ESPN

Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session... we can discuss baseball and football today. I know some of you are still in the race in baseball, so we shouldn't forget about you... and of course that football thing starts up tomorrow! SO let's go...

Anthony (Cali)

Do I start Felix Jones, Mike Bell, James Davis, or Buckhalter at my flex? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I like Bell this week, assuming Pierre Thomas does not play. I hedged a bit on Thomas and was the only ranker of the four to rank him at all, but it was at 28. We'll be doing our rankings update for Friday. Here's the link to todays, but the way http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=09ranksWeek1RBI also like Felix Jones quite a bit, but would go with Bell...

John (Oregon)

Stay away from D. Ward until we see how this 2-2-1 shakes down? Looking to fill flex spot 12 team PPR. Other options include A. Bradshaw, J. Morgan, C. Taylor.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

I don't cut Ward, but certainly he's not a very good option for this week as he's sharing touches with two other players. If it's a PPR then I would consider Josh Morgan, but note Bradshaw can catch passes as well.

Tony (Ohio)

Baseball Keeper Question!!! Johan, Cliff Lee, or Adam Wainwright? Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

So you want to keep a pitcher, I'm guessing? I still say it's Johan until his injury proves otherwise, and it's really not serious to suggest it will be.

Scott (Boston, MA)

What are your thoughts on Addai vs. Brown...i've read that Addai's healthier than he's ever been...

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

I've seen that, too... but it's also early-September. Addai has been healthy at this time in the past. I think his fantasy irrelevance has been greatly exaggerated, and Brown isn't worth using this week.

Joshua (Decatur, Ga)

do u think willie parker will be good this year

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

My final blog of Wednesday says so... so yeah, I think Parker will have a very good season for yards, and score enough to help you.

josh (atl)

I am in a holds and saves league with daily changes and can put Brett Myers into a SP slot. Is he worth the risk?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I certainly think, at worst, he'll be picking up holds from now on. I still think Brad Lidge, despite what occurred Tuesday, gets the next save chance, and it sure looks like Madson is the next in line over Myers.

Butch (PA)

Riddle me this. Why does Tampa Bay put C. Pena on the DL and Cleveland doesnt do the same with Sizemore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Just to annoy you. There really is no good reason for this, but it tortures fantasy owners every September. Honestly, there is no reason, other than the Rays could place Pena on the 60-day DL so they could make room on the 40-man roster for Chris Richard, who they apparently like. The Indians didn't need to add players because they've stunk and have many options already.

David (Minneapolis)

Derrick Mason or Roy Williams this week? (PPR league)

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I'd say Mason in that format, but then again, I'm clearly not a Williams fan...

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Raul Ibanez is back, right EK?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Still want to see him hit against a team other than Washington, but his swing has looked better of late...

Bob (New York)

Football 0.5 ppr keeper league, if AP goes 1st who goes 2nd?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Probably Maurice Jones-Drew, but Tomlinson and Forte are also nice options there. And full disclosure, plenty of experts would not take Peterson first in that format. I would.

Nate (Boston)

I need some rookie help for my playoff roster this weekend.....Laporta, brantly or borbon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Depends on need. Brantley is a big basestealer, LaPorta has pop. And I don't think Borbon has a ton of power, though he hit two home runs the other day. He'd probably be my choice, since he's playing the best.

Pete (NC)

You starting Cutler or Rodgers this week? I'm leaning towards Rodgers at home.

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I did rank Cutler better than every other ranker, but I still had Rodgers well ahead. I don't know why fantasy owners don't fully trust Rodgers. I don't care what his matchup is, ever.

JoLiET JaKE (Joliet, IL)

Hey Eric!! Got a football and baseball question for ya....Fred Jackson or Thomas Jones for this week....BJ Upton or Carlos Beltran for the rest of the season? THANKS!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Great combination! I say Fred Jackson... we've got him projected as the No. 1 running back in the entire league this week. I didn't go that far, but did rank him well. And I say Upton. Honestly, I can't figure out why Beltran is out there. Only something bad can happen.

Jimmy (DC)

What are your projections for the great Strasburg next year Eric?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Oooh, nice question... I don't want to go overboard. I'd say maybe 20 starts - could be like Tommy Hanson in that he needs some time in the minors - but a nice 3.50 ERA and big K rate. Could be pretty much like Hanson, how about that?

Nate (Nola)

Thoughts on Mcfadden? I have a trade possible where i could get Calvin johnson but it would leave me with starting McFadden at rb#2? is he a viable 2? Projections?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I think by the end of the season McFadden will be a legit RB2, but he isn't for now. Depends on what you have to deal to get CalvinJ, since he's pretty much a monster right now. I actually like McFadden this week.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

Could you expound and support why you are so high on Jackson this week? The Bills O-line looked horrid, and while I dont think NE'd Defense is better than good by any stretch, they dont have to be great to beat 2 rookies on the O-Line.

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Well let me preface that I do not do our projections, so the fact Jackson is projected for the most points by any RB, not my call. I did rank him 19 at RB, though, and expect he will get pretty much all the Bills carries, maybe 75 yards and a score? Hopefully it happens early, because the Patriots will score plenty, and the Bills might be throwing the entire second half.

Frank (Beans)

ESPN Projections like M. Bell more than C. Johnson this week. Can I really start a WW pickup instead of a first rounder?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

In general, it means nothing how or where you got your players. I personally am not sitting Calvin Johnson this week, and I realize his projection is rather low. I do like Bell this week and would play him over Hines Ward and that type of wide receiver... but a top-10 WR, I can't do that.

Matt (Florida)

Eric, do you expect Jonathan Stewart to suit up this week? If so, will he get enough carries to warrant a start?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

My expectations are very, very low for him. I think DeAngelo goes off though. That Philly defense is not going to be great this week.

Jeff (Portland, ME)

Ooo... kicker question: Bironas or Elam? Wrap your brain around that one EK!

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Last K question of this chat, I can tell you that! Bironas... gotta love the defensive battles. He should get a few field goals.

Walrus Gumboot (Liverpool)

Bowe looks like he is going to have a bad year because Kansas City is a mess right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

No, I don't think so. Calvin Johnson did OK last season and his team never did win. I think after this week Cassel will be OK, after he gets healthy and doesn't have to face the Ravens.

Dan (NY)

Please answet the Mike Bell question again using Chris Johnson not Calvin Johnson. That is who the guy means.

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

OK. I actually did rank Bell better than Chris Johnson, so yeah, I would. Proof that it's not about names... you just need wins. But also it depends on Pierre Thomas some.

Brian (de)

I think he means the old Marlins catcher Charles Johnson

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Well.... in that case, definitely Bell!

Tuttle (Michigan)

I need a lower end C for the playoffs: Inge, Yadier, or I-Rod? I'm leaning Yadier pretty strongly.

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Safest guy for batting average is Yadi, that's for sure. Inge might hit more homers than the other two combined, but go 4-for-30 each week. Would have liked to see what Inge could have done if healthy, which he clearly is not.

Scott (SC)

Are Strasburg and Heyward definetly not coming up this year? If not should I use my #1 waiver priority on Madison Bumgardner in my dynasty league or is there someone else coming that might be better?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Definite no on Strasburg... Heyward I would think is a no because he's not up yet and the Braves are slipping away. Yeah, I'd go for Bumgarner, but be wary, he's not guaranteed any more starts. There was only room because Lincecum was scratched.

Shaun (NYC)

Regarding Mike Bell though, isn't there the fear that Brees throws for all the scores or Bush gets the ones on the ground? I.e. wouldn't someone like Benson have better point potential?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I think Brees can throw for five scores and still Bell totals double digit fantasy points... the Saints can move the ball. Plus, Bell could catch a pass or two.

Justin (The Iowa Kid)

Beltran or Lind?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Lind... he's healthy and hitting...

David (Boston)

Big Ben is my best QB, should I trade Calvin J for Peyton Manning (my league gives 6 pts for pass TD)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Well, not necessarily. I do like Peyton better - who wouldn't? - but if trading CalvinJ means you have to start Kevin Curtis, um no.

David (Boston)

What if I can start Hines Ward or Holt?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Then I get Manning... oh yeah!

Cletus Mudd (Texas)

is percy harvin worth starting?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

In a really, really deep league I suppose. I think I might have ranked him in the top 50 WR, but not by much. Berrian will be very good though.

Jeff (Rochester)

Would you go without a backup QB if you had a solid starter (like Romo) like Berry advocates?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I don't really have a problem with that... but I try to always have a backup QB, as opposed to a reserve TE or D or K. But a QB, I see why one would wait until they absolutely needed a backup due to byes or injury, but there might not be much out there at that point.

Kyle (LA)

Is Carson Palmer completely underrated this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

If he's healthy enough to play, you betcha...

Luke (VA)

Nothing yet on the Brown's QB situation? Looking like Quinn from all the rumors. Worthy of a backup role? Better option than Delhomme?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

No. I think I will flat out ignore Browns QBs this week to take a stand. OK, that's silly, but we all know it's Quinn, and I still don't like the matchup for him. Delhomme should get 200 yards and a score.

Xander (Philly)

T.O. broke the story that Quinn is starting on his Twitter...NOT MAKING THAT UP HAHAHAHAHA

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Then it MUST be true... how ridiculous!

Jason (St Louis)

What side do you prefer? Colston and Lendale for Mcfadden, Anthony Gonzalez, and Lance Moore

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I'll take the McFadden/Gonzalez/Moore side... really, will Gonzalez be that much worse than Colston? Might not be at all... but it also depends on the scoring system. White won't get the yards.

Joe (Dallas)

Heyward a better keeper the next three years than Sizemore in a 5x5 points league? Sizemore's surgery scare me. Am I overdoing it??? Thanks!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Yes, you are. Sizemore will be fine next year, probably end up in my top 20. He'll hit, run, no worries. We have no idea about Heyward... SO many prospects do not pan out when everyone thinks they are a lock. Heyward should hit, but over a 30/30 guy?

Chuck (NYC)

CHI @ GB...you see a high scoring affair here? I'm really curious about GB's D. Thanks...

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I ranked both QBs in my top 8... Forte did well...Jennings... and no defense. Yep...

Hector (Aurora, IL)

Need to start 2 of Forte, Westbrook

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Two? Then start those guys!

Trevor (Minneapolis)

Is my question really that bad?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

There are a LOT of questions in here... no whining!

Jeremy (NYC)

EK, too cute to pick up seattle's D for the first two weeks instead of using the Jets? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

No, I don't think so. But if you expect the Jets D to be sitting on free agency until Week 3, that's a mistake as well. But the matchups for Seattle are prime for success...

Phil (Boston)

Rolling the dice on Earl Bennett this week as a #3 WR?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I have no problem with that, but as always, depends on other options. If Hines Ward is the other option, I use him, for example.

Chet (Philly)

Raul Ibanez looked better the last night or two, and I know you want to see more to make a judgement. But if you were to speculate while making a fantasy playoff roster, would you keep him on the bench and hope, or drop him for someone on the waiver wire, like Ludwick or Hawpe?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I would probably use Brad Hawpe... you're right, I am not sold yet on Ibanez. Plus, the Phillies could clinch in a week, and Ben Francisco plays the entire final week in LF. Why risk Ibanez? Hawpe will keep playing, and hitting...

Sam (MN)

Going all in on starting H.Nicks this week. Smart or super smart?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Are smart and super smart the only options? Again, it all depends on who else you have. I don't think Nicks is going to do much this week, personally. He wasn't even close to making my top 50 WRs...

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

What is with all the hate on Hines Ward? Would you use him if you were in a league with points per smile after play?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Hate? I love the guy. Have him on numerous teams. Just using him as an example because he has a tough matchup.

Dave (DC)

You like Fred Jackson this week but rank the Pats defense in your top 5, WHY?!

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Turnovers, my friend. Sacks. Fumbles. Fewer than 21 points. But Jackson can get 100 yards and score despite the mess that is Trent Edwards...

Adam (Detriot)

DRAFT TONIGHT!!! Sorry Eric bit of a long question but if would help a ton. 1 ppr keeper league. Aaron Rodgers, Andre Johnson, Matt Forte, Kevin Smith, Darren Mcfadden, and Ray Rice. I keep 5, so who should I not keep? Thank you very much!

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Rodgers, Johnson, Forte, Smith and ... I would keep McFadden. Rice might catch more passes, but I still think he shares touches...

Michael (Portland, ME)

Better keeper for 2010: Posey or Heyward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Posey. I know he'll play, and he'll hit from a premium fantasy spot.

Jake (Philly)

I have the #4 pick today. Forte or DeAngelo Williams? non-ppr league

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Still Forte...

Chad (North Carolina)

Ronnie Brown or Cedric Benson for week 1?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I went with Brown...but both are worthy.

Jason (Bmore)

Is this a bounceback year for Gates?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Yeah, he'd better "bounce back" from being only the No. 3 tight end in fantasy! How could he? Yeah, I ranked him first at tight end for the season and this week...

Alex (Dallas - don't hold it against me)

Julius Jones, Reggie Bush, or Leon Washington for week 1?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I'd say Reggie Bush is the call there... and Dallas is a lovely place to live...

Josh (Canada)

Who to drop: McGahee or Mendenhall?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Neither, but if I had to choose, I hold on to McGahee...

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Just want to say thanks, Eric. Even when you don't answer someone's questions directly, there is plenty of information here for us to make educated guesses on our teams every week.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Hey, as long as we're all having fun out there... that's what it is all about, right? And thanks...

tom (new york)

can nolan reimold and garret jones reach 15 stolen bases each in a full season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

If Mark Reynolds can do it, then sure... but I still take the under on either doing so. Reimold is still more likely to reach a ceiling and stick to it. At some point Jones has to cool off.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Say 1 nice thing about the Orioles.

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

They aren't the Mets. OK, there's a lot to like there... Wieters top-5 catcher next season.

RayRay (DC)

Is Sammy Morris worth owning? He's at like 74% owned, but there are SOO many guys in that backfield.

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Yes, but I do think Sammy is their top option when he's healthy.

Bill S. Preston, Esq. (Midwest)

I see you like Steve Breaston quite a bit in comparison to the other experts (your 29th ranked WR versus 38.8 average). Does this bump even higher if the news on Boldin remains guarded?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Absolutely! And I like Breaston most weeks because he's a No. 3 in real life who puts up numbers of a No. 2...

Adam Wainwright (St. Louis)

I will not let Chris Carpenter one-up me!

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Wainwright throwing another shutout right now... but I say Carpenter wins the Cy Young..

Justin (Mets Fan)

That ain't right Karabell. I'm looking for helpful hints. Not pot shots. Lance Moore or Santonio Holmes in an unfortunate WR2 battle? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Can't we have both? This is fun, after all... Moore for this week. Love the matchup against the Lions..

Jason (Bmore)

Are you concerned with Boldin's hammy, or is this just a lingering issue he will play through?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Somehow his hammy is attached to his checkbook... he will be fine. I am not worried.

Douglas (PA)

Berrian or Josh Morgan this week?Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Favre hits Berrian on a 70-yarder this week....it's gonna happen!

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, I believe I have used up all of my allotted time... thank you for the questions, I got to as many as I could. Best of luck this fantasy football season, and finishing up in baseball. Adios..