Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session. I am Eric, and we've got a lot to discuss as we head into Week 9 of the football season. Hope you and yours are safe after the storm of this week. Thanks for showing up. OK, let's get going!

Josh (Iowa)

Any concerns with JMail moving forward or do you think they will make it a point to get him more involved. So silly to not utilize the best offensive player on your team!

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Yeah, I would be surprised if Jamaal Charles doesn't see many touches this week. What an embarrassment that the coach of the team can't explain why his running back got five carries. Ridiculous. That said, Charles didn't make my top 10 this week. There is downside.

Brian Harrington (Seattle)

.5 PPR: Does this change your ranking of BGE v. Dwyer? Spiller safe to start against Houston in same format?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Not really. I'd go Spiller over both, even in a tough matchup, and then Green-Ellis, even though he is not a factor in the pass game.

Avery (San Francisco (World Champs!))

In the event that Redman is the only healthy RB and starts for Pittsburgh, would you play him at flex over Cobb?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Certainly possible, but it's tough to trust Redman even if he's the last man standing, so to speak. I'd go Cobb.

Jeff (NY)

Can I drop either the Seattle or Houston D for Titus Young? Any preference?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I suppose you don't need both defenses, but seeing as each is among the top 3 or 4 in the league, I'd try to trade one. I'd drop Seattle before Houston.

Devin (Tampa)

What is Ridley's trade value right now? I have tried to dump him all season with no takers. What type of player do you think is fair for rhim at this point?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

It's the fear of Belichick and him having other options on the roster. The reason I'd move Ridley is the Patriots' schedule. It's challenging. Value should be another top-20 running back or wide receiver, at the least.

Andy Reid (Bourbon Street)

What your feeling on how the Vick saga plays out? Trade Vick, AJ Green,SJax for Romo, Ridley, Nicks? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Lot of question marks in that trade, eh? I think Vick will continue to play well enough to be a borderline fantasy play, but badly enough to always be under consideration for replacement. Not a big fan of the Romo side of that trade though.

albert (texas, hazmat class)

TE is on a bye so options are Olson, Rudolph, Chandler this is a PPR league, please help me our before I get on my class A suit.

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Nicely done. I'd say Rudolph, though he appears all or nothing. Chance it could be all this week.

Brian (Chicago)

I saw that Larry Fitzgerald really took a hit in the rankings this week. He has been disappointing but do I really bench Fitz and play Denarius Moore instead? My other starters are V. Jackson and Wallace.

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Depends what you're comfortable with. I ranked Moore well and he does have touchdowns in 4 of 5 games, and another nice matchup this week. So yeah... I'd sit Fitz.

Big Truck (MN)

I need to bench one WR....D. Moore, Maclin or V. Jackson

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I'd sit Maclin. Yes, the Saints are brutal defensively... Eagles aren't so hot offensively, either.

That other Eric (Charlotte, NC)

I am wondering why Josh Freeman is not ranked a little higher this week. The guy is on fire right now, and is playing against an Oakland team that Big Ben threw 4 TD's on. His he fool's gold?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I thought about top 10, but stopped a bit short. But yeah, the case can be made. He's been great for 3 weeks.

kevin (syracuse)

Leshoure or Titus Young for a flex play this week (hey it's a 14-team league and I'm 5-2!)? Leshoure has been projected for more each but it hasn't been happening.......

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Flex ranks out Thursday but I would think based on where I ranked them at their respective positions that Leshoure would get the nod. Yes, he hasn't done much lately, but he's getting plenty of touches. And interestingly enough, the acquisition of Mike Thomas from the Jags could affect both these guys. Rumor is Thomas could see time out of the backfield, but more for screen passes like Jahvid Best used to do.

Hakeem Nicks (Victor's Shadow)

Will I be more than a WR3 this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I sure hope so. He's not showing much. I'm thinking he's not close to 100 percent healthy.

Eric (CO)

With the likelihood that MJD comes back in a month or so, do you like Jonathan Stewart over Rashad Jennings?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Not really. Jones-Drew will still be a bit risky when he returns. Stewart has been the main back before and this year, the way Cam is playing, he's doing nothing with it.

Rusty (Maine)

Trade Lloyd and Dwyer to a guy who needs help at RB for Julio Jones? I'd still have Willis and JMail at RB.

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Absolutely. Perfect time to sell high on both Lloyd and Dwyer.

James (A Giant Peach)

Is Tanner worth holding onto through waivers to see if he maybe gets the start today, or just move on?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

He's worth owning in a deeper league. It's hard to tell if he can actually play well, because he hasn't done it yet.

kramer (anytown)

titus young a weekly flex sound about right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Can't say I view anyone as a weekly flex, to be honest. If they're not good enough to be a fantasy starter, I re-evaluate every week. And in a tough matchup, can't say for sure Young is a weekly anything. It was one game.

Ryan (Reno)

First time fantasy player. I'm sitting in first or second in each of my leagues; so at what point should i start looking to make trades based on fantasy playoff schedule? Should i target guys like McGahee who have great matchups

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I think by November, which is tomorrow, it's time to look ahead. And McGahee/Broncos are wise to deal for. But don't uproot the team, either.

Dan (Milford)

Would you deal Marshall for Miles Austin and Kenny Britt? I'm short a WR this week, the wire only has scraps, and I need to win or else I'm probably out of the playoffs. PPR.

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I see your point/issue, but it's not really a good trade. Britt doesn't have a good matchup. I'd find that diamond in the rough and keep Marshall around. He could do more than those guys combined.

Pat (Stuck in an Airport)

Brady on bye - Weeden or R. Wilson? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

I think Weeden. He's played better, and it's not like the Ravens have been great defensively.

JT (NC)

Am I getting to cute thinking of playing Freeman over Eli?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Based on these matchups and recent numbers, I'd say no, it's not overthinking. I thought about it for the rankings.

Pablo (Santa Fe)

Hi EK, Do you put any credence into Julio's numbers home vs. away? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I do not. I don't think playing in a dome is really a skill. Coincidence, random schedule, how each game goes, etc.

Bill Peterson (Atlanta)

What should Doug Martin owners do about the Carl Nicks injury? Sell High or Sit Tight

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Seen a lot of people worried about this. He's the injured Tampa Bay guard. Martin will still get his numbers.

Ryan (Orlando)

JStew ROS? Any chance he is high end RB2?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Always a chance, but he hasn't shown much. It's nice he's getting more opportunity, and this week the matchup is kinder.

Don (Cali)

EK, what are your thoughts on playing both FJax and Spiller (Mendy and MJD are my other RBs)? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

It's an easier decision when you don't really have much of a choice! Sure!

Chris (Work)

Do I hold on to Rivers because I hope he comes back into shape or pick up Freeman hoping he continues his run?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I'm moving on from Rivers. He's a mess.

Jonesly (Carolina's)

What do you think of Julio Jones the rest of the way?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Nothing's changed. He just doesn't put up big stats each week. He's inconsistent.

Ryan Braun (MVP)

Why is Buster Posey going to be chosen over me. San Francisco won because of Team effort. Also why is Trout and Harper getting more 1st round love than me. I am the hammering hebrew.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

You sure are! But you know why Posey will win MVP and not Braun. Nobody can measure what's going on in Braun's body, but people think they know. It's ridiculous. Frankly, all the voting stuff in baseball is a joke. If Trout isn't a Gold Glove winner, and Bourn too, then it's impossible to take Gold Glove award seriously. So I don't.

Tone (SF)

How do I trust Cam Newton over Freeman when Newton has been bad all season and Freeman is rolling?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

You can make the case based on matchup, but I agree, it's tough to rely on Newton. He has had a few good games though. He's not Philip Rivers after all.

Based (God)

Should I stick with Tony Romo this weekend or pick someone up, such as Brandon Weeden or Ryan Fitzpatrick?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Romo still had nice numbers last week for fantasy, despite the interceptions. It's why people think Romo is a bad fantasy option; he is not bad at all. The interceptions don't erase the good statistically, just in real life.

Dan (Boston)

EK, would you bog down a roster spot with Greg Jennings at this point? Would you drop him for, say, Broyles?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I'd try to wait it out and hope by Thanksgiving a healthy Jennings is a WR1 again. No guarantees on Broyles.

Arian Foster (Running Lanes)

Over/Under 1,000,000 points (fantasy or otherwise) for me this weekend?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Pretty much every time a top player has a great matchup, it disappoints in fantasy. But enjoy the 24 points!

Daniel (Ga.)

Usually always a close call weekly but week 9--Peyton/RG3?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

If I owned Peyton I don't know how I'd sit him at all.

Mike (State College PA)

What are your thoughts on Bradshaw ROS? Between his foot and A Brown vulturing touchdowns I'm wondering if I should sell.

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Not sure how much you can get. I'd think everyone knows about the Giants situation. But another top 20 RB, sure, go for it.

Drew (Work)

Go Sixers!!! Would you trade Charles + Felix for Arian?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

In a minute. And yeah, go Sixers! The road to 45 wins starts tonight!

James (A Giant Peach)

Do you think James Starks gets a legit shot? Many pointed at Starks as a big reason the Packers got to and through the playoffs when they won it all... I think McCarthy will remember that

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

I don't. I think the Packers are aware Starks isn't that good. Green is the guy, even at 2 yards per rush.

Matt (Columbus)

EK, I have welker on a bye this week. would you start heyward-bey at wr2? I have mcfadden as a RB. Or should I pick up Lafell. I know neither is a great option

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I ranked Hey-Bey and LaFell similarly. I'd probably just go with Hey-Bey.

Trick or Treat? (Your front porch)

Would you trade a Baby Ruth (Babe Ruth) in a dynasty league for an Oh Henry (Henry Rodriguez) and Skittles (Marshawn Lynch)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Hmmm... probably not. Not a skittles guy. Kit Kats, oh yeah!

Patrick (Cambridge (MA))

What is going on with Gates...1 good game all season...do I mortgage the future (draft picks) for Jimmy Grum?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

If you can win now, I always trade draft picks for that. Flags fly forever. And the draft is always overrated in a keeper league after the top rookies.

Shhhh.... (hiding at work)

Was offered Ryan Matthews for Colston in a PPR league. What are your thoughts on this trade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Mathews has major upside, but isn't as safe, and I'd be concerned his catches will remain low. But still... borderline top 10 RB for WR, it's generally the RB.

Arian Foster (Houston)

24 im going for 50 against the no defense Bills.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

24 at the half and then Justin Forsett gets 16! You know it never works out quite this way!

lop (johnson)

Is the categorization of players into WR1, WR2, etc. just arbitrary? Or is WR1 like the top 10 guys, WR2 10-20 and so on?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Well, in a way ALL of this is arbitrary, but yeah, when we say RB1 it's the 1-10 guys, assuming a standard 10-team league. And RB2 would be 11-20.

Stephen (NY)

is a dez bryant for mike turner trade asking too much? (i would be trading bryant)

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I would say no, it's relatively even.

Mr Anderson (VA)

Drop Pierre Garcon for M. Vick? Someone just dropped Vick today. Absurd. Have Stafford as well.

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Makes sense, but then again, are you going to sit Stafford? Do you need WR depth? Can you trade Vick? I don't think Garcon matters for another few weeks.

Jason (Ottawa Canada)

Ballard has one good play and now it's a RBBC in Indy? Donald Brown is the starter right? Flex this week...Brown, Alex Green or Stevie Johnson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Well, Ballard was more than that one good play. And yeah, the Colts are going to have them share touches. I'd say Brown over Green here.

Brad (Pa)

Ek, Deangelo Williams is on the waiver wire. How much $$ should I shell out hoping a contender picks him up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

He isn't getting dealt. Take the shot, but this is a lost season.

Matt (Columbus)

Celek is on the waiver wire right now and I have jared cook and Tamme. Should I roll with I got or use my number 2 waiver claim on celek? or wait till he clears waivers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

What's so special about Celek? I'd roll with what you've got. All were ranked in the same area by us.

Freddy Kruger (Elm St.)

One, two, I need a answer from you. Three, four, I need to score. Five, six, does Broyles get in the mix? Seven, eight, or is it DHB's fate? Nine, ten, or start Boldin again?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

That's very well done. I'd go Boldin, personally.

Eric (Tx)

Dwyer or Titus Young. Who's the better pick-up ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I don't think either is safe for playing time, but it's tougher to make the case for Dwyer.

Playoffs? Playoffs! (1st place)

What do you think about trading Matt Forte for Mcgahee and Shonn Greene to prepare for the playoffs wk 13-15. Im thin on RB with Forte CJ BGE and Alex Green. If I do the trade I have 3 RBs with pretty good playoff schedules, but I'm without a true number 1 back. What do you think?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I don't think it matters having a "true No. 1 RB" but I can't see a scenario where I'd rely on Green in the playoffs. Forte over McGahee but slightly. Go for it if you'd actually use Greene.

Gurpreet (Canada)

Will Cedric Bensen come back for fan playoffs ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Sounds like a topic for this week's sneaky pickups blog! It's possible. And if he's healthy, likely.

Kevin (iowa)

Eric- what is your take on teams mathematically eliminated from playoff contention making trades in a non keeper league. Trade submitted between 0-8 owner who hasn't even set a valid lineup every week and a 4-4 team. 0-8 gives Brees, Steven Jackson, and drops Anquan Boldin, 4-4 gives Charles, Schaub, and Des Jackson

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Case can be made with Charles coming back, but in general I don't like this done in restart leagues. In keepers it's easier to justify. But unless you can prove collusion, how can it be shot down?

Kevin (Arkansas)

Reggie hasn't looked the same since the week 3 knee injury. Not to mention Daniel Thomas getting quite a bit of work. Stick with Bush against the Colts this week, or take a chance with Maclin on MNF?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

You're right, Bush has been quiet, and fantasy owners can't be pleased with him. But I'd still use him this week over Mac.

Ryan (Orlando)

HELP..... Do I try and get whatever I can for Vick now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Been saying this for literally six weeks.

Nate ((Disaster area) )

Being that there is a tree in my living room suddenly the decision to start Leshoure or Alex Green in the flex seems of little importance. Give me power then give me a decision.

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

You're not alone. Scary week here in the northeast. I'd go Leshoure and I wish you and your family well. At least you're safe, right?

Bob (IL)

What kind of value should I expect for calvin johnson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Top 10 WR or RB, right? He's still a wonderful talent but clearly the knee injury has mattered.

Avi (Boston)

Do you think this trade should have been vetoed in my league or should it have been left alone and let go through because 2 guys can make decision for themselves and know what they are doing. It was D. Martin, Dwyer, M. Lewis, and A. Roberts for J. Jones and CJ2K

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I rarely veto trades. I rarely play in leagues in which a trade can be vetoed. They pay their money to play... whatever. The trade you reference seems OK enough.

RJ (Denver)

Sorry, a follow on to the Vick question you just got... Say Vick plays well (300 total yards and 2 TD's) against the Saints but Eagles still lose. Is he headed to the bench? Is this an issue of his stat line or the Eagles winning?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

It's both. Andy Reid can make the case that he's rebuilding and perhaps keep his job that way. I could see that. If Eagles are 4-7, I just don't see Vick returning in 2013, so why would the Eagles play him?

Mike (Louisville)

Leshoure is averaging over 4 yards per carry and catches the ball. It seems like every game they stop giving him the ball, even when they are not trailing big (obvious passing situation). I understand last game he may have been injured but this has been a theme since week 4. What gives?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

They want Stafford throwing 40 times per game. Leshoure doesn't have competition. He's fine. This is the way it should continue.

Faking (Working)

Do you feel any NFL players will br traded by tomorrow's deadline (other than Jax's Thomas)? if so, who?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Trades rarely happen. I don't see anything obvious.

Judy (Zuni)

Sanchez just looks so defeated. What week does TebowTime begin?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I don't see it happening soon. Jets are still "contending".

Brad (Delaware)

Please answer a question about Cobb!! How much do you like him ROS? Start over Steve Johnson this week?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Certainly reasonable. But Fitzpatrick throws a lot...

Marcos (San Antonio)

I have Eric Decker and you have Darren McFadden. Wanna trade? Who has the better schedule ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I will take McFadden.

Geoff (Denver)

When considering a trade - should I only concern about whether my team improves or should I also think about how my potential opponent improves too?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Worry about your team, but use the second part of your sentence to help the first part. Convince the other guy he really, really needs Michael Vick. Somehow.

Eric (CO)

Would you rather "pay up" and try to buy low on Megatron or aim lower and pay less for the likes of Steve Smith?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I would not trade for Megatron as if he's still the top WR in fantasy. Because he's not. I would buy low within reason, but I'm thinking anyone that took Calvin in round 1 isn't selling on the cheap.

New Orlean Saints (Offense)

should I be hesitant to start Colston and Graham each week. There are only so many passes and TDs to go around. 12 team PPR

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

That is not a case where I'd worry. On 25 other teams starting the WR and TE is not wise though.

Sean (NY)

What do you think of Cecil Shorts in a PPR league

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Hasn't reached WR3 status yet, but he's closing in. Will be interesting to see how he and Laurent Robinson coexist. But Shorts is worth owning.

Chris (Lincoln)

Someone in my league gave up on Jermichael Finley. I have Martellus Bennett. FAAB league..$1 bid or should I pay up for the potential of a bounce back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

I wouldn't bother.

Julius (Brick )

Fantasy strategy: Would you start SD defense even though I"m starting Jamaal Charles?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Probably. Can't say I'm worried about the Chiefs putting up big stats.

Ryan (Maitland)

Is Dexter McCluster the only player in ESPN leagues who is listed with two positions (RB, WR)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

No. James Casey is RB/TE. I think there are a few more.

Jeff (Los Angeles)

Just offered Fitzy and Rudolph for Graham.. thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Perhaps an overpay, but I can argue that Graham will be the best player in the trade.

Ben (Atlanta)

How do you prioritize volume of touches (e.g. Stewart) vs. talent/upside (e.g. Spiller)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

It's never an exact science. I'd go Spiller 9 outta 10 times here.

Robert (DC)

BASEBALL!! Dynasty keeper: F. Freeman or Jay Bruce?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Bruce. More power and doesn't play 1B, which is deep.

Eric (CO)

Baseball!! Like Chris Sale as a 20th round protection next year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Great value!

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Well, that's about all the time we have for this week, so I thank you all for showing up, asking questions, being cool. Enjoy your week and best of luck to all in Week 9 and the rest of the season.