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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
Gilfil: I'm in contention for
the playoffs and can't afford to lose a game (three left). I have Duce Staley as one
running back and need to decide between Anthony Thomas and Lamar Smith. I would go with
Thomas, but I’m unsure of his injury status. Any thoughts?
Fantasy Doctor: They pay me to have thoughts, so that’s not a problem, Gilfil. The
way it looks, the A-Train could be out of commission for another week, so you may want to
look in the direction of Smith despite his yardage drop-off recently. The Chiefs did a
nice job of blitzing against the run last week vs. Seattle, but Kansas City’s
defensive line hasn’t played all that well this season, so go ahead with Staley.
Jeff: Should I trade LaDainian Tomlinson prior to the playoffs? He's my No. 3 with
Marshall Faulk and Duce Staley as the other two I start each week.
Fantasy Doctor: It’s certainly not a bad thing to have three good running backs
going into the playoffs. Tomlinson hasn’t hit the 100-yard mark since Week Four and
will be facing a difficult schedule down the stretch, but unless you really need help at
another position, I’d keep the depth at running back. If Tomlinson can snag you a No.
1 wideout, then maybe it’s worth it though.
Fuzy: I have a shot to win my division this week and need your advice on who to
start? QB — pick one between Brad Johnson, Tom Brady or Chris Chandler. RB —
please pick two between Trung Canidate, Antowain Smith, Lamar Smith, Maurice Smith and
Dominic Rhodes. WR — please pick two between Owens, Thrash and Kevin Johnson.
Fantasy Doctor: Maybe I could pick out what clothes you should wear tomorrow or whether
you want fries or a baked potato with that. Just kidding, Fuzy. This is what I’m here
for. At all three positions, I’d go with the hot hands. Those are Brady, Antowain
Smith and Owens. In a close call, I’d lean toward one of the other Smith brothers at
running back because Rhodes is facing the Ravens with some question marks surrounding the
Colts’ passing game and because Canidate is a backup. The other WR spot is a more
difficult decision. Thrash has emerged as the Eagles’ go-to guy and is facing a
suspect secondary in K.C., but K.J. is up against a Titans secondary that is only slowly
beginning to show signs of life. Tough call, but I’d go with Thrash.
Jimmy: My receivers are: Boston, Morton, Willie Jackson, Gardner, Warrick and Dez
White. Should I trade Morton for Keyshawn Johnson? I am in a yardage and TD league and can
only start three WRs. Please help. Thanks.
Fantasy Doctor: I would get a hold of Keyshawn and start him, Jackson and Boston for
the rest of the year. Gardner, Warrick and White are all talented and young, but more
offensive consistency is needed from their respective offenses before they deserve the
nod. I know Keyshawn has yet to reach paydirt (a fantasy nightmare), but those three would
be pretty solid in a normal-sized league.
Stephen: Who should I start this week? The Jets are tough against the pass, so maybe
I should sit Brady. Grbac has been a disappointment, but with Brookins out, doesn’t
he have to throw more against Indy?
Fantasy Doctor: One would think, but I still don’t know if that would be reason
enough to yank Brady after what he’s done this year. Grbac is facing a shaky Colts
defense, but Brady has been much more consistent and doesn’t throw the picks Grbac
does.
John: If I win this week, I'm in the playoffs. Here are two questions I'd love to
get your opinion on:
1. Which defense should I start? Cleveland at home vs. Tennessee (my No. 2 RB is Eddie
George and No. 3 is James Jackson) or Philly on road vs. K.C.?
2. Which two wideouts should I start if my QB is Kordell Stewart? Kevin Johnson, Cris
Carter or Hines Ward? I hate to bench Carter, but he's just not as consistent as Ward. But
I also like to diversify! What do you think? Thanks.
Fantasy Doctor: Dear John, sorry. I always wanted to say that. I would go with
Cleveland on defense. I know the Browns only shut out Cincinnati last week, but they get
Gerard Warren back, and their secondary has been playing very well of late. The
Chiefs’ Priest Holmes has done remarkably well vs. good defenses this season. I
didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I don’t have a problem with you going
with Ward over Carter this week. The Vikings’ secondary has gotten better with Robert
Griffith healthy and Dale Carter joining the mix, but it’s still nowhere near the
Steelers’ group, which bodes well for Ward.
Chris: Doc, I have a chance to make the playoffs. The position that has killed me is my
receivers. I can't decide on which two to start. I have Eric Moulds, Johnnie Morton,
Darrell Jackson and Chris Chambers. I am leaning toward Moulds and Jackson. What do you
think?
Fantasy Doctor: My medical advice would be to start Morton and Moulds. Despite a solid
performance against the Vikings last week, the Bears’ pass defense has given up huge
chunks of yardage, and you know the Lions will be tossing the pigskin quite a bit. Jackson
still hasn’t shown he can be Seattle’s No. 1 guy on a weekly basis and will be
matched up with the Chargers’ Ryan McNeil, who has played well this season.
Joseph: With the way my quarterbacks are playing. I don't know which one to play.
Out of the three, which one would you play: Rich Gannon, Alex Van Pelt or Tom Brady?
Fantasy Doctor: Gannon vs. the Cardinals in a New York minute. The other two are not
bad choices by any means, but go with Gannon, arguably the league’s MVP to this
point.
The Fantasy Doctor has joined his associates on holiday but will be back next week.
Please direct all questions to fantasydoctor@pfwa.com. |
