Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session. I am Eric. Thanks for showing up and let's get to as many questions as possible for the next hour. Here we go!

Ryan (California)

Is CJ spiller a sell high candidate? Im really fond of him but dont know if I should ride him out all year or trade for my weaknesses. My other RBs are Jamal Charles, Bradshaw, Beanie Wells in a 12 team league. Thanks!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Sounds like CJ is your best running back. I like Charles and think things will improve, but he's turned into a RB2. Bradshaw is out this week. I acknowledge Spiller can't play this well and year and the Bills do have Fred Jackson, but the Bills aren't sitting Spiller when he's this good.

Ryan (0-2 Purgatory)

Thanks to Chris Johnson, my team is mired in an early hole, I know the ranks still have him over Andre Brown, but does word that Bradshaw is out bump Brown over him? PPR

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Not to me. I'm sticking with Mr. Titan. Honestly, the o-line has been brutal and one has to assume that talent will win out. Johnson is talented. Will Brown do better this week? Anything is possible. And Bradshaw is out. I ranked Johnson as a borderline RB2-3.

Matt (Shreveport, LA)

What do you think about the Arizona defense this week? Also, picked up Andre Brown, should I play him instead of Ingram or Hillis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

I think the Cardinals will get at least 3 turnovers. Of course, that would be a GOOD day for the Eagles if it were only 3. Cards becoming a decent play, and no reason they can't win the game. Brown over Ingram or Hillis? I ranked Brown the best of the group, barely.

Nathan (Dallas)

Good afternoon EK!With news that Jonathan Stewart is hurting and is a gametime decision, do you bump Deangelo Williams up any in your ranking? If so, how much?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

All I heard was that Stewart missed practice Tuesday. Could be many reasons for that, and he could still play Thursday. To answer you, sure, I'd bump DeAngelo a bit, but not much at all.

Mark (Rochester, MN)

Who do you like best as a lottery-ticket type player for this year and 2013? David Wilson, Randall Cobb, or Bilal Powel. Thanks a bunch!

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I think I'll take Powell there. Just got a feeling that Wilson isn't that special, and Bradshaw returns in a week, and the Packers have not been making the big plays so far and Cobb isn't tops on Rodgers' list anyway.

Nick (Chicago)

Anything on Gates or SJAX? The silence is deafening.

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

From what we're hearing both should play this week, but I trust Jackson more, that's for sure. What Gates did Sunday was a real kick in the gut to a lot of owners. If he does it once...

Scott (NYC)

I know kickers dont matter but the right one week-to-week can be the difference between a W and a L. With said I'm sure a lot of guys put a lot of stock in your rankings. How much time do you put into ranking the weekly kickers??

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Kickers do matter, but everything they do is unpredictable and predicated on others. If Aaron Rodgers just scores touchdowns, then Crosby gets only extra points. If Kolb can't move the Cards, their kicker does nothing. I spend more time on every other position.

Sam (Ohio)

Does Bradshaw's injury give Eli more throws (and more points) or does Andre just get his carries?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

The guy just threw for 510 yards. I can't imagine he tops that this week. Brown should get 15-20 touches, just like Bradshaw would have...and Eli will make both his WRs happy.

Matthew (San Antonio)

Thoughts on Mathews for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Talent-wise he's a top-10 guy. But just because he returns this week from the broken clavicle has no bearing on him not getting hurt again. He's brittle. Can't expect him to play 14 games.

Ben (West Va.)

EK your thoughts on Avery as WR3 or WR4 in standard 10? Good option or avg.

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Becoming good option, and I think people should add Avery and stop assuming Collie will suddenly become the star there. Luck is good. And he's throwing a lot. But for now Avery is more WR4 for me.

Brandon (Ohio)

Carolina's Steve Smith got a #2 ranking in your guy's week 3 rankings. Are you worried at all about his knee or foot with a shorter week or should I start the safer (health) Brandon Marshall? only thing that worries me about Marshall is that I'm also starting Michael Bush...

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

He didn't get No. 2 from me. Yes, I am concerned about the knee. The matchup is pristine, and he's always open deep, but I also recommended LaFell this week. I'd go Marshall over Smith and not worry about Bush starting as well.

Mike (So Confused)

Am I crazy for debating on hitting the "Accept" button -- I have Spiller and Fred Jackson, and I was offered Maurice Jones-Drew.... Your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Spiller might have a better year than MJD. He's really good. But there's enough evidence that MJD is great and there's some doubt on what the Bills will do to make the deal fast.

Willis McGahee (Denver)

Am I a legitimate start every week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

That was a nice performance on Monday, eh? Yeah, more RB2-Flex but surely I'd feel fine using him weekly. This week the matchup isn't great for him though.

Daniel Mancini (Brooklyn)

How do you feel towards hartline? Good or do everyone on the Dolphins besides Bush seem useless?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

In a 10-team league I don't think Hartline has to be owned, but I could see 75 catches, 700 yards. Poor man's Amendola in a way.

John (Nj)

Trade question. I have witten already and was offered decker for tony g. Accept? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Yeah, I'd have to accept that. Surely Gonzalez looks great and Witten does not, but that should normalize some. And Decker is getting nearly the same targets as Demaryius, and I think the 30-10 split in their fantasy points is going to shrink.

Tom (NJ)

what are the chances Leshoure becomes a weekly starter by the end of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

For 10-team leagues, probably 25 percent if you mean top-20 running back. But he could be starting for the Lions next week.

drew (buffalo)

EK, am I crazy to bench Antonio Brown this week for Brandon LaFell? I feel like the latter has a better shot at getting into the endzone against that giants D. your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I can see your point but I really like Brown and don't view him as a spot starter type. I'd use him every week at this point. But I do like LaFell as well.

Mike (Indy)

Will Luck be a fantasy starter this year?Not a colts fan, but I hear about him every drive to and from work. Would love to hear a non-biased opinion.

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Top 10 QB? Probably not, mainly because there are already like 12 or 13 guys that SHOULD be in the top 10. I mean, there are many good QBs. But Luck could be top in that group.

Andre Brown (New York)

You really believe that Michael Turner should be in lineups before me this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I think it's odd that people are dropping the guy. He can score 10 touchdowns this year even if he's bad. And he's not bad. He just looks slower than last year, but I don't overrate 2 games. Yep. What do you really know about Andre Brown? He played well in relief against a bad D in a game the opponent was not expecting him to play? I don't trust him yet.He was third string a week ago for a reason!

Coy (NC)

How concerned are you about Larry Fitzgerald? Do you see his production outside the top 15 for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I am not concerned and no, I don't see him being outside the top 15. I think people are way too reactive in fantasy. Fitz is good every year. He overcame the QB play last year. Now he can't? I don't buy it. I realize I am in the minority and I don't care. I'm trading for Fitz.

Dan (DC)

Is it time to cut bait on Charles? His knee is worrisome.

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Be patient. Chiefs started last year with a pair of blowout losses and ended up nearly making the playoffs. Charles needs more time, and yes, his knee worries me, but I'm buying low on him AND Hillis.

john (nj)

follow up on fitzgerald, would you trade fitz for martin if in need of an RB?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

In theory, yes. I like Martin.

Gabe (Seattle)

Are people just worried about Vick's injury risks at this point, rather than looking at performance? For as bad as he's played, he's still been a top 6 QB in standard scoring. I see things getting easier, matchup wise

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I think it's about the injuries and the turnovers. Yes, he's played well, and needed a final minute drive each week to win the game and make his fantasy performance worth it. I think it's asking a lot for that to happen every week.

Jeff (NY)

I see the ranking group isn't afraid of the Seattle D matchup vs. Green Bay. Is that just because of home field?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Seahawks are good, and that's not an easy place to play. Just sayin', don't expect the Packers to put up 35 points.

Charles (Oakland)

When will everybody stop talking about Titus Young's "potential" and realize that he's just not that involved in the game?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

I'm just about there. And it sucks.

Andrew Hawkins (Cinci)

I will be consistent all year and wind up finishing in the top 20. true or false?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Can't agree to that yet. There are easily more than 20 WRs I trust more, those with track records and, for that matter, more talent.

Rick (TN)

I was offered Fred Jackson for Chris Johnson. Do I do this?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I would not do this. Is it possible Johnson averages 1.1 yards per carry all year? I suppose, but I wouldn't be surprised when he busts out this week, either.

Ryno (Chicago)

Are you starting Brett Anderson tonight vs Verlander during the playoffs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Absolutely. Anderson isn't facing Verlander. He's facing the Tigers. And Anderson is really good.

mike (hawaii)

What is Pitta's True value? (I dont want to over value two weeks)

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I look more at the targets than the actual receptions for him, to be honest. He's obviously a major part of their offense now. I expect it to continue.

JV (NY)

Thoughts on Jerome Simpson???

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Get him now in the deep leagues because he should have opportunity. One more week and then he is eligible.

Johnny V. (Brooklyn)

BASEBALL - Thoughts on Oscar Taveras as a 2013 keeper?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Premature to expect he even makes the Cardinals. And they have a few decent corner outfielders already set.

Sean (Denver)

Buying Brandon Myers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

For deep leagues, yeah. Again, he's getting targets for Oak.

Winston (NYC)

You the man Eric...baseball keeper question. I know Dylan Bundy is good, but should I expect anything out of him this season if I pick him up? Or is he good enough to own in any keeper?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Good enough for keeper formats, but not if your league keeps only 3. And I don't expect him to start in the final weeks here, and obviously he will not close. So no real value there. Just enjoy it.

Dylan (Madison, WI)

Does ESPN have anything that tracks the number of passing targets per player throughout the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Linked off the leaders pages. In the receiving section. http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leaders

Jo Nathan (Baltimore)

Time to sit Welker for Stevie ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Rest of season? I don't do anything ROS. Take it week by week and I think the owners punting Welker will regret it. Don't be shocked if the Patriots trade him... Welker doesn't look like a 100-catch guy this year, but can he retain WR2 value for the Pats or someone else? Absolutely. This week Stevie for Wes is fine... don't worry about ROS.

Braden (NC)

Pls explain why Pierre Thomas the better and more talented back is ranked lower than Mark Ingram?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Touches. Goal line looks. Youth. Pretty much those things. I'm not the coach, but see how they are used.

Chris (Houston)

Are your Eagles better this year than last or worse? I cant tell. and who gets the better end of the deal T.Richardson and CJ0K for Gore

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Eagles are better, but could easily be 0-2. Very fortunate so far. Could easily lose in Arizona. And Gore is great, but take Rich and Johnson. Wow.

Dan (NY)

Brent Celek has been impressive so far this season and with Maclin banged up, it seems like he would be almost a must-start this week. However, I'm a little concerned that with the multiple O-line injuries, the Eagles may start using him more as a blocker. Is that a valid concern?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I don't think it has anything to do with Maclin. The Eagles throw all the time, so it stands to reason Celek would be involved. Plus, while he did spend a lot of the second half last year blocking, he's not a GOOD blocker. I see him regressing some, but still worth using.

Dennis (DC)

When do you expect Mendenahll to be a relevant rb starter this year? There isn't anyone grabbing that job in Pitt.

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I'd say about three weeks he could be ready for regular touches.

Brian (Boston)

Curious what the Red Sox plan to do in the off season. Do you see them targeting some big free agents or are they attempting to "rebuild" with young talent?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

No rebuilding there. New manager, get Greinke and the offense is already decent enough. Teams with money don't rebuild. They have lots of money. Josh Hamilton...

Rick (Boston)

BJ Upton to the Phillies?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

I just threw up in my mouth.

Dan (LA)

Hey Eric, is it possible that Shanahan is taking his fantasy torture to a new level by sticking with Alfred Morriss for the foreseeable future, then once we've let our collective guard down and dropped Helu and Royster, Morris will find himself in the deepest nethers of an undeserved doghouse?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Absolutely. All it takes is one fumble, one bad drive, anything can change that man's mind. Look, Morris can play. He is good. And still, we know Shanahan better than he thinks...

J-Quiz (Hotlanta)

Turner is at 2.6 yrds per carry! Don't you think I become da man at some point soon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I wouldn't call 2 weeks a large sample size. And who cares what he averages? If he gets the touches, he'll get the yards and touchdowns. And Rodgers is doing nothing there. It's not like it's a timeshare. It's all Turner still. The Falcons are telling you it's all Turner.

Ben (Minneapolis)

I got Hernandez'ed. Rank deeper league pick ups: Heath Miller, Scott Chandler or Brandon Meyers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Yep, it's a verb now. I'd say Chandler. Fitzpatrick looks his way near the goal line. Then Miller.

Paul (NM)

Thoughts on Winslow getting back to form with Brady?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I doubt he'll become Hernandez, or a top-10 TE, but I could see 5 catches a week, the occasional TD. Should matter. The Pats love 2 TE sets.

Jerry (Chicago)

Hey Eric, Dwayne Bowe for Greg Jennings? What do you think?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I will take Jennings. Still an elite offense in GB. Jennings will play this week.

JT (MA)

Eric - lots of Leshoure hype/talk for a guy who's never played in an NFL game. What does this say about K. Smith's fantasy value? I know he's injury prone, but he had a solid first week with a TD (important one) & a decent 2nd week against the toughest D in the NFL. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I agree, it's been too much hype on him. And Smith isn't bad. I think it's about Smith's durability. We just can't trust him.

Dan (NY)

Would you start Pierre Garcon this week if he is active?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Depends on other options, but yeah, I'm not too worried about him.

Dave (DC)

Am I crazy for thinking this Shanahan thing is completely overblown? Hightower, Portis, Torain, Travis Henry, Selvin Young all got *hurt*. Nobody ever went broke drafting lead RB's in Denver for Shanahan's first ten or so years.

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Perhaps. Look, I ranked Morris 19th for this week. I like him. But I still the coach is ... unpredictable. More than most.

Tim P (T-Ville NC)

Are we going to see more Kenny Britt this weekend?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

The team says we will. Perhaps that's what the offense needs, a deep threat.

Frank (Boston)

I don't think your ranks comtemplate PPR - So in that case Stevie or Amendola this week? (.5 PPR).

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

They do not. For standard formats. I'd go Amendola there, but certainly Johnson is capable of a 10-catch game, too. And more likely to score.

CHRIS (CT)

Your thoughts on SJax, i dont know what to do with him. should i try to trade him or just drop him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

See if you can be a bit more patient...

wayne (germany)

Will Battle become this years Tobert THANKS

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I doubt it. I think McClain is the TD guy if the Chargers get chances and Mathews is active.

Patrick (CT)

Should you ever use the #1 waiver wire priority on a defense? The SF Defense was just dropped in my 10 team (18 man roster) league...do I use my #1 WW to pick them up? I have been streaming defenses(Seattle/Dallas) and my team is so-so. Not sure if you should ever use a #1 WW priority on a D howevever. Thanks!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Why on earth would someone drop the SF defense? Yes, I'd add them. But that's about the only time I'd use waiver position on a D.

Jeff (Montana (Miles away from the NFL))

"See if you can be a bit more patient..."Would you give the same advice to Gates owners?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I think it's foolish to drop Steven Jackson in Week 3. And Gates as well.

David Wilson (The Doghouse)

Even though I won't get many touches THursday, fantasy analysts continue to tout me as the back to have long term. Is this based on anything or just analysts trying to feel better about being 100% wrong about the Giants' depth chart?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I admit I'm wrong plenty and couldn't care less about what I said about the Giants depth chart in August. Things change. I did not see Andre Brown becoming relevant. But how do you know how many touches Wilson gets Thursday? You have no idea. Wilson is not a good play this week, but things change.

Dave (DC)

Thanks for replying. Not trying to defend Morris or knock you. You're hardly the only one beating the DON'T TRUST SHANAHAN!!! drum. It just seems weird to me. Nobody in the world saw Andre Brown coming; but you never hear DON'T TRUST COUGHLIN!!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Most coaches have a system, a track record of doing things a certain way, a consistency about them. And then there's Shanahan. Does that mean Morris won't get 1,200 yards? Of course it is possible. We're just dealing with probabilities here based on what we've seen and know. Yes, things change.

0-2 (roughing it)

better side of this trade - S. Jax and Deangelo for Stevan Ridley?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Don't give up on Jackson. He's going to be very good and this is not a serious injury. Keep Jax and DeAngelo.

Mike (San Diego)

Aren't Charles AND Johnson going to be guys that you probably just need to bench for foreseeable future? I still think they're going to go off one of these weeks, but I own both and am ready to accept the fact that they'll be on my bench when it happens.

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

It is tough to play them both on the same team and risk getting nothing, but if you just guess and guess wrong... then what? Yes, in a perfect fantasy world, you'd have one safe guy.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

DMC/Titus for SJax/Torrey in a PPR...what side would you prefer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Jax/Torrey. I'm not giving up on Titus yet, but something's wrong there.

Aaron (Elkhart (IN))

You're preaching "too early to panic" on CJ0K, so even more patience is warranted with McFadden I'm assuming?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Absolutely. I don't dump stocks after two weeks either.

Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis)

Am I too old to trust long term? Should owners try to trade me now while my value is high?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I don't see how his age has any bearing here whatsoever. On Turner it does. On a WR, nope.

Steve (NYC)

Better RB pickup for the rest of the season - Mikel LeShoure, Jacquizz Rodgers, or Daryl Richardson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Leshoure is the only one there I see making an impact.

Joe (MN)

You mentioned earlier that you like Doug Martin but so far only 3.7 YPC. Do you think he can finish the year as a top 10 back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I would like to see more than 44 carries before judging Martin harshly.

Sean (NY)

Not sure where all this LeShoure love is coming from.. think he is waaaay too overhyped and will probably be a bust

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

We think he will get opportunity. That's more than half the battle, frankly.

Artie Lang (NY)

Do you trust Andre Brown tomorrow over the likes of McGahee who plays against a tough Houston Def?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Trust? Not a bit. Would it be surprising if Brown outperforms McGahee? No. But that's out of our hands. McGahee is a better player, regardless of opponent.

Brian (Wichita)

What is Jason Witten's value right now? Say, would you deal him for someone like Cedric Benson or Jonathan Stewart?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Tight end is so deep that yeah, to get a flex worthy RB, I'd move him.

Jeff (Rochester, NY)

Adrian Peterson is ranked higher than Sproles this week. Really? Even with one going against SF and one going against KC?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

And after Week 1 when Peterson scored 2 TDs everyone loved him. SO reactive. Hey, those are my rankings. I like 'em both. I consider matchups but they aren't everything.

Andy (Lawrence, MA)

Which one of these 4 WRs would you start this week? Amendola, Dez Bryant, Colston, or LaFell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Colston was easily best in my rankings. Are people actually worried about the Saints offense?

Pats (nv)

I jumped on the Ogletree and McCluster bandwagon. Time to get off?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

After one week? No. Be patient.

Joe (Philly)

thinking of trying to get fitz as a buy low. would you trade a guy like garcon for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Nice to see that some people understand how this works! YES!

Frank the Tank (Pittsburgh)

Andre Brown....Start over Turner,Wells,Peterson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I think you should start Andre Brown over Arian Foster, Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy, too. #sarcasm

Jeff (Rochester, NY)

Does Brandon Lloyd finally get in the endzone this week? BAL D not as invincible as it used to be

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Yes, I think Lloyd's going to emerge and agree that Baltimore can be thrown on.

Bill Peterson (Atlanta)

haha I can completely understand why, but all of you FF experts seem to get more and more sarcastic and annoyed as these chats go on.

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

I am not the least bit annoyed. This stuff is entertaining. Sarcastic, sure...

Reggie Bush (Miami)

Why don't people believe me when I say I will claim the rushing title..especially considering my performance so far?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

It's really not a crazy proposition. Makes me wonder why the Saints didn't use him a different way... or perhaps Bush didn't want to be used that way.

John Mayberry Jr. (Chasing the Cards)

Are you starting Marcellus Bennet in PPR tomorrow or waiting on Gates (possibly) Sunday?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Starting Bennett in that case is not crazy at all. Yes, I would probably do that.

Office Space (Jump to Conclusions Mat)

CJ Spiller has taken the starting RB job...this is NOT a foregone conclusion?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Before Week 2 when I wrote and said repeatedly that Jackson wouldn't get his job back, there was revolt. Now, not so much...

James (A Giant Peach)

What's up with Torrey Smith?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I still feel OK about him. Better than I do about Titus Young.

Tre (St. Louis)

You think Ryan Matthews is back this week? Not a huge Andre Brown fan, but wonder if the prudent move would be to start Andre this week with the uncertainty around Matthews?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

That is reasonable. I just think Brown is a limited player and Wilson will get chances, too. And in a week, it's back to Bradshaw.

Sean (NY)

What if Spiller puts up 18-50-0 and 14-55-0 the next 2 weeks

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Then it all changes again. And we'll be here to chronicle it.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, that is all the time I have been given for this chat, so thank you for showing up and asking questions and having some fun. We couldn't do this fine work without you guys and gals. Have a great day, best of luck in Week 3 and beyond and look for another chat tomorrow and Friday! Adios!