Vince (Detroit MI)

Any word on the Williams suspension?

Mike (St. Louis, MO)

I'm in week 2 of my playoffs and I'm playing the strongest team in my league. I need to start 2 of the following. Who would you go with? Barber (@ Pit and banged up), Hillis (great matchup but will he keep getting the ball?), Thomas (is he the primary back in NO?), Fargas (good matchup vs SD?), or C Taylor (he may get a lot of garbage time while AP rests). Sorry so long...thanks for your help

Jim McCormick

  (2:56 PM)

Hillis is a must-start in my book this week - great matchup, and there's really little comp for those touches- just look what he did vs. the Jets as proof. Tough to endorse Thomas, Taylor or Fargas over MB3 especially given his value in the passing game- I'd say go Hillis and Barber and wait to see the reports on Barber, if he's really iffy, go Fargas first in that lot.

Nate (DC)

Jim--if you had to pick one of these two this week: Portis on Sunday night or Dunn on Monday night? Ugh!

Jim McCormick

  (2:57 PM)

Well Nate, what you have going for you here is that you can get the reports on Portis up to game time on Sunday and if the word is that he'll be considerably limited go ahead and plug in Dunn- who could get some yards but isn't a real TD threat. But again, if Portis is a go, no way you can sit him over Dunn even given the Baltimore matchup. Good Luck!

J No D (Whiskeytown)

Mike - how about a few waiver DEF suggestions you like for weeks 15 & 16. I've been playing the matchups all season.

Jim McCormick

  (2:58 PM)

I'm not Mike but I do think I can answer this question- I like Indy vs Det in Week 15 and you guessed it, NO vs Det in Week 16- play against the sloppy offenses, which Detroit certainly is.

Steve (Philly)

Defenses score alot of points in the league I'm in. Am I insane for considering San Diego this week? Other options are Green Bay, Buffalo or Carolina.

Jim McCormick

  (3:00 PM)

Of those options I'd say that I like San Diego if for turnover potential alone. The Chargers are really weak against the pass but I could see them netting some big plays on D. The other options don't have the matchups to endorse over SD.

Taylor (Dallas, TX)

I picked up Toomer from the Free Agency since Plex is out for what seems to be the rest of the year. Is he a better start than M Muhammed (the WR he'd be replacing). Also, is starting Ward and Jacobs a smart call?

Jim McCormick

  (3:02 PM)

Starting Ward and Jacobs is truly relative to your team and league Taylor- I'd honestly rather play BJ and hope that you could use someone with more of a share in their offense. This Philly game could be a grind without a ton of big opportunities for Ward. I actually like Amani "It's not a" Toomer more than Moose, if only because Delhomme has regressed and Eli loves big receivers in the redzone.

Tex (Costa Mesa, CA)

Kevin Faulk is the most underrated RB in PPR leagues. I'm thinking about starting him over Gore and/or DeAngelo, who both have nasty matchups. Convince me why I'm nuttier than squirrel turds.

Jim McCormick

  (3:05 PM)

Ah, an classic Me, Myself and Irene line. I can't endorse Faulk over Williams or Gore if only because Williams is a TD-machine of late and Gore is also a PPR value- and the Jets' run D has been getting looser lately. Agreed though, that Faulk is a great PPR player- but against Seattle I could see Morris and Moss being the fantasy studs.

Dan (DC)

It is playoff time. I love it. LJ vs Denver or Sjax vs Arizona. Thanks!

Jim McCormick

  (3:06 PM)

Two very nice matchups here, but I gotta go with S Jax. Larry is just too inconsistent with his numbers and touches while as long as Jax is healthy, he is the Rams' offense. Despite the bad blood brewing with him and Haslett, I see Jax having a big week.

Aron (STL)

Whose the better fanatsy Patriots RB, Faulk or Morris?

Jim McCormick

  (3:07 PM)

This week I really like Morris- I think he's got the feature gig back from the Law Firm and Faulk is a value in PPR leagues but will rarely sneak a TD, while Morris is a fairly safe bet for a TD this week.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Steve Slaton a top 10 back in 09 ? ppr scoring

Jim McCormick

  (3:08 PM)

Why not. The guy is versatile and more durable than given credit for. Also- this offense in Houston is just scratching the surface, it comes down to consistent QB play and he could be better than top 10 even.

Mike (DC)

Jim, I have Moore in my WR2 position right now, but Barrian and Royal look really tempting with those matchups. Would you start either over Moore?

Jim McCormick

  (3:10 PM)

That is a really close WR2 call you have Mike. It sounds crazy to endorse Berrian over Moore who has scored in like 5 straight or so and Royal with his nice matchup- but I like Bernard's matchup and role a lot this week. Put it this way- Moore and Royal are "safer" plays, but to go for the big win Bernard has the higher potential.

Mike (NYC)

2 quickies Jim- do you go Housh or Hightower at flex (PPR) and also Eagles or Dolphins D?

Jim McCormick

  (3:12 PM)

Go TJ over the smaller Indy DBs, plus TH is a nice play but you never know if the wideouts are gonna consume all the TDS. Dolphins D is a better play, the G-men have some nice matchups with the Birds.

Brad (Boston)

Select the greatest chance for a matchup home run from this muck: Garrard (@CHI), Hill (NYJ), or Frerotte (@DET).

Jim McCormick

  (3:13 PM)

For a homerun you know the answer my man- it's Gus- yes, that is what happens in the fantasy playoffs, you draft a guy like Carson or Brady and end up playing Gus Frerotte. But great matchups = fantasy points.

Aaron (Knoxville)

Jim- I'm in the playoffs and Big Ben has been my up and down qb all the way. Should I bench him this week against Dallas, in favor of Shaun Hill at home against the jets? ESPN's projection for Hill is looks pretty good (probably too good).

Jim McCormick

  (3:14 PM)

Again- further evidence of how crazy the fantasy playoffs get- we start playing guys we never thought we would. But I like Ben here, the Dallas D isn't a great match for this Steelers O, I could see Ben having a nice 2TD outing.

Kevin, NY

Jim, You had mentioned San Diego's defense isn't a bad option but would you play them over Miami against the Bills?

Jim McCormick

  (3:15 PM)

I would for upside, there's more big play potential in the Chargers' matchup in my opinion. But it's close.

Astonished!

You starting Hillis over Lynch? Did I really read the projections correctly?

Jim McCormick

  (3:17 PM)

Names vs Numbers my friend. I like numbers more. As long as Hillis is a go, and in his ESPN chat today and the early reports he's good to go despite the groin injury. Lynch has really warmed up lately but simply hasn't had a nose for the endzone, while Hillis is TD machine of late (and has a great matchup)

Wesley Snipes (Always bet on black)

I am playing QB roulette and I need some betting Advice for the playoffs. Thigpen Hasselbeck Garcia or Garrard? (Let's just say Brees didn't fall to me in the draft like I planned)...

Jim McCormick

  (3:19 PM)

Just remember to report the winnnings next time Wes. I like Hasselback (gasp) in most weeks- esp after New England this week. Garcia also has really strong matchups after this week. I played QB carousel in several leagues as well- it works most times.

KC (Tyler Town)

Dunn or Andre300 at Flex this week? Thigpen or Gus at QB...daddy needs a new pair of shoes in fantasy this week!!

Jim McCormick

  (3:20 PM)

Dunn vs Andre Johnson? AJ every time. Both QB plays are nice- but I like Gus' matchup better with Denver getting Champ back etc.

Tim (Detroit)

Don't you think that Warner will slow down once the Cardinals clinch their playoff spot with a win this weekend? Who do you recommend picking up if you have Warner and you need a playoff QB?

Jim McCormick

  (3:22 PM)

Well there's still homefield to be had, right? I mean at least for a few weeks with the NFC South vetting it out in the coming weeks. As for backup QBs that are possibly available, I like Gus Frerotte and Matt Hasselback for their matchups.

Jem (Westchester, NY)

Hey Jim, I finally dropped Holt and picked up Mark Clayton. He helped me to the championship game in '05, so I thought at least he's good karma if anything.

Jim McCormick

  (3:23 PM)

I had Clayton for that stretch too- very confusing when he and Michael Clayton were good. Can't blame you either- as Flacco gets more comfortable and with Mason ailing a bit, you can't say that Holt is anything better for your team.

Alon (Brooklyn)

Hello Jim. I can either start Mcnabb vs Giants or Garcia vs Ravens. Any advice?

Jim McCormick

  (3:24 PM)

Garcia has the Panthers I believe, but I go with McNabb since he's historically played pretty well vs NY

Dale, SC

Would you start Larry Johnson vs Denver or Lendale White vs Cleveland? This is a tough one for me.

Jim McCormick

  (3:25 PM)

This is a common dilemma I'm seeing amongst the questions- very tough- but I like to go with the more stable offense and thus more TD potential- so I go with White over LJ despite the attractive matchup vs Denver. I could see KC down early as well.

Ted (NY)

In the playoffs and I need TDs ONLY: McFadden, Benson, or G. Olsen?

Jim McCormick

  (3:27 PM)

TD only leagues- for the hardcore. I like Benson since he gets the touches and they actually have a few games on the docket where he could get in the endzone. Olsen and McFad just don't get the targets and touches I'd like.

Matt (PA)

I'm #6 seed in my playoffs...just made it with a tie. Anyways should I start a different D than the Bucs this week?

Jim McCormick

  (3:28 PM)

Outside of maybe Indy on the wire? I'd go TB since Delhomme has been a mess of late.

Mike (Toronto)

Matt Ryan over Big Ben this week?

Jim McCormick

  (3:29 PM)

Sure, he's got a good matchup and puts up numbers. Ryan and Roddy could and should light up the Saints this week.

Jerry, Columbus, OH

What does Psychic Jim forecase for Kurt Warner on Sunday as far as yards and td's vs the Rams?

Jim McCormick

  (3:30 PM)

No, my psychic network was taken down years ago along with Cleo's. Numbers wise - who cares? Only because you know you are playing the guy Jerry. But 290 and 2TDs is a fairly safe to assume.

Henry (NY)

Who are you Jim? Are you new to the chats? Just wanted to see who's giving out the advice...

Jim McCormick

  (3:31 PM)

I wrote for Matthew Berry at TMR.com and I'm the IDP nerd here at ESPN.com, I fill in once in a while for the chats. I also publish a football magazine called Blitz. Now let's talk fantasy playoffs.

WORD UP

Jamal or FWP?

Jim McCormick

  (3:32 PM)

FWP. Word

Matt

Which Matt do I start this week? Cassel or Ryan?

Jim McCormick

  (3:33 PM)

As much as I like Ryan (covered him in high school), there's Turner in tow who could take some TDs. So I like Cassel vs an anemic SEA D

Zack, Indianapolis, IN

I know kicker questions can be ridiculous but this is the playoffs this week and Im looking for any edge. Matt Bryant vs Carolina or Elam vs NO? Thanks!

Jim McCormick

  (3:34 PM)

Drafting kickers high is ridiculous- deciding between them can make a difference. I like Bryant more as that offense is more prone to move and stall.

Jim Van Hoper

Chargers D or Colts D?

Jim McCormick

  (3:35 PM)

Colts, they are carrying the team lately here and the ends could have a field day vs. Fitzpatrick

Jim McCormick

  (3:35 PM)

Colts, they are carrying the team lately here and the ends could have a field day vs. Fitzpatrick

Jake (Baltimore)

Hey Jim: Trade question (no deadline in our league!). Give Colston, Dunn, E. Royal and get Addai and Megatron. Giving too much to get the best player in the deal? (Assuming Johnson is the best player...)

Jim McCormick

  (3:37 PM)

Don't see many trade questions this late- but every league is different. I keep Royal, Colston and Dunn- Addai is nice but I like what you have and Johnson and Colston could be very similar numbers-wise to finish. Any way to just go after Addai to upgrade at RB?

joe

Avery or McCareins for the rest of the playoffs

Jim McCormick

  (3:38 PM)

Deep league I assume. With these guys you can only play matchups, Ten has some nice ones coming up. Go with the matchup, this week I like Justin but you're picking between two relatively weak options here.

BILL, THE D

Jim, if I wanted to get the Blitz, where could I purchase it at? Never seen it before at a news stand? Also, is Schaub back this week?

Jim McCormick

  (3:40 PM)

Schaub should be back this week but check on Wed's reports and practice etc. We are a smaller quarterly and will be in stores in march with a draft issue, google blitz magazine football and you'll find us. That's the end of my self promotion- sorry guys- let's talk playoffs.

Jared

Forte or Slaton, this week?

Jim McCormick

  (3:42 PM)

Good problem to have I suppose- but Forte is just too legit to sit (sorry). Slaton is really a good play, but Forte is just too solid and don't fear the Jags in name anymore, as we saw on MNF

Michael (Columbus)

I'm in the game of QB carousel as well, and the pickins are slim. Aside from Hasselbeck and Garcia - Do any of the following have enough upside to win me the week: Losman, Collins, Campbell, or Russell?

Jim McCormick

  (3:43 PM)

Collins could be of some use for 200 yards and possibly a few TDs- his basement for numbers is safer of the bunch. I wouldn't go with the others because at least Collins has a great running game to open things up for him.

Jason, Denver

Warner or Romo for Sunday?

Jim McCormick

  (3:44 PM)

Warner and it's not close- Romo just has brutal matchups for the fantasy playoffs.

Dan (Harrisburg, PA)

Jimbo: what is the deal with Greg Olsen? He had a great rapport with Orton b4 Orton's injury. Now 2 straight 0 pointers? I dropped him for Heath Miller...good move?

Jim McCormick

  (3:46 PM)

Definitely a good move - Orton just isn't the same guy lately- Miller has TD potential and will at least get 4-5 solid targets.

Jason (Parker, CO)

IDP question...Pick up DJ Williams for the playoffs? K question...Prater, Rackers or Bryant for the playoffs? Thanks!

Jim McCormick

  (3:47 PM)

I love me some IDP. If you can stash DJ go for it- he's been out for a while and isn't a lock to return this week, but great upside play Jason. Kickers- play the matchups- I like Bryant since TB is prone to stall in the redzone.

Ron (NYC)

Jim... D/ST conundrum Titans vs Cle led by Dorsey or Minn D vs Det?

Jim McCormick

  (3:48 PM)

Tenn D, no need to waiver on this one. Also- keep a close eye on the Williams' suspensions in Minny- could really effect their D.

Geoff (Santiago, Chile)

Drop Holt or J. Charles for Indy Def? I have Chicago D but am scared of the NO and GB matchups.

Jim McCormick

  (3:50 PM)

If that's the move that works- I mean, not sure who else you have at WR but I assume they're better options than Holt. So crazy, but sure, Indy has some good matchups and if you aren't gonna play Holt going forward and will play Indy, then you are getting production right?

Kevin (MA)

Jim, how low has Braylon Edwards sunk now that he has the immortal Ken Dorsey throwing to him? Also, best waiver wire RB you think?

Jim McCormick

  (3:52 PM)

Yeah, Braylon has been really bad and it's not looking up, at least this week. But Dorsey won't change it either way- it can't really get worse than 2-3 catches anyway. Sit Braylon if you can. Best waiver RB? Tashard Choice could be ok with some extra touches, although tough sched. Maybe Chester Taylor in shallow leagues and Mo Morris.

Billy (Tenn)

Would you start Moore over Marshall?

Jim McCormick

  (3:53 PM)

I would. I mean, if you remove reputation and expectations isn't Moore simply a better fantasy WR at this point? It's so tough to stomach sitting bigger names but this is a case where I could see it making sense- since Marshall hasn't been a TD threat and Moore is the definition lately.

coy (LA)

Jim, please answer my question? It's a matter of opinion. This is the final week of my fantasy regular season, Is it OK for me and my opponent to bench all of our starters, that way guaranteeing a tie and getting into the playoffs, if we don't do that then the loser of the matchup is probably out, some in our league say that is cheating, is it or is it a good strategy and should be allowed???

Jim McCormick

  (3:55 PM)

It's up to you in the end. But I'd be really salty if I was the guy left out because two teams colluded to get in. Put it this way- fantasy football is about beating people on a weekly basis- meaning the winners should move on- not the guys who tie. In my opinion, you both play it out- because you shouldn't make the playoffs via collusion. Good luck with the call.

Too cute?

Ryan over Romo?

Jim McCormick

  (3:56 PM)

It's getting close to too Cute, but I actually see it working. I mean, this Steelers D is simply nasty right now and playing at home in ill weather.

Darryl San Francisco, CA

Do you like Carolina D/ST at home VS Denver in week 15?

Jim McCormick

  (3:57 PM)

Not particularly, could be a high scoring game. Carolina has feasted on bad offenses but has also been opened up a few times by good offenses.

Steve,ca

Hi Jim I Cant believe im asking this but--Reggie Bush or Pierre Thomas?

Jim McCormick

  (3:58 PM)

For this week I like Bush more- I think we see 7-10 catches and some really nice total yards.

BP (St. Paul)

Forte, Hillis and Westbrook; which one sits?

Jim McCormick

  (3:59 PM)

Tough one- I say sit Westy- but I could look really stupid come Sunday if he goes off- but in terms of the best situations- Forte and Hillis are simply in better spots to produce.

Dawn, Parma, OH

Should I consider starting Eddie Royal over Andre Johnson considering Royal has a sweet matchup vs KC?

Jim McCormick

  (4:00 PM)

No this is too cute. Andre's matchup with Woodson is tough and all but he's a beast of a player and simply is a better option. Royal is a good play- but I feel like Marsh and him will toggle big games to finish.

Keeper Question (niceville)

Quickie? I am out of the playoffs, so thinking about moves for next year. Keep Slaton or DeAngelo Williams?

Jim McCormick

  (4:01 PM)

Keeper wise? Tough call my friend, but if it comes down to it I'm keeping Slaton since he's the lone guy in Houston going forward, but very close- take your time if you have it as things pan out in the offseason.

joe-pa

Hi Jim-Is Fargas a legit RB2? THANKS

Jim McCormick

  (4:02 PM)

Depends on the week Joe. This week? yes

Jack (CT)

IDP question it is then... Lance Briggs or J. Vilma?

Jim McCormick

  (4:04 PM)

Go Briggs- Vilma has cooled of late and I like the matchups for Lance.

Jim McCormick

  (4:04 PM)

One more ? then I'm out

Chris, St. Louis, MO

Has L.T. gotten so bad where I should seriously consider starting L.J. or Lendale over him this weekend?

Jim McCormick

  (4:05 PM)

I wouldn't play either this week over him- as much as I preach names over numbers- so tough to sit a guy like LT against a poor rush defense like Oakland. Give LT the call, with White and LJ next in that order.

Matt (DC)

What do you think about Plaxico wearing Silver & Black next year?

Jim McCormick

  (4:07 PM)

Al Davis is drafting the contract now- just changing the name from Javon to Plax. Thanks everyone, nearly 2,000 questions- good luck to all in the playoffs. Trust your gut and mix in some good research of your own.