KC Joyner

  (4:00 PM)

Good afternoon! Let's talk some football!

Studebaker (NJ)

Good afternoon, Scientist. Some people are claiming that Calvin Johnson is also a better quarterback than Tony Romo. Supporters of this claim cite Johnson's Madden videogame cover, freakish physical abilities and cool nickname as just some of the reasons that he's a top 5 signal-caller. Your response?

KC Joyner

  (4:01 PM)

The Megatron backlash is now combined with the Romo backlash.

Alex (Anaheim)

Do the Giants have any shot of repeating?

KC Joyner

  (4:02 PM)

Absolutely. Their secondary should be healthier this year, Randle is a terrific replacement for Manningham, their TE situation could be strong and they have a younger running back to lean on. Lots to like about NY's chances.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will be the Best NFL Team in 2012?

KC Joyner

  (4:02 PM)

Still kicking this one around but at the moment, the Patriots would look to be the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl.

Tom (NJ)

Being an "metrics" guy, how do you integrate actual results in your analysis?

KC Joyner

  (4:04 PM)

Not sure exactly what this question means, but would point out that most of the metrics noted in the TFS articles are drawn from tape research I do. In other words, it's more than just a case of looking at the numbers.

M (DC)

What kind of numbers do you expect from RGIII next season?

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

He's got the potential to equal or surpass Newton's numbers from last year. Even if he doesn't hit that level, his numbers should be above average.

mike (new jersey)

ed or troy? in their prime

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

It really comes down to ballhawk versus hitter. I'll take a hitter in that case.

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

It really comes down to ballhawk versus hitter. I'll take a hitter in that case.

KC Joyner

  (4:05 PM)

In other words, Troy.

Tim (CA)

BradyBreesRodgersStaffordManningManningYou are wrong!!!

KC Joyner

  (4:06 PM)

Well, I had the first three rated ahead of Romo, so we can agree on some things.

Jeff (Va Beach)

Using your science, what are the odds of Carolina making the playoss, winning the division, and making and winning the Superbowl this year?

KC Joyner

  (4:07 PM)

The NFC is a very tough conference and it got even tougher this offseason. Carolina also does not have an easy schedule (NFCS, NFCE, AFCW). They've got probably a 10-20 percent chance to win the division.

Tim (El Cajon, CA)

KC, SDSU alum here and was wondering what you think of Hillman of the Broncos? I only saw a couple games but he was dynamite when I saw him! Reminded me of Marshal when he was here.

KC Joyner

  (4:08 PM)

I only got to see a couple of his games and was impressed. Really want to sit down with more of his tape this offseason and do a full analysis.

KC Joyner

  (4:09 PM)

Quick heads up for any fantasy football fans out there - I'm deep into work on the 2012 TFS Fantasy Football Draft Guide. Finding a lot of interesting tidbits of info.

J.B. (PA)

And the draft guide is gratis to Insiders, yes?

KC Joyner

  (4:11 PM)

Not quite, but a lot of the information from the draft guide will be included in TFS Insider fantasy football articles. Sharing is a good thing.

J.B. (PA)

KC, what rookie RB not named Richardson do you feel has the best chance to make a major impact this season?

KC Joyner

  (4:12 PM)

LaMichael James. His metrics were off the charts and he's got the potential to be another Darren Sproles. Not saying it will happen (SF offense just isn't suited to develop a Sproles-candidate) but the potential is there.

Stu (Mass)

What effect might an expanded summer roster have? Fewer reps meaning less chance for underdogs to shine in camp? Better competition in camps with more chance for the cream to rise? Fewer reps meaning more injury in the season? Better ability for creaive coaches to expand their roster by shuttling in those previously cut?

KC Joyner

  (4:14 PM)

It could mean that borderline veteran roster players could be more apt to lose their spots. The new set-up also likely means coaches will do like the old days and lean more heavily on preseason games. Expect those to be more competitive and fired-up.

B (NC)

Just thought you'd like to know that NFC East blogger Dan Graziano gave you props for being the only analyst on the planet to pick the Giants to win their division last September. (Dan, meanwhile, spent the season ridiculing the idea that the Giants were even a top ten team).

KC Joyner

  (4:15 PM)

Thanks for the heads up. Dan's a great blogger.

Smeagol (fishing)

If his line can just be average, what kind of year can Jay Cutler have (barring injury)?

KC Joyner

  (4:16 PM)

The big issue in Chicago is finding another vertical threat. Marshall will replace Knox, but the Bears O outside of Knox wasn't very good on vertical passes. If they can develop Hester into being a better downfield threat, the sky is the limit for Chicago.

mike (new jersey)

qho finishes with the most rings: Big Ben, Rodgers, Brady, and Eli Manning?

KC Joyner

  (4:16 PM)

Romo. Just kidding. Rodgers.

Joe (NYC)

"the Patriots would look to be the odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl." ----- surely you left out the most important part of that at the end "...unless they face the Giants in the big game again"

KC Joyner

  (4:16 PM)

Ouch!

joe (pittsburgh)

With an improved oline, how far do you think pittsburgh will go?

KC Joyner

  (4:17 PM)

Their good blocking rate and GBYPA was surprisingly high last year, so these adds could make this a top 5 O line. It might take half a season to gel but if they do get on the same page, Pittsburgh's O line could be very dangerous by season's end.

Otto (CA)

Is this the year a 49ers WR gains 1000 yards?

KC Joyner

  (4:18 PM)

Too many quality WRs and not enough targets. Would have to vote no on this.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Barring injury, is there any way Dem. Thomas doesn't put up 70-1000-6 with Peyton as his QB?

KC Joyner

  (4:19 PM)

That's a big qualifier for both Thomas and Peyton, but if they are both healthy for 16 games, those are very reachable stat goals.

kyle (california)

I know it might be too early for this, but as of right now who would win the week 5 battle between the eagles and steelers as of right now?

KC Joyner

  (4:20 PM)

Probably the Eagles in that Pittsburgh's O line might still be going through the aforementioned adjustment period at that time.

joe (pittsburgh)

superbowl run for the steelers?

KC Joyner

  (4:20 PM)

If that O line works out, they've got a great chance. Would put them second in the conference after the Patriots in that case.

J.B. (PA)

KC I was intrigued by the Vikings 4th RD pick of Jarius Wright. He's got speed but there's not much to him. Is he going to be another Percy Harvin (and I don't mean that in a good way)?

KC Joyner

  (4:21 PM)

His collegiate metrics were fantastic, every bit as good as Kendall Wright's. He could be the vertical threat the Vikings are looking for.

J.B. (PA)

Is this a year where an Oakland Raiders QB throws for 1,000 yards?

KC Joyner

  (4:21 PM)

That's cold!

Pete (Somewhere)

Ever think about doing a metrics based top-100 players list? Those top-100 lists seem to be everywhere these days.

KC Joyner

  (4:22 PM)

We've been doing a lot more top 5 lists on Insider. Not sure a top 100 is in the future, but I'll certainly bring it up to my editors.

jimmy (new york)

which qb would you want to have leading your team down the field today?

KC Joyner

  (4:23 PM)

Romo would certainly be on the short list (had to mention him after the article earlier this week). Eli would have to top the list, though.

Sean McKenzie (Van Wert, OH)

As a Browns fan my whole life, I dont need them to "win a Super Bowl" every year. I just want them to be freakin competive!!! Im tired of losing by double digits all the time. As I look at our vastly improved defense, and improved offense. I think that 7-9 isnt out of the question and IS acceptable. What is your view on my Browns???(P.S. Im back after having my 8th surgery in 8 years, this time on my foot.)

KC Joyner

  (4:25 PM)

Welcome back! Hope the surgery went well and you have a quick recovery. As far as the Browns go, I'm definitely on their 2012 bandwagon. The add of Weeden was a big plus and Richardson has the ability to be one of the best RBs in the NFL. He had dominant totals last year (against an SEC schedule, by the way) and the Browns O line actually had better than anticipated blocking numbers. Their big problem was Hillis and Richardson will be a big step up there.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

So early FF strategy would be to eschew the top tier of QBs - A-Rodg, Brady, etc...load up on other positions, and then take Romo in teh 5th? I've done this the last 2 years, and won my league last year...

KC Joyner

  (4:27 PM)

The consensus of the ESPN fantasy summit was that the 2012 Drafts will be very deep in WRs and QBs. Quality RBs will be hard to find so get the good ones if you can. After that, it's stock up on top-level QBs/WRs in between making good value picks at RB.

Aggie (TX)

TFS, loved your Romo article. Can the Cowboys offense be top 3 this year?

KC Joyner

  (4:27 PM)

Thanks for that. If everyone stays healthy, Dallas could absolutely be a top 3 O this year. Their running game is close to elite (they ranked 8th in GBYPA last year) and the combo of Austin, Bryant and Witten can go toe to toe with anyone.

J.B. (PA)

Scott: Just have to hope Romo is still there. Tried the delayed QB draft strategy last year. Ended up getting Bradford & I got hammered in that league just trying to find a decent QB.

KC Joyner

  (4:28 PM)

Very good point. Don't wait too long to get a starting QB, but do know that the quality QB picks should last until at least round 4 in most draft rooms.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Better FF RB to have from the Skins...Hightower or Helu?

KC Joyner

  (4:29 PM)

At the moment, Hightower, as it looks like he will be the starter.

KC Joyner

  (4:29 PM)

But then again, "at the moment" is a phrase Redskins RB owners will have to deal with all season long.

KC Joyner

  (4:30 PM)

Well, I hate to cut this short but I'm feeling a bit under the weather and am going to call it a chat. Quick note - the TFS material is always posted on Twitter @KCJoynerTFS. Hope to see you all here next week!