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Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hey there! Welcome to another chat session. We're dealing mainly with football today, but if you have a thought on baseball or hoops, I'm interested in those as well. So, lots to get to, any questions?

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Thoughts on this trade? I was in QB need. Traded JT O'Sullivan and Lee Evans for Big Ben and Welker.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

I think O'Sullivan is kinda legit at this point, not someone you can start every week, but in most matchups. Big Ben is better, though. And Evans has burned me so many times... even though Welker is not a weekly start, I still take that side of it.

Shawn (WI)

Eric would you trade Kevin Smith for Buckhalter if you were Westbrook owner and also had C. Johnson, D. Williams, and S. Young at RB?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

I would consider moving Smith for Buckhalter because the Eagles player could have more value than the Lion. It really wouldn't matter if I owned Westbrook. It's not like the Eagles will use Buckhalter the same way, you know. They're a throwing team, mostly. I really don't think neither Smith nor Buckhalter will have much value the rest of the way. Neither would make my top 30 RBs.

Michael (Atlanta, GA)

Selvin Young was just ruled out by Shanny, Pittman or Hall? Either a good play vs. Jax? Also, Breaston or Engram this week (no PPR)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Really, that is interesting. Well, a little bit. I mean, I don't really move up the other Broncos running backs now. They're gonna throw. They were always gonna throw. But Pittman, I assume, will get more carries than normal. And with Boldin out, Breaston is a very good play.

Jon (Anchorage, Alaska)

My head hurts... MJ Drew and Lee Evans for SJax?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

I'd want SJax there. No question. MJD doesn't get carries, for some reason.

Dave (Chicago)

Got an ESPN.com question... What's the difference between the weekly projections and the weekly composite rankings? (i.e., week 6, D. Henderson, WR # 4 projection and WR #38 composite). Thanks EK.

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

There's no similarity, actually. The projections are numbers, and they aren't done by the rankers. The ranks might or might not take them into account when ranking. You're getting more individual assessment in the rankings, I guess.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

Eric, T.O. doesnt seem to be getting alot of catches or yards this year. Should I trade him and FWP for Bowe and Lynch in a PPR league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

T.O. is not getting the love, and I think it's becoming a trend, not a fluke. He should have some big games, but I think it's clear Dallas is sharing with its weapons. If I was drafting today, T.O. would be a top-5 WR, but barely. As for this deal, be careful. T.O. will have some big games, Parker will be back in a week. Lynch is good, but not a big passcatcher. And the Chiefs are just a mess.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Would you trade either Housh or Braylon for Favre?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

If I needed a QB, I'd move Braylon. I really don't think this will get any better for the Browns. Look at their schedule. It's horrific. Brady Quinn should be playing before November. And not well. I wouldn't move Housh for Favre even if I needed a QB.

Jeff-RI

Lets have some of your juicy Philly knowledge!!! Is Westbrook a buy low now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I don't really think so. He can't stay 100 percent healthy. And why do we think this will be changing? When the Eagles - and it hurts to type this - are 5-7 at Thanksgiving, will Westbrook even be out there?

Jesse (VA)

Thoughts on which New Orleans WR is going to get the catches this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I think we have to assume that until Colston returns, Lance Moore is the one you trust. Meachem and Devery are home run hitters, that's all. Moore will remain valuable even when Colston returns. And Shockey is simply overrated.

Michelle(NY)

Eric , at what point do you discount the measurable indicators and go by actual production?I keep reading how good Dwayne Bowe is (most targets for WR), but hes not giving me much in a 6 pt td , no ppr league.Would you move Bowe and a lil somthin for Warner if you had JTO and Palmer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I gave up on 2007 production about three weeks ago, to be honest. If not more. Bowe might be the same player, but the mess around him is not. Bowe does get targeted. He will have some big games. To upgrade to Warner I'd think it's worth exploring this.

Manny (Miami)

What is the value of DeSean Jackson moving forward with all of the WRs getting healthy in Philly? Last week, he only received a few targets.

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I think, objectively, we have seen DeSean's best and when Curtis returns, Jackson will become a really good return man who gets targeted just a few times per game. I don't expect much from him receiving consistently. Plus, I kinda see the Eagles season imploding soon.

Dan (Lancaster, PA)

So, that being said about Westbrook. Would you trade him for Gore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

At this point, I would rather have Gore than Westbrook, yes.

Dan (ny)

how do you feel about cedric benson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

As a person or a player? Well, as a Bengal, it appears he's in line for more carries, because Chris Perry is not a great player and now can't hold on to the ball. So if Benson starts getting 20 carries a week, even the most ardent Benson pessimists in fantasy will have to take notice. Maybe Benson will become a top 30 RB. I could see that, I guess.

Arturo (Raleigh, NC)

Arturo (Raleigh, NC) Eric, PLEASE help me out. Would you rather have Slaton or Portis going forward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I really like Slaton's future, but let's not make that leap to put him ahead of a consensus top-6 or 7 RB. Portis is still safer, and better.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

So Derek Anderson wasn't even ranked by any of the rankers. Does this mean they expect him to really struggle against the NYG or that he will get pulled for the rookie? Orton a better start with Ben Ben on a bye?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I think if the Giants are up 27-0 at halftime, on national TV, then the Quinn era begins. Anderson has to play well this week. Plus, look at the defense he has to face. Not enticing in fantasy. Orton is a better start than all but around 10 QBs this week due to his tasty matchup, and there are more to come for him and the Bears. Batter up!

MJ (N. Carolina)

Should I lose a trade to help my team? I can move Ronnie Brown for TJ. I think I lose the trade based on value, but I think it helps my team since I still have Addai, Turner and Parker. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Absolutely! I'm glad you said it, so people don't think I'm crazy. I lose trades from time to time because it fills a need, or will help in the long run. And really, in this case I do think you lose the trade, but you have depth.

Bob (DC)

I have Ricky Williams sitting on my bench and was wondering if there is any need to hold on to him? Brown is getting more carries and more yards per rush. Would you consider dropping him for someone like Stokley if I need WR depth?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Yeah, I would consider that. Though Stokley might only be a nice play this week, with Royal questionable. I just don't see how dropping Ricky can really hurt you. He's OK, suitable in deep leagues, but there's not much upside.

Wes (OH)

Do you see Peyton turning things around? I can trade Warner and either T. Jones or Edge for him in my league. However, Warner is a Top-3 QB over the past 16 games.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I think Warner will continue to be better than Manning, actually. So I don't think I'd make the deal. I would try to get Peyton, as he is somewhat of a buy low, but not if I had to include Warner. Warner is currently tied for fifth in QB points, Peyton is 16th .

Dan (New York)

Do you think Felix Jones will be featured more and more or will he strictly be a change of pace back to Barber?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I think he can get 10 touches per game on offense, which is all we can ask for, and more than enough for him to be worth using most weeks as a flex. Barber is a top-5 RB. Jones could be top-25.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

For the rest of the year: R.Moss or Jennings; Barber or Turner; Slaton or J. Lewis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I would take Jennings over Moss, Barber barely over Turner and Slaton over Lewis.

Ryan (Rochester)

Palmer woes...do I bench him and pick up Orton this week? Schaub is my other option.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I think Palmer will improve, but there's not a ton of risk of him going off and becoming a top-10 QB this season. Orton won't either, but he has nice matchups the next month.

Chris, MD

Eric, I wanted to talk a little fantasy basketball. Are you familiar with TMR's draft strategy? (Picking PGs and PFs) If so, are you a fan of this strategy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Yes, I am familiar with it, and I concur. You need to get a strong base in assists and boards, so it's not so much targeting those positions, but those stats. I'd be fine taking LeBron first, enjoying the assists and getting good rebounding depth. I won a league last season with no productive point guards. But I had enough assists.

Ryan (charleston sc)

Cubs fan who is sadly switching his attention to football...For a struggling 1-4 fantasy team. I've been offered A.Rodgers and W.Parker for Portis and B.Jacobs...my other RB's are Forte and M.Barber and QBs are Hasselback and Orton

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Well, you do need a QB, but you might be giving up too much. I don't think Parker is in the same class as Portis and Jacobs, not even close. But Rodgers is a legit No. 2 in scoring so far. Me? I probably don't do it.

Jon (San Diego)

Erik, can I call you out on your Julius Jones (21)/Joseph Addai (22) rankings? I have both and it seems impossible that I would sit Addai for Jones...can you elaborate on your thought process?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Sure, it's about the matchups, the carries they'll get, their actual production. Addai is not doing much. Jones is doing more. I know it seems crazy to sit Addai, but I ranked them so close, the fact they're even is amazing, isn't it? Look at our ESPN projections; we have Jones getting 12 points and Addai 3. I probably ranked Addai too well!

Sean (LA)

Don't tell me your not taking questions from Dodgertown! Nervous? Superstitious? It's going to be a great series! Good luck! I have Ben, Garrard, Roddy White, Plax, Addai, Grant, Chris Johnson, Moore. Stand pat or try and upgrade? It's a struggle every week to win.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Stop it, I'll take questions from anywhere. I have nothing against Dodgers fans. They might even win. It should be a fun ride. That's all sports are about, the fun ride. The Phillies have already given us so much. I'd like them to win.. .all depends on the first Hamels start. If it's bad, Myers puts too much pressure on himself, and he gets lit.. and it snowballs. Anyway, your team has some decent buy low options. I don't know what you could get, but this seems like a contending team.

Jim Atlanta, GA

Which has the more upside--Fargas or Hightower? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I'm gonna shock you and take Fargas. If he starts, which he should this week, he will get the carries needed to be worth playing. Hightower might score every week, but I don't expect Edge to stop playing, or stop scoring. For 2008 upside, I still think Fargas has big value.

Steve (Chicago)

I'm thin at WR in a deep league, would you trade Maurice Morris for Jabar Gaffney?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Well, you'll still be thin at WR, but yeah, that makes some sense.

Brad (LR)

Drop Winslow for Fasano?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I'm cold on the Browns, but still, that seems a bit extreme.

Keith (Danbury CT)

Kitna's scheduled for an MRI and I'm worried about Megatron... I'm considering trading him and Jacksonville D for Coles and Philly D. Is that a move you'd make?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Depends on my QB situation. I'd certainly look into moving Kitna for a need, if Coles fills it. I'd be worried about Calvin Johnson, too. I didn't rank him very well.

2 Young QBs

Please provide your input on Matt Schaub and Brady Quinn. Just want to hear their respective fantasy potential for this year from you.

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I think Schaub is going to be fine this week, assuming he can stay on the field. That's my main problem with the guy, health and consistency. Quinn has little chance, I think, to have a big year, even if he starts playing this week. The schedule is just too difficult.

Matt (New York)

Eric, LT's status seems questionable at best, in a deep league does it make sense to start Sproles?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I don't think so. It's a total shot in the dark on Sproles. I think Rivers will throw more, as opposed to the Chargers giving Sproles the carries if LT is out.

Keith (Danbury CT)

No no, I meant Calvin and Jax for Coles and Philly...

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Oh. Yeah, I'd consider that as well. But Calvin should get better his next two games. They are favorable to him.

Joe (Philly)

All of that Westbrook doom and gloom... you're just kidding right? Please??

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Well, not really. I don't see him playing this week, though I suppose it's possible. And look at how the Iggles managed to lose these three games. Should have won all three, really. You think they're a lock to beat San Fran? I don't.

Julio (Miami)

Oye Eric me quedo con R. Bush or lo cambio para LT... In other words would you trade R. BUsh for LT???

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Gracias. I'd still prefer LT to Reggie at this point, but the gap is becoming mas pequeno. Or something like that. Adios.

Mark(Indi)

Why so down on Addai?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

He's tied for 24th at RB, and there's not much reason to expect the Colts are going to get much better. When you have o-line problems, they tend to snowball. Most weeks I will have Addai as a decent play, top 15 at RB. This week the matchup is not good for him at all.

Byron Westbrook

My brother will play this week, K-bell!

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Riiiight. Glad we didn't listen to you last week!

Sean (Philly)

Addai, Lewis, Turner...All have tough matchups, which 2 do I start?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I play Turner, no matter the matchup. I don't know why people still don't believe in him. I'd use Addai over Lewis, but neither should be very good.

Josh (Las Vegas, NV)

So you like Fargas. More than Deuce? Who has more upside for 2008?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

I like 'em both. Deuce is clearly getting carries as the main RB now. Fargas will starting this week. The diff is Fargas has to deal with a hotshot rookie. Deuce does not.

Just sayin...

Eric, I understand to need to answer the questions, but for queries related to who to start, can't they refer to the projections on ESPN? Then you can concentrate your efforts on possible trades questions, injuries, and other issues that don't have the answers right in front of us or at our fingertips.

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

If only....

Joe (Squarejaw, NY)

Ronnie Brown. Top 10 RB from here on in?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I think he just misses, because there are 10 others I like more. But Brown is close. ... And I can only answer the questions I see/get.... any other hoops or base?

Ken (Denver)

Eric - Slaton has a good looking schedule near term...Miami, Detroit, Cincy. Do you think it makes sense to trade now, or wait for his stock to soar?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I think his stock is very good now, isn't it? People seem to believe in him. He has a good schedule, and it never really gets too tough. I'd deal for him now before every week he's getting 100 yards.

christopher-ct

I have Tony Gonzalez on a bye. Do I drop him in a 10 team league? Other drop candidates include Chris Perry, Darren Sproles, Mewelde Moore, Marvin Harrison, and Kevin Smith.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

No, I don't think any of those guys are worth cutting TGonzo for. You can't cut anyone else? Perry is still, because he plays, the best option of this group.

Jay(Philly)

Would I be crazy if I started Campbell vs St Louis this week over Peyton Manning vs. the Ravens?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Not at all. People have to stop using players based on rep. Campbell has a nice matchup. Peyton does not. Plus, it' Week 6, long enough to form opinions on players for this season, not career stats.

Chad (DC)

Which TE for the rest of the year, Heap or Olson? GO PHILLIES!

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I have Olson, personally. I wasn't even going to rank Heap this week,.

Tim (IN)

Speaking of taking a loss during a trade would you trade Turner for Favre if Garrard and Kitna were your other options?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Probably not, since I think Turner - currently the No. 1 RB in the game - is totally legit. Depends who your RBs are.

Joe (St. Louis)

Baseball keeper question: Pick 3, Manny, Johan, Soria, Mauer, and Reyes.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Yay! Assuming that is the Mets' Jose Reyes, then it's him, Johan and ... Mauer.

Kyle (Go Phils)

I moved the majority of my team for Peterson in a 2 player keeper league, no penalties. Now I have some major holes to fill off waivers - at QB Orton, Garrard or Hasselback. at WR Berrian, Engram or Bruce?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

You can go week to week, too. I think Orton and Berrian are decent options most weeks really. And Engram is worth it, as well. Really, all those WRs are capable.

Dan (New York)

Eric, you ranked Felix Jones 8 spots higher than Lewis.....what was your thought process?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

What is Lewis bringing to the table against the champs? 40 yards? Felix is a threat to break one every week. Lewis, kinda not.

John (LA)

Im basically stuck with LJ in a deep league, is there any light at the end of the tunnel, or do I package him with a decent receiver and get some consistency at RB?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

LJ will have the occasional big game, so don't give up hope yet. But no, you will not get consistency from him. I'd need to see the names in trade, but I'd move him.

Mike (OH)

Is it Turner's 42 yards against TB or his 56 yards against CAR that has convinced you he is the #1 RB in fantasy. The guy is a matchups play

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

He's not the No. 1 RB in fantasy for projecting, but in points scored. That is irrefutable. For overall I'd rank him around 5 or 6. He is more than a matchups play. You're using two weeks to make your point.

Tom (DE)

Who would you rather have for the rest of the season - Sjax or MBIII?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Barber... barely.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, apparently our time is up for this week. Thanks for the questions, and enjoy your Week 6. And please, go PHILLIES!