Ask the Fantasy Doctor
By Michael Lev, Senior editor
Editor’s note: Because of time restrictions, the Fantasy Doctor, a very busy
man, is unable to answer ALL of your questions. He appreciates your interest and will try
to get to as many of them as he can. Again, thank you for e-mailing the Fantasy Doctor.
wahl: We drafted on Sunday, Aug. 29. With my first three picks I took Fred
Taylor, Emmitt Smith and Edgerrin James. With the fourth pick I was trying to decide
between Bubby Brister and Peyton Manning, and, you guessed it, I took Bubby. My other QBs
are Charlie Batch and Jeff George. The QBs I would consider are Kent Graham, Kurt Warner
and Scott Mitchell. Should I drop Brister for any of these guys, or should I wait and see
how Brian Griese performs?
Fantasy Doctor: First of all, I’m shocked and amazed that you were able to
land three top-10 running backs in a 12-team league. With three RBs like that, you’ve
got trade bait if you want to acquire a QB better than anyone you have or are pursuing.
Among the free agents, I rank Graham first, Mitchell second and Warner third. I would try
to pick up one of those guys, for the simple reason that they’re starters and Brister
is not. It’s probable that Brister will start at some point, but that’s not
guaranteed.
Huskerheat: I drafted Joey Galloway. Do you expect him to play anytime soon?
Whom would you take as his replacement — Tony Martin or Derrick Mayes?
Fantasy Doctor: Unfortunately, my talent lies in the field of medicine, not big
business. If I were as skilled a negotiator as I am a surgeon, I would have interceded and
made sure Galloway got into camp at some point. Holdouts are fantasy football’s
equivalent of the plague, and ending Galloway’s would have been like finding a cure.
As of this writing, no news is bad news. There has been little to no progress in the
talks. Now, that could change at any moment, but for the time being, you have to assume
you don’t have Galloway. In his stead, I would play Martin. He has more big-play
potential than Mayes and has a history with Dan Marino. Mayes has great hands and knows
Seattle’s system but can’t seem to stay healthy and has a lot to prove as an NFL
starter.
Amsfan: In my league, I can start three wide receivers. I have Cris Carter,
Derrick Alexander, Terance Mathis, Rod Smith and Jermaine Lewis. What would be the best
combination?
Fantasy Doctor: Carter should start every week no matter what. Mathis and Smith
are on the next level, and Alexander and Lewis are a notch below that. As far as Week One
goes, I’d definitely play Mathis vs. the potentially porous Vikings secondary. Smith
may have some struggles (rookie quarterback, tough Dolphins CB tandem), so I’d
consider starting Alexander this week vs. the Bears.
Glooba100: I have the option of going with one running back and three wide
receivers or two running backs and two wide receivers. Is Antowain Smith worth playing, or
should I go with a third wide receivers such as Tony Simmons or Isaac Bruce?
Fantasy Doctor: Regardless of matchups, I’d give a slight edge to Smith
over Bruce. The Bills plan to use a lot of multiple-WR sets, and that should open things
up in the middle of the field for Smith, who’s a solid 1,200-yard, eight-TD back.
Despite the Rams’ QB situation, Bruce rates a clear edge over Simmons, who probably
will start the season as New England’s No. 3 receiver. Even though St. Louis’
passing game could struggle with Kurt Warner calling the signals, Bruce is still the go-to
guy, if healthy.
Cnlryan: With Wayne Chrebet injured, I feel the need to pick up another
receiver. Presently, my WR corps features Eric Moulds, Ed McCaffrey and Tony Martin. I am
looking at either Muhsin Muhammad or Darnay Scott. Whom should I pick up?
Fantasy Doctor: I’d favor Scott, who could have a huge season now that
he’s Cincinnati’s No. 1 receiver. With holdout Carl Pickens seemingly out of the
picture (he has vowed never to play for the Bengals again), Scott assumes the go-to-guy
role he held for four full games at the end of the ’97 season, when Pickens was
injured. In those four games, Scott caught 22 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns. I
like Muhammad’s potential, but Scott is a more finished product and a more clear-cut
No. 1 guy. Muhammad could have some receptions and scoring opportunities taken away by Rae
Carruth.
Editor’s note: If you have a question for the Fantasy Doctor, you can send your
e-mail to fantasydoctor@pfwa.com. He will
choose several questions from our on-line readers to answer in this space each Wednesday.
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