KC Joyner

  (3:02 PM)

Good afternoon! Let's talk some fantasy football!

Gerry (Seattle)

Hey KC,Who would you rather have next year as a fantasy keeper? Torrey Smith, Mike Williams (TB), or CJ Spiller?

KC Joyner

  (3:03 PM)

Spiller might be the most popular choice but Smith is the player I would keep. Reason being that the Ravens like to throw the long pass (Flacco led the league in vertical pass yards last year) and Smith has shown his upside in that area is top of the line.

Bryan (D.C.)

Flex question... Felix Jones v. Malcom Floyd. Who ya got?

KC Joyner

  (3:04 PM)

Floyd because he is the healthier of the two.

Taylor (VA)

My opponent has Witten and Dez Bryant playing this week. Should I take the chance and start L. Rob over Bowe. Or hope Bowe can break away from Champ this week?

KC Joyner

  (3:05 PM)

Tough call but Robinson has outplayed Bowe the past few weeks and he is now fully healthy. Plus, that Dallas game is likely to be a higher scoring game than the Chiefs contest.

Jon (Chicago)

Would you play Gerhart or Royster (if Helu is inactive)?

KC Joyner

  (3:06 PM)

Gerhart, but it is a concern that there is talk the Vikings will give Kleinsasser the ball in goal-line situations.

Drew (San Fran)

Who do you like best at WR? D. Bryant, AJ Green, or J Maclin? Or i can put Spiller in at WR and have options like Royster, McCluster, or Ridley at mu flex. MUST WIN WE TIED LAST WEEK!!

KC Joyner

  (3:07 PM)

Bryant wins as he is the highest rated WR on the TFS start-sit charts (more info about which can be found at www.thefootballscientist.com - will be lowering the price to $5 right after the chat).

Aggie (TX)

considering the strength of the Giants safeties do I sit wit ten in favor of Austin and Robinson?

KC Joyner

  (3:09 PM)

The Giants do have talent at safety but they often don't play to their talent level. Because of that, Witten rates higher than Robinson on the TFS start-sit charts and therefore should be started in front of him.

Jeff (MN)

I have a 50pt lead going to week 2 of my championship. I don't wanna play to not lose, but also don't wanna get too cute. Do I dare play the likes of Maclin/Garcon over Bowe or Gerhardt over Matthews(If healthy)?

KC Joyner

  (3:11 PM)

All of those options are pretty good with the exception of Garcon, and even he has a good shot at producing since the Colts are facing a Jags D that just placed its 10th DB on IR this week. Mathews and Maclin would be the safest picks of the bunch.

Brian (Philly)

Hey K.C. With Vjax likely out, Bowe facing Champ and Roddy possibly playing sparingly I've got problems. Best FA's available are DHB, Burleson, Garcon or McCluster. Should I reach? Thanks!

KC Joyner

  (3:12 PM)

DHB has been producing quite well of late and the Raiders will be highly motivated in that game, so he would be the best FA option.

Jamal (London)

I need some championship advice. Pick one: Greene @ MIA, Benson vs. BAL, Bell @ MINN, Robinson @ NYG or Holmes @ MIA?

KC Joyner

  (3:13 PM)

Holmes matchup is quite favorable, so he gets the win in this one.

victor von zoom (new orleans)

please advise: I'm pretty loaded at flex spot:kevin smith, ben tate, daniel thomas, titus young and l robinson. starting megatron, m bush, f gore, m austin thanks -

KC Joyner

  (3:14 PM)

Would start Robinson in that case, as the others all have more question marks than he does.

Mike C (Warwick, RI)

Pick 2: S-Jax, J-Stew and Tate (Non-PPR)

KC Joyner

  (3:14 PM)

Tate and Jackson.

Scott (Pa.)

Romo or Ryan at Qb this final week? oes Atlanta have a chance on improving their seeding??? Romo will play whole game barring no set back, but will Ryan?

KC Joyner

  (3:17 PM)

Romo rates ahead of Ryan on the TFS start-sit charts, but that is as much due to Ryan possibly sitting as anything else. If Ryan does start (and Atlanta should know if they have a shot at improving their playoff seeding before the contest), then Ryan vs. the Bucs D is at least as good of a start as Romo and probably better given Romo's injury. If the Falcons can't improve their seeding, however, start Romo.

Joe (Pittsburgh)

Reggie Bush with a knee sprain. He is out week 17. I won my championship week 16, so I am not concerned about needed him this week. As a dynasty owner he is my Flex play for 2012. Any worries about him next season?

KC Joyner

  (3:18 PM)

A few, with the biggest being who will be the Dolphins head coach next year. That will go a long ways to determining his value.

Have my feet up. (North Pole)

Who would you prefer at flex L.Robinson vs. NY, Ridley vs. Buf., Tate Vs. Ten., Jacobs vs.Dal., or DMoore vs SD?

KC Joyner

  (3:19 PM)

Really like Tate but his value is dependent on how many carries Foster and possibly Ward get. Robinson is the safer play and he still has plenty of upside potential.

Jon (Chicago)

Week 17 is crazy...gonna start Shady, Calvin, and Floyd. Gotta pick a WR, RB and WR/RB flex from these: L. Robinson, Julio Jones, Gerhart, Saines, Royster. What to do?

KC Joyner

  (3:21 PM)

One strategy to consider would be to wait until 4 PM and see if Atlanta has anything to play for. If they do, Jones gets the start because of an incredibly favorable matchup. If they don't, start Robinson.

Jamal (London)

Start Holmes eventhough he has not gone over 100 yards all season and averages 4.2 catches this season???

KC Joyner

  (3:23 PM)

Accentuating the negative on that one is a way to look at it, but considering that Holmes has scored 8 more points in 7 of his last 10 starts is another way to look at it.

billy (san francisco)

You say witten is a must start but he had a very quiet game against NYG the first time they played. why would this week be different??

KC Joyner

  (3:24 PM)

Check out the Giants points allowed totals to tight ends over the past month and a half. They trend quite badly in that area and that's why Witten (who was recently downgraded on the TFS start-sit charts because of his subpar performance) is considered a borderline must start.

billy (san francisco)

Do you see gore sitting once the 49ers getting a lead thus making hunter the better play this week???

KC Joyner

  (3:25 PM)

Gut feel is that the Niners will go all out to win that game. That means Gore gets the carries.

J.B. (PA)

KC, first off just wanted to thank you for the extra chat each week. The information is great but the overall interaction with the group is what makes this a great chat. My question is: Do you feel Sproles will have a greater role in the Saints offense this week or really no change? I need to start two between him, Turner, and Mendenhall and right now Turner is the odd man out.

KC Joyner

  (3:27 PM)

Really appreciate the post, J.B. And thanks for all of the posts during the year! The Saints are going to go all out for this game, as they will want to set the record as high as possible (don't buy for a minute their "we don't care about the record" bit - they care big time). Sproles is a borderline must start because of that. Turner would rate in front of Mendenhall if the Falcons have anything to play for.

Andrew (Michigan)

Hey KC, how are you? Would you rather Adrian Peterson or Rob Gronkowski as a keeper in standard format, for next year?

KC Joyner

  (3:28 PM)

Always good to hear from someone from Michigan (my old stomping grounds). As it stands at the moment, Gronkowski would get the nod because it is better to go with a healthy player than an injured one.

billy (san francisco)

Do you think Megatron and stafford play close to a full game this week?? would you start D moore over CJ because he might not play whole game??

KC Joyner

  (3:30 PM)

Knowing the Lions, they will go all out to beat GB as much because they want to show the rest of the league that they are at the Packers level (they really aren't there quite yet, but a win over them would certainly help psychologically). Start Megatron.

The Gooch (Tallahassee)

Deangelo Williams or Gerhart this week?

KC Joyner

  (3:31 PM)

Gerhart rates a bit higher than Williams on the TFS start-sit charts, but there is the concern that Kleinsasser may vulture some goal line rushes. If you want the safest pick, Williams is the choice but if you can afford to take a bit of risk, Gerhart wins.

Brian (Philly)

As a follow-up...If I pick up DHB do I play him for Bowe or Roddy? I need to start one of them. Thanks!

KC Joyner

  (3:33 PM)

If the Falcons have something to play for, Roddy wins hands down. If not, DHB rates a bit higher than Bowe on the start-sit charts and therefore gets the win.

Jessica (Nashville)

Some question as to whether Kevin Smith plays this week at all, but in the past he's tried hard to get out there as much as possible. Thoughts? If the Lions are trying to prove something, will they need him to do it?

KC Joyner

  (3:34 PM)

They probably won't have Smith gut it out if there is a concern about his health, as they do have Morris as a backup and need to be as healthy as possible for the playoff game. In other words, Smith would be someone to avoid in a fantasy playoff if at all possible.

The Gooch (Tallahassee)

Thanks for answering my question. Got a couple more: How about Sanchez or Flacco this week? At WR, Crabtree or Wayne?

KC Joyner

  (3:35 PM)

And they say I only answer multiple questions from JB. Sanchez over Flacco and Wayne over Crabtree (Wayne has been playing very well of late - check out this week's TFS ESPN.com Pass Plays article for more details).

Drew (Green Bay)

Please pick two (standard scoring): Rashard Mendenhall, Percy Harvin, and AJ Green?

KC Joyner

  (3:36 PM)

Green has a tough matchup and is battling an injury. Mendenhall and Harvin win this one.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Early 2012 keeper prognostication: keep 2, .5 PPR...Ray rice, Forte, Jimmy Grham, roddy, Nicks, Helu...

KC Joyner

  (3:37 PM)

Rice and Forte unless Forte's injury turns out to be more serious than it looks. If you can't keep two RBs, White is the next option.

Mark (OH...IO)

well Mr. Scientist are you making a "strange brew" for News Years Eve? Now that Reggie Bush is out with a knee sprain...where would you rank Daniel Thomas and how many touches...

KC Joyner

  (3:39 PM)

New Year's Eve will be as it has been for many years - Mrs. Scientist and I will watch Dick Clark's countdown (assuming they are going to have him back this year - which they should, as it isn't New Year's Eve without him). Thomas does not have the upside of Bush, but he should be good for about 20 rushes/receptions and will be a very good start this week.

Hakeem Nicks (Gotham City)

I lost my stud status these last weeks, huh? What am I next year? A top 15 WR? 4th rd sound about right?

KC Joyner

  (3:40 PM)

Definitely a top 15 WR and will probably rate as a top 10 WR. A lot depends on the schedule.

Mike (Savannah)

Who to start? Need one: Mendenhall vs. CLE or Bell @ MINN?

KC Joyner

  (3:41 PM)

Steelers need the win more, so Mendenhall wins this one.

James (AK (its kind of cold here))

Would you take the upside of Matthews vs. a bad OAK run D, and possibly no Tolbert; or would play it safe with Bell vs. a mediocre Minn D

KC Joyner

  (3:42 PM)

The gut feel is that the Chargers are going to go all out to end their season (and possibly Norv Turner's tenure there) on a high note, especially on offense. Start Mathews.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Care to mention your best and worst predictions for this year?

KC Joyner

  (3:43 PM)

Forte being as good as Peterson would have to be the best. Not rating Newton higher would be the worst, although a lot of that had to do with his barely winning the starting job in the preseason.

John (Syracuse)

should i be worried about the texans D this week? heard they might play a B squad Defense thinking about picking up the jags D vs INDY

KC Joyner

  (3:44 PM)

You should be worried about the Texans D but the Jaguars are not a viable option in their place. Jacksonville just placed its 10th DB on IR this year and they are facing a Colts offense that has been playing much better of late.

Brian (Philly)

K.C. need best option for D/ST. Big bonuses for less than 10 pts allowed and less than 200 total yards. Jags, Denver or Bengals. Thanks again!

KC Joyner

  (3:45 PM)

Denver. As improved as the Chiefs have been of late, the game is at Denver and the Broncos D has played quite well at times this year.

jeff (wisc.)

NEED ONE FOR FLEX. TITLE ON THE LINE.M.TURNER. TORRY SMITH.OR KAHILL BELL.PLEASE HELP.

KC Joyner

  (3:47 PM)

Tough call because Bell plays early and the other two play late. Turner would be the best start if Atlanta has anything to play for, so the way to go might be to wait and see on the 4 PM games and start Turner if Atlanta has something to play for. If they don't, then start Smith. That's a bit of a risk, so if getting the sure-fire points is the way to go, start Bell.

Andrew (Michigan)

Thank you for answering my last question. Anyway, college is just around the corner for me. I have wanted to be a sports analyst like you for a long time now. What actions or things can I do to try to get in a position like the one you are in today?

KC Joyner

  (3:48 PM)

Write, write and write. And get your material out in front of as many editors as possible.

Bobby (Brooklyn)

Trying to repeat for Championship. I have the Jets D, but wary of Sanchez turning the ball over to the Dolphins. I hear Bush is out. But there are other Defenses I can pick up. Bears D, Jaguars D (but Colts are playing well and I hear that Jaguar's secondary is depleted), Bengal's D (they got something to play for), and Falcons D ) they may have nothing to play for and Bucs might be motivated to get a win after a 9 game losing streak). Any thoughts on which Defense could lead me to another championship? Thanks!

KC Joyner

  (3:49 PM)

They all sound like risky options and the Jets do have talent and something to play for. Stick with them.

Mickey (Florida)

In a league that a qb gets a point for every ten yards passing and tds elevate in points the longer touchdowns are who would you play. Rodgers, skelton, or Tebow. Int and fumbles one point each. Please need help

KC Joyner

  (3:50 PM)

Rodgers is a huge risk in that he likely won't play that much. Skelton has been surprisingly productive fantasy-point wise and will almost certainly throw for many more yards than Tebow. He's the option here.

Andre (Houston)

How are you going to rank me next year? No way I'm a top 5 option...

KC Joyner

  (3:51 PM)

Some of that depends on the schedule, but the injury woes will almost certainly keep Johnson out of the top 5 WRs.

Cirilo R. (CA)

TFS, I recall you being a pretty big proponent of Jimmy Graham coming into this year considering he only had 31 rcpts last year...great call amonst many others! Anyone, off the top of your head, that you think could have a similar jump for next year?

KC Joyner

  (3:52 PM)

Yeah, but everyone was pitching Graham as a breakout candidate, so that one is tough to claim much of a TFS victory on. Haven't given a whole lot of thought to next year but at first glance some of the Raiders players look like they should have a lot of upside.

Cam Newton (Carolina)

Do you think I will be a top 5 QB next year, too?

KC Joyner

  (3:53 PM)

Fantasy-wise, Cam Newton could be the number one overall pick in many 2012 draft rooms.

Brian (Philly)

K.C. Not to be greedy...but one more question??? In PPR, Bowe or Driver? Thanks again!

KC Joyner

  (3:53 PM)

Bowe, as Driver's PT may be limited if GB pulls its starters.

Bill (VA)

With Bush being out, better to start Bell vs Minn or Sproles vs Carolina? Thanks for your info this year, and Happy 2012!

KC Joyner

  (3:54 PM)

Sproles. And Happy 2012 to you as well!

Matt (Between Rock and Hard Place)

Need Help! Down by 23 going in to Week 17. (1) Romo or Stafford? (2) A. Hernandez - opponent has Brady - or J. Cook? (3) pick one -- Kahlil Bell, P. Harvin or Denarius Moore? Thanks for all your help this year and Happy New Year!

KC Joyner

  (3:55 PM)

Upside plays are the way to go. Romo over Stafford. Cook over Hernandez. Harvin over those other two. And Happy New Year to you as well!

Eric (Indiana)

Would you rather play Skelton who will play the whole game or Stafford for maybe 2 or 3 quarters?

KC Joyner

  (3:57 PM)

Stafford still rates higher in that half a game for him could be equal or better than a full game from Skelton. Well, it's been a fun chat but I've got run. Quick notes - the TFS material is always posted on Twitter @KCJoynerTFS. I also answer fantasy questions on Twitter. The TFS start-sit charts for week 17 will be available for $5 at www.thefootballscientist.com just a couple of minutes after the completion of this chat. Thanks very much for chatting all year and I hope to see you all in next season's chats!