Plenty of news to analyze as your Fantasy Football Draft draws closer.
Senior Fantasy Writer Dave Richard will spend an hour answering your questions Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 12 p.m. ET.
Feel free to submit a question in advance or come by Wednesday afternoon!
08/19 Chat with Dave Richard
(08/19 12:00 PM) Good afternoon, everyone. I just got done eating veggie burgers for lunch (gotta love dieting) and can't wait to get into chatting. We had a hot-button issue at the office today as the drafter of Sage Rosenfels in our 30-team league wanted to turn his pick into Brett Favre, which caused some uproar. Just another reminder folks: Draft at your own risk! We'll be talking about Favre for sure, so let's get started helping you win your Fantasy leagues!
(08/19 12:01 PM) Philip Taylor, San Diego, CA - Hello, Dave. It's SSgt Philip Taylor in San Diego, CA. I have the #1 pick this year and am certain to take AP. My question is...I have been thinking RB, WR, WR, but if a solid RB makes it to me, ie Barber, Portis, Westbrook, should I take the RB then WR to make it RB, RB, WR? Please, advise. Thanks, and keep up the good work. Philip
(08/19 12:02 PM) Hi Philip. Sorry I haven't gotten to you via email, we've been busy. One of the strategies I stand by this season if you draft early in a standard snake draft is to take that stud RB first, then double-dip at receiver ASSUMING a solid, potential low-end No. 1 RB doesn't fall to you. The guys you named would qualify as those low-end No. 1 rushers.
(08/19 12:03 PM) Justin, Indianapolis - Dave, love these chats. My question to you is should I trade for Pierre Thomas and if so then who should I give up? What kind of stats do you think he'll put up in NO? My RBs are R.Brown, Lynch, L.White, McFadden, and D.Brown...WR are Fitz, Moss, R.Williams, L.Evans, And D.Driver with Rodgers at QB. Thanks for your help!!
(08/19 12:05 PM) Hey Justin. I'm a big fan of Thomas this year. Jamey Eisenberg talked to him on Monday and Thomas is focused on helping the team win, but I see him as someone who will be a goal-line back, running downs back and potential backfield receiver -- especially when (not if) Reggie Bush is hurt. I consider him a No. 2 RB and I am definitely more bullish on him that other analysts. I would pair one of your running backs other than McFadden with Evans or Driver for Thomas and a receiver.
(08/19 12:05 PM) Derrick, Detroit - Do you think Braylon Edwards will return to his 2007 pro bowl form or will we see a re-enactment of his 2008 "year of drops"? Also, who do you see becoming the Browns QB?
(08/19 12:06 PM) Derrick in the D! I was on the fence with Edwards until he dropped a touchdown pass in the Browns' preseason game. Now when you're under the microscope for drops and you drop a sure TD - preseason or not - you're magnifying a problem. As I said in our Fantasy Football Playbook Podcast today (more on that later), I'm not touching Edwards. I'm gladly letting someone else get him. I don't like the Browns' offense at all and I am writing off Edwards even though he's in a contract year.
(08/19 12:07 PM) nick, los angeles, ca - looking at the vikings schedule i am really liking the chances of brett favre doing a lot better than last year. my question is would round 6 be to early of a reach for him this year and if so what would be a good round to reach for him in?
(08/19 12:08 PM) Nick, congrats on your Favre question being picked. I liked that you mentioned his schedule - that's a strength. He also has a solid O-line and a great RB complement in AP. I do agree that he'll be more efficient than last year, but he won't throw as much and won't have as many stats. I just released his updated projection total on Twitter (@daverichard, by the way) and see him as a solid No. 2 Fantasy QB. There are a bunch of them this year, and they'll all go between Rounds 8 and 10. That's where I'd target Favre.
(08/19 12:09 PM) Joseph, New York, NY - How would you rank these RB's?
Kevin Smith, Pierre Thomas, Darren McFadden and Ryan Grant
(08/19 12:11 PM) Joseph, I like Pierre the best, followed by Smith, then McFadden, then Grant. But all four are good No. 2 Fantasy RBs with 1300 total yard and 8+ TD potential.
(08/19 12:11 PM) Chris, Sixburgh - Dave, I am trying to understand why Brandon Jacobs is going so low in many mock drafts. Bradshaw will clearly share the load, but is this situation not better than the three headed monster last year now that Ward is gone?
(08/19 12:13 PM) Chris, the problem is that Jacobs is injury prone, and he just got paid a hefty deal. Usually when physical running backs have that combination, bad things happen. Jamal Lewis and Shaun Alexander are recent examples, and Jacobs could fit that bill. Even if he tries his hardest, his running style opens him up to injuries. So I like the idea of Jacobs as a top-end No. 2 Fantasy RB, but I like the concept of Ahmad Bradshaw as a sleeper even more.
(08/19 12:13 PM) rhinojgs, fairborn ohio - does favre boost AP's yardage and possibly 2-3 more td's??
(08/19 12:15 PM) Rhino, that remains to be seen. Let's keep one thing in mind with Favre: He's not at 100 percent and won't be. His arm strength is zapped compared to three or four years ago. I think defenses will plan to slow down Peterson first, then challenge Favre. I think he'll be fairly accurate, and he'll throw a lot of timed short- and mid-area passes (as the West Coast offense dictates). Peterson might see another TD or two because the Vikings will move the ball better than before, but I don't know how much his yardage will rise.
(08/19 12:15 PM) Jason, Ionia, Michigan - Some fantasy experts have said that Rivers will not touch 3,400 yards this year, other experts have said that he will be the #1 fantasy QB, what is your take?
(08/19 12:17 PM) Jason, I love Philip Rivers. I've been a fan of his since I scouted him at N.C. State. Because I think he's tremendously talented, and because I don't think Tomlinson regains his old form, I like him to be a candidate for another huge Fantasy season. He's a definite No. 1 QB worth a pick between Rounds 3 and 5. The analysts who say he'll regress are the same ones who like LT, and I stand by my research on RBs with 2,500 carries and eight full seasons of work -- they break down when they hit those marks. It has NOTHING to do with turning 30.
(08/19 12:17 PM) Mike, Princeton, NJ - Do you think like I do that Rashard Mendenhall at the very least splits carries with Parker at some point this season. His skill set, size, and status as a #1 draft pick trump what Parker brings to the table.
(08/19 12:19 PM) Mike, the Steelers don't know what they have in Mendenhall, and they might have struck gold with undrafted rookie Isaac Redman as a goal-line back. I think the Steelers' running backs might look like the Patriots' before this season is over -- one week it'll be one guy, the next week it will be someone else. I can add these things: One, I didn't love Mendenhall when he came out and I thought it was crazy how high people were on him. Two, if the Steelers struggle with the run, then Roethlisberger should post better than expected totals. That might be reflected in our projections soon.
(08/19 12:19 PM) James, Ottawa - After watching the Jets last week, I'm starting to see why you guys like Keller so much. I'm considering drafting him but I also like Carlson, Daniels and Cooley if they fall to me in the 8th round of a 12-team draft. Will Keller surpass those guys this year despite the fact that he no longer has Favre throwing him the ball?
(08/19 12:20 PM) James, you're talking to a guy who has liked Keller for a while. I think I like Keller more NOW than if he had Favre! He's essentially the No. 2 receiver in that offense, and he'll line up as such. I think he's a longshot for 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns, but it would not surprise me if he finished with 800 yards and 6-7 scores. I think he'll be useful nearly every week. He's a polished, athletic player. I think he'll be better than everyone you named, too.
(08/19 12:20 PM) Jeff T, Tampa Florida - Dave:
Great stuff, thanks again. In a 10 team 1/2 pt ppr league (7th pick) I'm thinking of waiting a while for QB and going RB, WR, WR. What round do you think I should target a QB? Thanks.
(08/19 12:21 PM) Jeff, it all depends on how much passing TDs are worth. If they're going to be 3 or 4 points, then you can wait until Round 5 and hope to snare Rodgers or Rivers. That's what I'm aiming to do in my leagues. If they're worth 6 each, then I might look at Brady or Brees in Round 2. Yardage totals also matter, along with bonuses.
(08/19 12:22 PM) tom brady jr, biddeford, maine - Oh fantasy guru, I've got but one question.......Calvin Johnson? Your thoughts???
(08/19 12:23 PM) Hello, spawn of Gisele! Unbelievable that you can type already and you're not even born yet! Calvin Johnson is one of the best picks you can make this year, especially if you land him in mid-Round 2 or early Round 3. Last year he posted phenomenal numbers with five mediocre passers. This year he'll have Matthew Stafford, who is bright, aggressive and very strong armed. I think he'll be even better than last season. Can you believe some people will pass on him just because he's a Lion? What a joke! No. 1 Fantasy WR all the way.
(08/19 12:24 PM) Bobby, NYC - Hey Dave. Love reading your articles--keep up the great work!
Here's my question: I've got the 1st pick in my draft and AP is a no-brainer. It's my snake pick (24, 25) that I'm more concerned about. I'm thinking of taking two wideouts there, but am worried about the type of 2nd RB I would get at the next snake (48, 49) if I were to take 2 WR's at the first. Any suggestions on which RB2 to target during my 2nd snake if I do end up taking two WRs during the 1st one? Also, do you see any RB's falling enough in first 2 rounds of the draft to me at 24/25 that it's too much of a value to go WR/WR with my first snake (sorry for the long questions). Thanks!
(08/19 12:26 PM) Bobby, I talked about the kind of RBs to take in Rounds 2-3 earlier. In Rounds 4-5, there's still some excellent value. I've seen the likes of McFadden, Grant, LJ, Brown and even Kevin Smith (Lion!) last that long. I'd pick one of two of those guys in a heartbeat. I'd be less excited about RBs like Addai, Lynch, Thomas Jones and LenDale in that spot, but they're probably worth taking there since all of them won't make it back in 6-7.
(08/19 12:26 PM) JJ, Cincinnati - Dave, who yould you rather have, Brian Westbrook or Brandon Jacobs this year?
(08/19 12:27 PM) JJ, give me Westbrook -- but you also have to give me McCoy. I like that he's getting healthy and might take on a preseason game in the next couple of weeks. We've all been witness to his production over the years, and as he continues to rack up touches (and injuries), the gravy train is going to run out soon. I think this is his last great year, so long as he's healthy, which is where McCoy comes in.
(08/19 12:28 PM) HC, Toronto - Does it make sense to have a set strategy (e.g. Get a top player at each starting postiion)? Or to just get the best player available?
(08/19 12:29 PM) HC, I like a strategy for your first three-to-five picks going into a draft, but that's it. You can't predict how a Fantasy draft will go round by round, and you have to be able to adapt to what's thrown at you. Here's what I do: When I am five picks away from a selection, I rank the five players I want the most. I continue to rank them and tweak them all the way until it's my pick. By then, hopefully I have a no-brainer selection. Now that's something you really can't plan well in advance unless you have a ton of time.
(08/19 12:29 PM) Dan, Harrisburg, PA - If AP, Drew, Turner and Forte are the first 4 picks in your draft, who would you take #5 overall and why?
(08/19 12:30 PM) Dan, I'd go with DeAngelo Williams in a standard league and either Gore or Slaton in a PPR. Williams looks great and runs behind the best O-line in football. Even though he'll share carries, he'll produce enough stats to be useful week in and week out. Gore is expected to be the workhorse in San Francisco, not giving up any carries at all. I don't know if he has the TD or yardage potential of Williams, but he'll have more catches. Slaton ranks behind both but should still be ultra-productive./
(08/19 12:31 PM) JeffT, Tampa, Florida - Dave:
If Brandon Marshall stays in Den. do you see him pulling a R.Moss in Oakland and quitting on the team?
(08/19 12:32 PM) I don't think he'll quit. Marshall's motivation for his trades and everything is a new contract. He wants to get paid. My guess is that he'll stay in Denver and play well in a contract year. With many Fantasy owners passing on him because of the negative offseason he's had, he could deliver AMAZING (all caps!) value as a Round 3 or 4 pick. I like him a little more than I did a week ago when he was in court and not practicing. His QB doesn't bother me, either.
(08/19 12:33 PM) Mark G, CT - Hi Dave,
Love the podcasts. Anyway to day them 5 days a week for and hour a show???
I'm in a PPR keeper league. Keeping Slaton, A Johnson, and A Gonzalez (WR ind) with my 1st and 2nd pick. Should I go for a RB (possibly Pierre Thomas) and a QB (M Ryan or Cutler) or draft another WR (S Smith or R Williams) and then a RB ( Macfadden)
Thanks and I'm ready for 5 podcasts a day!!!
(08/19 12:34 PM) Mark! Thanks for listening. Did you guys know that Jamey and I are podcasting three times a week, 30 times per podcast? If you want an edge on your opponents, download our free podcast on the site (email me if you need help - dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com). On to the question: I'd go RB first, then get more receivers later. You already have two good ones - unless a really good one is staring you in the face, you almost have to go RB.
(08/19 12:34 PM) jjtopher, Pittsburgh, pa - Would it be dumb to take Tom Brady #2 overall in a 12 team league, assuming Peterson is #1 ?
(08/19 12:35 PM) JJT -- how much for passing touchdowns? 10 per? One point for every 10 passing yards? In that instance, I would take Brady that high. But in a standard league with 6 points per passing touchdown, I think you can wait on a QB. Will Brady make it back to you in Round 2? Maybe not, but someone like Peyton or Rivers could be on your radar in Round 2 or 3. I do think Brady will have a sensational year, but not be worth taking over MJD or Forte.
(08/19 12:36 PM) Bill, Chattanooga, TN - Dave, love the podcasts, and now these chats. Can you please rank the following for a PPR draft: Colston, Roy Williams, Marshall, Welker, Bowe, V. Jackson, T.O. Thanks!
(08/19 12:37 PM) Bill, thanks for being a regular here at CBS. Welker is my top pick in PPR among these guys because he'll top 110 catches. I like Colston second, Bowe third, Marshall fourth, T.O. fifth, Williams sixth and V-Jack seventh. Very different than in our positional rankings, eh? They don't take receptions into account.
(08/19 12:39 PM) **BREAKING FANTASY NEWS** Terrell Owens has been ruled out for the Bills' preseason game this weekend. This is the second game he'll miss in a row with a sprained toe. If he misses one more, you can officially color me worried (wow that was bad, I should delete this ... oh well, too late). If Owens is limited by a toe injury all year, which is possible, you can kiss any yards per catch totals goodbye. Not that he's fast to begin with, but a toe would slow him down immensely. We'll keep track of this for you here at FantasyNews.CBSSports.com.
(08/19 12:39 PM) Rod from Colorado, Boulder, CO - I have Eddie Royal and Desean Jackson as potential keepers. Who do you think will have a better year?
(08/19 12:40 PM) Rod, stick with the WR in your back yard. Royal should see a glut of catches and have a better chance to score more than Jackson would. I actually think Jackson will take a little step back in Philadelphia now that the receiving corps there is healthy.
(08/19 12:41 PM) Joey G., Winchester VA - I play in an extremely QB favored scoring league: 6 pt. TDS, 20 Yards- 1pt and even a half of point for every completion: Providing PManning, Brady or Brees are there, I will snag one: based on our scoring system, how would you rate these 3 and how far behind is Rivers or Rodgers?
(08/19 12:43 PM) Now this is what I'm talking about! A league's scoring system must always be accounted for before Draft Day. If a QB completes 300 passes over a season, that's 150 points! We've seen a spike in leagues rewarding completions, by the way. Joey, I'd keep them ranked as we have them now: Brees, Brady, Peyton, Rivers, Rodgers. Those last two are not far behind them, and I would imagine in a league like this, they won't last past the second round unless carries and receptions are counted heavily.
(08/19 12:43 PM) ap, CA - What are your thoughts on going WR/WR in the first 2 rounds? What would be the highest position for your first pick that you would consider such a strategy viable?
(08/19 12:44 PM) AP, I like the idea of going WR-WR starting at 10th overall. That's when there's a mild dropoff in RB talent, and you can skip over several suspect runners for elite receivers then. I plan on doing this in all my drafts where I pick 10th or later.
(08/19 12:44 PM) T.O., Buffalo, NY? - Brrrrr. Top 5 keeper league receivers??
(08/19 12:45 PM) T.O. -- please take care of your toe and stop chatting with me. Fitzgerald, C. Johnson, A. Johnson,
And for the last time, I'm not buying your lame cereal.
(08/19 12:46 PM) oops ... typo there ... let's try that again: Fitzgerald, C. Johnson, A. Johnson, Moss and G. Jennings as keeper receivers.
(08/19 12:46 PM) rdoran8728, McHenry, IL - i get to keep Adrian Peterson and Matt Ryan...so, my first picks are early in round two and late in round three of a ten-team league....would you go for another rb or a top receiver
(08/19 12:47 PM) RD, my fellow Chicagoan, I'd aim for the best player available. You should see an elite receiver still there in Round 2 so I'd go that route, then take the guy most likely to get 1,200 yards and 7+ TDs with your next pick. Consult our Top 200 rankings for more.
(08/19 12:47 PM) mark, renton,washington - at pick #3 who would you take? im thinking steven jackson, dont they have the easiest schedule?
(08/19 12:48 PM) Mark, not even close to the easiest schedule, though the Rams don't have it tough, either. Jackson is more of fifth-through-ninth option. I'm concerned he'll get worn down this year because defenses might be as bold to put NINE in the box against him. Really, the Rams receivers are atrocious at this point, and Bulger is now hurting with a broken finger. Jackson will be busy this year, but he's missed time in his previous seasons.
(08/19 12:49 PM) Hey everybody, let's try something new. In an effort to answer ALL of your questions, let's end this chat with a lightning round of sorts. Please send me your SHORTEST QUESTIONS and I will answer as many as possible, albeit as quickly as possible. Maybe we'll set a chat-question record!
(08/19 12:49 PM) kyle, new orleans - dave i am in a 12 team draft with a friend and we have the #2 pick the league is a yeardage league so we know for a fact that AP is gone at 1 so what do you think we should do and the 2 pick go RB if so which one and info helps
(08/19 12:50 PM) I'd go MJD at No. 2 Kyle, whether receptions count or not. He should have a good year.
(08/19 12:50 PM) jwade, atlanta, georgia - after 10+ mock drafts, i find that my teams look better when i get a top qb and two wrs with my first three picks. rbs are so deep that getting the two starters and key back up are relatively easy, but getting a third wr and backup is hard if you get rbs early. How critical do you think it is to get a top 10 rb or two top 15 ones?
(08/19 12:50 PM) Depends on the league scoring more than anything else. But I like the idea of waiting a little while on RBs, especially in leagues with 10 or fewer teams.
(08/19 12:51 PM) Brew78, Madison, WI - Manning or Barber as a keeper
(08/19 12:51 PM) I'd go Barber over Manning. Lots of good QBs this season.
(08/19 12:51 PM) Dave, Willmar, MN - 4 Keeper league matt schaub or Roy Williams?
(08/19 12:51 PM) I'd take our guy Roy Williams over Schaub, who can't promise you 16 games.
(08/19 12:51 PM) Z, Detroit, MI - Who to keep - Matt Ryan or Ben Roethlisberger?
(08/19 12:52 PM) I'd keep Ryan over Roethlisberger. Are you coming to the 97.1 The Ticket Fantasy Party in Detroit on Saturday????
(08/19 12:52 PM) jared, Ohio - is Cassel going to be a bust this season?
(08/19 12:52 PM) I think he'll be a very solid no. 2 Fantasy QB and a low-end No. 1 in deeper leagues. He'll throw a lot, that's for sure. Just not sure how effective his receivers will be. I also think LJ bounces back a little.
(08/19 12:52 PM) Chris, Hearne, TX - Who has bigger bust potential, MJD,Forte or Michael Turner?
(08/19 12:53 PM) Definitely Turner, who is coming off of a season where he had over 390 carries (incl postseason) and has a tougher schedule and an improving offense with new receiving weapons. Plus, he'll lose some touches to Jerious Norwood. We still like him for his breakaway skills and goal-line work though.
(08/19 12:53 PM) JY, NY - R Moss or Slaton as a keeper??
(08/19 12:54 PM) Slaton. Basically with keepers, take the guy who would go higher in a standard Fantasy draft.
(08/19 12:54 PM) Josh, Gig Harbor, WA - Dave, who are your top 3-5 or so rookies regardless of position?
(08/19 12:55 PM) Matt, Park Ridge, IL - Who to keep: Frank Gore or Matt Schaub. My league heavily favors QBs by keeping TDs at 6 not 4 pts., but Gore will have great season, right?
(08/19 12:55 PM) Matt, tell Park Ridge I say hi. I'd go Gore even with the TD scoring. Why is everyone in this chat keeping Schaub or Ryan? And what's with all these QBs named Matt?
(08/19 12:55 PM) Terry, Charlotte, NC - Dave,
What place will the "U" finish in the ACC this year? Quick question, what QB's have the potential to throw for 30+ TD's this year. Thanks.
(08/19 12:56 PM) LOL, Terry. Last place, but I hope our Canes can surprise us all. I'd say the top 7 QBs in our rankings all have 30+ TD potential.
(08/19 12:56 PM) Paul, King of Prussia pa - would you take Moss over Fitz and a. Johnson?
(08/19 12:56 PM) I could see why you'd consider that, but the one drawback with Moss is that he has tender hamstrings. He'll play through minor injuries but once he gets hurt, he'll trail off. I like the younger guys better, but it's not by a lot and I couldn't blame you for taking Moss early.
(08/19 12:57 PM) Do Good, boise, id - would you trade your first and ninth round picks for a 3rd and 5th round pick assuming you were in the 12th spot in a 12 team league and the trade was with the person drafting first?
(08/19 12:57 PM) Wow, my head hurts after reading that. Uhh ... I wouldn't do that. You'd miss on too many elite WRs.
(08/19 12:57 PM) steve, cali - R.Brown and Bush for barber and welker in a ppr league
(08/19 12:58 PM) I'll take the Barber/Welker side of that trade. I don't trust Bush this season.
(08/19 12:58 PM) Mike Vick, Philly, PA - What will me and Brett do this year in fantasy football?
(08/19 12:58 PM) Brett will be good enough to be a No. 2 option. You, Mr. Vick, will be worthless in all but the deepest of leagues.
(08/19 12:58 PM) Derrick, Detroit - Which 2 teams do you think will wind up competing against eachother in this year's Super Bowl? Why?
(08/19 12:59 PM) Derrick, I'll give a formal Super Bowl pick later, but for now I have the Patriots beating the Vikings in XLIV. I was on the fence between the Vikings and Eagles in the NFC but the Favre signing and the Eagles' injuries tipped the scale. I reserve the right to change my mind before Week 1 kickoff!
(08/19 13:00 PM) dom, mn - is the Jets defense/special teams unit worth drafting as a top 5 defense in fantasy this year?
(08/19 13:00 PM) I think so. They trashed the Rams in a preseason game! They'll be really, really good. I like them.
(08/19 13:00 PM) Snizzo, Orlando Florida - Would you keep Fitz over Chris Johnson
(08/19 13:00 PM) Yes Snizzo, I would. I'm a little suspect of Chris Johnson this season because of the Titans' newfound passing game. Might take some reps off his plate.
(08/19 13:03 PM) OK gang, I'm off to a meeting for our live Internet TV show, Fantasy Football Today. I think we got to like 50 questions here, that's pretty good. If your question did not get answered, you can email me at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. For those of you in the Detroit area, if you want more information on the Fantasy Football Convention coming to your town Saturday, you can also email me (and email me if you want a Fantasy Football Convention in your town!). We're going to have great content on drafting running backs and a faceoff on LaDainian Tomlinson later this week, plus a fresh podcast tomorrow, so keep it here on CBSSports.com for the latest in Fantasy Football! Thanks again for joining me.
