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The Fantasy Doctor will be checking his messages and making house calls on Fridays this
season. E-mail your fantasy questions to fantasydoctor@pfwa.com
DHess: What's the deal
with Jeff Garcia's knee? I've heard that he sprained his MCL, and I've also heard that he
has a partial tear of the MCL. Which is it? Should I be concerned about his ability to
play out the season?
Fantasy Doctor: From what I’ve heard, it’s basically just a strained knee.
Garcia said he plans to play, and I wouldn’t hold him out of the lineup vs. Detroit.
It may be worth keeping an eye on, however. It seems Garcia’s style of play may
finally be wearing on him, and it would be wise for one of the San Francisco Giants to
give him sliding lessons. I wouldn’t worry about him too much, though. He’s
tougher than a Las Vegas prime rib special.
Fred: My team is in big trouble this week. I have tough, ugly decisions. I can
play two RBs and two WRs or one RB and three WRs. I can choose from Dominic Rhodes, Mike
Green, Eddie George, Hines Ward, David Boston, Oronde Gadsden, Plaxico Burress, Troy
Hambrick and Michael Westbrook. As you can see, I am desperate for your advice, O God of
Fantasy!
Fantasy Doctor: Desperate indeed, Fred. But please, keep the God references to a
minimum. My ego sometimes holds me back from doing my best work in the emergency room.
Other than perhaps Jerome Bettis, I wouldn’t go with anyone from Steelers vs. the
Ravens this week. I would doubt Emmitt Smith will be able to go, but even then, I
wouldn’t advise starting Hambrick vs. the Giants. Rod Gardner has emerged as Tony
Banks’ favorite target in Washington. That leaves Rhodes, Boston, George, Green and
Gadsden. Boston is facing a strong Eagles secondary and has scored just once, but
he’s the real deal. Gadsden is up against the 29th-ranked pass defense of
Carolina. I have a feeling George will be tough to keep out of the lineup, so, in a
roundabout way, there’s your answer.
You see, that God comment had me sidetracked, and I forgot about Mr. Rhodes. If he
plays — and although there is little information available about Edgerrin James’
status, it seems likely he will — I think you probably have to play him with George
and one of the two wideouts. Which one, I’m leaving up to you.
Nick: This week I have Marshall Faulk and Isaac Bruce on bye. I will be
starting Shaun Alexander and must decide between Correll Buckhalter, Mike Anderson or
Terrell Davis. For WR, I am leaning toward Amani Toomer and David Patten. My other options
are Ike Hilliard, or I could pick up Darnay Scott, David Terrell or Larry Parker from K.C.
What would you do?
Fantasy Doctor: My medical advice would be to check in on Davis’ status as late
this weekend as you can. My sources tell me that the starting job belongs to Davis when
he’s healthy, and he currently feels as good as he has since the first week of the
season. Check for any late-breaking developments there, but I wouldn’t be surprised
at all if Davis is in the backfield Monday night. Buckhalter likely will be splitting time
with Duce Staley for the rest of the season. Go with Toomer vs. the Cowboys, but at the
other WR spot, I think Terrell has more upside than any of the other options. Patten has
been sensational the past two weeks, but I’d look for more big things from Terrell
for the remainder of the season.
Edward: Is there any precedent for the effect of this week's Jay Fiedler ruling
in fantasy leagues? Our scores are due on Tuesday mornings, but this ruling affected a
final score. Should we honor it?
Fantasy Doctor: The commissioner of the league needs to step up and flaunt his
authority with this one. The TD was awarded to Minor (as the Fantasy Doctor predicted
would happen all along), and if somehow your league decides to pick up and move on with
the owner of Fiedler keeping the points, well, that’s just wrong. There are no two
ways about it.
Eric: Here's a QB question: With Kurt Warner on a bye, I will be starting Kerry
Collins in Week Eight. But I could make the switch (for Collins) and grab Tom Brady, Brad
Johnson, Charlie Batch, Tim Couch, Rob Johnson or Kordell Stewart from the waiver wire.
Should I stand pat with Collins for this week, or move on with one of the other QBs?
Fantasy Doctor: I’m not sold on Collins. It seems like he’s been off all
season, and my associates in the New York area have told me the Giants are aiming at more
of a commitment to the ground game this week and beyond. Couch and Stewart are big
negatives because they’re playing the Bears and Ravens, respectively. Brad Johnson is
at Green Bay, and Tampa’s dinged up, so that’s another negative. Batch and Rob
Johnson are possibilities, but I think Brady could be the way to go vs. the league’s
worst pass defense in Atlanta. Despite the interception barrage last week, he’s been
a pleasant surprise.
Lisa: HELP! In my league, we start two RBs. My backs are Hearst, Allen, Garner,
Stephen Davis and let's not forget all three Denver RBs. Who should I start, and should I
give up on any of these guys? Thanks, "Legless in California."
Fantasy Doctor: Take a deep breath, Lisa (Legless). All right, exhale. Take a valium if
you have to (but remember I didn’t prescribe it). It’s not as bad as you think.
Hearst should start vs. a Lions defense that has had problems wrapping up a tackling
dummy. Davis is second in the NFC in rushing yards, but not only has he yet to score,
he’s also facing a much-improved Seahawks run defense (fourth in the NFL) that boasts
run-stuffing veterans John Randle, Chad Eaton and Levon Kirkland. Not exactly sure if
that’s Terry Allen or James Allen on your roster, but it doesn’t matter much.
That leaves Garner and the three-headed monster in Denver. As I said before, expect
Terrell Davis to start, but it may be wise to go with Garner this week because of his
versatility and the fact Tyrone Wheatley isn’t expected to play with a bad knee.
The Fantasy Doctor has joined his associates at the golf course but will be back next
week. Please direct all questions to fantasydoctor@pfwa.com. |
