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Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session... We're heading into Week 9, so it's obviously a key time... thanks for being here, let's go!

Joe (MA)

Will Schaub be able to keep up with Manning? Will this week's game be a shootout or a blow out?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

It's interesting because even I hadn't realized just how much Matt Schaub was relying on Owen Daniels, and now of course there is no Daniels. Kevin Walter needs to step up. I ranked Schaub No. 6 at QB, but it feels like an odd rank. I don't think he will keep up with Peyton, but he should be good enough.

Bob (Jersey)

Should I hold onto Megatron or is it time to try and trade him for RB upgrade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Well, in my Tuesday blog I wrote about how Johnson, while supremely talented, was starting to become a concern. I only trade a high-upside guy like this if I get a lot in return. I don't deal him if others think he's merely average. Would have to be a top-10 RB.

Willy (MTL,QC)

I know you have Westy higher than Mendenhall this week, you think the concussion issues are past and he'll be productive? How do you think the split between him and Shady McCoy will go?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think Philly has a timeshare, and all indications are that Brian Westbrook will play quite a bit this week. To me, Westbrook is always a top-20 RB play if he's out there. I'm not willing to recommend him for more than that yet. Mendenhall had his nice games against awful defenses... I probably ranked him too poorly, because Willie Parker isn't a factor, but I'm just not a big Mendy fan.

Brett (Madison, Wisconsin)

In a PPR league:Team A gets: Steve Smith (Carolina) and Matt ForteTeam B gets: LaDanian Tomlinson and Rashard Mendenhall

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

I don't think Forte will be a top-5 guy or close to it, but I still trust him more than LT. I got a lot of grief for the Tomlinson blog after Week 7... how does he look now? He looks old and slow, still. I'll take Smith/Forte.

Kelly (Pittsburgh)

I'm stacked at WR and trying to sell LT high, as you have suggested. I can have Thomas Jones for LT and a banged up Boldin. Do it? Thx.

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

That doesn't seem like selling high to me... LT AND Boldin? Yikes. No. Jones is legit but LT will be productive, and if Boldin can just get healthy, that's a near top-10 WR.

Aaron (Baton Rouge)

Crabtree or Sims-walker this week and the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

While I have concerns about David Garrard being a consistent fantasy producer, I'm not as worried about Mike Sims-Walker. The wide receiver is always affected by the QB, but they can still be productive. I'd take Sims-Walker for this week and the rest of the year, but note I do like Crabtree more than I thought I would, and quicker. The 49ers just didn't wait to get him involved at all.

Eric (Denver)

Your thoughts? Forte (terrible schedule ahead) for P. Thomas (great sched.) Also, would you consider trading Forte for a TE if you just lost Daniels. Forte is my flex behind AP and Gore. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I could make the case for Thomas over Forte, yes. Only issue there is Forte doesn't have someone sharing carries and TDs in the backfield. As for trading for a TE, I would rather own Forte than any other TE ... so I'd look on free agency. It's a deep position.

Dan (ny)

Hi Eric, I own AP, and keep C Taylor on my bench in case AP is injured. Do you think it is wise to drop Taylor in order to pick up K. Walter or Malcolm Floyd?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I don't think Peterson is going to get hurt, nor do I think Chester Taylor will simply play like AP if he got the chance. Walter should be owned over Taylor. I have to think Walter does something with more targets this week...

Bryan (New Orleans)

You ranked Slaton relatively high this week. Could you please elaborate a little and hopefully talk some of us owners off the ledge?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Yes, I did. I just don't think Ryan Moats is going to get more than a handful of touches, and Slaton had to have learned some lesson about fumbling. Don't do it, or you will be benched. Slaton is a RB2... Moats is not.

Rob (Boston)

You have AP Gore and Forte? What is that a 4 team league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Yeah, good point... that's just crazy!

Bruce (Chicago)

Now seriously, why do you all keep ranking RB's like M.Barber, B. Jacobs, and B.Westbrook over RB's like R.Mendenhall and T.Hightower that are going to get way more carries (catches in Hightowers case) and have less ailments? Hightower and Mendenhall outperform them every week yet you guys still rank the 'old has-been underproducing cronies' higher every week. Please explain as this makes no sense to me. Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

You're kidding, right? Even with him scoring four consecutive weeks Hightower hasn't topped 14 points all season. Barber, Jacobs and Westbrook have struggled, I'll give you that... but I trust them. Any of them could go for 100 yards and/or score twice at any point. Hey, play Hightower if you want, that's fine with me!

Steve (MI)

Do you see Buffalo changing their mind after the bye and giving Fred Jackson another chance at starting RB carries, Lynch hasn't done much at all.

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Unfortunately, I do not. But Lynch did reach double digits in fantasy points two of the past four weeks... so it could be worse. I never thought Fred Jax would just disappear like this. Way to go Bills!

Steve (NYC)

Who would you rather have in a 1/2 PPR keeper league this year and beyond, Donald Brown or Shonn Greene?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Brown. I like the offense better, and think the players are relatively even except for that. Plus, Brown is a really receiver out of the backfield.

Eric (Columbus)

From one Eric to another, How productive is Jamaal Charles going to be? I need him to be my RB2 with Slaton due to SJax going on bye....Or should I pick up Mike Bell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I have a blog coming today on Mr. Charles. He made my top 20. Shocking, I know. Bell did not. I think the Chiefs are ready to move on and Charles gets the first shot.

Phillies (7 games)

Owner of Tony G and Vernon Davis: who do I keep, and what WRs should I target in a trade for the other?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Seven games it is! I'd still try to keep Gonzalez, but if you can considerably more in trade by moving him, then you do it. I couldn't fathom what you might get... start high and see what someone will part with. You can always go backward from there.

Matt (Ny)

Provided Megatron can go with this week, would u still start Fitz and Colston over him? The Seahawks do not have a great pass defence

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Yes, even if Calvin Johnson does play, I don't use him over Fitz and Colston. People don't realize Johnson wasn't doing very much even when healthy.

Morgan (Los Angeles)

Is Clinton Portis a top-20 RB the rest of the way?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I think he's borderline. He didn't make my top 20 this week, and it's really not the toughest matchup. He's been in double digits once all season...that's a problem.

Chuck (Philly)

Witten or Vernon Davis...who would you rather have for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Still Witten, but barely. I'm not jumping from his bandwagon, but it sure looks like he's not close to Romo's fave target.

Eric (CO)

Eric, you have written multiple times on how you expect McFadden to have decent value down the road. With that in mind, should I trade Kevin Smith, Braylon Edwards for McFadden, Fargas and Jennings?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I wrote that more than a month ago, but he's STILL out.. so I am losing patience. This wasn't supposed to be that serious an injury. I'd keep Smith and Braylon... the only thing worse than owning one Raiders RB... is owning two.

Kevin (Stamwich, CT)

Let me challenge you a little, would you use megatron over Burleson if he plays?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Yes, I would use Megatron there, but it's really close. I'd probably rank Johnson 12 or 13...

Jason (Denver)

I am DYING for RB help after watching every New Orleans Saint put up huge numbers EXCEPT for Reggie Bush. Justin Fargas is my #2 RB right now. Is either Marshawn Lynch or Ricky Williams an upgrade in a PPR league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

What's amazing is that Bush has scored three straight weeks, and still not topped 8 fantasy points in those games. I don't think I've seen that since... Jerome Bettis was scoring every week on 2 carries. I'd call Lynch and Williams an upgrade.

Dave ( Miami)

So according to your rankings I should start Portis and Maroney over Hightower? How do you figure?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Why do you like Hightower so much? They are just rankings, though... doesn't mean you should do anything. It's your team! Portis might be old and not doing much, but he will have opportunity... will Hightower?

Bryce (Charleston, SC)

Megatron for Megatron, Megatron Megatron? MEGATRON?Can we get a few questions in about other "playas"? Like JaMarcus Russell? Is this probably his breakout week? (On a bye.)

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Don't laugh, Russell's Week 9, in which he will not play, will actually rank as his third-best performance in the past five weeks. He can't lose points! That's so sad.

Calvin Johnson (DET)

Really, Eric?? I wasn't doing much, or my team just sucks? How many times did we hear last year to bench me? And what did i do every time? With no QB to boot

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

You're averaging 10 points per game in the games you've played. It doesn't matter why... it's average performance at best. And know the knee is hurt. I don't blame the rookie QB...show us something!

Kirk (IA)

Romo or Garrard this week???

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I will not be trusting Garrard anytime soon... Romo made my top 10. Garrard was awful against the Titans. That really hurt a lot of fantasy owners.

Eric formerly known as Taylor (Fresno)

People need to realize that the rankings are based off standard leagues not ppr. they like hightower soo much based off of ppr not standard without ppr hightower is crap

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Or I could have just mentioned that before...

Freddy (MPLS)

Is Crabtree a decent start over Marshall or Driver?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I don't believe so, but I would not be surprised if he has a really big game really soon. I mean, Crabtree is talented, and he obviously didn't need much time to get ready. But he's not a WR2 yet...

I Miss (Owen Daniels)

Vernon Davis and Moreno for BJacobs ... I lost Owen ... do it?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I like Jacobs still, but Moreno might be just as good, and Davis has at least been consistent. I dunno... my first reaction is no way, but each week Jacobs doesn't look better...

Kevin (Cincy)

would you keep peyton or trade him for warner and P. thomas

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I don't like to mess around at QB... Manning is safe. Warner clearly is not.

Ryan (Milwaukee)

Last time I ask today, I promise. Who is the safer play this week Schaub or McNabb. I can't afford a 180/1td McNabb game.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I think it's Schaub. And by the way, for those who continually whine that I don't post your questions... there are THOUSANDS in here... I see a few at a time...

JO-JO (Baltimore)

Burleson or Slaton at flex?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I won't be doing the flex rankings until tomorrow, but if it's the No. 13 RB against the No. 14 WR, chances are really safe the RB will win. In general 20 of my top 30 flex options are probably RBs.

Douglas (Orange County, CA)

ough decision. I know you guys always say to start your best players regardless if who your opponent has. My opponent has Brady, and I have Moss. I'm worried that if I start Moss, every completion and TD Moss scores has less value because it bumps up Brady's numbers. For example, if Moss gets 100 yards and 1 TD, I get 16 points. But Brady gets 8 points as well, so I'm really only clearing 8 points.My other two options are MSW and Mason. Can I do better with either one of them? Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I realize a lot of people view things this way, but not me. I see this as if Brady is gonna go off and so does Moss, make sure you keep pace and hope your other players make up the ground. Ya know? Because you don't want to sit Moss and be rooting against Brady. That's not gonna go well. No chance I would sit Moss for Mason.

Seth (Tampa)

I'm trying to gauge Miles Austin's trade value. Is a trade of Kevin Smith and Austin for Thomas Jones fair in your opinion?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I think so. Austin is totally legit, and a staple in our WR top-10 recently.

Ryan (DE)

Can you explain Matt Hasselbeck down at #10 this week? Detroit has given up 18 passing TDs this year; Schaub (#6) is at Indy, and the Colts have only given up THREE all year! What Hasselbeck over Schaub?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Trust. Didn't you people learn anything from David Garrard laying an egg against the Titans? Matchups are nice, and should always be taken into account... but Schaub is the No. 2 QB in all of fantasy this year... how do you sit that for Matt Hasselbeck, in any matchup? Again, you can play Hasselbeck. I don't think I've given Hass this good a ranking all year...but over Schaub. I just can't.

Steve (Montgomery, TX)

Easiest question all day. Need a WR replacement for one week. Throw a one timer out here, SLEEPER needed for one week, Week 9! Give it up... oh... Please?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Malcom Floyd? Maybe his first game sans Chambers is his best.

Beanie to the side (AZ)

Do you think Wells in a perpetual tease, or will he actually be valuable this year? Feels like he is justa watsed roster spot to me. Also, gotta like Harvin's production as a first year WR, no?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Beanie should improve as the season goes on. He's surely worth owning. His problem is the offense... you'd think the Cardinals establish the run after their QB threw 5 ints... not gonna happen! As for Harvin, definitely surprising. He's going to be a star.

Keith (C-Town)

Pick my flex this week Karabell as you picked perfect last week.Mason or Sims-Walker PPR?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I think it's Sims-Walker... Mason will get his catches, but Sims-Walker bounces back with a big game.

Keith (h-ville)

Who's a better play? Jammal charles or ryan moates...thats all i got for my rb2 spot

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Well, I ranked Charles pretty well, so I think it's him. I've seen Moats play many times... that was a great game for him, but that's all.

Slatons Mother (Houston)

Follow up on your Slaton forecast...You make no sense! You think Slaton didnt no it wasnt OK before this week to fumble...he doesnt do it on purpose, so knowing wont change jack! that is all

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I don't think he took it seriously that he could be benched though. The stakes have changed. The Texans don't want Moats over Slaton...they want the old Slaton back!

Bowe (And Arrow)

Will Bowe's numbers pick up with the addition of Chambers and benching of LJ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

No relation at all. Chambers is toast. I'm surprised the Chiefs would go there. What helps Bowe is when Cassel gets proper time to throw...which might never happen.

Sammy Morris (New England Patriots)

Hey Eric, Am I going to have value going through the home stretch? I am getting better right? I have a pretty good 2nd half schedule.

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I don't think I want any Patriots running backs for the stretch run.. .who will it be? It could change every week. I think we know Maroney is the guy this week... and watch BenJarvus score. It's crazy there.

Chad (Wheeling)

STOP ASKING PLAYER A VS PLAYER B QUESTIONS -- HIS RANKS ARE PUBLISHED! That said - If Boldin starts, where do you rank him? (ballpark is fine)

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Check the rankings... I was the only one who had Boldin in there...

Jason (Milwaukee)

Jets are on a bye week so I picked up the Falcons D. With the exception of last week, the Jets D isn't what it was at the beginning of the season. Should I keep the Jets or Falcons for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I think it's still the Jets, but it's not a drastic change. Colleague Chris Harris ranked the Jets 9th the rest of the way and Atlanta 16th in his column... depends if you can afford to keep the Jets D around...

Brace (NC)

EK, is the upgrade from Schaub to Peyton worth parting with Ray Rice?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Absolutely not. Frankly, based on season totals, it's not even an upgrade. Rice is a top-10 RB.. no way I do that.

Matt (Detroit)

Can I drop Reggie Bush in a 10 team ppr league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I only would if there was a really good reason to drop him. Obviously we can see in standard leagues he hasn't been very good, but all leagues are different.

God (Top of the World)

Eric, do you play any leagues where each team plays every team each week? I.E. in 10 team league highest scoring team goes 9-0, 2nd high score 8-1, etc. I am and it's unbelievably better than doing plain H2H imo. I think it's time we do away with all 1 weekly H2H game leagues.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I have played in a league kinda like that, and it was great. Head ot head is fun, but it still stink losing with the second highest score of the week... what you do is more like a weekly roto format, which is fun, too...

YankeeGal (IL)

Good Luck tonight! What do you think of trading Mendenhall for L. Fitz? Leaves me scarce RB wise, Jacobs,Fargas,Stweart and S. Greene. However I would have D. Jackson

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Thanks, luck is always welcomed! I want Fitz over Mendenhall, no matter what my RBs look like. You could always move Fitz right back out for a better RB.

cody (Seattle, WA)

U-G-L-Y. Choice, Mo Morris, Wade, or Mike Thomas at flex? I know, i know....

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I guess it would be Morris on the premise he keeps getting carries.

Steve (Newark)

Why is Jennings so low on your rankings? TB has no pass rush or corners. Do you think they get up big and just start to run?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

I have Jennings 11th... you wanted a better rank than that?

Devin (Philly)

In Ken Daube's Trenspotting, he notes that Kevin Smith has seven games remaining against teams in the top-10 for rush defense. I'm a little thin at RB (went WR/WR in the draft), so should I try to deal him? My other guys are P. Thomas, B. Jacobs, B. Wells, D. Brown... Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Daube does terrific work, but do you think someone would want to buy Smith? He's not playing great, and the minute that owner looks Smith up he will see the shoulder injury... This is partly why I don't like Calvin J very much.. the Detroit schedule is not easy.

Buzzer Beater (cali)

your gut-feeling? Will the Texans get the old Slaton back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Yes... quick ones now!

Matt Schaub (Houston)

Would you start me or Cutler this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Matt

Eric (Indy)

Crazy Question! Should I pick up Ahman Green to replace a bye? He is playing against the Bucs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Absolutely not.

Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ)

Portis or Westbrook this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

B-West

Paul (KC)

If Boldin is out, where (or how much higher) would you rank Breaston?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Not very much actually

Rick (LA)

Housh, Hester or Miles this weekend?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Miles, easily

Tim Hightower (AZ)

Eric, I'm averaging 9 carries and 5.5 catches a game. I'm averaging 75 yards per game. I have 5 TDs. You really think I'm that bad when you can expect between 7.5 and 15 from me every week? There are so many backs (R Brown, Jacobs, etc) that are capable of 2-pointers on a given week, so why is it all about upside?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Who said you were bad?

Stan (OH)

JUSTIN FORSETT come on man comment on something interesting?????????

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

The Seahawks don't run. And when they do, it's Julius Jones...

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, that is about all the time we've got for today. I do thank you for showing up and asking questions. We couldn't do this without you. Best of luck in Week 9 and .... go Phillies!!!!!!