Fantasy Football with KC Joyner
Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner wants to help you with your fantasy football team, so bring all of your questions to his chat.
Joyner as his role as an NFL Insider, and The Football Scientist, uses game film to track, tabulate and analyze nearly every measurable statistic in an NFL game. He has his own website at thefootballscientist.com.
Send your questions now and join KC Friday at 4 p.m. ET!
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KC Joyner (4:00 PM)
Let's talk some fantasy football!
Hurricane Earl via IPOD Touch (Heading up north @ 18 KB NE )
Man you are talking nonsense today Mr. KC.I don't know ifI should change course and smack you right in the face man.You are not good!!
KC Joyner (4:01 PM)
I haven't even answered one question and already the smack talk starts! And we had enough hurricanes down here back in 2004 - we don't need another one.
Norv (Cali)
Chargers just got Crayton from Dallas. Should fantasy players go get him now.
KC Joyner (4:02 PM)
Assuming this is true, I'd say Crayton is a solid pickup, but let's not forget he'll be at least the #3 and possibly the
Corey (Boston, MA)
Hey KC, with Hardesty out for the year, is Jerome Harrisson a legitimate RB2 now? OR do I have to remind myself he is on the Browns?
KC Joyner (4:02 PM)
His GBYPA last year was mediocre but he will pretty much be a bell-cow back. He's a legit #2 but more of a low end one.
tom (hackensack)
KC, how do you determine your flex options?..for example, i need to pick a running back and a flex out of: j. best, cadillac, a. bradshaw and m. colston....RB first is typically best bet right?
KC Joyner (4:04 PM)
I go quality RB unless the WR is a potential high impact guy with a favorable matchup. In the case you mention, I'd probably go Bradshaw simply because he's going to be the starter and the Giants O line is better than Detroit's.
Dave (Rochester)
KC - letting all the big name QBs (7) go early; 12 teams - can I do better than ELI MANNING?
KC Joyner (4:05 PM)
Probably not, especially since Cutler has looked awful this preseason. Eli could have one of, if not, the best WR corps in the NFL this year if things pan out, so don't be too down if he's your QB.
John (Fla)
Mr. scientist...who do you think will have a better week 1- Beanie or Hightower?
KC Joyner (4:05 PM)
Beanie. Hightower does a lot of things well (good GBYPA, good receiver & pass blocker) but Beanie is going to be the one who pounds the rock for the Cards.
Dave (Rochester)
Best backup QB for me according to KC - FREEMAN, HENNE or CAMPBELL?
KC Joyner (4:06 PM)
Henne. His receivers are better and he doesn't have the injury woes Campbell is going through right now.
Corey (Boston, MA)
Is Malcolm Floyd still great value for the Chargers with Crayton there? What about Neenee, did Crayton just steal his deep round flier status?
KC Joyner (4:07 PM)
He'll impact Naanee more than Floyd because Floyd is a vertical target and Crayton isn't. Crayton is a slot WR and since the Chargers flex out Gates fairly often, I'm not sure exactly where he fits into that offense besides being a quality backup.
Mike (Ohio)
Fantasy quandry: Peyton Manning or umpires who can't get into proper position quick enough?
KC Joyner (4:08 PM)
Let up on the umps, will ya?! They made a huge change to their jobs this year and are still getting adjusted.
bd [via mobile]
K sidge, in a 12 team league w 6 pt passing td do I have to go QB w the number 8 overall?
KC Joyner (4:08 PM)
Unless CJ, AP or Gore make it down that far, absolutely.
K (philly)
2 flex spots this year. Jerome Harrison, Brandon Jacobs, Hightower. who do you think sees the bench the most for me this season
KC Joyner (4:09 PM)
Hightower.
Jeff (Chicago)
What are your thoughts on Sidney Rice? Is there a decent chance he comes back in week 7 and produces or will the injury limit his production?
KC Joyner (4:10 PM)
I'd not invest a pick in him. He loses too much value because of the games he'll be out and there is no guarantee he'll be back to full speed when he gets back (the odds are actually stacked against that happening).
jimmy n, arlington Va [via mobile]
K Sidge, this is from my blackberry so I have to be brief-SAAAAAAAAGE! Thanks, KCJ.
KC Joyner (4:10 PM)
Got to get a post from Jimmy N in! On a related note, there are rumors Houston may try to get him back in a trade.
Kevin (Warrenton, VA)
KC, I'm building up an immunity to the Princess Bride right now. Gore over/under 1,400 yards and 12 tds?
KC Joyner (4:11 PM)
If that movie doesn't work you, try Robin Hood - Men In Tights. It doesn't even try to balance the line between chick flick and comedy - it goes all out for the comedy. Hilarious Mel Brooks flick. I'll take the over on Gore.
Joe Flacco (B Town)
Do you think I will finish the season as a Top 7 QB?
KC Joyner (4:12 PM)
I think your team will make the playoffs but I'm not sold that fantasy-wise you will have a great year. The schedule is just too difficult.
Michael (Stillwater)
I think Dez Bryant Is going to be a big fantasy player. what are your thoughts?
KC Joyner (4:13 PM)
He's got too many strikes to be considered anything more than a high risk. Rookie WR coming off of an injury, that's just too many negatives.
Bob (Kansas)
What do you predict from Dexter McCluster this season in a 10 team NON PPR league? I need to replace Hardesty with someone.
KC Joyner (4:14 PM)
Non-PPR I'm not quite as sold on McCluster. If Hardesty was a handcuff to Harrison, you might want to consider James Davis.
Bill (Fort Atkinson, WI)
KC, I love the draft guide! Wasn't what we saw from Miles Austin last year his ceiling? I'm starting WR-WR and I think Austin-Wayne makes a lot of sense.
KC Joyner (4:15 PM)
Thanks! I'm doing another update this afternoon so everyone can have the latest info for any weekend drafts. Austin could have upside in that he only saw 120 or so passes last year. Give him a full season and he might see 140-150.
Daryl (Springfield, NJ)
Is Garcon a legitimate WR2? Any concern he disappoints?
KC Joyner (4:15 PM)
Not really. He's the fastest WR they have and Indy will go vertical quite often.
Kevin (Warrenton, VA)
Do you see big things from Hakeem Nicks? FWIW I think you should respond to all questions with "As you wish"
KC Joyner (4:16 PM)
That just ain't gonna happen (but it is funny!). Re: Nicks, he's in my top 20 WRs. Everything I've seen on from college and onward says he's got dominant skills. He can run the tree and catch routes at all depth levels.
KC Joyner (4:16 PM)
Passes, that is.
John (SF)
KC, what do you think will happen with the Charles/T. Jones and Greene/LT situations? In both cases, the better (younger) back seems to be at risk for being passed over for age and experience.
KC Joyner (4:17 PM)
Charles will get 60+% of the carries. Greene will almost certainly see the same. The coaches are trying to motivate their guys and throw other teams off.
Travis (Canada )
KC, you ask a question a few weeks back as to why I have not made the chats over the past few months, I say think hard as to why I haven't, everytime as of late when I have shown up you have ignored my questions or comments. So, why take time out of my life to be ignored, I can go home and spend time with my family for that to happen! Haha
KC Joyner (4:18 PM)
As much time as I spend trying to answer questions from regulars, you'd think I'd get more respect in return. Ask a question my friend and I will answer it (or should I say "as you wish" as previously suggested?).
Kyle (San Diego)
What are your thoughts on bonus points for yardage milestones (eg 300+ passing yards)? Personally, I find them arbitrary and unnecessary
KC Joyner (4:19 PM)
Not really for them for the same reason. I like leagues that give credit for everything a player does.
Bob (Madison, WI)
KC, can you provide a sneak peek at the Draft Guide? Specifically Larry Fitzgerald. Is his stock rising with Anderson at QB now?
KC Joyner (4:19 PM)
Anderson had some of the worst metrics in the league last year, even worse than JaMarcus Russell's. Fitz also had a lot of subpar metrics (subpar for elite WRs, that is). I'm not sold on his having a great 2010 campaign.
BSB (Philly)
Has Breaston dropped below Maclin in Wr rankings?
KC Joyner (4:21 PM)
Can't do that simply because Maclin still has that ridiculously hard schedule. And the person who is posting the same question a dozen times, you are ensuring I will not answer it. Annoying the chatter ain't how you get a question answered (try being funny and you are almost certain to get a question posted).
Craig G. (Newcastle, Washington)
Hi K.C., when grading and scouting the best overall defenses, how importantly do you consider 3rd down stop percentage?
KC Joyner (4:22 PM)
It is important in an overall review of a D, but from a fantasy perspective, I stick with measuring how they do at getting sacks and turnovers. Got a few different metric measurements for those in the draft guide (which is available at www.thefootballscientist.com, by the way).
wing man, anytown usa [via mobile]
Kc on hooters wings:breaded or unbreaded?
KC Joyner (4:23 PM)
Unbreaded. I would tell you how my dad orders them but I don't think that kind of thing is copasetic for this environment.
KC Joyner (4:23 PM)
Goes under the listing of stuff my dad says.
Corey (Boston, MA)
Are the Patriots doomed this year, what with Brady's hair, Bodden and Ty Warren's injury, and Mankins hold out?
KC Joyner (4:24 PM)
Bodden's injury actually could hurt the most but Brady should be healthier this year than he was last. That will be a huge plus.
Kim Deal (Bakersfield, CA)
I have a pretty good problem at my #2 RB. I have Wells slated to start for me, but the more I think about it, the more I like R. Brown. Matt Williamson says Miami may have the best o-line and they're gonna run Brown "down to the ground" (last year of contract). Jake Long just said they're gonna run it and take pride in wearing teams down doing so. What's your scout's eye and metric say...Wells of Brown?
KC Joyner (4:24 PM)
Wells if only because he's got the better chance to be a true bell-cow back.
BSB (KC... laying the smack down.)
So would it take Jerry rice to succeed with the slate of corners that Maxclin faces?
KC Joyner (4:26 PM)
I try to take after the Rock and layeth the smacketh down (one of my favorite pro wrestling lines of all time). Not sure it would take Rice but it would take someone better than Maclin (or at least the 2009 Maclin).
Matt ("Work")
IDP (i know that is taboo for most experts!)........Thoughts on R.McClain for a dynasty league as a LB 1or2?
KC Joyner (4:26 PM)
Don't get many IDP questions. He should be a good 1 except that I worry about his tackling ability. He arm tackled way too much at Bama last year.
Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Miramar, CA)
KC, when can we expect the update? I need to use the work printer before I leave for this weekend's draft and I'm out of here at 4:00 pm CST.
KC Joyner (4:27 PM)
It'll probably be a bit later than that. I am going to put together a quick hit list of the big changes, so that should give you all the low hanging fruit.
Richard (Greensboro, NC)
KC, who wins between you and Dan Patrick in a best hair contest? When it's late in the draft and you are filling in depth at RB, do you like getting a handcuff like Chester Taylor to your Forte, or going for someone like Cadillac Williams who might start but probably not going to put up stellar numbers as a starter?
KC Joyner (4:29 PM)
That hair is courtesy of Missy, the Regis stylist here in Altamonte Springs, FL. She's the only person who has ever made my hair look good. Let me use her skills beforehand and I'll take Patrick on. Without her, he wins hands down. Regarding the RB question, I like to take starters as often as possible. They will give you at level of certain value, whereas a handcuff is only valuable if the starter gets hurt.
Travis (Canada )
KC, What does the MRS. Scientist say about the Old Spice Guy-Isaiah Mustafa is he worth a late round pick or is there a reason he is now acting and is no longer playing NFL football? Oh,yeah about your respect statement once your fantasy record is close to mine of 19-7 over the first two years of the league, we will talk! Sorry had to smack talk a little bit, season is just around the corner and all!
KC Joyner (4:30 PM)
That's more like it! Not sure what she thinks of him. I'd ask but she is out and about with the kids at the moment. Re: your record, all I can say is what would you do without my info? I have to beat people who know all of my sleepers and the like, not an easy thing to do.
M. Forte (Soldier Field)
KC, some people don't see me as an RB2!!! An RB2?...I was a top 6 RB pick last year!!! I can prove everybody wrong. Right?
KC Joyner (4:31 PM)
Absolutely. Chester Taylor isn't as good as his contract says he is. You'll be the centerpiece of that offense before long.
RedTrus (S Orange, NJ)
KC! Who are some good back-up QBs to target for my bench in a 2QB league?
KC Joyner (4:32 PM)
I like Alex Smith as a backup. Henne and Ryan are also good.
Brandon Marshall (Miami, FL)
KC, Matthew Berry has me at about 17 on his WR rankings! Please tell me you love me more than that. Especially with no signs of Revis.
KC Joyner (4:34 PM)
I do have Marshall ranked pretty high but I can see why TMR would have him ranked lower (assuming this comment is accurate). Marshall has posted mediocre YPA totals the past couple of years and he's not a good vertical WR. His value comes from volume and if Miami lets that volume drop off, his value will decline with it. I don't see that happening but there is a solid percentage chance it will.
Joe (Taft, CA)
Doing my two favorite things right now...cooking shows (Nigella Express) and fantasy chats! You and your wife should do something together...."How to keep a Mad Scientist Happy!" (food of course).Who do you like better at my #3 WR, Berrian or Edwards?
KC Joyner (4:35 PM)
I'll run that one past her. And kudos for the multitasking! Re: the WRs, I'll take Edwards, as Berrian's metrics were subpar last year.
Giants fan dan (L.A.)
help KC! i ended getting 'stuck' with romo in my auction league.. but i can't stand to root for the cowboy scum! an owner w/rivers has offered to swap, but wants to switch dwayne bowe for crabtree to.. who comes out on top here? should I just let it go?
KC Joyner (4:35 PM)
I'd not do it because I don't trust Bowe that much.
Brandon Marshall (Miami, FL)
KC! Draft Guide is amazing and has really taught me a lot. In a 6pt. per passing TD league, which delivers more value? Peyton Manning with the 12th overall pick or Matt Schaub or Philip Rivers with the 37th?
KC Joyner (4:36 PM)
Thanks! Schaub or Rivers later is the better choice, as their numbers will be close enough to Peyton's to justify waiting (although I do think Peyton will be the NFL MVP again this year).
Knish (Banks of the old Raritain)
Travis in Canada...chill man...KC is most respectful of all the chatters on this site. You owe my man a big apology. KC...Any word on Jake Longs knee? Have a great Holiday weekend.
KC Joyner (4:38 PM)
The chats are the most fun I have all week. Travis is just in a smack talking mood, I think. Last I heard about Long is that he'll be good to go for the year.
Matt (Houston)
KC, what does the Schwartz tell you about Arian Foster? Is all the hype he's now getting legit?
KC Joyner (4:39 PM)
More Spaceballs references! Mel Brooks owes me some royalty money for all the pub I'm giving him. Re: Foster, the Schwartz says he'll be a lot like all the other Houston RBs, very good as long as he's in there but I have a concern if he can be a full season bell-cow.
rich (boston)
KC: first timer in the chat, but been reading; they're great info. Doesn't it seem like the Cleve staff has been trying to get anyone BUT Harrison looks this August? You don't think that Hillis or even Davis could get some run this year? Cut-aways to Mangini on the sideline would lead me to believe that he's not that much of a Harrison fan
KC Joyner (4:41 PM)
Very good points. I'm not sure Hillis can handle the full time job, plus he might do ST and third down work. Davis is the deep sleeper there but I'm not sure they are sold on him just yet. I'd also point out that you are correct about Mangini - if he doesn't take a liking to a player, he'll put him in the proverbial doghouse and never let him out.
Austin (Chicago)
I've tried to be funny. I've tried to be serious. I guess I'll try both at the same time (c'mon this is funny right?). Who do you think should start at my flex position in a non PPR...Hakeem Nicks or Ricky Williams?
KC Joyner (4:42 PM)
You guys do know that a lot of questions come in, right? I try to take as many as possible but some will always slip through. Re: Nicks/Williams, go with Nicks if he has a very favorable matchup but otherwise go with Williams.
Moe (NJ)
I grabbed V Jackson in the 9th round, did I grab him too early?
KC Joyner (4:43 PM)
There is a very good chance he won't play at all this year unless SD is successful in trading him. I'm not sure he should be drafted at all as anything more than a lottery pick player, and 9th round might be too early to go for someone like that.
Corey (Boston, MA)
Just wanted to say thanks for the answers today! Also, any other suggestions on movies...gonna be a long weekend inside while the 80 mph winds and rain wreak havoc on my golf course.
KC Joyner (4:43 PM)
Airplane is one of my all-time favorites.
Travis (Canada )
Knish, relax it's called smack talking and I was not the one who throw down the Gauntlet, right KC. I hate when people only get half the story or the ones whom don't see you behind the scenes during our fantasy drafts/leagues.
KC Joyner (4:45 PM)
It's cool, Travis. At least he didn't insult Canada, right?
Ryan (San Clemente)
KC, I have sworn off all others but you this year and just had what I think to be a great draft courtesy of your guide. Curious to know what you think of my squad (we start WR/TE as flex, PPR, 6 pt PTD): Romo, P. Thomas, J. Stewart, Austin, Jennings, Gates, Davis, PHI. Bench: A. Smith, Hightower, L. Washington, Floyd, D. Henderson, Edelman, NO - That's SEVEN elites and THREE near elites! I'm stacked!
KC Joyner (4:46 PM)
Thanks! The goal for every coach in a 12-team league should be to get as many elite/near-elites as possible. In most leagues, that means somewhere around 7 per team so to get 10 is a huge win for you!
Captain Roger Murdock (Pilot's seat)
Why does everyone keep calling me "Kareem"?
KC Joyner (4:47 PM)
Exactly! And then when they pull him out of the seat and he's wearing his Lakers uniform - it still cracks me up!
Matt (Rochester NY)
Until I read your Guide I didn't even realize Troy Williamson was still in the League (Almost picked him up in the 18th round on your comment alone)
KC Joyner (4:47 PM)
He's going to be removed from the cheat sheets this week because he probably won't even win the #3 spot in Jacksonville.
Tyler (Wasco, CA)
Let me know if you wanna go lightening-style...I have one!R. Bush or R. Brown? Thanks!
KC Joyner (4:48 PM)
I try to go with quick answers all chat long! I'd take Brown.
Matt (Houston)
"The White Zone is for loading and unloading only." "NO, the Red Zone is for loading/unloading only." Speaking of unloading, who would you drop once Rice comes off the PUP list in a keeper league...Jacoby Jones or Tashard Choice?
KC Joyner (4:49 PM)
Now that's the way to segue a movie reference into a chat post! I'd drop Jones unless it becomes clear Choice is not seeing the ball very often (a definite possibility given Felix and Barber are in front of him).
Esan from TMR's dad's classroom (Aggieland)
Hey KC dont not sure my Q is goin thru. Which two WRs and which RB do I start in week 1 from the following: Hakeem Nicks, Mike Wallace, Malcolm Floyd, Colston & MJD, Jamaal Charles? Thanks
KC Joyner (4:50 PM)
I'm getting a ton of week 1 start questions. I'd like to answer them but I'll be doing my week 1 start-sit charts next week. Try me next Thursday at 4 PM.
Tom (NJ)
KC.... draft starting in an hour. Who do you see breaking out this year in a PPR keeper format.
KC Joyner (4:51 PM)
Nicks, Ryan Matthews and Crabtree are all options in that realm.
Captain Oveur (THE Pilot's seat)
I am still vomiting and spasming since I ate the fish. NYJ WR - Holmes or Edwards ??
KC Joyner (4:52 PM)
And how he does that as the doctor is explaining all the symptoms the food poisoning will give! That movie is literally a laugh a minute. Edwards.
Bruce (Princeton)
Jacobs owner in my league, asking for Bradshaw, ends our failed negotiations with this description of Bradshaw "Not interested in the guy. Time share guy with limited talent coming off multiple foot surgeries. All yours." It'd be fun to get a response from you to forward him on this assessment of Bradshaw.
KC Joyner (4:53 PM)
Tell him to check out the Insider article from earlier this week - shows how Bradshaw outperformed Jacobs in the GBYPA metric.
Tom (NJ)
KC.... please tell me the PPR stars of the future!!!
KC Joyner (4:54 PM)
I"m guessing you are looking for deep picks, eh? Go for Thomas and Massaquoi.
Jessica (Greek Isles)
I have D. Brown stashed away...I know you think he's a better back, but, 1., why do the Colts go to Addai and, 2., do you think you can say if/when/should they make the change.
KC Joyner (4:56 PM)
Because Addai can pass block and Brown has struggled there. Brown will get that part of the game down soon enough. Don't give up on him yet.
Mike (Seattle)
KC...Enjoy your holiday weekend with the family. Boss gave us the adios so leaving work early. Peace!
KC Joyner (4:57 PM)
I've got to do the same so I can get some time-sensitive info over to an editor. Don't forget, the draft guide is available at www.thefootballscientist.com. You can also follow my work on Twitter at kcjoynertfs. Hope to see you all next week!
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