Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello everyone and welcome to the latest fantasy chat session...thanks for joining us...let's go!

Srinivas (Washington DC)

What's your feeling on Addai? It's a great matchup, but he's been hurt. Would you play him or Chris Johnson, who demolishes bad defenses, but hasn't had a good game against a great defense (except Vikings). Awful matchup against Pitt.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

My feeling is IF Addai plays, he won't get a ton of touches because Rhodes has been playing so well. I would definitely use Chris Johnson...bad matchup, but he'll play.

Mike (Indy)

I saw that you have Tenn Def ranked number 1 this week. Does the injury to Haynesworth not concern you at all? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

A little, but when I ranked them I was assuming he wouldn't play anyway. It's the best defense, and it doesn't matter the matchup, not to me.

Sam (Boston, MA)

EK!!! My brotha, I am stressing over my 3rd WR in a thousand dollar championship game. Braylon (Cin), Housh (@Cle), or Branch(NYJ) in a PPR League... What do you think??? THANKS MAN!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Wow! We do not condone that behavior here.... anyway.... I'd go Housh.

Derrick (FL)

Good Afternoon EK! Any word on if Nnamdi will be covering A. Johnson this week? In a "tough" spot and need to narrow down Colston, A. Johnson, Marshall, and Jennings into 2 spots. I'm already starting Peterson, T. Jones, and Slaton(flex ppr). Any thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

It doesn't seem like Oakland is attaching him to one sole receiver any more, does it? Colston should have a big game, though. Tough one, not sure how I ranked, but I think it's Colston and Jennings there...

Gregg (SF)

Since your flex rankings are not posted yet, would you say a better play is Wes Welker over Dominick Rhodes, since Addai is going to be back in the lineup?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Well, he might and he might not play. I'd just go Welker though. He will play and Cassel will have a nice game. Welker always does.

Sexy Rexy, Chicago

I'm trying to choose between Chris Johnson and Cedric Benson. Obviously, this is all about matchups, but is the difference worth giving Benson the start?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

If it's me, I couldn't really justify using Benson in a championship game over a top-10 RB for the season.

Brain Cramp

Ok Eric, here's my dilemma. Just read Jacobs practiced today. Also read Addai is questionable. With a game tomorrow night, who is the better option: Jacobs or Rhodes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

I would think Jacobs is going to play. The game means a ton to the Giants. I'd use Jacobs. Addai is just way too risky... plus, if he doesn't play, and later we find Jacobs won't, at least you have a few days to find a Cedric Benson off free agency...ha!

George (Miami, FL)

At the WR position, I have Boldin, Evans, Ward, and Bess and need to bench one. I would think Bess, but I'm nervous about Evans in general and I'm also worried about Bolding not playing as much to rest for playoffs. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Well, don't bench Boldin this week, that's for sure. I'd probably sit Bess this week, then worry about Week 17 then. Evans hasn't done much lately, but he's still very talented.

Shane (Edison, NJ)

EK, I really only have one roster question for the championship and it's Thiggy VS Schaub. You ranked them next to each other... is it really just a toss up, or can you definitively pick one over the other?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I can't definitively say one over the other, no. And the more I look at it, and how Thigpen has kinda found interesting ways to get his numbers, I think I might switch them.

Joe...

Fill in the blank. Deshaun Foster is a top-__ RB this week if Gore is out....

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Top....35. I mean, let's not get crazy here in Week 16 just because Foster ran reasonably well on Sunday.

Luke (Wichita, KS)

EK please help with WR3 slot - Vincent Jackson or Cotchery? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I'd play Vincent Jax.. thanks, Favre, for making two decent Jets receivers sink so low....

Jay (Atl)

Basketball question: Which side do you take? Paul Pierce and Nene or Tim Duncan and Jameer Nelson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Depends a bit on need, I suppose, because Nelson is a point guard, but in a vaccuum I'd say the Pierce side.

Steve (Fresno, CA)

If Addai misses the game tomorrow night, is Rhodes a top 10 option? better than Grant or K. Smith?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

No, none of those guys are top 10, or top 15. I'd say Grant is the best of the three, but it's not a clear choice.

Aaron (Elkhart, IN)

Warner has only one multi-td game in his last five, he's traveling to the east coast, and Arizona has looked horrible lately.....why do you still trust him as a top 3 play?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I believe the Patriots have allowed the second-most passing TDs in the league... and Arizona is first. Seems like a 35-31 game to me...

Joe ( Manayunk, PA )

Need help with my RB. Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Forte, or Turner. I can only play three. Not a bad problem right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Not a bad problem, but I don't really see a problem, either. Faulk doesn't really belong in the conversation.

Mike (Indy)

BASEBALL!! Does Burnett's value go up at all now that he is on the Yanks? Who has the better year....Him or Joba. Stat wise and health wise. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Wow. And I just finished a fantasy baseball draft 10 minutes ago, so let's get those baseball questions in.... I'd take Burnett. I feel more comfortable with him staying healthy than Joba, which says something.

Stylez (PA)

What are your thoughts on Baltimore's D and Giants D? I am leaning towards Giants D because i just can't see them giving a lot of yards or points at home in bad weather on a Sunday night.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

That's certainly possible, but I could also see Romo throwing 4 picks on the Ravens... I'd trust the Ravens more. And forget the weather, it's bad in most places.

Gifford NJ

I am in my superbowl. I have two big lineup decisions. 1. Lt or Pierre 2. Lee Evans or Devone Bess

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Wow, LT of Pierre Thomas... isn't that just amazing that it's a good question? Case can be made for Thomas, you know. I think I had LT a spot or two better though. And Evans over Bess, no question to me. Trent Edwards is back, but I would have done that anyway.

Chris (Richmond, VA)

How about a baseball question? Keep four of this five: Pujols, Reyes, Teixeira, Longoria, Soriano.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Pretty impressive. I'd leave Soriano out, as the four others all went in the top 15 of the draft i just did.

Cary(stockbridge,ga)

I have a rb problem. I'm in the BIG GAME. I need 2 from this group:Morris, Turner, and Chris Johnson.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

It's Week 16, is there a game that doesn't matter? I'd sit Morris, whether it's Sammy or Maurice.

Josh (Philly)

I know kickers are a dime a dozen and even thinking about changing isn't worth the effort. But, would you drop Kasay playing at night in the North East and swirling Meadowlands wind??

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Last kicker question of the week - maybe ever - but I just want to point out a Giant is in the top 5 for kickers this season. Weather is not a factor 9 times outta 10.

Matt NYC

I looked at the ratings and the four of you seem to differ a lot. Which rb should I play alongside Lynch in a PPR- Dunn, Stewart, Fargas, Hightower, or Choice

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Well, I haven't seen what everyone else did, but it's not relevant to me either. I would play Dunn. At least he'll get yards. There are questions about the others, mainly on touches...

Matt (Seattle, WA)

Is it a bad move to start the pitt D and Chris Johnson this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Not at all. Just because they're playing doesn't mean they both can't succeed.

Cale (Denver, CO)

Hi Eric, I know the rankings just came out, but could you help me at flex in a PPR league? Have AP and Forte starting at RB, but then need to choose between Lynch, SJax, CJ, Pierre, or Colston. Thanks for any help!

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Must be a fun 6-team league! I would think I'll have Pierre Thomas ranked the best for flex there... wow, that is incredible.

Jeff (SF)

Eric - I'm planning to go with Slaton and P. Thomas for the championship. Should Lynch and Westy stay on my bench? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Amazingly, I probably would. I know some who say never bench your studs, but the matchups speak volumes. I adhere to the policy of accruing points... and if I pick wrong, and a stud does something surprising, I don't dwell for a month.

Kevin (Charlotte)

You seem really down on Andre Johnson this week. I know the raiders have Asomogh, but you have Johnson ranked 25th while your 3 partners all have him 6 or higher. Care to make a comment on that? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I ranked Johnson sixth. Colleague Matthew Berry ranked him 25th, and I don't want to guess why he did that. I think Andre Johnson can play against any defense... especially one in which Matt Cassel just tossed 4 touchdowns.

Dan (New York)

Why so low on T.O. this week (besides that he plays the ravens)? And Jamal Lewis always plays well against Cincy....is he a better sleeper start in my flex than T.O?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

See, Terrell Owens is different. He's having a bad, bad season. What's he had, one good week? And the Ravens D is much better than Oakland. I don't feel any guilt in making Owens a No. 2 WR, at best. Lewis would be a good play but has he had a good GAME all year? Tossup...I'd probably go Lewis in flex there.

John, atlanta

Eric- I am leaning towards DEFINITELY starting Pierre Thomas. Should I start Jones-Drew or Westbrook in the other slot? thx..

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I would use Jones-Drew there. I'm not anti-Eagles, totally on the contrary, but Thomas and Jones-Drew come pretty much guaranteed I think. Philly could throw a lot.

Kyle (PA)

Where do you see DeAngelo Williams being drafted next year? On one hand he is the #2 back in our league, on the other he has Stewart to compete with who will likely only get better.

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Tough to say, but I would think he has to be considered a top-10 RB, wouldn't you? Stewart is still there, but they can slot him in for 10 carries a week.

Aaron (CA)

I have Warner and Cassel, with the weather being an issue who is the better start. I will also be starting Boldin if that matters. Also who is a better start Cotchery or Larry Johnson. Thanks for the help cause I am stumped.

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Why is the weather an issue? Do you really think anyone knows on a Wednesday what the weather will be Sunday? On Tuesday here in Connecticut they forecasted a mess... and it didn't happen THAT day! Weather might be the most overrated factor in fantasy decision making. I've got Warner over Cassel, I would use Boldin, and probably Larry Johnson.

RB (NC)

Eric, need help in championship. Do I even consider Cutler over Warner with weather concerns? Also, what are your thoughts on Berrian over TO to go with R. Wayne? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Last posting you'll see with the words "weather concern" in them... The case can be made that Warner has been average for 2 months, so sure, Cutler makes sense. I wouldn't though. And I would use Berrian over Owens, definitely.

Eric (St. Louis)

What is the condition of Marvin Harrison? How does it affect Reggie Wayne, if at all?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Meaningless to me. Harrison has been mostly useless this season, so wouldn't that have helped Wayne? Doesn't matter this week.

Chris (Roxbury, CT)

Phillies fan from CT here! Tough week to have RB injuries (and Thursday game too!) Gore, Addai, Rhodes, Chris Johnson, Willie Parker (pick 2) (could you rank the others too please!) Thanks Eric!

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Well, the rankings are up, so you can see how all of us felt. http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=week16qbranks I think even in a tough matchup Johnson is worth using.

Michael (AZ):

EK, season ended last week when I couldn't keep the good luck going. Looking ahead to next year, which three do you think you'd keep out of MJD, Steven Jackson, Boldin, and Roddy White in a ten team league where we start 2RBs, 2WRs, one flex WR/RB and one flex WR/TE?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Love the keeper questions. Nothing wrong with that, I would assume plenty of people have been eliminated. I guess Roddy has to be left out here. I'd keep the RBs for sure... and Boldin over Roddy, but let's see if Boldin is still on Arizona. That would matter.

Joey Hoboken

Choose 2 from Andre, Roddy, and Calvin

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Based on my ranks, White is left out. But I also ranked him No. 8.

TJ (Eagan, MN)

I have a whether concern - whether or not Conor Jackson plays 1B of LF next year. What say you?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Ha! I like it! More baseball... I think Arizona wants him in left field, actually. Checking the numbers I found Jackson was actually a poor first baseman, and a good left fielder. Plus, Chad Tracy can play first.

One Lucky Guy (Columbus,Ohio)

Hey Eric. I only have one person on my team that I actually drafted (Housh) due to injuries throuout the year, and I made the Championship! Help me have a Merry Christmas man, Pick 3: E.Royal, D.Bess, D.Driver, Housh, D.Hixon, or M.Harrison. Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I think I had Housh in the top 20. Like the matchup. And then Royal and Bess over Driver. Denver loves to throw... Bess is likely to get some catches.

tom (philly)

Hi Eric, Does it makes sense to sit Westbrook and Lynch for Pierre Thomas, Turner, and Thomas Jones?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Yeah, it does. I know it's tough to sit your big names, but you've gotta leave your personal feelings out of this.

Adam (Chicago)

Am I really sitting Romo for Pennington in the championship?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Romo is not a very good play this week, but I don't think we can expect a ton from Pennington either. I probably had Chad higher.

Charlie (Houston)

McNabb or Schaub ... I see that you like McNabb a little more ... care to explain? That Redskins secondary has been pretty stingy all year and lately too.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

More like a tossup, and McNabb has to have the game. On Monday we saw McNabb do well, and the Browns shut down Westbrook. Washington might do the same.

Bryan (Boston)

Ryan and Romo were 12 and 14 respectively in the composite, but you specifically have them at 9 and 17, which is the biggest gap of anyone else...why do you like Ryan that much more than Romo? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

One word: Ravens.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

Why are you consistently pretty high on Curtis? He's not doing very much. Why is he a better option than Hixon this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Why is Hixon a good option, what has he done of late? Curtis did catch a touchdown a few days ago.

Joe (Chicago)

I've got Addai and Rhodes, with only one starting slot open. Do I take a guess there, or would McClain be a better play over either of them?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

McClain could be the best start there, but I do expect if Addai sits Rhodes will score and get his yards. So I guess I think Rhodes is the pick.

Tom (Hartford, CT)

Is Lance Moore due for a comeback now that Bush is no longer stealing receptions?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

I don't really think these factors were connected, to be honest, but due to the matchup I had Moore a nice choice.

jack kc

why should we expect anything out of LT? i know his reputation/history, but what this year in this offense gives us any reason to hope for anything better that 7-9 pts? i am a LT owner, but also have CJ rhodes and slaton.

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I don't disagree with you, but it's a good matchup. I might have ranked Slaton better though.

Joe (Chicago)

Thanks Eric, first time I ever got an answer in one of these chats. I appreciate the help, and look forward to blaming you if I lose!

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Comes with the territory... not a big deal!

Mike (SF)

Eric, please help! Cassel or McNabb this week? I have Westbrook!

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Doesn't matter if you have Westbrook. I ranked Cassel 7, McNabb 8, so it's thatclose to me. But I did choose Cassel.

John (Seattle)

Boldin or A. Bryant this week in my championship game? I am playing Fitz as my other WR.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I'd play Boldin. I do see how using both Arizona WRs is a risk, but still, both could get 100 yards, too. Pats give up a lot of passing numbers...

Mike (Philly)

To "pre" call you out- you are really high on Berrian and down on Walter, with respect to your colleagues. Both WRs make me nervous in a championship. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I think Berrian has played pretty well of late, so I gave him a good rank. If we're concerned with Andre Johnson's matchup, then we must be on Walter, no?

Steve (LA)

Hey Eric - I've made up my mind that I'm starting Rhodes no matter what Addai's status is. Now the question is do I go plug in Deshaun Foster as my 2nd rb or go all colts and live and die by Thursday?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Good for you! Make strong decisions and don't look back. You have nobody else? I mean, I don't think Gore will play, but it's far from assured. And playing both Colts doesn't seem wise to me either.

KP (MA)

ugh, and you say Jones-Drew is a "guarentee" over Westbrook?? Really - what players and offensive lines have you been watching? With Bob Sanders back you think Jones-Drew and that miserable o-line is a better play than westbrook....c'mon now, that's insanity.

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Jones-Drew has AVERAGED 120 yards in his career against the Colts, and surely Sanders played in some of those. There's no tandem running back for him... I think MJD is getting 15 points. Westbrook was "guaranteed" on Monday night, wasn't he?

Dustin (Canton, OH)

Flex spot question, Derrick Ward or Lance Moore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

if Jacobs is out, then it's Ward. If not... tough one, but probably Moore.

John, Tampa

Hi Eric Tough call...Colston and.....Moore or Witten. Downside of two WRs on same team vs Romo not wanting to favor his friend. What would you do. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I think you go Moore there.. wouldn't surprise me if Witten does OK in a very tough matchup, but I think Moore has more upside.

Paul (Chicago)

Hey Eric - Marshall or Berrian? Gore(if active) or Turner? Thank you Sir!

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Marshall ... and Turner over Gore even if he does play.

Bob (Madison, WI)

Based upon the delicious matchup against the Rams, and his general league wide availability, can you elaborate on DeShaun Foster for us. Is he a worthy start over Barber or DMC if Gore is out this weekend?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I don't think he'd make it over them, because Foster has had many chances over the years... and normally follows up one good game with ... well, you know.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, apparently our time has run out. Thanks as always for the great questions and best of luck in Week 16, and beyond. And Happy Holidays to all...