KC Joyner

  (4:00 PM)

Good afternoon! Let's talk some football.

Jason (NJ)

I have a huge problem on who to start this week - I have wr/rb flex option and my options are: Protis (Bal D and injured), McFadden, Gage, An. Gonzalez and M.Bradley...I can only choose one, who do I start?

KC Joyner

  (4:02 PM)

That is a tough call. I'd probably go with McFadden but if you don't feel good with that one, you'd pretty much have to go Portis.

Andre Johnson (Houston, TX)

KC, I'm a 6"3 and a former basketball player. Why doesn't my QB ever throw me a jump ball in the endzone?

KC Joyner

  (4:03 PM)

Good question. It might come down to that your team figures your other skills can get you open in the end zone without having to risk a jump ball.

chauncey (teaneck )

who will replace Plaxico in the giants lineup?

KC Joyner

  (4:04 PM)

Domenik Ward is all but certain to do that. By the way, Ward is averaging 10.2 YPA this year versus Plaxico's 7.4, so the move may actually be an upgrade for the Giants.

Maue New York

Corey Webster.... top 5 cb in the nfl?

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

I'd probably concur with that. His YPA has been below five all year long and he's doing that despite being targeted fairly often.

Adam (Jersey)

Dominik Hixon*

KC Joyner

  (4:07 PM)

Exactly. I've got Derrick Ward on the brain.

Sean (Philly)

KC, I may have finished near the bottom, but I was ranked higher than Lane, and beat you the only time I played you. I consider the season a success. I think I would have won last week as well, but sat Westbrook for some reason...

KC Joyner

  (4:08 PM)

I had to let Sean get in his shot at Lane. It wouldn't be Christmas without a Philly/Hawaii battle.

Mike (az)

Andre's question is one i ask about Larry F quite often. You bring up the risk but if you have a semi competent qb isnt there very little risk? No more risk than any other pass into the endzone at least and its not like we have never seen RB's fumble around the goal line.

KC Joyner

  (4:10 PM)

Don't get me wrong, I agree with the idea that maybe Johnson should be used on fade routes. I was trying to come up with a possible reason he wasn't be used that way.

Gus (Bmore)

Very worried about Delhomme's elbow, and Ben's tweaked knee, combined with the Tampa 2 D and horrible weather conditions in Pitt. Who do I go with?

KC Joyner

  (4:11 PM)

Pitt has the better receiving corps so I'd go in that direction.

Maue New York

Eli Manning... top 6 qb in the nfl?

KC Joyner

  (4:12 PM)

Try top 3. Besides Brady and Peyton, I can't think of anyone else I would definitely rank in front of him.

Patrick (San Francisco)

Do you track dropped interceptions? Seems like Ike Taylor would lead the league 2 to 1 - at least!!

KC Joyner

  (4:13 PM)

I have been keeping track of near interceptions on a team basis at the moment and Pittsburgh has 18 of those, and Taylor certainly has his share of those 18.

Rick-Lowell, MA

Do you think someone takes a chance on Cassel next year? Obviously a lot can change over the next 4 weeks, especially if they get some help and end up making the playoffs, but if he plays well for the next 4 weeks...nothing outstanding but nothing terrible, do you think he gets a starting job next year?

KC Joyner

  (4:15 PM)

He'll get a shot at a starting job or get a big payday from NE. If he does go elsewhere, I'd be a bit leery though. How many NE players do well on other teams? Deion Branch has been good in Seattle when he plays and Gay has been good in NO but there have been more than a few who haven't done well after NE.

Maue New York

Aaron Ross has looked horrible... from what you have seen of Terrel Thomas do you think he is a possible replacement?

KC Joyner

  (4:17 PM)

You're right on Ross. He has a 9.4 YPA and is not holding down the fort. Thomas has a 3.9 YPA on the 16 passes I've broken down of his so far (I still have the week 13 game to break down), so I'd definitely think of moving him into Ross' spot. They better do it soon, though, as changing CBs isn't something you want to do during the playoffs.

NATE (DC)

How about Brees, Cutler, Big Ben to name a few

KC Joyner

  (4:17 PM)

I like all three of them but Ben is the only one I'd even consider picking over Eli.

Jason - Virginia

What do think the chances of the Steelers winning the Super Bowl?

KC Joyner

  (4:19 PM)

You know, until I broke down one of the Steelers recent running games on offense, I wasn't sure that group was really up to the task of leading a playoff run. After I saw them all grade out in the mid 80s or higher for a game, I'm on the bandwagon of Pittsburgh's being able to go all the way.

Adam (Jersey)

Wow, Cutler got overrated fast.

KC Joyner

  (4:20 PM)

It's exactly this kind of thought that put Cutler on my overrated list. To paraphrase Parcells, he hasn't put any skins on the wall and people have him as a top five QB.

Scott (MN)

As a novice fan trying to become more hardcore, I appreciate you chats because they make me sound smarter in front of my homies. I had never heard of Eric Winston before you mentioned him last week. I dropped your metric about him winning 90% percent of his run blocks last weekend and got props from said homies after they watched him tear it up Monday. thx.

KC Joyner

  (4:21 PM)

Just glad I could help!

Jay (Orlando)

I'm starting Peyton Hillis and Lendale White over Marion Barber (banged up & matchup) and Maurice Jones Drew (matchup)....Do you think this is a good idea...I also have Eddie Royal or Antonio Bryant I could play instead...I appreciate your comments

KC Joyner

  (4:22 PM)

I'd agree with your starting RBs and I think I would go with them over Royal or Bryant.

Sean (Philly)

Come on KC, he has a better arm than Elway.

KC Joyner

  (4:23 PM)

OK, now I'm convinced!

J (Milwaukee)

Hester or Matt Jones this week? And how big of a day do you project L. Evans to have this week with his our old buddy slinging it?

KC Joyner

  (4:24 PM)

I don't like Jones matchup against Tillman so I'd go Hester. Evans could have a big game but I have to point out that Miami's CBs have been playing much better of late, especially Will Allen.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

Cutler is also dealing with the most dropped passes in the league, a rookie FB playing tailback because the other 5 RBs on the roster are injured and one of the worst defenses in the league. You're telling me if Eli lost Brandon Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw and the Giants defense was that bad that he would be just as effective as he is now?

KC Joyner

  (4:26 PM)

No one is saying Cutler is a bad QB, far from it. I just don't accept that he's a top five QB or is even that close to it. Eli had to deal with a ton of RB injuries last year and his #1 wideout had a bad ankle. This year he's had to deal with that same WR being off of his game. Eli also plays in a much tougher division.

Kev (NYC)

KC, let me try to tell them what you're saying...Eli has a ring, Cutler doesn't and that holds the most weight...

KC Joyner

  (4:27 PM)

It's not just the ring but that certainly carries a lot of weight.

Majeed

Bronco Ryan always has these excuses! Face it man your Donkeys will be one and done. And don't say anthing about winning that horrible division. Also, my Fins beat you guys in your own house!

KC Joyner

  (4:28 PM)

I had to give Majeed the floor on this one because the Fins don't often win in Denver (remember that nasty playoff loss a few years back?).

Zac (MN)

Hi KC, you are the only reason I am still at work so please answer. Is there any doubt that AD is the best running back in the league?

KC Joyner

  (4:29 PM)

You see, I can finally say that I contributed to the hours someone put in at work! I have no doubt AD is the best this year but that could change long term if the 2008 rookie class keeps progressing.

Greg (Cleveland)

Fine, KC, let me put it to you this way: would you rather have Cutler or Ryan??

KC Joyner

  (4:30 PM)

Ryan all the way. In my six years of breaking down tapes, I have never seen a rookie as impressive as Ryan (and yes that does include Ben's first year).

Garry(Charlotte)

KC Chris Gamble recently got a contract extension making him one of the top 5 highest paid cornerbacks in the NFL, does his metrics back that up?

KC Joyner

  (4:32 PM)

His 5.6 YPA this year backs it up but I would be incredibly concerned about his performance level dropping off. This is the best I've ever seen him play but now that the contract is in place, will he go back to being the lousy CB he was for years?

John (Seattle, WA)

With Westbrook starting, should I play Portis over Ronnie Brown in flex? Jamal Lewis is also on bench... FYI: Brees is much better than Cutler & Big Ben - even with a ring

KC Joyner

  (4:34 PM)

Unless the weather is a factor, I'd put Brown in over Portis. And I'd take Ben over those two!

Matt (LV)

Will Rivers be that bad tonight? Should I start Pennington instead?? HELP!

KC Joyner

  (4:35 PM)

I don't much care for the SD WRs against Oakland's CBs, so Rivers is quite a concern. Having said that, I'm not sure Pennington is an improvement so I'd probably stick with Rivers.

Luis (SB, CA)

KC, Have you had a chance to breakdown sacks for players? I know that you seperate technique sacks and coverage sacks. How do the top Sack leaders measure up with technique sacks?

KC Joyner

  (4:37 PM)

I did a breakdown for the NY Times Fifth Down blog on this recently. I looked at six of the big name pass rushers to see how they were getting their sacks. The only one who didn't get many sacks via technique was Demarcus Ware and that was before his game against Seattle when he got two of those (technique sacks, that is).

Adam (Jersey)

I doubt weather will be a factor for Brown... Toronto has a dome

KC Joyner

  (4:37 PM)

I stand corrected!

Todd (PN)

I agree with you about Ryan, but you lose credibility by including Roethlisberger in the same sentence. He didn't do anything that year. It was the D and the running game.

KC Joyner

  (4:39 PM)

Todd, the funny thing is I got a ton of grief for saying pretty much the same thing you just said. The reason I brought Ben up is that every time I say Ryan is the best rook I've seen, someone always posts a "What about Ben?!" comment.

Jonathan (Dallas, TX)

Hey KC. I know in the beginning of the year you weren't that high on Joe Staley. However, for the last 4 or 5 weeks it seems like there is NO pressure coming from his side. Am i right or just a delusional 49er fan?

KC Joyner

  (4:41 PM)

I have to give Staley credit for being much improved over his early season performance. I haven't done a study on it but I wonder if the head coaching change led to a change in pass blocking for SF?

Concerend Fan

Evans, Randy Moss, or Berrian this weekend?

KC Joyner

  (4:43 PM)

Berrian versus the Lions secondary is a dream fantasy football matchup so you have to go with him in that one.

Frank (North Carolina)

What do you think of NFLPA stopping the suspension for the Viking players violating the anti-doping policy?

KC Joyner

  (4:45 PM)

They obviously think they have a case to make in their player's favor and I'm for due process, so I'm good with it.

Dee (Greenville, NC)

I'm curious. Does throwing a ball into double or triple coverage always constitute a bad decision in your metrics? For example if a QB is facing a blitz and he's right-handed, if he throws to his right side for a completion with a rush in his face, but it's a zone blitz and the receiver is double or tripled covered would that be a bad decision or good because it might have been the only decision he would have had time to make?

KC Joyner

  (4:46 PM)

It's only a bad decision if that pass is intercepted or nearly intercepted. In the case you mentioned, the QB could have also taken the sack instead of throwing it into coverage, so that's why it would be listed as a bad decision.

Luke (Aurora, CO.)

KC Joyner, just so you know, more than half of the Broncos wins have come outside of the division. So, playing in the AFC West hasn't really elevated the Broncos to the record they have now. Also, if you take Matt Ryan over Jay Cutler right now, then I'm sure that means you'd take him over Peyton Manning RIGHT NOW, correct? Cutler has had to do more with less than Manning and has been just as clutch while putting up better numbers. Thus, if you think Ryan is better than Cutler right now, then that must mean you think he's better than Manning, too.

KC Joyner

  (4:48 PM)

These Broncos fans sound almost identical to the Steelers fans when it came to Ben. Look, I've said it a dozen times but I'll say it again - Cutler is a good QB. He's just not a top five in the league one right now. I'm not saying he can't make it there but he's not there yet.

adam { lindenhurst, ny}

Even though i am a Cowboys fan. i say they miss the playoffs and the falcons get in. what is yout take.

KC Joyner

  (4:50 PM)

As much as I have been impressed with Atlanta (and I've been touting Mike Smith as a coach of the year candidate for weeks now) I see them on the outside of the playoffs.

Bo (Honlulu, HI)

KC, what's the metrics say about my boy JaMarcus? My friends keep dogging him but I think he can be a good QB, he just doesn't have a very good O Line and has no receivers!

KC Joyner

  (4:52 PM)

I've spoken with some people in the league who say that Russell can absolutely develop into a strong QB. He's got the physical talent and the locker room likes him. He's just got to get a better O line and then things will probably start falling into place.

Maz (NY)

Wow. Ben over Brees? Definitely curious as to what makes you think that. Also, would you rather have Super Mario or Justin Tuck?

KC Joyner

  (4:54 PM)

If you had asked me that second question before this year, I would have taken Tuck all the way. Tuck hasn't been doing much this year though (I believe only one of his sacks is a one-on-one sack) and Williams is finally starting to become the great pass rusher everyone's been touting him as being. In other words, I'd take Mario in 2008.

Travis (Canada)

KC/Adam, The Bills have gone to the courts and the league to have the dome opened during the game so the weather could be a factor!

KC Joyner

  (4:55 PM)

If Travis is right (and he is Mr. Canada in these chats), then maybe I don't stand corrected!

Nate (Detroit)

Still think your boy Cory Redding is a top 5 DT?

KC Joyner

  (4:57 PM)

I'd have to say no on that one, although I have to say that I can't imagine anyone doing well when surrounded by the lack of talent the Lions have on D. They have to be the worst defense I've seen.

kmac, boston

Good Day KC, Best WR to pick up for this weekend Mason, Bess, Toomer, Hixon, etc. Lots on the wire.I have Walter, Witten, Berrian and Breaston and start 3 in a 1 PPR. Probably dump Walter. I think Quan and Fitz get all the glory this weekend so I may sit Breaston. He did lousy last time they played. Any chance Addai or Hillis play better than Chris J. this weekend?

KC Joyner

  (4:58 PM)

I'd dump Walter and go with Toomer this week (Hixon has a tough matchup). I might start Hillis over Johnson but not Addai.

Steven, Denver

how does J. Reeves compare to the pack at CB?

KC Joyner

  (4:59 PM)

He had a hot and cold start to the year but of late he's been doing extremely well. That game against Jacksonville might have been the best of his career.

Sam (NJ)

Everyone talks about Haynesworth leaving, but I'm surprised the Pats haven't locked up Wilfork. He is a top NT and far more important than any other player on their D.

KC Joyner

  (5:00 PM)

Wilfork's metrics have been superb and look especially good when compared to the rest of the Pats players. They'll get him signed sooner or later, as that kind of up the middle performance is hard to replicate.

Travis (Canada)

KC, The Bills petitioned the league and they even went to the Ontario Courts to have the dome open during the game and if you read any media reports from the Toronto area over the past week, it looks like it is supposed to happen.

KC Joyner

  (5:01 PM)

Travis, you are the Toronto contact for the chats so I'll lean on your expertise on this one!

Mike (northern Ky)

What's for dinner, I get taco dinner tonight, yum. Need lots of help at wr2:Cotchery, S. Holmes, Breaston, Hixon. And we get good points for individual yards on krs and prs. Thanks!

KC Joyner

  (5:02 PM)

I don't normally suggest playing #3 WRs over starting WRs but I'd actually go with Breaston in that one. The Rams secondary is awful and the Cards are going to want to pour it on to show they are truly a playoff caliber team.

Not Dee from NC

One last time - thoughts on Clinton Portis?

KC Joyner

  (5:04 PM)

I'm assuming you mean this from a fantasy perspective and if that is the case, I'd be looking elsewhere. Washington's O line is very good but the combination of a road game at Baltimore and his injury status mean there are probably better plays for most fantasy teams.

Jay (Fargo)

KC - everyone is mentioning Albert Haynesworth for MVP or defensive POY, but what about Kevin Williams? He has more tackles, the same amount of sacks and allows for Jared Allen to get quite a bit of one-on-one blocking.

KC Joyner

  (5:06 PM)

I think the issue is that Haynesworth doesn't have Pat Williams and Jared Allen on his line. I'm not knocking the Titans other D linemen but Haynesworth does just as good of a job (if not better) than Kevin Williams and he does it with less help. Well, hate to do it but I've got to fly. I hope to see you all next week!