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Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy chat session...thank you all for being here, let's get right to the questions as we head into Week 8...

Fact Check (NY)

Would you trade Westbrook for Pierre Thomas in a ppr league? I don't have McCoy, so I'd like to have a little more certainty on who to play going forward . . .

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

I have very little faith in Brian Westbrook. First of all, he is very likely to miss this week, and it could be more than that. One never knows with him, and I got the impression Andy Reid was going to play it safe on his touches indefinitely. I'd rather own Thomas.

JB (Bend, OR)

Hey Eric, I just got done looking at your weekly RB rankings, which don't really do me much good. I have a quandary on who to start, TDs are very important in my league. Can you help me pick two, R Brown (just have a bad feeling for some reason) Forte, C Jonhson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I don't have a bad feeling about Ronnie Brown... if anything I'd be a bit concerned about Calvin Johnson. Who's the Detroit QB? In my flex rankings I have a feeling I'll have the RBs ranked better.

John (Philly)

Getting tired of Matt Forte. Trade him straight up for Brandon Jacobs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Ha! One problem for another. I think Forte is going to be fine this week, and ... you know what, I'd still prefer Forte this season. Just a hunch. Jacobs might play better than he has when the schedule toughens, but I still buy low on Forte, too.

Matt (Milwaukee)

Would you keep starting Greg Jennings or is it time to sit him on the bench? I have Brandon Marshall and Steve Smith (NY)...Smith's production has been dropping as well. Your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I would never say something generally like it's time to sit him, but seeing as you have two better options this week, and maybe most weeks, I would. I'm trying not to read too much into Smith's production change, because he's still being targeted plenty.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Eric: Do you feel Frank Gore's poor performance last week was due more to the score or more do to the rust from layoff and ankle injury that I feel still hasn't healed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Doesn't worry me one bit. Neither rust nor the score, just one of those days. We project him for 90 yards and 2 scores on Indy, and I concur.

eric (ny)

Should I start mccoy or shonn green this if mccoy starts??

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Believe it or not, I ranked Greene 27 and McCoy 28, and that was on the premise Westbrook was out. So I guess I would play Greene... but as the week goes on I have a feeling I might switch them. I do not like McCoy against the Giants one bit. I could see like 18 carries for 50 yards.

Frank ((beans))

JB was talking about Chris Johnson - please answer again

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

That dawned on me after I posted it ... I ranked Chris Johnson very well. Forte would miss the cut for me then.

Bobby H (Royal City)

Brady out, garrad? or Orton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Love Garrard's matchup with the awful Titans. He skewered them the last time they played...

Korey (Baltimore)

EK Whats up!! Is it time to drop Fred Jackson? Bills don't seem to want him involved in the offense.

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

In a 10-team standard league, yep, I think even Jamaal Charles would have more value at this point.

Rob (VA)

How does AJ's injury status affect your ranking of Schaub?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I think Andre Johnson will play, but if he does not, I would move Schaub from No. 3 to probably 6 or 7. It definitely affects it.

Kyle (OH)

Sorry, but a baseball question: Last Keeper: Tommy Hanson, Chad Billingsley or Matt Cain? (Leaning toward Hanson)

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Boy, I miss fantasy baseball... when do pitchers and catchers report? Oh, I guess the Phillies need to win this World Series first and then.... OK....I agree, Hanson.

Aaron (Baton Rouge)

Hi Eric. Philly players are getting a lot of love this week. Has NY's D really been exposed to the point that Maclin is a safe play and according to projections Celek is supposed to be a monster? Also, Mccoy is available in my league.. worth dropping julius jones?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I didn't give them much love. McNabb didn't make my top 12 QBs. I don't think Maclin is a safe play at all. McCoy was my No. 28 RB...still better than awful Julius Jones, but 28 ain't great. Giants defense will be fine. These teams are not going to score many points.

Jon (Ohio)

I have a question of fantasy theory. If your H2H matchup is looking ugly on paper, are you more inclined to start a guy with more upside (read: Garcon, Devery Henderson, or any other feast or famine guy) over a guy who is consistent but unspectacular (read: Torry Holt, Bobby Wade)? Or do you think a player ranks where he ranks and start the higher ranked guy regardless?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Great question. I don't think I change the way I think, because "on paper" means nothing, but there have been times in the back end of a two-week playoff matchup I have gone against a safe 10-point guy, like a Ryan Grant, for the home run hitter. I don't really think that way in Week 8. I'd just play the best option.

Keith (Cleveland)

Eric...who would you start for PPR flex this week?Austin Collie or Derrick Mason.

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I ranked them 24 and 25, but add in the PPR angle and I'd go Mason. But Collie has passed Garcon ... more reliable, doesn't drop half the passes, etc.

Clint (Nor Cal)

Eric....love the articles BTW...Evaluate this potential trade and why: Steve Smith (NY), Mendenhall, and D.McNabb FOR Ray Rice and Carson Palmer...if you had either side of this trade would you pull the trigger?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Thank you... I want the side with the best players. I think in this case Rice is the top player, and Palmer is in the same class as McNabb. I'm also not the guy to ask about Mendenhall... he was benched for half the last game for fumbling, and you can't tell me Willie Parker, when healthy, won't be a factor.

Steve (Snowy CO)

I am 1-6, and my team is bad. Do you see the value of Crabtree rising enough to start him over Hakeem Nicks?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Doesn't matter your record... play the best option. I went with Nicks, because he's been scoring and it sure looks like he's ahead of Manningham now. Crabtree is going to get a lot of looks, but I don't think he'll do much this week. The Colts are pretty wise.

Bill (Boston)

ETHICS question..Is it wrong for a person fighting for a playoff spot trade with someone that is in 7th so he can beat the 4th place team. Trade is S Jax and Mason for Calvin Johnson and Bradshaw. I call it strategy. People complained. Appreciate your input. Oh also Olsen or Scheffler. ilost Cooley. TY

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

How is that wrong? Every team should be trying to win. That trade looks fine. People ALWAYS complain because they wish they were making the trade... And Scheffler.

greg (south dakota)

Witten has been disappointing, to say the least. Shiancoe seems to be clicking with Favre. Which one would you start?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I actually ranked Shiancoe better for this week, but a spot. Could go either way.

Matt (Chicago)

EK: Would you pick up Charles or Green with the #1 ww pickup?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

This is discussed in a blog today... I think Charles for the rest of the season because of opportunity. Greene obviously this week, since he's playing. I'm telling you, by the weekend Larry Johnson might be unemployed.

Jay-Z (Yankee Stadium)

Forte for Mendenhall straight up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I'd take Forte. I don't have faith in either Steelers running back, because there are two of them and they are going to share soon.

Garth (NH)

A guy in my league just dropped Jamal Lewis. Pounce or leave for someone else?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Well, I can't see much reason to "pounce" on Lewis, since he hasn't done much, but it depends who you are cutting. He is a starting RB. In a 10-team league he's barely ownable.

Justin (St Paul)

Steve Smith (car) was just dropped and I need help at WR with Berrien and Calvin J hurting. Pick up SMith or Hester?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Wow. How the mighty have fallen. I'd take Smith over Hester. Might take 'em both over Berrian though.

Greg (NY)

Is Derrick Ward rosterable? Or do I have to hope for a Cadillac injury? Trying to be proactive about stashing a RB rather than chasing the waiver wire after somebody's leg gets broken.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I liked Ward in August, but at this point, in a brutal season for the Bucs, I don't see how he's going to be good even when opportunity does knock.

Donald Brown (Ind)

Hey, am I going to play this weekend? Or is Mike Hart going to get some reps?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I've heard Donald Brown is out 2-3 weeks, but I don't think it's safe to assume Hart gets reps. Could be Chad Simpson again. Or it could be 15 rushes for Addai and the rest passes.

Jeff (NC)

Megatron's rankings based on him sitting out of practice or hoping he plays? It isn't looking good right now, even though I would love to have him back with either Stafford or Culpepper.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

His ranking is based on me thinking he will play, but not be a total monster and go off. If I think he's not playing, and that could happen by Friday, I won't rank him at all.

Jorge (Texas)

is Mike Sims-Walker or Nate Burleson worth trading for kevin smith

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Probably both are, but I don't think Sims-Walker is going to all of a sudden struggle, either. Could make the case Sims-Walker is a top-10 WR, and Smith is barely a top-20 RB.

Adam (Michigan)

Thanks for the chat Eric, You answer a lot more questions than other bloggers!!!!With tough defenses ahead for Atlanta, is Matt Ryan someone who I should start looking to trade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Ryan isn't having a great season to start with, and he's likely to turn the ball over a few times this week as well. The schedule does get tougher. Depends on who else you have at QB. I don't deal Ryan if I'm left with Marc Bulger back there...

ed (delaware)

i have both mcgahee and rice . should i trade 1 of them

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Well, good luck trading McGahee... I would keep Rice. He's the one playing.

Matt K (PA)

Eric, Kevin Walter has been killing me week in and out, is Lee Evans worth starting over him as a WR3? thanks, GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Walter might not kill you this week, depending on Andre Johnson... I ranked Evans better for this week anyway.

Henry (Miami)

Following up your answer about Ryan, what if you also have Garrard? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Sure, I'd deal Ryan if it's a good deal and I had Garrard. But the guy taking Ryan must believe he's still a top-10 guy. I don't think he is.

Mike (Ohio)

Mike Bell or Pierre Thomas rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Definitely Thomas, but I do think there will be some weeks when Bell is a flex choice.

Doug (NJ)

do you deal schaub and santana moss for Megatron and Rashard mendenhall, i also got rivers for qb

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Yeah, probably. Still a good time to get Calvin Johnson on the cheap. But not a fan of Mendenhall... get him and then deal him off before he loses the starting job for good.

Mike (Seattle)

I don't know why everyone is so high on Garrard, when on road he is yet to throw a touchdown this year!

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

True, but now he gets the Titans. In reality, Garrard has thrown a TD pass in only 2 games all season! That's awful. This is all matchup love.

kurt (nyc)

i cant believe im actually asking this, but would you start a fresh cotchery over a banged up megatron? much thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

If Megatron plays, I play him.

Joe (NJ)

Reggie Bush or Jamaal Charles going forward in a PPR league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Bush. Let's not anoint Charles a worthy play yet. Bush probably isn't a great play, either, but in PPR, I keep him. We have no idea what Charles would do with chances.

Tood ( South Carolina)

Who do I start Mike-sims walker or mile austin this weekend? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Wow... I'd say Austin. I mean, 421 yards in two weeks. Let's see someone stop him.

David (SC)

Romo is driving me insane. I have the chance to trade him for Flacco-- is this better long term?? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I think I'd prefer Romo for this season. In 2010, maybe not. Flacco's schedule is going to become an issue.

Rob (MA)

Who would you start McClain or Avery? I know its bad......

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Ugh... Avery should get some targets, and it's against a bad defense...

Kirk (IA)

Beanie Wells gonna be a servicable # 2 RB by years end??

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Top-20 RB? Probably not, but maybe on a matchup basis.

Espo (NJ)

Crabtree and Nicks startable for bye week plugs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

With a ridiculous 6 teams on bye, the case can easily be made on these guys starting.

Mike (Ohio)

Austin Collie's value when Gonzalez comes back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Certainly doesn't help it, but there's no guarantee Gonzalez steps right in and starts getting 75 yards per game either. His injury opened the door for others to be relevant.

Brian (WI)

EK, you think FWP is going to get the job back full time from Mendenhall? Why is that?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

No. I think both these guys are gonna keep giving the job back. Parker's health and Mendenhall's inconsistency/fumbling are the issues.

mendel (fl)

I had to start ricky and ronnie last week and it paid off. now with the byes not affecting me i have mjd and ronni, but cant choose between gore and ricky. your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I gave Ricky Williams a top-20 rank, but you have to go Gore here over him. More carries, and a nice defense for him to pilfer.

Amy (Virigina)

Considering Andre Johnson injury status would you plug Mike-Sims Walker in his spot even if AJ plays.Because I really believe that AJ will play regardless of injury.

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I think Sims-Walker is a better play regardless, yes.

Shalom (Miami)

How do i have to ask :(, How will ricky willams end the season? Number 2 back? Hes number 10 now!

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I think he could finish in the top-20, which all things considered, is still amazing.

Steve (Newark)

Is Westbrook droppable in an 8 team league? Other RB's are D Williams, Lynch, Jacobs and Moreno.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I would try to avoid that, but certainly in that shallow a league, there have to be terrific players available. You already have crazy depth. Try to keep him around in case he gets healthy and productive at the same time.

David (KCMO)

Do you see Sidney Rice outplaying Greg Jennings in Green Bay this weekend?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I've finally come to terms with the fact Greg Jennings is not who we thought he would be. Yes, Rice is better now.

Lloyd Christmas (Aspen, CO)

What's your guess of the final score in the Indy-SF game?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Colts 35, 49ers 17.

Andy (Denver, CO)

Would you trade Rashard Mendenhall for Pierre Thomas?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

No question about it.

Mayank (La-La Land)

Why does Mike from Ohio get multiple questions answered and many others don't get a look?Still would like help on trading Jennings or Boldin for S. Holmes straight up in 0.5 PPR league. Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I don't look at who sends them... there are thousands in here and I just look for a good question. I guess Mike from Ohio is asking good questions... no whining in here! I want Boldin here. Over Jennings and Holmes. I believe in Boldin.

James (Texas)

c'mon, you may have lost a lot of credibility saying sims-walker over AJ regardless of an injury ... that's ridiculous

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

For this week, based on the matchups and Johnson's health, not at all. But if you want to believe that, go for it! Check our master rankings...Sims-Walker won. http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=09ranksWeek8WR

Greg (Buffalo, Ny)

I WANT to trade S. Smith (south)...what RB caliber might I expect to get for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Whatever caliber someone in your league offers! How could anyone know what someone might do. Maybe 8 owners in your league say they don't want Smith ... but one guy says you can have Steven Jackson... try it and see.

jake (nyc)

Do you believe in Boldin more than a package of Housh and Charles?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Yes. People, Charles is unproven. We know nothing about how he will do on that brutal team. Be careful. Adding him is one thing... dealing for him is another.

Fantasy Basketball (Forgotten City, NBA)

I feel like the smelly kid in kindergarte nobody wants to play with.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Yeah, I did think there would be some hoops questions in here... but I guess not!

Greg (Boston)

Are handcuffs worthless in shallow leagues? I am thinking of dropping Chester Taylor for Mendenhall, but if Peterson gets hurt I won't be pleased . . .

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Handcuffs in fantasy football are generally worthless. You think if Peterson gets hurt then Taylor just steps right up and averages 100 yards per game? I don't.

Mike (Ohio)

I was asking good questions... "there's no crying in baseball" or fantasy sports haha

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Be Like Mike!

Stuck in Buffalo (Buffalo)

M. Lynch finally got me a rushing TD. What's he going to do against Houston's improving rush defense this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Based on my ranking, not a whole lot.

Matt (Buffalo)

What is your reasoning behind FWP over Mendenhall? Parker had just 1 carry, and Mendenhall outright won the job from him..just curious to your thought process

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Who said Parker over Mendenhall? Not in this chat. I said Mendenhall will lose the job ... he tried to this past week when he fumbled again and got benched. I also said when Parker is healthy we'll see how the carries break down. Everyone loves Mendenhall... one of his 2 big games came against Detroit.. be careful here.

Chris Farley (Baltimore, MD)

How are handcuffs worthless? LT/Sproles, Westy/McCoy, there are a few good players to own their appropriate handcuffs. On the same note, do I start both Thomas and Bell this week (byes/injuries ravaged me)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Because Sproles and McCoy are worth owning because they can put up numbers, not merely as replacements for old, over-the-hill starters. If Sproles is one of your top three RBs, and you have a flex, then play him... doesn't matter that you might have LT. The premise behind handcuffing doesn't matter, because often the backup can't do what the starter does anyway. The draft pick can be used better...

Adam (Michigan)

I just traded Mendenhall and Antonio Bryant for Marques Colston? Thoughts.....?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Love it...

Jim (Denver)

EK, I think you are too focused on the Phillies tonight and not really thinking about your answers. I understand, it happens.

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I can juggle focus pretty well... but we shall see!

Mike (IND)

Who is worth more the rest of the year? Alex Smith or Matt Cassel?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Cassel... people don't realize just how bad Smith has been since he was drafted. One decent half of play doesn't change that...

Mike (NYC)

Does Dwayne Bowe benefit in any way from Larry Johnson's issue?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Probably not enough to really change his rank, but I do think the Chiefs can only improve sans LJ...

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, that is about all for the time we have today... Thank you as always for sending in the many questions and having a bit of fun today. I appreciate it... we wouldn't be here without you. Good luck in Week 8!