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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
Eric R: Is Randy Moss’ big day on Monday night a signal that he’s out
of his slump?
Fantasy Doctor: Hard to say, Eric. But the simple fact that Moss should never come out
of your lineup should end all speculation. Sure Moss’ yardage and TD totals were way
down from the precedent he set for himself, but the bottom line is he is the most
explosive player in the league and capable of games like Monday’s anytime he steps
out on the field. Especially against a Bears pass defense that is surprisingly last in the
league.
Qback10: I have Peyton Manning, and I’m worried about the impact the loss
of Edgerrin James might have on him. How do you think he’ll do over the remainder of
the season?
Fantasy Doctor: Take a seat, Qback. Stop worrying. Certainly losing James will hurt
Manning, there’s no question there. But Dominic Rhodes has proven he can at least
plug the void, if not fill it. All Manning needs is enough of a running game to keep
defenses honest. It looks like he has that in Rhodes, and the Colts likely will be
throwing more without Edgerrin, which typically can translate into vidoe game-like numbers
on occasion for quarterbacks.
Sbback: What is your projection for Dolphins WR Chris Chambers for the rest of
this season?
Fantasy Doctor: The Fantasy Doctor and his associates like the rookie Chambers very
much, especially his lofty 20.3-yards-per-catch average. The problem I have with him as a
fantasy player lies with the inconsistencies with QB Jay Fieldler, who, while tough, is
not exactly someone you can count on. Chambers would be a good fourth receiver on most
fantasy teams, but starting him is a longshot unless absolutely necessary. Talk to me
again next season.
JCTum: Is it time to trade LaDainian Tomlison? What back do you expect to come
on late in the season?
Fantasy Doctor: I’m not so sure I’d trade Tomlinson just yet, unless you can
get a steal for him. I thought that San Diego’s mediocre offensive line would hold
him back somewhat this season, and after a strong start, it finally is. The Chargers’
offense is in a bit of a funk, no doubt, and the schedule doesn’t get any easier, but
Tomlinson is still capable of 70-100 yards a game and a touchdown. Plenty capable.
Don’t expect huge things because defenses have begun to bring safeties up into the
box, but he’s still a serviceable back in a league that doesn’t have many right
now. If someone in your league is still enamored with him though, I think he peaked
already, so I wouldn’t advise against dealing him if you have the resources to make
up for it. I think Garrison Hearst, Duce Staley, Stephen Davis and Antowain Smith are a
few backs who could have a better second half and are coming on.
Randall: I knew the day would come — Edgerrin James has a torn ACL. I am
in a keeper league in which you keep three, but only one at a position. Here's my dilemma:
Do I keep Edgerrin James, trusting that he'll be set to go next season? Or do I go with
plan 1A, which is to keep Ricky Williams? If Ricky is the better bet, then I can trade
Edge to a team needing a keeper running back and acquire help this year. My other keepers
are Peyton Manning and Randy Moss, and at 8-2, I am very much in the title hunt.
Fantasy Doctor: I would go with plan 1A. Recovering from a anterior cruciate ligament
is something that takes around 10 months. Even then, running backs usually aren’t
back to what they were until the following year anyway. There are plenty of examples of
this. I think Edgerrin is in Jerry Rice’s class in terms of recovery time, but still,
the chances of him being ready for the opener next season are slight. Go the safe route
with Williams, because I don’t think you would be losing much with him over a healthy
James anyway. Plus, you’d be helping yourself for the stretch run this year. In my
mind, it’s a no-brainer. With those three keepers, I expect nothing more than a
championship next season from you. Nothing like a little pressure from the Fantasy Doctor,
huh?
Rudan: I'm considering starting Eric Johnson over Tony Gonzalez at tight end
because my opponent’s QB is Jeff Garcia, and I could nullify any TDs thrown to
Johnson. The problem is, I feel like I might be going insane, Doc.
Fantasy Doctor: The reason you feel like that is because you are, Rudan. Sure, Gonzalez
is not producing like many of us thought he would, but he’s still a mercedes in a lot
full of pintos. And that is not meant to degrade any of the NFL’s other tight ends.
Nullifying TDs may sound good, but benching the best player at a position does not. Nurse
Ratchet is looking over your shoulder, Rudan. Do the right thing.
Paul: What do you think about Lamar Smith and Jerry Rice for Isaac Bruce and
Stephen Davis?
Fantasy Doctor: I like it if you’re getting Bruce and Davis. It’s a close
call, especially with Rice’s three-TD day fresh in the mind, but I think Davis is
coming on at the right time, and the usually hard-charging Smith seems to be running a bit
tentatively lately for whatever reason. Davis and Bruce have only four total TDs, but I
expect that number will go up significantly.
Beck: Not much of a Plummer fan, but could he be turning the corner? I also
have Boston on my team, which could be a nice point combo. I've been using Griese all
year, but playing without much help at wide receiver has me concerned. I'm leaning toward
making the switch. What do you think?
Fantasy Doctor: The Broncos’ offense does not have a lot of supporters right now.
Until the RB situation gets settled (with Terrell Davis’ possible return next week),
the offensive line starts protecting Brian Griese better and Rod Smith gets completely
healthy, the tight ends on the team are the best bet for fantasy production. I would still
have a difficult time benching Griese here, but your dilemma does warrant a look at the
opposing defenses each week. I wouldn’t exactly commit you for psychological testing
for starting Plummer against porous defenses, but it had better work, even with the
Broncos struggling of late.
The Fantasy Doctor has joined his associates on holiday but will be back next week.
Please direct all questions to fantasydoctor@pfwa.com. |
