes sense. I think McFadden will be given every shot to be the main ballcarrier. I don't know how his foot feels.

Matt in DC

Hey Eric, basketball question: are any of the guards on the Bulls draftable? I took Heinrich in Round 7 but am looking to trade him now. Also, Shawn Marion: rebound year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Yeah, I think Hinrich belongs in that area of a draft, not a top 50 guy, but not to be forgotten. There are no guarantees Derrick Rose plays a ton right away. As for Marion, top 10, but I don't think top 5 or 6. So yeah, he bounces back. Might not score 20, but the blocks and steals and threes are nice.

SG (Alabama)

Is Shaun Alexander ever going to find work on an NFL roster?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

The fact that Benson went to Cincy over Alexander says quite a bit. Alexander has worked out for a team or two, and if he can't find work over Benson, wow.

Nick (Royal Oak, MI)

Eric, whats your take on playing your players against your own fantasy defense? Ignore it, or plug in someone suitable. I have Campbell v. Philly this week (could sub in Orton or Atl D)

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I ignore it. Play your best options, no matter what you have or your opponent has. Atlanta D is not good at all.

Sam (Boston)

enough b-ball for now...Cutler or Brees, which one should I trade for value..or do I keep both....GO CELTICS

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

My take is these are 2 of the 3 best fantasy QBs, so why help another team out? Keep 'em both uneless you have a distinct need and can fill it. But get proper value.

Dan (PA)

What league do you play in where you have ATL D AND Orton on your roster?!?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Needs to be a really deep league...

Gifford Ocean NJ

Hey, Do I sit Andre Johnson this week against a strong Indy pass defense? I would have Gage starting over him.

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I wouldn't sit Andre over Gage, personally, even though I bet we have them projected very similarly. Indy will get run on, but Johnson can still get 5 catches and break one.

Bob (Kentucky)

Any thoughts on Parker's health? If I can stand to wait on him, is he worth giving up McClain and Cotchery for?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

It was pretty obvious right away that it was going to be more than a one-week thing. McClain is fine, and if I could get Parker for that duo, that's nice. You have to wait for him.

Frank(NYC)

Brian Griese - good play this week over Garrard?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Yeah, back in Denver against a team that can't stop the pass, Griese is a decent option this week.

Gary (NJ)

Dude - why are you not watching your Phillies?! Rest of the season - pick one: Vincent Jackson or Matt Jones? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Dude, I am watching. I'm not there, but I am watching. I still say Vincent Jax. Good for Matt Jones for becoming relevant, but ... I'm not high on either, really.

Jimmy (Chicago)

Tell Dan from PA that i'd rather play in a league where orton was ownable then whatever league Chris from ORL was in where Holt was a FA

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Fair enough. I totally agree with that one.

Jeff (Birmingham, MI)

With Favre on bye, I can play Cassel or pick up and start one of these available QB's : Kitna, Orton, Schaub, Pennington, Griese or Frerotte.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Not a great feeling on Cassel anymore, and for this week I'd go Griese, Kitna and Schaub first.

Steven (Minn)

Any good reason why a coin flip is used to determine the homefield for the play-in game yesterday even though Minnestoa won the season series or is this just sour grapes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I don't like it much either, but baseball needs to know in advance which stadiums will host. It makes sense. And the Twins could have won the game. They also could have won another game from the Royals to eliminate the Sox in the first place.

Joe (NY)

HOOPS QUESTION: Are the rankings on the free espn fantasy basketball draft kit (I'm a company man!) based more on head to head or roto scoring? I'm in a roto league with the 5th pick and assuming the top 4 are off the board I'm completely stuck on what direction to go in. Any advice?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I think they are for roto, but to be honest I don't change my thinking much in h2h. One guy I'd move way up is Dwight Howard. In h2h, I can afford to punt a category. Howard might be the 5th overall pick for me in h2h!

JP (New Haven, CT)

Start two: Slaton, Grant, R. Bush

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Slaton's matchup is so good, I think this week I'd leave Mr. 15-rushes for 20-yards Grant out.

Cassel Clarification

Brady had all the time in the world to throw and the O-line crumbled with Cassel under center. How can we assume we have a good read on him if we haven't seen him have the same opportunity Brady had?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I don't think we have a good read on Cassel's ability, but we do have a good read on the current state of the Patriots. Big difference.

Jared (CA)

Is Brandon Jacobs still a top 10 RB with Ward running so well?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Top 15 to me, but I am convinced the Giants are running him more and Jacobs is a bit more valuable than I thought in August.

Dale (GO PHILLIES!)

Scheffler or Fasano?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Scheffler is a key part of the Denver passing game. I'm not convinced Fasano is yet.

AJ (Chicago)

R.Moss or Cotchery the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Moss, for now. And it should stay that way.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, that is all for our time today, so thank you for the fine questions and enjoy the baseball and Week 5 in football. Thanks...