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Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat. Five weeks of the NFL season are complete, so there's a long way to go... let's get right to it...

Needle (Houston, TX)

With all the touches Bradshaw is getting and his YPC being so high, is there anychance that Bradshaw becomes more of the feature back than Jacobs? And is he worth starting this week on turf in NO over Hightower?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I think Bradshaw is a very good play this week, but I still had Brandon Jacobs in my top-10. He's getting the yards, and from watching Giants games I think it's a bit of bad luck he hasn't been scoring. Bradshaw has been better, but there's a clear starter in New York.

Brandon Lane (Mattoon, IL)

Hello Eric. You are good at what you do and appreciate your advice. I am in aleague that plays two QBs. Which two do you like out of Cutler, Big Ben, Orton, and Farve?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Thank you! I ranked Roethlisberger and Cutler in my top 10, and the others didn't quite make it. So I would go with them. There's also no harm in having four good quarterbacks in a league like this.

Mike W (Chicago)

Eric, can you give me some flex advice. Who do I start this week? TJ Housh-Yo-Mam, Cadillac Williams, or Percy Harvin? I have Moss and Roddy starting at WR.

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I haven't done the official flex rankings yet, but I have to think Houshmandzadeh is going to be the one. Doesn't matter who your other wide receivers are. At flex, go with the best option.

Frank (California, CA)

How much stock do you put in the theory of "putting all your eggs in one basket"? I have Schaub, been offered AJ for R.Wayne from a Peyton owner. Wise to make this move?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Well, I don't think there's very much difference between Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne, so why make the move? When the Texans go off, sure, you'll do well... but if it's like Week 1, then you can't win. I'd stick with Wayne. There's not much separating those WRs.

Adam (So Cal)

Im trading Westbrook and Houshmandzadeh for SJax and Santana Moss.. Housh was my 4th wide. I did get the better half right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Tough to tell. The Redskins have had a nice passing game going, but against bad teams... and that run ends soon. I'd prefer Housh over S.Moss... and probably S.Jackson over Westbrook. At least Jackson is healthy and accruing many yards. He's just not scoring, yet.

Steve (Montgomery, TX)

Would you or say should I, drop Julius Jones and pick up Sammy Morris?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Interesting. I'm no fan of Jones, for sure, and I do think Morris is the better option for the next few weeks, as long as he is healthy. Certainly Morris got most of the touches in Week 5. Long-term I'd still say Morris ... so I guess I made my decision!

Lawrence (Rochester)

How do you feel about selling high on Benson... I could get Boldin for him in a PPR league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Very interesting! I think I would probably make that deal, but as always it depends on who you have at RB. Benson isn't going to go away, but I would certainly take a look at selling high.. and Boldin is a top-10 WR in PPR...

John (SF, CA)

Hey Erik, I am getting conflicting messages here, the projections have Burleson in the top 6, but the rankings have him 19? Should he be starting over the likes of Steve Smith (CAR)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Well, that could be because the people who do the projections don't do the rankings! But I view them differently anyway. You think about more factors in rankings, like all the other WRs. I think Carolina Smith is a terrific option this week. I ranked Burleson well, but not that well.

Adam (Newtown, PA)

How much stock do you put in 1st/2nd half season splits in football? I know it's a common thing to examine in fantasy baseball, but how about FF? For instance, DeAngelo Williams had similiar #'s through 5 games last yr then went on a tear in the 2nd half. Would you call him a buy-low based on this? Go Phils!

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Go Phils is right! I take very little stock in splits in football, to be honest. Just because Williams did that last year it's not enough of a sample to assume he does it again. Certainly some players do tire as the season goes on ... I would try to keep Williams around in case he goes off. It's not about splits, but he's capable of going off at any time anyway. Schedule plays a major role in splits, I would think.

Tristan (Bristol)

CALLED OUT: You ranked Ryan Grant 15th vs the Lions. His Composite ranking was 6th.

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Yeah, I noticed that. Guess my answer will be in this week's Called Out.. so I will save it. (Aaron Rodgers is going off this week...)

Dan L (Philly, PA)

Hey Eric...working on a big trade. PPR league. Please rank these WR's going foward....Steve Smith (NY), Welker, Vincent Jackson. Red October!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Don't we have to assume Smith is a top-10 guy? I do. So it's Smith, Jackson and then Welker.

eric (Huntington Beach, CA)

Which side of the this trade would you want to be on. Brandon Jacobs for Roddy White and Mario Manningham.

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Jacobs. It's going to get a lot better, really soon.

Patrick (L.A.)

Brees/Edwards for Rivers/Welker. My league vetoed this trade and I'm furious. Can you help explain how this should not be allowed through?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I hate it when trades are vetoed, especially when they seem OK on paper, as this one does. Makes no sense. Don't allow vetoed trades! They're just jealous. Honestly, Brees could end up the top QB... but I'd prefer Welker to Braylon. It's fine.

Taylor (Houston)

What are your thoughts on Ricky Williams? He's 8th right now in points for RB's and his schedule hasn't been that weak. However, Harris has him at 40 in his Big Rotowski column. 40?! Am I missing something here?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Well, it's still a bit of a small sample size that Williams is top-10, and I'd agree he's not going to finish there. I think 40 might be a bit low, but looking at the list, I don't see anything egregious. Harris knows his stuff. He's telling you to not rely on Williams, and I tend to agree.

ERic (CO)

Do you see Edwards finishing as a top 20 wideout? Should I trade him and Michael Bush for Jennings?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I would. I think Edwards can be top-20. He was drafted as the No. 19 WR, and I think that value holds. But Jennings is top-10, maybe even top-5. Rodgers is doing well ... he was the No. 2 QB before the Week 5 bye. You want Jennings, and M.Bush isn't all that relevant.

Nick (VA)

Thomas Jones or DeAngelo Williams this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I went with the Jet, which I think says a lot. But by no means do I give up on DeAngelo...

Derek (Brooklyn)

Long story, but I'm stuck with 3 QB's: Eli, Romo, and Garrard. I've tried trades for 2 weeks but no one's biting on QBs. I have Willie Parker, Felix Jones, Sammy Morris, Miles Austin on the bench. I need to Start a RB2 and pick-up a TE for bye week. Who should I DROP?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Might need to drop Garrard. I mean, how many scenarios are there in which you'd use him? You need help now. Morris isn't a great RB2, but with those options, you have no choice.

Cory (Tampa)

Eric, Better start at flex this week: Slaton, Maclin, or Driver?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Still haven't done the ranks, but I had Slaton 11 at RB, so I would guess he's the one.

Jonathan (NY)

Help me, Eric. I'm torn. I don't want to sit A. Johnson, but the Bengals defense scares me. Are they a legitimate threat to Johnson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

They sure are. Top WRs have not done well against Cincy this season. That's reflected in my rank of AJ at 8... but still, I doubt you have 2 better options.

Jim (MN)

Is there any particular reason you ranked Vincent Jackson number 5? He's playing against a revitalized Champ Bailey and Berry ranked him number 19 this week. I have to choose between starting Donnie Avery vs the Jags or Vincent vs the Broncos, and I'm leaning towards Avery. Is that crazy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I see why Matthew did that, but even Matthew would have a tough time going with Avery there. I think Jackson is trustworthy at this point. Maybe I ranked him a bit too high, but I also did that last week with Roddy White at No. 5 ... everyone else buried him.

Vance (Toledo)

Do you see McNabb playing the whole game this week against teh Raiders?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Unless it's like 35-0 at the half, he should deliver the numbers you need, which is all that matters.

Michael (WI)

A Gonzo is on the waiver wire still. Automatic pick up, right? Will he be great eventually?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I wouldn't say automatic. I think Anthony Gonzalez can be decent, but even in August we projected "only" 1,000 yards... he wasn't a stud or safe WR2. As always, depends if you have the depth.

Jon (Charlotte)

Hey Eric: I'm thinking about selling high on Joe Flacco. I've got Aaron Rodgers as my primary QB, and could pick up someone like Hasselbeck if need be. Think I could get a decent RB2 for Flacco?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Yes, that is a wise move. I like Flacco, but Rodgers has already had his bye week, so you don't really need a great backup. There's no reason to think Rodgers gets hurt. See what you can get.

Kyle (NJ)

Is Brees sittable this week against the Giants D, backup would be Big Ben

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I thought when I ranked Brees 4 at QB that wasn't mean enough... Harris ranked him first, and Berry ninth. So I don't know what to think. I am a bit worried about Brees, because his team can defend and does run the ball well. Top QBs generally don't have that. Still, I would not sit Brees for Ben... but it is kinda close.

ZAP (long island)

STEALING CANDY? EK, there is a trade in our league that has some people upset. It is: all day AP for Benson and Knox. Is this trade close or stealing all day candy from a baby? I am the league manager and need to know what you think, it clears tonight.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Well, that doesn't seem like the fairest trade with what we know... even with Benson leading the league in rushing. If Knox was a WR1, then I could see it. Peterson is still the best.

Jon (Chicago)

I can't believe that we're 25 minutes in and there are no Mendenhall or Moreno questions yet! Soooo...who would you rather have the rest of the way? Moreno or Mendenhall?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Moreno. Nothing against Mendenhall, but I think we should assume Parker does play again, eventually. And that has to be a timeshare, at least. Moreno could run with the Denver RB job starting now. He probably already has.

Jeff (Boston)

Only 2 RB slots in my league. I have Mendenhall vs. Cle, D Williams vs. TB, Benson vs. Hou. Three terrible run Ds. Which do I pick?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Sadly, DeAngelo wouldn't make the cut. Hey, he doesn't really deserve it. The other guys are for real.

Vinnie (NY)

Basketball!I have the #2 pick in a 10-team league, guaranteed either Lebron or Paul. Assuming Paul, who should I look at with the 19 and 22 picks to balance out my team's top tier?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Hoops! Yes, we take hoops too! Check out our Fantasy Basketball preview show on ESPN Fantasy's pages today! Anyway, late in round 2 I still take the best available players.. same at 22. I don't target certain stats, even if I have C.Paul... I still want best available even if it's another PG.

Scott (LA)

Royal is on the WW... Pick him up before Maclin or Austin?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Yes, I would. Royal took his time becoming relevant, but he should stay that way.

Billy (NYC)

Talk to me about LDT...does he bust out soon? And when does he become an auto-start again?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I'm not so sure he does become an automatic start. I ranked him as a RB2 this week, but there's really no reason to assume he's that good.

Mike (Seattle)

Brandon Jacobs going to bounce back or do I deal him while I can?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

It would be kinda foolish to deal him at this point, unless you can get the value of where you drafted him. Be patient, Jacobs will get better.

Danny (NY)

I was waiting all day for the rankings in hopes they would help me pick my 2 RBs this week. But of course, Benson, Forte and Grant are rated back-to-back-to-back.... This is harder than that time I had to settle a fight between Mike Tyson and a Gorilla.

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Well, I had Benson and Forte in my top 5... and Grant at 15. So I guess you know what I would do. I have nothing against Grant, but his top game has been 12 fantasy points. That screams RB2 to me, even in a gift matchup. The Lions are getting thrown and run all over... but I trust the GB passing game here.

Zach (NYC)

Please just answer my Slaton question, the guy alone is driving me nuts! Slaton and T Gonzo for Ronnie Brown in a PPR league? I have Vernon Davis on my bench.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

No, I would keep Slaton and Gonzalez there. Brown is the No. 2 RB in fantasy as of now... sell high. He could end up top-10, but I could also see him struggling. Slaton could end up top-10 as well.

Jeb (Boulder)

This week could be iffy, but do you see Calvin Johnson coming back strong after his bye in week 7? I'm pretty weak at RB, would you consider trading Calvin and Julius Jones for Jacobs and Eddie Royal?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Jones has so little value at this point, but Johnson for Jacobs is fair. I don't know if I would move Megatron just yet. Wait until after a significant game.

Charlie (Texas)

Good day, Eric. If I can trade Ray Rice and Steve Smith (NYG) for Frank Gore, and I have receiver depth to spare, should I do it?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Seems like a bit too much to me.. especially since Gore isn't healthy. Dangerous to presume he comes back and starts running wild. Rice is doing just fine, by the way, and Smith is the top WR.

Aaron (Baton Rouge)

Im regularly starting harvin over t.o... good move? Any word on a trade?!

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I ranked Owens at 31, and Harvin at 42. In retrospect the Harvin rank seems a bit harsh. Maybe not. Still, the fact you can even ask says a lot. I do not think Owens gets dealt. There are very few trades in the NFL.

Joe (LA)

Lynch and Portis for Forte and Steve Smith (Car) - who wins? PPR league.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Oh my. Not even close. The Forte/Smith side in a walkoff...

Bert (Las Vegas)

Should I deal Ray Rice for LT in a standard league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

It would be difficult to make the case for LT, wouldn't it? But I understand, because if LT does well this week, his value goes way up. I just don't expect a monster game.

Jennifer (Florida)

Will Chris Johnson's value be hurt by the Terrible Titans? He really hasn't done much besides one very good game...

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

When your team is trailing by a lot in the first half each week, it tends to hurt the running game. No end in sight here. Johnson should still be good, but more like a RB2.

Jeff (Montana)

How do you see Mario Manningham performing going forward? Are the rise of Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks too significant to keep relying on Mario?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

As expected, he's been up and down, making a few big plays since his breakout but also dropping too many passes. I don't think it's Smith, but Nicks is going to cut into his chances. Mario is not a safe WR2. Some weeks he will be though.

Jeremy (Orlando)

You ranked AP the top RB this week going against the Ravens D? Who do you think he is, Cedric Benson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

That's funny! I haven't removed AP as my top RB yet. And he's the top fantasy RB. Balt can be run on if it's a special RB ... or Cedric!

Rusty Griswald (Missoula(MT))

Do you think it's possible the Chargers start to completely phase out LT if he continues to look as he currently does. I have him and Sproles in a PPR league, who would you flex this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

No. I don't see a phaseout, but the team clearly wants to keep LT healthy for December. They'd better win some games in October first. Can't rely on the Broncos losing every game down the stretch again...not this Denver team.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

Early in the season, but who so far has to be the biggest disappointment in FFB so far? My money is on DeAngelo Williams, although I do think Brady's numbers have been pedestrian compared to where he went in a lot of leagues.

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I wrote a blog today about the five candidates for fantasy MVP, and then chose the winner. LVP should be another blog! I'll suggest it! Forte might be the winner there over Brady.. .and LT was a bad one.

Mike (Richmond)

I hate that its listed Benson first RB to run 100 on Ravens D in 40 games, which is true, but the Giants core did some damage last time they played. They can be run on!

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

All teams can be run on to a degree, but certain ones are tougher of course. If you have a top RB, you don't sit him.

Bernard Berrian (Minnesota)

Will Brett Favre ever throw me the ball?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

The old man found you in the Monday Night game against the Packers... this would seem like another week it could happen. The Ravens can be beat deep.

Brian (LA)

hey Eric! Love your fantasy analysis and I follow it religiously. Keep it up! Just a quick question. Percy Harvin or Avery for this week and the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Amazing how when I discussed Avery around Week 2 in the Manningham blog everyone got so upset, said Avery was nothing and would drop him.. and now the tables have turned. I'd take Avery. Not that he's a top-30 WR, but over Harvin.

Roger (NM)

Terrell Owens gets my vote for LVP. He was drafted as a WR1 in a couple of my leagues!

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

He would be on the list. And while I tried to defend Owens early on, it's tough to do so at this juncture.

Fred (NYC)

Hi Eric -- thanks for taking questions. Your thoughts on A. Gates and Cutler for Megatron

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

If you needed a TE and QB, it's not awful... but Calvin Johnson is still worth considerably more than this. If you own Calvin, this is not the week to deal him, when he's injured and underperforming.

Dan (Winter Haven, FL)

Eric, any thoughts on Houston and Slaton righting the ship?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

If Chris Brown continues to get the goal line carries - and doing nothing with them - then Slaton will have to score on 10-yard runs.. He can. Slow start, but I still have faith.

Brian (Orlando)

Sit one like it was your team...Forte, Grant, Mendenhall

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Grant. And for a lot of these questions, just check my rankings...http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=09ranksWeek6WR

Randy (Chicago)

Eric, we're about to wrap up a sixth chat without a word of McGahee. That strikes me as odd. Tough schedule coming up, should I drop him for J Stewart (I own D Williams)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I'm not sure what you want. The Ravens admitted McGahee didn't get the Week 5 love because Rice was running well. They've always said it's a time share depending on who is hot. McGahee should be fine this week. I don't drop him. Not even for J.Stewart, who should also be owned.

Anthony (Cali)

Please rank these RBs for the rest of the year: Mike Bell, Jamaal Charles, Buckhalter, and Jerome Harrison

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Ugh. I think Harrison's potential is still worth something, then it's Charles, Bell and Buck.

Nick (Michigan)

Speaking of chats without mentioning someone... besides a few minutes of the KC game and Week 1 Tony Romo has been pretty bad. If he's your starter do you try to acquire someone else (say, Eli?), or do you see him turning it around?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I can't say Eli is going to be considerably better than Romo the rest of the way. It's close. And Romo hasn't been that awful. Get him for nice matchups and he's a starter. Maybe his problem was Roy Williams.

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City)

Do you think that I take over the starting job eventually?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

With that o-line, not so sure it matters. This isn't all Larry J's fault... he hasn't been good, but could anyone run behind that line?

Doug (KCMO)

Always the wide recievers fault....face it Romo is just too erratic

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Just because he is erratic - and he is - doesn't mean he can't be a top-10 QB. You just have to deal with inconsistency and turnovers.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK everyone, thank you for the questions and best of luck to all in Week 6 in fantasy football... and don't forget we offer free fantasy hoops. Check out our fantasy hoops special on ESPN.com... have a great day...