Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999

The Q&A continues

Here come your fantasy prescriptions

By Trent Modglin, Associate editor

Paul: Going into Week 16, our conference championship game, I'm having trouble deciding on my QB position. I've got Peyton Manning, who was instrumental in getting me to the playoffs. But with the Colts in good playoff position, I'm not sure he will play a full game, and his production has fallen off a bit recently. Backing up Manning are Steve McNair and Cade McNown. Whom should I turn to?

Fantasy Doctor's assistant: My advice would be to go with who got you there. The Colts are still in a battle with Jacksonville for home-field advantage, so it's doubtful they'll yank Manning early. McNown is visiting a loud stadium and a Rams defense that has been stellar all year long. And while McNair can scramble with the best of 'em, the Titans have to rely on TE Frank Wycheck to throw TD passes. Plus, McNair is going against the Jacksonville 'D' this weekend. Manning's day in the sun isn't over just yet, so give him some sunscreen and let him do his thing.

Steve: Howdy! With Baltimore getting hot, I was expecting to start Jermaine Lewis this week for my team's playoffs, but I can't figure out what's up with him. Any insight? I also need to ask for your help with my starters this week at receiver in a TD & yardage league. What three do you recommend from Randy Moss, Lewis, Jimmy Smith, Marcus Robinson and Germane Crowell?

Fantasy Doctor's assistant: Don't worry if you can't figure out what's up with Lewis because nobody can. Lewis has been a non-factor all season for Brian Billick and hasn't been able to get free from bigger defensive backs. I wouldn't even think about him even though the Ravens are playing host to a suspect Bengals defense. In a TD and yardage league, Moss should be a shoo-in. Smith is probably a safe bet as well because he catches so many passes from Mark Brunell that some of them are sure to lead to big yardage or paydirt. The last pick is a tougher one between Robinson and Crowell. Robinson is the hotter of the two, but how McNown will handle a road game in St. Louis is a major uncertainty. Crowell will have to adapt to having Charlie Batch under center again. That choice is yours, but my gut feeling is that Robinson is too difficult to ignore these days.

Cardinal: What's your opinion, do I stick with Tony Banks vs. Cincinnati or go with either Kerry Collins vs. Minnesota or Cade McNown vs. St. Louis?

Fantasy Doctor's assistant: Stick with Banks. I never thought I'd say that this year (or any year for that matter), but what he and his cannon of an arm have done in the past month is nothing short of spectacular. The Ravens are on a roll, and he's facing a Bengals secondary that Jeff Garcia lit up for huge numbers a few weeks back.

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