|
ESPN: SportsNation |
Good morning everyone! Football's underway and baseball's hitting those critical weeks, so whatever question you have, either sport, please, feel free! Let's get started...
I had Kolb, and wasn't able to grab Vick off waivers. Who should I start this week between McNabb and Orton?
Sorry to hear that, Mike, though I'm in the same boat, missed out on waiver rank. I don't regard either alternative at a top-10 play, but give me Kyle Orton against the Seahawks. I'm a little more encouraged by how well he hooked up with his receivers in Week 1.
do you think i step it up this weekend?
I thought you only did shows Monday through Thursday, and were on vacation like eight weeks a year? Wait, oh, that's the TV show. All kidding aside, Stewart has a tremendous history against the Bucs. Three games in a row with 100 rushing yards, each with a score. Plus, the Bucs lack a dominant run defense (theirs is far from it). I expect a rebound, but in low-No. 2/flex-play status.
I've been offered S. Greene and S. Smith (NYG) for F. Jones and S. Smith (CAR). What do you think?
I'm souring quickly on Shonn Greene but it's not like I see him dropping beneath Felix Jones value. Both are in timeshares. Greene probably gets more overall touches, so I'd take his side. The Smiths shouldn't be much different in terms of overall production.
You guys always say RB is better than WR in Flex spot, because of guaranteed touches. But what about in PPR? Ocho or Brandon Jackson?
I don't say "always," I say "all things equal, take the running back." In PPR, it's not necessarily equal, because that brings wide receiver value more in line with running back, particularly once you get past the very top tier. I think those plays are close, but I don't have a lot of respect for the Bills' run defense and Jackson is about the only thing the Packers have going for them right now. It's still him, an "all things equal" decision.
Tristan, what is a good auction value for Brandon Jackson?
In a league that hasn't drafted yet? A FAAB pickup? I think he's a flex-play/depth running back, i.e. sub-Felix Jones value and probably close to what LaDainian Tomlinson sold for. Ballpark number that pops into my head, he's a $10 player in a $200 format, probably. Maybe teens. As for FAAB, in a $100 system, I do think he's worth a hefty bid, in the $25-40 range. He's a starter after all.
Encouraged by Orton. Would you want Orton over Henne for your weekly fill in for Flacco?
Over Chad Henne, yes, but may I ask: Why would you want to sit Joe Flacco for either? The Jets gave him fits by pressuring him, but I don't look at the Bengals and see quite the same caliber personnel in that department. I think Flacco gets more time to throw this week, and the numbers rebound, to better levels than your alternatives.
Whats the latest on V. Jackson? Will he be suspended 3 extra games? Do the Vikes have a shot in signing him?
We just have to wait for the ruling, but I bet we hear something later today. I'm still pretty anti-Vincent Jackson. I don't think you take a guy like that, plop him into a new team and assume he hits the ground running. More likely, there's a bit of an adjustment period. Let's put it this way: While I had sincere doubts that Jackson would be useful before about Thanksgiving in mid-August, today I think he could be useful around, say, Week 6. But that's still not a substantial upgrade. I'd love to see him in Minnesota, but let's not get carried away.
BASEBALL!!! Can I still trust the Sox SPs Floyd and E.Jax in the fantasy playoffs? Pick 2 to start from Floyd (2 starts), E.Jax, Bud Norris (2 Starts), Brett Anderson, and E. Volquez.
I'm iffier on both than I was a few weeks ago, but I've also been fairly anti-Jackson for much of the year. I like Gavin Floyd's matchups; @OAK, @LAA, those are favorable. Give him a shot, at least in larger leagues. Jackson @OAK also seems OK to me. Brett Anderson is a must-play, however, so I'm going Floyd and Anderson.
Safe to try and trade Nicks to capitalize on the 3 score game? Or is he the new #1 for NYG?
If you can capitalize upon the game, trading him as a top-15 caliber wide receiver or "the guy" who gets all of Eli Manning's throws, by all means sell high. That said, I'm a Nicks fan. He could get into the top 20, there will be weeks you're happy to have him (other than this past one I mean, though perhaps never quite to that level again), but the underlying numbers from Week 1 say that he's really not the "new No. 1" any more than Steve Smith or even Mario Manningham might be. (It's Smith, to be clear.)
Would you suggest considering Cooley over Whitten in a PPR league as the regular starter? The 'boys just don't seem to be using Whitten like they used to and McNabb looks like he could rely on Cooley heavily?
I think it's fair to, at least in the immediate future, make that swap. Jason Witten was held back to block a bit too often in Week 1 to be a PPR beast, which is essentially the reason you picked him (that he's a PPR beast, not that he was blocking).
Worried about Randy at all spending his sunday on Revis Island?
No.
Should i start Forte or Bradshaw in my flex spot?
I can make the case Ahmad Bradshaw belongs in there because the Colts are THAT bad defending the run, and overall with Bob Sanders hurt, but I'd also caution not to get TOO overzealous with matchups in future weeks. Neither one is a top-shelf play, and both are similarly ranked, as No. 2 backs. Just a tad more upside with Bradshaw, who seems the guy in the Giants' backfield now.
Someone dropped Celic in my league. I already have Antonio Gates, should I drop Sidney Rice or Donald Brown for Celic?
I'd drop either one, but Brown would go, because the guy has yet to show he can block even a lick. Until he does, he's not going to get close to enough touches to matter unless Joseph Addai suffers catastrophic injury.
What is your take for Justin Upton as a keeper? Still a high keeper right?
Yes if only because he's still young, still has loads of upside and even in a down year has the numbers to justify chancing the breakout comes in 2011. But let's face it, Upton has been a disappointment in 2010, I was wrong on him and he can't be termed close to a first-rounder. I can make the top-25 case overall, at least in a keeper league, but let's not go crazy and rank higher.
Follow up on Vincent Jackson situation. Do you see him as a better bench filler WR for the first half of a season than a Dexter McCluster whose role (hopefully) increases across the season?
Yes, but only because I don't speculate upon return numbers. Devin Hester is a perfect example; I'm sorry, for all his exploits in the return game during his best years, he really never made a significant impact in fantasy by year's end.
Better play in ppr this week Best or McCoy?
LeSean McCoy.
eli or palmer this week
Eli Manning. Colts defense doesn't scare me.
I'm planning to start Run DMC over Matt Forte this week because of matchups. Is this sensible?
They're close. If your gut says so, I won't knock it. But I see that Dallas matchup as a case where the Bears throw, throw, throw, and Forte has already shown he can make big plays in that department. I still prefer him.
Do you think the Packers could land Lynch, and if so how does that effect his fantasy value? Is it worth the pick-up based on rumor.
I heard that rumor but understand that trades aren't especially easy to get done in-season, and I think the Bills recognize Lynch's value, so they're going to command a hefty price. To answer this, it'd be significant for his fantasy value. The guy, to me, has more skills than Brandon Jackson. But in the early stages, I bet they'd split the chores while Lynch gets acclimated.
Hightower or LT?
Tim Hightower is on my bench this week unless Beanie Wells gets ruled out.
What's it going to take for the chiefs to let jamaal charles run wild?
I hope not catastrophic injury to Thomas Jones, because I won't root for injuries. Maybe a few losses will have the Chiefs wising up.
Whats your take on starting your D/ST vs your QB?? I have Brady and the Jets D, but think the Chargers are a better play this week...agree?
I understand that strategy, but don't really support it, not when you're talking about two players (or the defense, in this case) that represent the most skilled at their respective positions. I think you, for the most part, play your most talented players, matchups be damned. If you want to argue that the Jets have some key injuries on defense and that detracts from their matchup, while the Jaguars head west and have a shaky road history, OK, that's a fair point. But I'm going Brady and I'm going Jets. There's nothing in that Patriots backfield to scare me, and when you consider defenses going against your quarterback, remember that there's so much more that goes into a matchup than JUST the quarterback. Brady can be good enough, Jets good enough.
What are vick's chances of keeping the starting job after he lights up detriot?
I hate answering a question with a question, but it's a fair point: (Flash back to this date in 2009) What are Kolb's chances of keeping the starting job after he's lights out in Weeks 2-3? Donovan McNabb got it back regardless, and I think Andy Reid made his pick at the position and isn't going to change his mind based upon one week's results. That said, if Kolb misses a month-plus, hmmm, I might be singing a different song.
Honestly people! Rankings questions here: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=10ranksWeek2QB. Stop with Brandon Jackson and Michael Vick questions. There are at least 4 articles on it here http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage/football. Real question time. Buy low, sell high. Give up Matt Forte to get Michael Turner in a PPR league?
Well, maybe they want my opinion too, since I'm not on there, but it's a good place to also look for your weekly lineup queries. I'm not saying I won't accept lineup questions. But the Forte-Turner question is a good one; I think Turner is overrated in the format and I don't trust him to stay healthy and productive for 16 games. I'd go Forte here.
Who would you drop to pick up an IDP this week: Kolb, Owen Daniels or Fred Jackson? I already have Flacco and Zach Miller at QB and TE, respectively.
I don't want anyone to take this as a knock on the guy, because I think he's got definite value in future weeks, but I think Daniels is a guy you could potentially drop yet get back after you've "rented" your IDP for the week. He was expected to start slow coming off such a significant injury, and if that keeps up, I doubt people will be racing to claim him.
how do u think the Maroney trade affects Fred Taylor's value? Bye week fill-in going forward?
It makes him a more stable starter, yes, but the Patriots don't traditionally lean upon their running backs and there are other options there who will spell him, considering his age and career workload. You're about right with your assessment, but I will say that I want zero part of him this week against the Jets.
Tristan I need a sleeper defense off my waiver wire. I don't trust my 49er def against Brees and company. Could you give me a few suggestions please...
I don't either, especially not after that miserable Week 1. Houston (@WAS), Carolina (vs. TB), Cleveland (vs. KC).
Lost Kolb...and now I need a replacement btwn..ugh...Freeman & Campbell. I'm leaning towards campbell since he has STL
David Garrard and Kyle Orton gone? If so, ugh, I suppose Jason Campbell, but that's not a ringing endorsement. I'd be using him in two-quarterback leagues, I'll say that.
Harvin, Clayton or Naanee (boo boo) this week?
I expect a Percy Harvin bounce-back, as well as one for the Vikings as a whole, this week. It's him, though if I'm ranking the second, I'll take Legedu Naanee against the Jags.
Approaching innings limit, so have to pick-and-choose my starts. How do you feel about Westbrook vs the Pads tonite?
He's in my lineup as a streamer.
Thoughts on Michael Bush...?
I think Darren McFadden's 2010 debut was a real plus for him, as it's going to give him several more chances as a workhorse. That said, I still think Bush factors into that backfield. McFadden has been so disappointing for so long, I think he's a sell-high guy, mainly because the first instant he struggles, which I imagine he will, Bush is going to get a look. Still a sleeper, stash him away if you have deep enough benches.
What do you expect from Arain Foster this week? For the rest of the season?
This week: Borderline top-10 numbers, it's a good enough matchup but not to the levels of Week 1 against Indy. He'll start for everyone -- partly because everyone is now expecting the world -- but I think there are better choices. Rest of the season: I ranked him what, in the teens, in my re-ranks on Tuesday? (You can check there for my full-season thoughts each week.) I think it's dangerous to start expecting games like that one. The matchup was SO stacked in his favor. If it did anything, it was cement his starter's status with the potential for 15-20 carries a week. And that makes him a definite No. 2 back, and he's got top-10 upside. But I won't crown him 2010's best running back, not yet. It's one game.
I don't know what to make of Mendenhall? Last week would have been extremely mediocre if not for the OT homerun. Would you start him in a PPR over Charles, McCoy, or Bradshaw? I think the Titans D just might shut him down this week with Dixon at QB.
Max Starks reports are more positive than I expected, but I still believe he's out for Week 2, which keeps Mendenhall a borderline No. 1/2 back for the week, in the Arian Foster range. I'd definitely use him over Ahmad Bradshaw, yes, accounting for the PPR scoring as well as the fact that the Giants might be put into passing situations early and often.
lightning round: Morneau coming back this year?
He's hoping, but if he does, I think playoffs at best. In other words, meaningless for fantasy.
BJax or Bradshaw this week?
Bradshaw.
Should I start clayton, colston, or boldin? Clayton did have 16 targets in week one and week 2 is vs the raiders.
Let's not get TOO creative this soon. Clayton sits. It's Colston.
Who is the better start at RB in Cle? Hillis or Harrison
I wouldn't use either one this week. Eric Mangini was way too unpredictable with the position the final month of last year, and then again in Week 1 of this. Watch, Jerome Harrison gets 20 carries this week and goes off. If you MUST pick from this backfield, I'm sticking to my guns, it's Harrison's gig. Hillis didn't impress me as much as the numbers hint.
DJax or Hines Ward this week?
DeSean Jackson, but I wouldn't be scared to use Hines Ward in most cases.
Will Lawrence Tynes kick ass this week?
Well, he'll kick, I can say that!
What D/St would you take Atl, Clev, or Hou?
Houston. I liked what I saw from the Texans' defense, considering how difficult that matchup against the Colts. The Redskins are not nearly as potent offensively. Nice sleeper pick here.
Thunder Round: Side A- Schaub/Crabtree or Side B- M. Ryan/R. Moss
Fair trade that is. But give me the latter, because generally speaking, I think Randy Moss is the most irreplaceable commodity in that entire trade.
Flacco for Benson?
I'm iffy on Cedric Benson, but that's still good value. If you do it, I'd advise you handcuff him with Bernard Scott.
Carmona or Volquez...feel comfortable starting either of them?
Not really.
Pick one to bench this week: S. Smith vs IND, H. Nicks vs IND, D. Bowe vs CLE, or H. Ward vs TEN
Oh how I hate to play two receivers from the same team, but I'm just not that scared by those Giants matchups. I think Dwayne Bowe offers you the least upside of the bunch. I'm picking from talent over matchups here. If I MUST sit a Giant, I'm sitting Smith.
What's your take on the Denver RB situation? It seems people think Maroney is going to come in and take over. Moreno looked great in his first game back and I see more of a 70/30 split, no?
I think it'll be more like a 60/40 split, except that the 40 will be divided up between Laurence Maroney and Correll Buckhalter, the latter being the back I think most impacted by the trade. Maroney is a more valuable handcuff for Moreno owners than Buckhalter was. That's sort of the upshot in my estimation.
Wanna trade Foster for a WR. Who would be fair to target at this point?
Aim high. Greg Jennings wasn't ranked in the top five, and I think most people believe he's borderline top-10, except in my eyes he's a DEFINITE top 10. So that'd be my first attempt.
Would to start Moreno, Mccoy, or McFadden
Good spot to play LeSean McCoy. It's a favorable matchup for sure, after all.
With Grant out, how does that affect the GB passing game and Jennings and Finley in particular?
That's a very good question, Trent, but I'll say that I'm not terribly worried. The concern here is that Brandon Jackson, who simply isn't as quick as Ryan Grant, won't move the chains effectively enough and drives will stall more quickly. But still, put a little more emphasis on the passing game to account for that and I see minimal impact. Jackson, by the way, is a good blocker, so I don't see that being a minus, either. I see very little change at all, to be honest.
Thanks for hanging a little late....any problem startin both Car RB's this week?
Not if you lack quality alternatives. I expect bounce-back weeks. Much stronger matchup.
What kind of damage do you foresee Andre Johnson putting on Washington this week?
We project 110 yards and a score for him, but I've got a real problem with that. He TOTALLY can go for 125 yards. Seriously though, I'm in support that he goes off. I think across the board we all love him here.
Got Shonne Greene for Fred Jackson and Jabar Gaffneygood deal or great deal?
Good. It's a buy-low with a little risk being taken on. I'd have done it, but I want you to be more mindful of the waiver wire the next several days as a result. You dealt two interesting pieces and will want to continue to roster replacements in the hopes you strengthen your depth.
OK, time to wrap things up for the day. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours! Don't forget, you can always hunt me down on Twitter (@SultanofStat) -- especially pointing that out to those of you in close baseball playoff races -- if you've got questions. Best of luck to you in Week 2, and in the stretch run in baseball!