Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy chat session... I am Eric. We're talking mainly fantasy football today, but if I see a good baseball and/or hoops question or two, I'll answer them too. So let's get going, shall we?

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Karabell: On the surface it appears as though I should play Willie Parker this week over Michael Pittman but I fear Parker's touches will be limited while Pittman's will be increased. Please offer me your input oh Guru of the Fantasy Gridiron.

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

On the surface Parker would seem the right move, and on other parts as well. He owns the Bengals, and I think he will get enough carries to have a big game. I think Pittman will as well, but I would use Parker.

Andrew (NYC)

I value your opinion most EK! For the rest of the season, Rodgers or Favre? or should I keep playing matchup roulette? Who do you like the the rest of the season, Stewart or Hightower? I can trade Tim for Jon straight up.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Thank you, sir. I think Rodgers and Favre are each at the back end of the top 10 for QBs, and while I would probably go with Rodgers most weeks, playing matchups is a wise move, too. And I would prefer to have Stewart over Hightower. More carries, and he scores, too.

Chris (Philly)

Chris Johnson and McFadden too much to give up for Barber in a keeper league? My other back is Portis. Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Not too much. I said this earlier on TV, but if I was re-drafting today, I think Peterson goes first, then Portis and Barber over LT. Giving up 2 rookies for one stud is wise.

Chris (Providence RI)

Hey EK... baseball question, why didn't Masterson start for the Sox last night?!

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Ha! Well, I don't think the Sox thought Wakefield would get lit like that. But Masterson did look good, and let's remember he should be a top 40 starting pitcher for 2009 drafts. Or close to it.

Mike (OH)

Last week I wrote and stated that Michael Turner was a matchups play based off of his terrible performances against good defenses. You disagreed with me. Would you care to recinsider after his 54 yards on Sunday?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Nope, I would not. Why rescind, because he didn't have a huge game? Even 1,500-yard running backs - which he is - don't go for 100 yards every week. Turner is still a very good, top 10 running back. Not every week will be monstrous. I think he can and will run on good defenses, just not all of them. Just like everyone else.

Jeremy (Miami)

Is Hines Ward too much to give up for Matt Schaub as a Romo replacement?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Not at all. Depends what else you have at WR, I guess. Schaub is legit; I have him in a few places and think he can get to top 10 QB status. Ward is a No. 2 WR, at best. Just remember, Romo won't miss much time. Three games at the most, it appears, if that.

Petr: (Berlin, Germany)

Should I send Addai and Boldin for LT and TO? LT's injury scares me a bit. How about sending Cutler for Marion Barber if I also have Brees?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Seems like a good time to reveal the breaking news on Addai; he is out this week, and could miss a few games. I wasn't high on Addai for the past month anyway. I think we all missed on his draft day value a bit, and it's clear D.Rhodes will take his carries, some, even when both are healthy. I would deal for LT/TO, and I would also try to get Barber if you own Brees. Wow!

Mark (Orlando, FL)

Romo owner that has to now choose between Bulger and Garcia. Should I just shoot myself now or can either one of these help me for the next 4 weeks?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Well, nobody should ever go that far in fantasy! Garcia is a decent play this week against the horrible Seahawks. I think he can stem the tide. I don't see too many games Bulger would be worth using in, though. See if Kyle Orton is out there. He's still owned in far too few leagues.

Jeff (NC)

Slaton or Rhodes this week? Silly question?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

There are no silly questions. I would go Slaton, and I think most would. Rhodes is going to be a decent play this week, and could run for 100 yards and score. So can Slaton.

Geoff (Boulder)

Who has the best chance of not suckin the most this weekend: Braylon or Randy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Ha! I like the phrasing there! Sometimes we have to make decisions based on those factors, ya know. I think Randy should be a bit better, a bit safer. I'd sell on those Browns if I had any.

Randy, CA

What do you expect from Westbrook the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Brian should return in Week 8, but I don't like the trend here with his body getting hurt. Also, the Eagles finally realize Buckhalter is pretty good, too, and if they play him more it might keep Westbrook healthier. I expect Westbrook to play the second half of the season, but not 2007 numbers. Just very good numbers.

Bob (Nebraska)

How many people outside of Pennsylvania picked the Phils for the WS at the start of the season?? Pick 3 for this week: Colston, Hines Ward, Coles, and Calvin Johnson. Also Willie Parker or Steve Slaton? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Yeah, Phils! Can you believe it! I don't want to get ahead of things, though. A 3-1 lead is just a lead. Anyway, if Colston plays, and I think he will, he's in. Calvin should be next; he will get so many targets, even Dan Orlovsky should be good enough for him. And then Ward. He does nicely vs. Cincy. And Parker a tad over Slaton.

Joe(VA)

Is Champ going to shut down R. Moss? Start Berrian instead going back to Chicago?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I had Berrian and R.Moss ranked very similarly. I wouldn't have a problem with going with Berrian. In fact, I've been on the Berrian bandwagon since he signed in Minny. Yes, I would go Berrian here!

Brad, Phoenix AZ

Any word on T. Edwards? Do you expect good numbers from him this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Word is he will be able to play, and it's not a bad matchup. We project him as a top 10 QB with 260 yards and 2 scores. I think he will play.

andy (ON)

hey EK, please help!! I was offered Westbrook for Forte...Take it?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Tough call! Yeah, I think B-West will still hold top 10 value. Forte is mighty good, too, but I'll take Westbrook. Rookies just aren't very safe, especially when they tire in December. Many do.

Razor (Miami Beach)

I have to start Cassel this week with McNabb on bye. Is he ok for this week or should I drop him for Orton or Campbell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I understand many owners don't trust Orton yet, but I do. Not a monster or anything, but he's closing in on top 10 QB status in solid matchups. Look at the Chi sked! I'd rather own Orton and Campbell than Cassel. I've seen about enough of Cassel, to be honest.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Does Witten benefit or suffer from the acquisition of Roy and with Johnson at QB ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I don't think it changes much. You know, Brad Johnson shouldn't be that bad. He won't throw deep, but he won't be Tarvaris Jackson either. He can find open receivers, and he knows when to throw the ball away. Witten should be fine. T.O. should be OK as well. I do not like Roy Williams' value in his new home. I doubt this goes well for him.

Steve(Hartford)

Chris Harris has Carson Palmer listed 29 in his year to end rankings. Is it time to dump him if I can get Garrard off waivers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I think that is accurate. Chris does a terrific job with those rankings every week. I have doubts Palmer plays again this season. Sure sounds to me like he is gonna need Tommy John surgery, or a lot of rest. Either way, look elsewhere.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Orton against the Vikes D this week too. I think you could throw for 250 and a pair of scores against Minny's secondary EK (as long as you remember the end zone is only 10 yards deep).

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I have a really good arm. Really, I do. Fantasy football is a matchups game. Orton has a lot of great matchups this season. I can't explain why he has turned the corner and become good, but he has.

Nick (MI)

Start Chris Johnson over Ronnie Brown this week? Much better matchup.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Yeah, only because Ronnie faces Baltimore would I sit him. After this he might be a weekly play. How can C.Johnson not pilfer that KC defense for 100 yards this week?

Pat (College Park)

Hey Eric, who would you rather have the rest of the way, Chris Cooley or Kellen Winslow?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I'm assuming Winslow isn't badly hurt, and won't miss more games, but who really knows? Cooley is safe. The Browns have so many tough games ahead, I think at this point, I might take Cooley.

Jeremy (NYC)

Just wanted you to note that if you also have Buckhalter on your team with Westbrook and started the healthy guy each week, you would be averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game - good for 2nd among RB's. Just saying.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, the Philly RBs look very legit, don't they? I think Buckhalter has been the bigger surprise. But what happens in Week 8? Does he get any run at all with B-West back? Probably not much.

Tim (Towson)

I have to start Chad Johnson over Eddie Royal (injured) or Devin Hester (not a WR), right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Hmmm... I can surely make the case for Hester over Chad. I mean, why does everyone think Chad is worth using? It's close. I don't think Royal is a good play this week. I would use Chad over Hester, but it is close.

michelle (pa)

playing husband - should i play both colston and lance more. also have stokley, crayton, boldin (out)

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Nice! It might be scary to play two Saints WRs, but I think with that team it is OK. With the Dolphins, not so much. And you have no other worthy options. Good luck!

Jake (New York)

Eric, do you really think Bulger is this bad? I know the line is bad, but there's still obviously talent on that team and it wasn't that long ago that he was a reliable top 10 QB. Is it foolhardy to expect improvement and play him over Orton, who has to come back to earth some day soon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I am surprised at just how bad things are in St. Louis, because there is talent. But look at Holt; something is amiss. Bulger looks like he's hurt, and the line is not good. I think Orton is better right now, all things considered. He doesn't have to come back to earth with his nice schedule.

Michael (pa)

You just helped my wife!...how about helping me. Warner off this week, my options are Garcia, Campbell, Edwards, Frerote.

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Ha! Play ... um, Randall Cunningham. We want her to win! OK, I'd probably say Edwards if he plays, but Garcia should get 200 yards and a score.

Derek (Chicago)

I don't even have a wife so I need the help: Big Ben or Schuab?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Nice one! I gave Schaub the nod in my rankings. I like Big Ben too, but a healthy Schaub is very valuable. And he plays Detroit. How can that go poorly? (Yikes, I shouldn't have said that!)

Bryce (Charleston, SC)

Eric, Is there anything new on the Romo front? I've heard people saying he's considering playing with a splint? Granted these people aren't doctors or members of the Dallas Cowboys, so there might be zero truth to it. Have you heard anything along those lines?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I have heard this about Romo, but I really doubt he plays this week. The Cowboys shouldn't just follow the advice of one Brett Fav-ruh. But might Romo play in two weeks. Wouldn't surprise me.

Thomas (SF, CA)

How about a question from a non-moron league? How many times do we have to see "should I start Barber or LT"? Do you see C.Benson or R.Torian as a better value for a roster spot instead of keeping a backup like J.Norwood?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I can only answer questions that I see... I think Torian is the better chance to take for the rest of the season. I do not see the Bengals having success in any facet this year. It's bad. It's like 2-14 laughingstock bad. I can't believe Benson is there in the first place. I also think the talk about Ryan Torian becoming the top dawg in Denver is overblown. They have options. Norwood is going to be flex worthy some weeks. I'd keep him if you ever use him.

Dan (Detroit)

What do you make of Santana Moss? Has he approached the dreaded "not an every-week start but goes off for 150 yards and 2 scores the one week you decide to bench me" territory?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I'm not going to put Santana in that class just yet, but I am surprised he's been worthless for two weeks. I would keep using him. And yes, people, I do realize that was likely not a wife and husband, but hey, we're having a good time here... it's FANTASY!

Craig (LA)

Here's a good one for ya: McFadden or Fargas this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

I think it's Fargas, and I think the Raiders agree, for now. McFadden will get his chance, when healthy.

Joe (NJ)

Eric please advise because this has been killing me for days now! Would you trade Cotchery and Berrian for Witten (PPR league) if you already had Colston, A. Johnson, Welker, & Engram? Current TE's are Z. Miller & G. Olsen.

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Sure, that move would make sense. I think Witten will retain his value through all this Romo/Roy WIlliams mess. And you have WR depth. You should be able to get another piece though.

Kyle (MD)

After the Monday night game, Braylon explained that he felt very rusty in the first few weeks due to his foot injury, and Derek Anderson did as well due to his preseason concussion. Don't you think this team could be a top 10 offense the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

My only problem with Braylon and Derek and the gang being totally legit is the schedule. It's tough. And all it takes is one blah game and everyone whines about them again. I'd just be real careful dealing for or trusting Browns. Could it be a top-10 offense? I'd still say no.

Ryan (Maryland)

Who is the better Jets WR to target in a trade: Coles or Cotchery? One owner in my league has both and is willing to talk.

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I wouldn't want to pick. I think it's Cotchery, but Favre hasn't really shown favorites. These guys have the same number of receptions. I'd take Jerrico, barely.

Bob (Ch'ville Va)

Do I keep MJD and hope that taylor gets hit by a bus or that the jags coaching staff recognizes that if he gets 20 carries, he awesome?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I don't think MJD's big problem is Fred Taylor. Neither is getting close to the carries they need, really. MJD can be really good, and I think he will get the carries now. And we never root for injuries...right?

christopher-CT

Can't wait to see my Sox(down 3-1 is how we like it) against your Phillies in the WS!!!! Rest of the way rank: Westbrook, Turner, Addai, and MJD?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Well, I understand that a 3-1 lead is no sure thing, but the Sox and LA would have to win Games 6 and 7 on the road. Seems unlikely. And I have no problem with a Rays-Phils WS! Anyway, Westbrook, Turner, MJD and Addai. I don't like how this Indy thing is playing out. Westbrook and Turner both in the 5-10 RB range overall.

peter james (FL)

Eric Karabell ~ "Rhodes is going to be a decent play this week" How come your not high on Rhodes when GB are 27 against the run, you know there are 32 teams in the league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Rhodes is like the only RB left standing. I don't expect 120 yards, but 75 and a score, that's not bad at all. And I don't base all ranks on how teams do against the run and pass, etc. You have to balance it.

Kyle (OR)

so i can't believe i'm asking this. which of the manning brothers would you pick from this day forward? eli seems to have started hot, but manning is coming on late with the "news" that he had a second surgery during the offseason. i kind of puked in my mouth just asking that question...be right back.

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I never wavered on this one. I think even when he was playing poorly, I wanted Peyton first. Eli didn't do so well Monday, did he? Didn't matter. My mind was already made up. I think Peyton is a top-5 QB in fantasy, and Eli is in the 8-10 range. Still.

Jerome (Chicago)

Is Matt Forte a must start? Tough Minn D, but the kid has proven that he can get it done...right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

The kid has been impressive. I don't think he's a must start, and I didn't rank him as one, but he's top 15. The Vikes really do handle the run... and can't deal with the pass.

Chris (Saratoga Springs)

Eric, can you give more details on Addai? Have you heard more details on his injury other than a "tweak"? is it a tear?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Yes, it appears he's torn the hammy, and he's out 2-to-4 weeks. Could be longer. Not good news, but then again, he wasn't playing so great. D.Rhodes becomes a must add.

Don (Hawaii)

Why do you keep ignoring questions from Hawaii!!!!!! Do I do the unthinkable and bench LT and GORe to start Chris Johnson and Slaton's tasty matchups???

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I don't ignore questions... well, only the ones in which people call themselves the player and ask "Should I sit myself..." C'mon. LT is not in this room! Anyway, I do like Chris Johnson's matchup, and Slaton, but not enough to sit LT and Gore. Just can't do it. Would second guess myself for weeks.

Kevin

Would you drop Felix Jones for D. Rhodes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Ugh. Can you avoid it? Felix is out 2-to-4 as well, but when healthy, what a weapon. I guess if you need a guy this week, you have to. But it's the kind of move you regret in December.

Joe (NY)

Why so much hate for T. Jones? Not liking him for another 20+ this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

No hate at all. Just more love for others. I'm a man of love. Jones got the scores but not the yards. I'm close to giving up on him being more than a flex most weeks. This week he should be in double digits, but watch Favre throw 4 TDs.

Kerry (Boston)

You said of Orton - "I can't explain why he has turned the corner and become good, but he has." It's the mustache.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Maybe. Also the matchups and having a RB weapon. Don't underestimate how Forte is making all this happen. Ced Benson just wasn't good enough to help Orton and Rexy.

Landon (Indiana)

Do you think Julius Jones will have any must start weeks for the rest of this season? What's your outlook on him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

No, I don't think he will ever be a great play, but sometimes a really good one. I just see the Seahawks falling apart, and things going downhill from there.

Jason (Omaha, NE)

I can't believe I am asking this but is Barber a better bet than LT going forward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

My top 5 RBs from this point forward: A.Peterson, Barber, Portis and then LT and Westbrook. How bout that?

Tom (New England)

Quick one: Garcia or D Anderson

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

This week, still Garcia.

Dan (DC)

Quick, Min or Houston's defense?

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Minny...

Chris Michigan

Short and easy. Coles for Chris Johnson?

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Yes

Eric Karabell

  (4:01 PM)

OK, that is apparently all the time we have for today. Thanks so much for the questions, I do appreciate them. Sorry if I didn't get to yours, but lemme tell you, there are a LOT of questions here, thousands. Anyway, best of luck in Week 7 and beyond, and GO PHILLIES! Thanks...