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.
TB49er: I have Steve Young at
quarterback, so I need another one. Steve Beuerlein and Charlie Batch are available. I can
also make a trade for Mark Brunell if I give up Isaac Bruce or Marvin Harrison. We get six
points for TD passes in my league. What should I do?
Fantasy Doctor: Do not trade Bruce or Harrison for Brunell. Even
though quarterbacks are the most valuable players in your league, I wouldn’t give up
either of those receivers; they’re two of the hottest players in the league, and both
play in high-powered passing offenses. Brunell may not throw as many touchdown passes as
Beuerlein or Batch. Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin is playing it close to the vest these
days, and can you blame him? Jacksonville’s defense has gone from good to excellent,
and the team often breaks out to an early lead. With a soft schedule ahead (read: more
early leads), look for the Jaguars to run the ball more than they throw it. I’d give
Batch a slight edge over Beuerlein since the former won’t be losing his job anytime
soon, and the Panthers could turn to Jeff Lewis at some point if they fall out of
contention.
Adamps: I have Keyshawn Johnson but just made a deal for Jimmy Smith.
Should I hold on to Johnson or deal him for depth elsewhere (e.g., running back, where I
have Ricky Watters, Ricky Williams, Tyrone Wheatley and Greg Hill)?
Fantasy Doctor: I would make the trade only if you can get a running
back better than the ones you have — i.e., a top-10 back. Johnson won’t have as
good a season as he did in ’98 with Rick Mirer, Ray Lucas or some
yet-to-be-determined trade acquisition throwing him the damn ball. But Johnson won’t
be terrible, and I don’t think your RB collection is that bad. Watters and Williams
should come around, with the younger Ricky most likely to do his damage in the second half
of the season. Wheatley is looking like a big-time sleeper, and Hill will get his shot at
some point for the Lions.
Gregory.calvosa/usa/ptv: I was offered Antonio Freeman straight up for
Terry Glenn. Given Glenn’s production thus far this season, I am leery to give him
up. But considering Freeman’s upside and Glenn’s injury-prone past, should I
pull the trigger?
Fantasy Doctor: I would make the deal, for the simple reason that
Freeman is a safer guy to have on your roster than Glenn. You’re right: Glenn is
injury-prone. Now, it’s possible he’ll last the entire season without getting
hurt and have his best year, but why take that risk when you can get a sure thing in
Freeman? Quietly, Freeman is averaging 101 receiving yards per game with three touchdowns.
He’s on pace for 1,616 yards and 12 TDs. How much more can you ask of a No. 1
receiver?
Reinsle: With the injury to Michael Irvin, I need to pick up a new
wide receiver in a performance league. The options I am considering are Ike Hilliard, Tony
Simmons, Amani Toomer and Troy Edwards. Any suggestions?
Fantasy Doctor: Despite the Giants’ QB problems, Toomer is the
best of the bunch. After an impressive preseason, he leads the NFC in receiving and
already has two 100-yard games. Hilliard, Simmons and Edwards are very close. Hilliard has
been steady, but he plays second fiddle to Toomer. Simmons is a big-play guy who had a
breakout game vs. the Chiefs, but Terry Glenn is the go-to guy in New England, and TE Ben
Coates will become a bigger factor in the offense before the year is out. Edwards is the
sleeper in the group. He has quietly put up decent numbers (he leads the Steelers with 21
receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns), and if Kordell Stewart ever develops some
consistency, Edwards could be a terror. If you want to swing for the fences, Edwards is
the guy. If you want a double to the gap, take Toomer.
Tcrull: I am in a keeper league and am in need of a quarterback —
sort of. My QBs right now are Troy Aikman, Doug Flutie and Jeff Garcia. Another owner is
offering me Jeff George and Dorsey Levens for Stephen Davis and any other player on my
team. (I’m stacked at wide receiver, so I can let one of them go.) What do you think?
Fantasy Doctor: I think you’d be crazy to trade Davis. Yeah, he
probably won’t keep up his current pace, but, barring injury, the guy should finish
with 20 touchdowns. How many other backs can make that claim? There are rumblings of a QB
controversy in Minnesota, but Dennis Green will give Randall Cunningham the benefit of the
doubt until the situation becomes truly dire and desperate. George could be someone’s
starter next season, but that’s hardly a guarantee, especially considering the
reputation George has acquired as a bad team player. You can get by with Aikman, Flutie
and Garcia. I like Flutie the best of the bunch. He is starting to get in sync with Eric
Moulds again and is always a threat to run for touchdowns.
Editor’s note: If you have a question for the Fantasy Doctor, you can send your
e-mail to fantasydoctor@pfwa.com. He will
answer several questions from our on-line readers in this space each Wednesday. We reserve
the right to edit your question and print your e-mail user name.
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