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Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Article Added 8/25/06)
Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Article Added 8/25/06)
Aug. 28, 2006, 4:03 PM
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FFL Chat: Aug 28
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By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Michael (Charlotte): Is there a clear cut backup for Chester Taylor? I'm trying to handcuff one of them to Taylor and can seem to agree on if it's Fason or Moore.
Scott Engel: (3:00 PM ET ) Good afternoon everyone!
Right now Fason is second on the depth chart, and recently returned to practice from an injury.
Dustin (Los Angeles, CA): If Branch somehow makes his way to the frozen tundra of Vikingland, how are the values of Branch, Chad Jackson, and Troy Williamson changed? Thanks.
Scott Engel: (3:02 PM ET ) I see only an outside shot of that happening - It would raise the value of Williamson as he wouldn't be burdened by being a No. 1 WR - Chad Jackson isn't ready to step up yet- Bardy could throw more to TEs, RBs and spread the ball among a few WRs
Erik(St. Pete): With the injury to Greg Jones who becomes the Jag's 2nd string RB? I need a back I can handcuff to Taylor.
Scott Engel: (3:04 PM ET ) It's really uncertain right now, as if Taylor goes down, Maurice Drew is too small to carry regularly, and Toefield doesn't have upside. Derrick Wimbush could be good for some scores. There is no clear handcuff. If Taylor goes down, it could ne a three-man committee
Danny (Dallas, TX): Aren't we undervaluing the Redskins trade for T.J. Duckett? I feel like they brought him in to take away goal line carries from Portis to reduce the risk of injury. This should definately drop Portis out of the top 10. Wouldn't a more realistic year from Portis be 1200 yards and 5 touchdowns...near the same value of a Willie Parker, Tatum Bell, or DeShaun Foster from 2005?
Scott Engel: (3:06 PM ET ) I agree on everything but putting him in a league with Parker, Bell, etc. - good points otherwise - I have him top 12 still, because he is simply more talented than the RBs you mentioned
Bob (Phila,Pa): I think the Steelers will have trouble running the ball this year. Am I crazy thinking Roethlisberger will account for 28+ TD's?
Scott Engel: (3:07 PM ET ) Parker will at least be a regular threat,a nd that's way too high expectations for Ben. I say he throws for 23 and runs for two or three
David (Lexington): Toefield has had some success getting it into the endzone in redzone attempts though. Do you still think that he might be worth a late-late round flier?
Scott Engel: (3:08 PM ET ) Outside of short yardage, Toefield has never displaye dmuch of anything. I'd take Wimbush first, but both are worth late-round gambles
Kevin (Hawthorne, NJ): Should the Texans be worried about Dom Davis's knee? Can Lundy and/or Morency handle the "running back" by commitee role if Davis is out for an extended period?
Scott Engel: (3:09 PM ET ) From what I have heard, it might be surprising to see Davis play at all this year. I think Lundy will be more productive than Morency
Chris, DC: Hi, I'm the big dummy who had Greg Jones as his #3 back, banking on a Fred Taylor injury. Karma sucks! Any recommendations on big-upside guys who may still be available on the waiver wire?
Scott Engel: (3:10 PM ET ) You're not a dummy - no one could have predicted the injuries. Go for Maurice Hicks, Correll Buckhalter if they are still available
Josh (New Jersey): How do you respond to those who say stay away from Alexander with the top pick because of his huge workload last season. Why not LT with the top pick?
Scott Engel: (3:11 PM ET ) Alexander ha sbeen more durable than Tomlinson and I'm not going to craete worries about him when there aren't any. He's in his prime and isn't close to getting worn down yet
Stephen (Aiken,SC): Scott, I read on a different site that Toefield has been named the backup for now. Regardless of who ultimately backs Fragile Fred up, doesn't this hurt the numbers of Leftwich?
Scott Engel: (3:14 PM ET ) Drew is the manin reserve, then Pearman, with Wimbush at FB (like Jones was) and Toefield getting a shot at short yardage. Again, there is no clear handcuff. Leftwich already has a lack of receiving depth as an issue and I don't like him as a starter in fantasy
Jem (Westchester, NY): Fred Taylor seems healthy and looked good in his last preseason game. My league is touchdown heavy. With Toefield and plowing through the pile and Pearman jumping over it, will Taylor get any goal line touches? 2003 was the last time he scored more than 3 TD?s (6). Does it help him now that G. Jones is out for the season?
Scott Engel: (3:16 PM ET ) I dont think you will see pearman jumping over too many piles. Taylor is healthy for nwo and can score a few from 10-plus yards out. Doesn't help Taylor - it helps if he actually avoids injuries himself. It's clear Del Rio would prefer to give another RB goal-line chances
Alex (Sun Diego, CA): Enough with the JAX questions. If Fragile Freddy goes down, there is no fantasy value in that backfield! Scott please project all the denver RB's production this year!
Scott Engel: (3:17 PM ET ) If a lot of people are asking Jax questions, that's what we will answer.
I think Mike and Tatum could end up splitting playing time, with Mike getting close to 1,000 yards and six TD and Tatum producing much like last year
Jason (Norfolk Va): Peyton for T.O. and delhomme....good deal?
Scott Engel: (3:18 PM ET ) Not fo rthe guy giving up Peyton - why trade for Owens right now?
Paul: Long Island: Could Burner Turner end up being this years LJ? He is having a similar preseason as LJ did last year and LT appears to have durablity issues. LJ was being drafted in the 6th round last year and this year, Turner is going undrafted for the most part. What gives?
Scott Engel: (3:19 PM ET ) Turner is certainly a fien backup, but Tomlinson is more durable than Priest was and I don't see a similar situation happening
Kevin(Chicago): Hey Scott, with the Portis injury and duckett taking carries away, what does your current top 5 look like?
Scott Engel: (3:19 PM ET ) Alexander, Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, Tiki, Rudi Johnson
Dave (Dallas):: What is your opinion of Mike Williams WR Detroit? Worth a roster spot?
Scott Engel: (3:20 PM ET ) Nope - if they didn't waste a first round pick on him (Detroit) he might be off the team this year
Graig (Indianapolis): I have the first pick in my draft tonight, which is a PPR league. I'm leaning towards drafting Alexander, since there are questions about Johnson's offensive line and wheter Rivers can carry some of the load off of LT. Wise choice?
Scott Engel: (3:21 PM ET ) Yes, Alexander is the safest choice, even though I believe Tomlinson will be fine with Rivers playing QB and he's not far behind. In leagues that award a point per reception, I'd take Tomlinson
Sam Texas: Palmer is my #1 QB, backed up by Bulger and Warner. Am I set at QB?
Scott Engel: (3:23 PM ET ) Definitely - if Palmer has any recurring issues, you can use Bulger - I'd tarde warner away to fill another need
Andrew (NYC): Following the PPR theme, is LaMont a good choice at 6?
Scott Engel: (3:23 PM ET ) In any league, Jordan is a fine pick at No. 6
Mike (Charlotte, NC): Any more news on the Rams' acquisition of Stephen Davis? How will Steven Jackson numbers be affected?
Scott Engel: (3:24 PM ET ) They ofefred him a contract but there has been no word on whether he will accept. If he signs, he's just a backup and wouldn't affect Jackson's value
Mike D (Oakland, Ca.): With Mike Martz running the O in Detroit, does this open the door for Roy Williams to finally become the reciever we all wanted him to be 3 years ago?
Scott Engel: (3:25 PM ET ) It's not really about Martz - as long a sRoy stays healthy, he'll post outstanding numbers
Alexis(New Mexico): Laurence Maroney/Bears Def. for Leinart/Giants we would be exchanging backups,make the trade?
Scott Engel: (3:27 PM ET ) Trading defenses in meaningless - if its a keeper league, it's fair, though, with thte edge going to the Maroney side. Ina yearly league it's not a fair trade and the Leinart side is making a big mistake,
Mink (Houston, Tx): Do you see Michael Clayton putting up numbers comparable to or better than those of his rookie year in Tampa Bay if he says healthy?
Scott Engel: (3:29 PM ET ) I think he can approach them, but a healthy Galloway will certainly be Simms' No. 1 target. Claytonw ouldn't better his rookie numbers but he coukl rebound.
Todd (Boston): Scott, if there's a flex WR/RB position, would you recommend starting a WR or RB? My options would be between Chester Taylor, Mike Bell, David Givens, and Brandon Stokely. Thanks!
Scott Engel: (3:30 PM ET ) I always use th eRB - better chance of assured touches, especially with a pass-catching RB like Taylor
Chris (Columbus, Ohio): Hey Scott..... Who would you rather take a flyer on? Charles Rogers, Greg Jennings or Vincent Jackson? Thanx
Scott Engel: (3:31 PM ET ) Jennings for sure - he has been the buzz of Green Bay camp and could be a big sleeper
Dave M. - Devil's Island: T.O. is driving me crazy already? What is your suggestion with him? Trade him for whatever I can get now, keep him, or be patient?
Scott Engel: (3:33 PM ET ) You're not going to get fair market value for him right now - othe rpeople don't want to take on your problem - be patient, and trade him when eh plays well early in the season
Sap Motown,MI: Here were the top 11 backs taken in my league last year: LT, Alexander, Priest, McGahee, Edge, Duece, Portis, Dom Davis, Kevin Jones, Jamal Lewis & Dillon. I count 6 total busts. That doesn't mention Ahman Greeen & Julius Jones. If you have a 50-50 chance @ busts, why do you preach RB-RB so much?
Scott Engel: (3:35 PM ET ) Because as the cliche goes, hindsight is 20-20 - Randy Moss was a bust too, and javon Walker missed the season. You must start two RBs, and with so many being question marks, you can pass on a chance to get one of the top 15 or so.
Trevor (Sarasota, FL): who would you handcuff to Westbrook?
Scott Engel: (3:36 PM ET ) Right now, Buckhalter is looking very good. But I'd take Moats first
Matt (Atlanta): I'm drafting tonight, and feel pretty confident that I'm going to take the first receiver off the board in round 2. I'm down to Smith and Johnson. Which one would you take first and why?
Scott Engel: (3:38 PM ET ) Don't be sure either one will drop to you, but I'd take Johnson first - no injury concerns
Corey (Anaheim, CA): You guys always preach to put your best players on the field each week...Well I think Gore (vs. Arizona) has a better matchup than Caddy (vs. Baltimore) or Jackson (vs. Denver) in week one. Who would you sit between Jackson and Caddy?
Scott Engel: (3:40 PM ET ) Neither - any game vs. denver can be a shootout and could mean big numbers for S-Jx,a nd Baltimore's run D isn't as fearsome as it once was. I'd use Gore as a flex, but not over Jacjkson or Cadillac
CG CT: Hi Scott! I know you must participate in a large number of drafts, but have you drafted yet in your "main/favorite league? And if so, who did you get first 3 rounds?
Scott Engel: (3:42 PM ET ) yes, thanks, my main league draft was last night - and its a very large league - I ended up with Reggie Bush, Chad Johnson and Santana Moss - all the best RBs were gone ven before my first pick - so I couldnt go RB/RB as usual
Nick (Sioux Falls): Is their really any difference between guys like mcgahee/j jones and guys like taylor/dunn? Is it really a bad move to take holt in the first, and then grab taylor in the 2nd when i have a rb and wr already in my keeper league?
Scott Engel: (3:43 PM ET ) Keeper strategies are different - you don't have to go RB/RB - it depends on what you already have - I could see taking Holt in the first round of a keeper league
John (Kingston, ON): Who was your other RB to back up Bush? Did you get McAllister as well?
Scott Engel: (3:45 PM ET ) Nope - soemeone actually took Deuce in the thid - I took N\Mike Bell in the 4th, Chris Brown in the 5th and then Bnsona nd Norwood a bit later
Tim (NC): What do you expect from Javon Walker? Is he a solid #2 Receiver?
Scott Engel: (3:46 PM ET ) Certainly looks that way - I was very encouraged by his performance last night.
Jeff (Iowa): Is Addai the man in Indy?
Scott Engel: (3:47 PM ET ) I beleiev its only a matter of time before he becomes the No. 1 RB over Rhodes, who might start quickly, then fade
Joel (NC): Hey Scott...help me out! I'm drafting before the next chat!! How do you see Rudi Johnson in keeper leagues (with Chris Perry present to take an ever-increasing role)? I'm leaning towards Carnell Williams. Talk me out of it in a PPR league with 6 pts/TD...
Scott Engel: (3:48 PM ET ) Cadillac is coming out on third downs for Pittman - Chris Perry is hurt and could be headed for the pUP list - Rudi has less appeal in PPR leagues - I'd go for Jordan or Ronnie Brown if they are available
Derek (NC Do you think Reggie Brown will have a productive year for the Eagles?
Scott Engel: (3:50 PM ET ) I'm not expecting too much from him - I think he is too inexperienced to be up to the challenge of facing top cover corners every week
Jimmy (Boston): Scott, please justify putting LT over Larry Johnson in your rankings. LT was held to under 80 yards 9 times last season (10 if you count the playoffs) and some of those games were really ugly for him. I don't see any reason to believe he'll do better this year, seeing as the only change is that he lost Drew Brees. Larry Johnson on the other hand was both consistant and great last year and with the chance to start and get 25+ touches each game I just don't see how a weaker line makes him slip past LT. San Diego's line isn't exactly filled with Pro Bowlers either, is it?
Scott Engel: (3:55 PM ET ) Tomlinson is a betetr receiver than Johnson and can pad his numbers further that way. Plus, he is more proven, and while th eline isn't great, it doesn't have the issues of Kansas City - as long as there are no injuries, the unit will be solid. I liek Johnson a lot still, but Tomlinson ha snever let his owners down over the long haul. Johnson now plays behind a line with problems at tackle, injuries, and age. Let's see how he handles that over a full year before I put him ahead of Tomlinson. But if you want to take Johnson, it's certainly not an awful pick.
Melissa (MI: Would you agree that Fitz, Chad Johnson and Harrison should be considered the big 3 of the receivers in light of T.O. being T.O. and Steve Smth's injury? Would you take any of these guys beore some of the top #2 backs like Westbrook or Bush?
Scott Engel: (3:56 PM ET ) Myb "big three" now is Chad Johnson, Holt and Smith, who should return soon, Fitz is fourth. I have dropped Owens to ninth. I'd take a top No. RB first, but would glaldly take any of the top four in the second half of the second round
Paul: Long Island: How come people aren't as high on Marty Booker as they are Wilford, Jurevicious or even Ashley Lelie for that matter? Would you compare him to Terry Glenn as a number 2 WR?
Scott Engel: (3:58 PM ET ) Booker is adequate, but Glenn ha smuch more speed and yardage/TD promise when healthy. Booker is decent, much like Amani Toomer. I don't like him as a fantasy starter
Andfy (NC): Is Steve Smith's missed time more a precautionary thing for a franchise player, or is it a legit troublesome injury? Fox and Henning are downplaying it pretty big-time.
Scott Engel: (4:00 PM ET ) It's both - I won't steer cl;ear of Smith yet in drafts, but hamstring problems can linger. There is no choice but to give him rest. I still draft him third among WRs for now, though.
Thanks a lot everyone! See you tomorrow morning!
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Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Article Added 8/25/06)
Aug. 28, 2006, 4:03 PM
<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT>
FFL Chat: Aug 28
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Scott --><!-- lastName = Engel -->
By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games
<!-- begin presby2 -->
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<!-- end bylinebox -->
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->Michael (Charlotte): Is there a clear cut backup for Chester Taylor? I'm trying to handcuff one of them to Taylor and can seem to agree on if it's Fason or Moore.
Scott Engel: (3:00 PM ET ) Good afternoon everyone!
Right now Fason is second on the depth chart, and recently returned to practice from an injury.
Dustin (Los Angeles, CA): If Branch somehow makes his way to the frozen tundra of Vikingland, how are the values of Branch, Chad Jackson, and Troy Williamson changed? Thanks.
Scott Engel: (3:02 PM ET ) I see only an outside shot of that happening - It would raise the value of Williamson as he wouldn't be burdened by being a No. 1 WR - Chad Jackson isn't ready to step up yet- Bardy could throw more to TEs, RBs and spread the ball among a few WRs
Erik(St. Pete): With the injury to Greg Jones who becomes the Jag's 2nd string RB? I need a back I can handcuff to Taylor.
Scott Engel: (3:04 PM ET ) It's really uncertain right now, as if Taylor goes down, Maurice Drew is too small to carry regularly, and Toefield doesn't have upside. Derrick Wimbush could be good for some scores. There is no clear handcuff. If Taylor goes down, it could ne a three-man committee
Danny (Dallas, TX): Aren't we undervaluing the Redskins trade for T.J. Duckett? I feel like they brought him in to take away goal line carries from Portis to reduce the risk of injury. This should definately drop Portis out of the top 10. Wouldn't a more realistic year from Portis be 1200 yards and 5 touchdowns...near the same value of a Willie Parker, Tatum Bell, or DeShaun Foster from 2005?
Scott Engel: (3:06 PM ET ) I agree on everything but putting him in a league with Parker, Bell, etc. - good points otherwise - I have him top 12 still, because he is simply more talented than the RBs you mentioned
Bob (Phila,Pa): I think the Steelers will have trouble running the ball this year. Am I crazy thinking Roethlisberger will account for 28+ TD's?
Scott Engel: (3:07 PM ET ) Parker will at least be a regular threat,a nd that's way too high expectations for Ben. I say he throws for 23 and runs for two or three
David (Lexington): Toefield has had some success getting it into the endzone in redzone attempts though. Do you still think that he might be worth a late-late round flier?
Scott Engel: (3:08 PM ET ) Outside of short yardage, Toefield has never displaye dmuch of anything. I'd take Wimbush first, but both are worth late-round gambles
Kevin (Hawthorne, NJ): Should the Texans be worried about Dom Davis's knee? Can Lundy and/or Morency handle the "running back" by commitee role if Davis is out for an extended period?
Scott Engel: (3:09 PM ET ) From what I have heard, it might be surprising to see Davis play at all this year. I think Lundy will be more productive than Morency
Chris, DC: Hi, I'm the big dummy who had Greg Jones as his #3 back, banking on a Fred Taylor injury. Karma sucks! Any recommendations on big-upside guys who may still be available on the waiver wire?
Scott Engel: (3:10 PM ET ) You're not a dummy - no one could have predicted the injuries. Go for Maurice Hicks, Correll Buckhalter if they are still available
Josh (New Jersey): How do you respond to those who say stay away from Alexander with the top pick because of his huge workload last season. Why not LT with the top pick?
Scott Engel: (3:11 PM ET ) Alexander ha sbeen more durable than Tomlinson and I'm not going to craete worries about him when there aren't any. He's in his prime and isn't close to getting worn down yet
Stephen (Aiken,SC): Scott, I read on a different site that Toefield has been named the backup for now. Regardless of who ultimately backs Fragile Fred up, doesn't this hurt the numbers of Leftwich?
Scott Engel: (3:14 PM ET ) Drew is the manin reserve, then Pearman, with Wimbush at FB (like Jones was) and Toefield getting a shot at short yardage. Again, there is no clear handcuff. Leftwich already has a lack of receiving depth as an issue and I don't like him as a starter in fantasy
Jem (Westchester, NY): Fred Taylor seems healthy and looked good in his last preseason game. My league is touchdown heavy. With Toefield and plowing through the pile and Pearman jumping over it, will Taylor get any goal line touches? 2003 was the last time he scored more than 3 TD?s (6). Does it help him now that G. Jones is out for the season?
Scott Engel: (3:16 PM ET ) I dont think you will see pearman jumping over too many piles. Taylor is healthy for nwo and can score a few from 10-plus yards out. Doesn't help Taylor - it helps if he actually avoids injuries himself. It's clear Del Rio would prefer to give another RB goal-line chances
Alex (Sun Diego, CA): Enough with the JAX questions. If Fragile Freddy goes down, there is no fantasy value in that backfield! Scott please project all the denver RB's production this year!
Scott Engel: (3:17 PM ET ) If a lot of people are asking Jax questions, that's what we will answer.
I think Mike and Tatum could end up splitting playing time, with Mike getting close to 1,000 yards and six TD and Tatum producing much like last year
Jason (Norfolk Va): Peyton for T.O. and delhomme....good deal?
Scott Engel: (3:18 PM ET ) Not fo rthe guy giving up Peyton - why trade for Owens right now?
Paul: Long Island: Could Burner Turner end up being this years LJ? He is having a similar preseason as LJ did last year and LT appears to have durablity issues. LJ was being drafted in the 6th round last year and this year, Turner is going undrafted for the most part. What gives?
Scott Engel: (3:19 PM ET ) Turner is certainly a fien backup, but Tomlinson is more durable than Priest was and I don't see a similar situation happening
Kevin(Chicago): Hey Scott, with the Portis injury and duckett taking carries away, what does your current top 5 look like?
Scott Engel: (3:19 PM ET ) Alexander, Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, Tiki, Rudi Johnson
Dave (Dallas):: What is your opinion of Mike Williams WR Detroit? Worth a roster spot?
Scott Engel: (3:20 PM ET ) Nope - if they didn't waste a first round pick on him (Detroit) he might be off the team this year
Graig (Indianapolis): I have the first pick in my draft tonight, which is a PPR league. I'm leaning towards drafting Alexander, since there are questions about Johnson's offensive line and wheter Rivers can carry some of the load off of LT. Wise choice?
Scott Engel: (3:21 PM ET ) Yes, Alexander is the safest choice, even though I believe Tomlinson will be fine with Rivers playing QB and he's not far behind. In leagues that award a point per reception, I'd take Tomlinson
Sam Texas: Palmer is my #1 QB, backed up by Bulger and Warner. Am I set at QB?
Scott Engel: (3:23 PM ET ) Definitely - if Palmer has any recurring issues, you can use Bulger - I'd tarde warner away to fill another need
Andrew (NYC): Following the PPR theme, is LaMont a good choice at 6?
Scott Engel: (3:23 PM ET ) In any league, Jordan is a fine pick at No. 6
Mike (Charlotte, NC): Any more news on the Rams' acquisition of Stephen Davis? How will Steven Jackson numbers be affected?
Scott Engel: (3:24 PM ET ) They ofefred him a contract but there has been no word on whether he will accept. If he signs, he's just a backup and wouldn't affect Jackson's value
Mike D (Oakland, Ca.): With Mike Martz running the O in Detroit, does this open the door for Roy Williams to finally become the reciever we all wanted him to be 3 years ago?
Scott Engel: (3:25 PM ET ) It's not really about Martz - as long a sRoy stays healthy, he'll post outstanding numbers
Alexis(New Mexico): Laurence Maroney/Bears Def. for Leinart/Giants we would be exchanging backups,make the trade?
Scott Engel: (3:27 PM ET ) Trading defenses in meaningless - if its a keeper league, it's fair, though, with thte edge going to the Maroney side. Ina yearly league it's not a fair trade and the Leinart side is making a big mistake,
Mink (Houston, Tx): Do you see Michael Clayton putting up numbers comparable to or better than those of his rookie year in Tampa Bay if he says healthy?
Scott Engel: (3:29 PM ET ) I think he can approach them, but a healthy Galloway will certainly be Simms' No. 1 target. Claytonw ouldn't better his rookie numbers but he coukl rebound.
Todd (Boston): Scott, if there's a flex WR/RB position, would you recommend starting a WR or RB? My options would be between Chester Taylor, Mike Bell, David Givens, and Brandon Stokely. Thanks!
Scott Engel: (3:30 PM ET ) I always use th eRB - better chance of assured touches, especially with a pass-catching RB like Taylor
Chris (Columbus, Ohio): Hey Scott..... Who would you rather take a flyer on? Charles Rogers, Greg Jennings or Vincent Jackson? Thanx
Scott Engel: (3:31 PM ET ) Jennings for sure - he has been the buzz of Green Bay camp and could be a big sleeper
Dave M. - Devil's Island: T.O. is driving me crazy already? What is your suggestion with him? Trade him for whatever I can get now, keep him, or be patient?
Scott Engel: (3:33 PM ET ) You're not going to get fair market value for him right now - othe rpeople don't want to take on your problem - be patient, and trade him when eh plays well early in the season
Sap Motown,MI: Here were the top 11 backs taken in my league last year: LT, Alexander, Priest, McGahee, Edge, Duece, Portis, Dom Davis, Kevin Jones, Jamal Lewis & Dillon. I count 6 total busts. That doesn't mention Ahman Greeen & Julius Jones. If you have a 50-50 chance @ busts, why do you preach RB-RB so much?
Scott Engel: (3:35 PM ET ) Because as the cliche goes, hindsight is 20-20 - Randy Moss was a bust too, and javon Walker missed the season. You must start two RBs, and with so many being question marks, you can pass on a chance to get one of the top 15 or so.
Trevor (Sarasota, FL): who would you handcuff to Westbrook?
Scott Engel: (3:36 PM ET ) Right now, Buckhalter is looking very good. But I'd take Moats first
Matt (Atlanta): I'm drafting tonight, and feel pretty confident that I'm going to take the first receiver off the board in round 2. I'm down to Smith and Johnson. Which one would you take first and why?
Scott Engel: (3:38 PM ET ) Don't be sure either one will drop to you, but I'd take Johnson first - no injury concerns
Corey (Anaheim, CA): You guys always preach to put your best players on the field each week...Well I think Gore (vs. Arizona) has a better matchup than Caddy (vs. Baltimore) or Jackson (vs. Denver) in week one. Who would you sit between Jackson and Caddy?
Scott Engel: (3:40 PM ET ) Neither - any game vs. denver can be a shootout and could mean big numbers for S-Jx,a nd Baltimore's run D isn't as fearsome as it once was. I'd use Gore as a flex, but not over Jacjkson or Cadillac
CG CT: Hi Scott! I know you must participate in a large number of drafts, but have you drafted yet in your "main/favorite league? And if so, who did you get first 3 rounds?
Scott Engel: (3:42 PM ET ) yes, thanks, my main league draft was last night - and its a very large league - I ended up with Reggie Bush, Chad Johnson and Santana Moss - all the best RBs were gone ven before my first pick - so I couldnt go RB/RB as usual
Nick (Sioux Falls): Is their really any difference between guys like mcgahee/j jones and guys like taylor/dunn? Is it really a bad move to take holt in the first, and then grab taylor in the 2nd when i have a rb and wr already in my keeper league?
Scott Engel: (3:43 PM ET ) Keeper strategies are different - you don't have to go RB/RB - it depends on what you already have - I could see taking Holt in the first round of a keeper league
John (Kingston, ON): Who was your other RB to back up Bush? Did you get McAllister as well?
Scott Engel: (3:45 PM ET ) Nope - soemeone actually took Deuce in the thid - I took N\Mike Bell in the 4th, Chris Brown in the 5th and then Bnsona nd Norwood a bit later
Tim (NC): What do you expect from Javon Walker? Is he a solid #2 Receiver?
Scott Engel: (3:46 PM ET ) Certainly looks that way - I was very encouraged by his performance last night.
Jeff (Iowa): Is Addai the man in Indy?
Scott Engel: (3:47 PM ET ) I beleiev its only a matter of time before he becomes the No. 1 RB over Rhodes, who might start quickly, then fade
Joel (NC): Hey Scott...help me out! I'm drafting before the next chat!! How do you see Rudi Johnson in keeper leagues (with Chris Perry present to take an ever-increasing role)? I'm leaning towards Carnell Williams. Talk me out of it in a PPR league with 6 pts/TD...
Scott Engel: (3:48 PM ET ) Cadillac is coming out on third downs for Pittman - Chris Perry is hurt and could be headed for the pUP list - Rudi has less appeal in PPR leagues - I'd go for Jordan or Ronnie Brown if they are available
Derek (NC Do you think Reggie Brown will have a productive year for the Eagles?
Scott Engel: (3:50 PM ET ) I'm not expecting too much from him - I think he is too inexperienced to be up to the challenge of facing top cover corners every week
Jimmy (Boston): Scott, please justify putting LT over Larry Johnson in your rankings. LT was held to under 80 yards 9 times last season (10 if you count the playoffs) and some of those games were really ugly for him. I don't see any reason to believe he'll do better this year, seeing as the only change is that he lost Drew Brees. Larry Johnson on the other hand was both consistant and great last year and with the chance to start and get 25+ touches each game I just don't see how a weaker line makes him slip past LT. San Diego's line isn't exactly filled with Pro Bowlers either, is it?
Scott Engel: (3:55 PM ET ) Tomlinson is a betetr receiver than Johnson and can pad his numbers further that way. Plus, he is more proven, and while th eline isn't great, it doesn't have the issues of Kansas City - as long as there are no injuries, the unit will be solid. I liek Johnson a lot still, but Tomlinson ha snever let his owners down over the long haul. Johnson now plays behind a line with problems at tackle, injuries, and age. Let's see how he handles that over a full year before I put him ahead of Tomlinson. But if you want to take Johnson, it's certainly not an awful pick.
Melissa (MI: Would you agree that Fitz, Chad Johnson and Harrison should be considered the big 3 of the receivers in light of T.O. being T.O. and Steve Smth's injury? Would you take any of these guys beore some of the top #2 backs like Westbrook or Bush?
Scott Engel: (3:56 PM ET ) Myb "big three" now is Chad Johnson, Holt and Smith, who should return soon, Fitz is fourth. I have dropped Owens to ninth. I'd take a top No. RB first, but would glaldly take any of the top four in the second half of the second round
Paul: Long Island: How come people aren't as high on Marty Booker as they are Wilford, Jurevicious or even Ashley Lelie for that matter? Would you compare him to Terry Glenn as a number 2 WR?
Scott Engel: (3:58 PM ET ) Booker is adequate, but Glenn ha smuch more speed and yardage/TD promise when healthy. Booker is decent, much like Amani Toomer. I don't like him as a fantasy starter
Andfy (NC): Is Steve Smith's missed time more a precautionary thing for a franchise player, or is it a legit troublesome injury? Fox and Henning are downplaying it pretty big-time.
Scott Engel: (4:00 PM ET ) It's both - I won't steer cl;ear of Smith yet in drafts, but hamstring problems can linger. There is no choice but to give him rest. I still draft him third among WRs for now, though.
Thanks a lot everyone! See you tomorrow morning!
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