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.
Eric Willoughby: I just made the playoffs, and one of my running backs
is James Stewart. Since he got hurt Monday night (Dec. 13), we have a chance to draft Fred
Taylor or Jerome Bettis. Should we keep Stewart or draft one of those two? And if so,
which one?
Fantasy Doctor: The news is not good on Stewart. He could be out for
the rest of the regular season, pending MRI results on his injured foot. It’s good
news if you have Taylor, who looked impressive in limited duty Monday night and is
expected to start the rest of the way if his hamstring holds up. Even if he were to play
only a half, Taylor could do significant damage this week vs. the lowly Browns. Taylor is
definitely a better choice than Bettis, who hasn’t scored since Week Nine and
hasn’t reached the 100-yard mark since Week Six.
John Grandstaff Sr.: I have Kurt Warner and Drew Bledsoe. I have
started Warner on a consistent basis, but I am worried that the Rams might rest him in the
second half this week. Do you think this is a possibility?
Fantasy Doctor: Don’t count on it. It’s way too early for
the Rams to even think about resting players for the playoffs. The Broncos rested some key
players a few years back, and it came back to haunt them. St. Louis hasn’t clinched
home-field advantage just yet, so I fully expect Warner to play a full game, barring
injury. Don’t make the mistake many fantasy-leaguers (including yours truly) often
do: overthinking. Stick with Warner, who leads the league with 34 TD passes.
Jason Updike: I’ve noticed that Brad Johnson has been favoring
Michael Westbrook lately. I have Albert Connell, and he’s been OK, but he really is
not reliable. I’m looking at Jake Reed vs. Green Bay, since Cris Carter is probably
out, or Patrick Jeffers vs. San Francisco. What do you think?
Fantasy Doctor: I think you’re doing a good job of following
trends. Connell’s production has slipped considerably in recent weeks, and he has
failed to find the endzone in four consecutive games. Westbrook, meanwhile, has caught a
TD pass each of the last two weeks. I give Jeffers the nod over Reed, though Reed
isn’t a bad choice. Jeffers is hot right now with four TDs and two 100-yard outings
in his last three games, and his quarterback, Steve Beuerlein, has thrown three TD passes
in each of his last three games. I consider last week’s performance by San
Francisco’s defense — the 49ers allowed only 105 total yards to the Falcons
— more of a fluke than a sign of things to come. Reed’s playing time and
opportunities will increase if Carter is sidelined, but it’s still too early to
completely rule Carter out, and Reed’s hands have been inconsistent this season.
PJKYAJ: Will Errict Rhett be playing this week, or should I start
Priest Holmes?
Fantasy Doctor: Rhett could return to action this week, but it would
only be on a limited basis. Holmes will remain the starter, and you can hardly argue with
Brian Billick’s decision. In the last two games, Holmes has carries 27 times for 230
yards (8.5-yard average) and a touchdown. Holmes lacks Rhett’s power but is a
home-run hitter in the football sense, capable of turning seemingly short gains into long
runs with his speed. I consider Holmes more valuable in yardage leagues than scoring
leagues. If Rhett is used at all this week, it would be as a short-yardage back in
Holmes’ place.
Jmax764: My three quarterbacks are Jeff George, Mark Brunell and Steve
Beuerlein. My question is who to start. The hot hand belongs to Beuerlein, who’s
playing San Francisco. Brunell looks to be the second choice against the Browns’
secondary, but his consistency has been nonexistent. George is involved in a division
battle against Green Bay in which anything can happen. Any advice?
Fantasy Doctor: To me, it’s a very close call between Beuerlein
and George. As mentioned above, Beuerlein is on a serious hot streak right now. In his
last four games, he has 11 TD passes, one rushing touchdown and one 300-yard performance.
Plus, he’s facing a vulnerable secondary. For those reasons, I give him a slight edge
over George, who has been extremely productive since becoming the Vikings’ starter.
In what amounts to 7 1/2 games, George has thrown 20 TD passes. (In 13 games, Beuerlein
has 25 TD passes). However, 11 of the 20 have gone to Cris Carter, who is very
questionable for Monday night’s game. Green Bay’s pass defense isn’t the
best (see Beuerlein’s numbers from last week), but George could face an adjustment
period without Carter, his security blanket. Brunell had been on a tear before Monday
night and is a solid option, but if the Jaguars pummel the Browns, as expected, Brunell
could be pulled in the second half. Even if that doesn’t happen, I would expect the
Jaguars to run the ball a lot once they’re ahead.
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. |
