A little more than a week before the 2009 NFL season officially kicks off.
Still plenty of drafts to be held between now and then. Senior Fantasy Writer Dave Richard will answer your questions Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. ET.
He'll answer as many questions as he can in a hour. Feel free to submit a question now or come by this afternoon!
 | (09/01 16:01 PM) Good afternoon, everybody. Interesting topic to lead off with here: I mentioned in my Fantasy Take today that I made a trade in a deep 14-team league to get Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Peterson (I took Peterson with the No. 1 overall pick). As a result, I moved to the last pick in Round 3 and got Pierre Thomas. I would have had Peterson, Greg Jennings and Roddy White had I not made the trade. Which team is better? Send me a note at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com right now and I'll tally up the results at the end of our chat. I also anticipate a 10-minute 'lightning round' toward the end of our time together, so save short questions until then.
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(09/01 16:01 PM) Mark, Edina, MN - Hi Dave - I have the 10th pick in a standard scoring 10-team draft. What are your thoughts on going Brady/Moss or Slaton/Andre Johnson? Thank you!!
| (09/01 16:02 PM) Hey Mark. I'm of the belief that so long as an offense can be counted on for at least 21 points per game, getting players from the same team is fine. It's a 'double-or-nothing' strategy because if one guy goes down, the other will follow (see Tom Brady last season). I like the idea of Brady/Moss more than Slaton/Johnson, by the way.
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(09/01 16:02 PM) ChicagoGOBLUE, Chicago, IL - Hi Dave,
My RB's are as follows: Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Larry Johnson, Lendale White, Chester Taylor, and Earnest Graham. My question is whether I should make a waiver move for James Davis which means dropping Graham. I just don't know how much, if at all, I'd insert Graham into my starting lineup.
Thanks!
| (09/01 16:04 PM) GOBLUE, you're loaded at running back, so I figure you're trying to get a sleeper to round out your bench. Obviously, Davis has more upside than Graham at this point, though both have two backs in front of them who will take more carries (Cadillac Williams is exploding up draft boards -- I saw him go in Round 5 of that 14-team league I am in!). You can afford to take the risk, so as long as there isn't another good sleeper out there you could invest in, picking Davis over Graham is OK.
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(09/01 16:04 PM) Arthur, New York NY - Matt Forte or MJD?
| (09/01 16:06 PM) We get this question a lot, Arthur. I like MJD over Forte for a few reasons: One, his offensive line is better, and that's considering all the additions both teams made. The Jags really went wild on linemen in the draft and got several back from injury last year. Second, MJD has a longer track record than Forte, and he has yet to miss a game. But I especially like that MJD is the centerpiece of the Jacksonville offense while Jay Cutler is the new head honcho in Chicago. With Forte losing carries to Kevin Jones and touches to Cutler's arm, MJD makes sense as the better back. And I like both better than Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams and others.
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(09/01 16:06 PM) gehin, Middleton - I'm in a keepers league where you can keep 5 players. My keepers this year are Fitzgerald, Roddy White, MJD, Gore, and Dallas Clark. I have the 4th pick in the draft and Im not sure who I should draft for my flex player. Im leaning towards taking a rookie running back. Who would you take between Wells, McCoy or Brown? Or would I be better off taking a solid receiver?
| (09/01 16:07 PM) Gehin, I'd definitely go with a third receiver. This season, wideouts are slim after the top 30 or so, and it's in your best interests to pick up as many solid ones as you can. Not many sleeper receivers, either. I'd pass on those rookies, especially so early, and go with the best receiver available.
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(09/01 16:07 PM) Jake, Dayton - Am I crazy for being set on taking Michael Turner with the 2nd pick?
| (09/01 16:09 PM) Jake, I understand why you'd take him. He had a great year in 08, he's having a great preseason and he's on one of the most up-and-coming teams in the league. But he's also coming off a season where the Falcons really rode him hard, and his schedule is much tougher this season than it was last season. My colleague Jamey Eisenberg did an impressive story on Turner and why he's due for a letdown this season, and I strongly recommend taking a look at it. He's still a No. 1 RB but not a Top 2 or even Top 3 guy.
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(09/01 16:09 PM) Walter, Taunton,Mass - Hey Dave
Love your knowledge in football.I just want to know what your strategy would be going into a 12 team draft and not knowing your pick until you sit down at the table..Thanks have a good day!!!
| (09/01 16:10 PM) Interesting, Walter! I suppose you should just be prepared for everything and anything. As we've said on the site, early-round picks in snake drafts should focus on RB-WR-WR while late-round picks in snake drafts should go WR-WR-RB. After those three picks, keep the mindset of 'best player available.'
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(09/01 16:11 PM) That guy, Yuma, az. - What do you see out of Kevin smith this season, what's a good round to pick him up if available
| (09/01 16:12 PM) That Guy, I like Smith a lot and see him as an under-the-radar RB. Let's face facts: He's on the Lions, and the Lions are unpopular, but he was talented last season and has shown no signs of slowing down thus far this preseason. In fact, his reps have been limited because the coaches in Detroit want Smith to save him for the regular season. He could be a 20-touch-per-week runner, and you can get him in Round 3! That's value, friends. I'm aiming for him in Rounds 3 or 4 in drafts.
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(09/01 16:12 PM) Ryan, Lexington, KY - Who would you rather have as your back up QB - Cassell or Hasselback??
| (09/01 16:13 PM) Ryan, at this point Hasselbeck is the safer pick. Not only is Cassel hurt, but his O-line hasn't been very good so far, and his receivers outside of Dwayne Bowe haven't been great. In fact, the team released Amani Toomer just before the start of this chat! They also put Devard Darling on IR, so there go two more targets for Cassel. Hasselbeck meanwhile has tons of guys to throw to even though HIS O-line isn't very good. But I'd take him over Cassel at this point.
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(09/01 16:14 PM) JeffT, Tampa - Dave: Do you like Eddie Royal in a 1/2pt ppr 10 team league? Is he the #1 in Denver now? Thanks.
| (09/01 16:15 PM) I like Royal in any league, Jeff. I don't know if I'm quite ready to say he's No. 1 in Denver, but I think he'll be better once Marshall is back and drawing coverage away from him. I actually think Marshall will be a good soldier this year after messing up last week and earn a huge contract extension. Royal is the long-term answer in Denver, and he should see a ton of catches go his way.
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(09/01 16:16 PM) Roy, Bowling Green, KY - I was banking on Pierre Thomas in wk 1 vs DET. Is he gonna be healthy enough to play effectively?
| (09/01 16:17 PM) Roy, I am banking on him too now that I took him in Round 3 of that 14-team league. Sean Payton said today that Thomas won't make the preseason finale but that he is on his way back from a sprained MCL. I'm a little nervous, but the potential that comes with Thomas is too great to ignore. With Reggie Bush also banged up and the Saints offense so strong that he'll never see eight in the box, Thomas is still a good pick and a great start vs. the Lions in Week 1.
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(09/01 16:17 PM) New England Dynasty, Windsor Lock, CT - Who do you think will get the majority of carries for TB?
| (09/01 16:19 PM) NED, I'm not sure. I know it won't be Earnest Graham -- we astutely noted that he was working on special teams in the preseason game. I think you can look at Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams and flip a coin. I liked Williams in that last game -- he had his trademark zip and wasn't afraid to get hit. Ward should be fine too. I give Ward the nod because he's healthier and is the safer option because his knees aren't as carved up as Caddy's.
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(09/01 16:19 PM) fatboy_ant, new orleans, la - Do you think Washington's DST be a good pickup with all their offseason pickups?
| (09/01 16:21 PM) Hey Ant! I think they're a decent late-round flier. We know that they have Albert Haynesworth, and when he's healthy and motivated he'll stop running offenses on his own. But he's guaranteed big bucks and has already tweaked his leg this summer, so there's some risk in him giving his all for 16 weeks. But the rest of the defense looks good and the special teams has some potential. I like them as a low-end option.
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(09/01 16:21 PM) LBJ, Ohio - Who will score more fantasy pts - Wells or Hightower?
| (09/01 16:22 PM) LBJ, in the face of Wells' two TD performance, I say Hightower. I think we'll see a close split between the backs, and Hightower has proven this preseason that last year's 2.8 average was a fluke. He looks fundamentally better in how he holds the ball and how he falls forward on every hit. Wells reminded us this summer that he's injury prone, which is also a plus for Hightower since he'd see nearly every carry in games Wells is out.
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(09/01 16:22 PM) Mr. Runway, Milwaukee, Wi - Mr. Richard, do I go with Steven Jackson or Frank Gore in a non-ppr league?
| (09/01 16:24 PM) Runway, I like Gore better than Jackson, but it's close. The 49ers' offense is better, and Gore is in great shape. Everyone's worried about Glen Coffee's role in the 49ers offense but I think Gore is still a lock for over 15 touches per week. He also has a better offense. Jackson has missed time in his last two seasons and will constantly see eight in the box on offense. I'm concerned he'll get hurt again, too. Gore is my pick.
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(09/01 16:24 PM) ARHGATOR, Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Are you optimistic about Jamal Lewis having a better year or do you think Jerome Harrison will see an increase to 10-15 carries by mid-season
| (09/01 16:25 PM) The only way we'll see Harrison with 10-to-15 carries this season is if Lewis and rookie James Davis get hurt, GATOR. I do think he's got a shot to take around five touches per week with Lewis healthy and maybe split reps with Davis if Lewis gets hurt. I'm not optimistic for Lewis at all this season.
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(09/01 16:25 PM) JB, here - Short and simple: drop Donald Brown for C.Taylor, D.Ward or A.Bradshaw?
| (09/01 16:27 PM) JB, where is here? I would drop Brown for Ward or Bradshaw. Much better upside with those RBs. In fact, I see Addai climbing up draft boards late because he's seen more time with the first-team offense than Brown this preseason. Addai looks flashy and healthy and should be decent this year. I'd still handcuff one to the other, but I would ultimately take one of those other rushers over Brown. Can you trade Brown to the owner of Addai first, then pick up one of those RBs? That's what I'd do.
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(09/01 16:27 PM) Frasier, Nashua, NH - How important is it to draft players with one eye to the playoff schedule and what defense they will face? I have a chance to keep D'Angelo Williams as my 8th round pick this year but in our playoff weeks he will face the Pats, Vikings and Giants - 3 of the toughest run defenses. Should I let him go and keep Matt Ryan as my 14th round pick?
| (09/01 16:29 PM) Frasier, you're overthinking things. As good as Ryan is in Round 14, Williams is exceptional as an eighth-round keeper. The late-season schedule shouldn't be a factor in your mind right now -- who can say how the Pats, Vikings and Giants will be that late in the year? Moreover, the Panthers' O-line is my top-ranked line in the league, so I'd take them against any defensive front. Williams is the no-brainer.
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(09/01 16:29 PM) Tony, Allen Park, MI - How scary is Matt Schaub after last night? Who is a good option to pair Schaub up with? I'm thinking Trent Edwards or Favre. Any thoughts?
| (09/01 16:32 PM) Hey Tony -- we all got a scare when Schaub came up lame after a run out of bounds against the Vikings. He says he'll be OK, but he's had all sorts of issues with that left leg, knee and ankle. The thing to remember with Schaub is that the upside is enormous. We're talking 300-yard per week enormous. The Texans have a great schedule and their division isn't loaded with great defenses (just Tennessee, and they're good). You must pair him up with a Roethlisberger, Hasselbeck, Hill or Favre, but he's still worth owning.
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(09/01 16:32 PM) Jim, Traverse City, Michigan - Hey Dave. Be the expert for me and give me 2-3 of those long-shot running backs who emerge to produce some big fantasy points out of nowhere. Charles, Davis, Leon Washington, etc. Who is your best guess at getting that kind of shot?!
| (09/01 16:33 PM) Jim, I love making calls like these! OK, sleeper RBs: LeSean McCoy in Philly, James Davis in Cleveland, Leon Washington in NY, Felix Jones in Dallas and here's a mega-sleeper -- assuming he makes the cut, Isaac Redman in Pittsburgh.
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(09/01 16:33 PM) Chris, Cherry Hill,NJ - Hey Dave,
Rb's go quick in my league of 14 teams. This year it may be 20 rbs 3 qbs and 5 top wrs go before i pick again. Should i grab Addai if he is there around 28th or 29th or take a chance with a WR and Rodgers QB or wait on a QB.
| (09/01 16:34 PM) Chris, I remain convinced that this is a year deep with good RBs but not WRs. I'd buck the trend and load up on receivers, especially if you can get elite ones. Just remember to eat up elite and very good RBs when they're there -- taking Fitzgerald over Adrian Peterson isn't advised.
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(09/01 16:35 PM) Ryan, Philadelphia PA - Should I avoid picking brees or brady at #10 in a 10 person league if Aaron Rodgers is my keeper?
| (09/01 16:36 PM) Ryan, I'd say so. Unless you can start both. Running backs and receivers are a much higher priority if you are covered at quarterback.
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(09/01 16:37 PM) Chuck Norris, Los Angeles, CA - In a PPR Leauge, I drafted AP with my first pick and then Westbrook fell to me in the second even though Calvin Johnson was available. My Wr's are weak and I have good RBs(Reggie Bush as my #3)Who would you rather have, Calvin Johnson or Westbrook?
| (09/01 16:38 PM) Chuck, I'm not scared enough to answer your question. I would have taken Johnson knowing full well that there would be good RBs to draft later on. This is why I'm telling people to DRAFT ELITE WRs. DRAFT AS MANY AS YOU CAN! Good RBs will be there later (not that Bush is much better than good). Now you're probably stuck with some lesser receivers along with one great RB and two potential studs who have glass knees.
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(09/01 16:39 PM) Dave, Norwal, CT - I drafted 11th in a 12 team league I went Fitzgerald, Moss, Kevin Smith, Kurt Warner, and Ray Rice...How am I looking?
| (09/01 16:40 PM) I love the first three picks Dave. Love them. You're set at WR for the year (fingers crossed). Warner in Round 4 is a little scary -- he's been bad this preseason but it doesn't mean he'll be bad or benched in the regular season. He does look old though and he won't get younger in the regular season. I like Ray Rice a ton but I'm not sure if he's Round 5 material (PPR league?). I think your next few picks are crucial, so make them count. Aim for another receiver and then go hog wild for RBs.
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(09/01 16:41 PM) Matt, DC - Backup QB: Shaun Hill or Mark Sanchez?
| (09/01 16:42 PM) Matt, Mark Sanchez has been impressive but Hill strikes me as the better and safer Fantasy option. I don't love Hill's arm but I do love his legs. He can make plays. Sanchez can too, but I'm always skeptical of rookie quarterbacks. Yes, I know Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco were good last year as rookies, but this is a different person on a different team. Hill would be my pick unless I'm in a ridiculous keeper league and I could hang on to Sanchez for a while -- I do think he'll be a real good QB.
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(09/01 16:42 PM) Jack, Brownsville,Texas - I need your help Dave, i have my draft tonite and i have had no time to prepare. I'm really big on sleepers also do you know of any i should know about? Thanks
| (09/01 16:44 PM) Jack, you're in the right place. I'll give you three sleepers now, but the rest you can find on our site and in our FREE Downloadable Draft Kit available on the front of our site. Three sleepers: Ahmad Bradshaw, Josh Morgan and Jermichael Finley.
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(09/01 16:44 PM) TIMMMMMMYYYY, South Park, CO - Do you think Ronnie Brown will be consistent week to week or just have a couple of monster games like last year?
| (09/01 16:45 PM) I thought your name was TIMMMMAYYY? Oh well. I like Ronnie Brown and expect him to be more consistent than he was last season. Don't forget that he was coming off of a torn ACL in 2008 and was still a little hesitant in his movement. Now he's confident and part of a good offense that should be run-heavy again in 2009. He's a safe No. 2 Fantasy RB and I'd expect him to get you close to 90 total yards each week with touchdowns intermittently.
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(09/01 16:46 PM) BB, Ca. - Give me your week 1 starter between Portis, L Johnson and D. Ward (need 2 starters)
| (09/01 16:47 PM) I'll tell you what, BB. I haven't done the research necessary to analyze these three, but I believe the Chiefs start 2009 at Baltimore. If Matt Cassel isn't ready, that defense will eat up LJ. And even if Cassel is ready, LJ should be in for a tough week against a fresh Ravens defense. I'd give a long look at Ward before finalizing the lineup.
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(09/01 16:47 PM) Aaron Pudlo, Nashville, TN - My starting lineup I feel is pretty strong. QB: Carson Palmer, RB: Maurice Jones Drew, LaDainian Tomlinson, WR: Dwayne Bowe, Andre Johnson, TE: Antonio Gates, Dst: Steelers. However, I feel a little shaky counting on Carson Palmer to be my starting quarterback. I have Brett Farve and Kyle Orton sittin the bench just in case, but I'm fretful of them as well. I have Cedrick Benson, Jamal Lewis, Torry Holt, and Laverneus Coles on my bench as well. Should I try and trade for an upgrade at QB or should I stick with what I have. If you suggest a trade, what type of a package do you think would be feasable. Thanks.
| (09/01 16:48 PM) Aaron, relax my man. You're solid! Carson Palmer's achy ankle is close to well, and he might even play in the Bengals' preseason finale. But even if he struggles, you're covered with two promising No. 2 QBs. I won't say they'll explode into No. 1 starters, but Favre and Orton as a platoonable duo should be fine if you're in a pinch. But you're not -- you've got Palmer, who I rate as a Top 10 QB. You're fine.
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| (09/01 16:49 PM) OK gang, let's do some lightning round questions -- send in your SHORT questions and I will answer as many as I can succinctly. Let's set a chat record for questions, and then we'll take a look at what you guys thought of my 14-team league trade.
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(09/01 16:49 PM) JeffT, Tampa - Dave, does M.Lynch come off suspension and give me some strong RB2 production this year? Thanks.
| (09/01 16:50 PM) I'm nervous about him. The Bills' offensive line is a wreck and the offense might be forced to rely on T.O. I think he'll give some decent weeks but not a lot of consistency. Could be a long year.
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(09/01 16:50 PM) Eric, Vienna, VA - Who would you start week 1: Ray Rice vs KC or Addai vs JAC
| (09/01 16:50 PM) I'd go with Addai at this point. Neither matchup scares me, but Rice could lose more touches than Addai.
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(09/01 16:50 PM) Todd, St. Louis - D.R...Crabtree, Avery, or Lance Moore or who for a 3rd WR bench spot? we start two.
| (09/01 16:51 PM) Todd, I don't mind Lance Moore. I doubt anyone else good enough would be available on waivers. Go with Moore -- he'll be at his best in weeks where Reggie Bush is hurt.
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(09/01 16:51 PM) CJ, Michigan - First week QB2 -- Shaun Hill, Culpepper or Jamarcus!?
| (09/01 16:51 PM) Let's go with Shaun Hill right now. Culpepper's foot is hurt and JaMarcus' receiving corps is weak!
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(09/01 16:51 PM) Charles, Fort Wayne, IN - Shonn Greene...does he take over for Thomas Jones this year?
| (09/01 16:52 PM) I'm not sure. I think Jones should hang tough for multiple weeks -- he's not really injury prone. But based on his contract, I am almost sure this is Jones' last year with the Jets.
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(09/01 16:52 PM) Tom, madison, wi - Who do you think will have a better year Ochocinco, DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal, Santonio Holmes, Or Anthony Gonzalez?
| (09/01 16:52 PM) Ochocinco, then Royal, then -- surprise -- Gonzalez!
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(09/01 16:53 PM) Dino, Leesburg, VA - I drafted Kurt Warner as my QB, who is a better backup Leinhart, J. Campbell, K. Collins
| (09/01 16:53 PM) I'd get K. Collins right now and pick up Leinart later in the season, like maybe Week 10.
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(09/01 16:53 PM) Dave K, Wisc - Will Felix Jones be worth a flex or pick at 25 above Stewart?
| (09/01 16:53 PM) I don't think so, Dave. Stewart has plenty of potential working in that offense and having a shot at 8 to 10 touchdowns.
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(09/01 16:53 PM) WIll G, Fall River, MA - why do experts recommend taking a RB #1 overall in a PPR draft even though WRs outscore them over the season
| (09/01 16:54 PM) Because running backs touch the ball more than receivers do. A great receiver will get 100 catches for 1400 yards and 10 TDs. A great running back will run the ball 275 times for 1400 yards and catch it 50 times for another 300 yards with 12 or more total TDs. I'll take the extra stats, thank you.
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(09/01 16:54 PM) bigm, michigan - marques colston? every week starter?
| (09/01 16:55 PM) As long as he's healthy, absolutely.
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(09/01 16:55 PM) SuperQuick, Nowtown - Pick 1 for RB2 in WK1:
J. Stewart (PHI)
Cadillac Williams(DAL)
Lesean Mccoy (CAR)
R. Mendenhall(TEN)
| (09/01 16:55 PM) I'd go Stewart over the others. Best shot, even though he's resting an Achilles' right now.
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(09/01 16:55 PM) Chris, Cherry Hill,NJ - Who would be a better safer pick Hasselback or palmer?
| (09/01 16:56 PM) Definitely Palmer. Better arm, just as good WRs if not better, O-lines are about the same. Hasslebeck might have the edge in schedules though.
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(09/01 16:56 PM) Super, boston MA - HI Dave i have a choice to pick westbrook and ryan grant which one is better?
| (09/01 16:56 PM) Grant is safer but we all know Westbrook's upside. I'd go with Westy and then pick up LeSean McCoy later on.
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(09/01 16:56 PM) Joe, MD - What is your outlook for Slaton this year?
| (09/01 16:57 PM) Solid second season. He's a hard runner and I don't like his competition for playing time much. I took him in Round 1 of a draft today.
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(09/01 16:57 PM) matt, St. Louis - In my draft, i recieved a miracle, forte, A. Johnson, Slaton, and Colston in the first 4 rounds, but am stuck with Mcnabb as my QB. How will Mcnabb do this year?
| (09/01 16:57 PM) Stuck? STUCK? Gee, sorry you didn't get Brady or Brees! ;) Just kidding Matt. I like McNabb a lot this year so long as he stays healthy. That's the key for him. Great stats should follow -- he's got a lot of weapons now.
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(09/01 16:57 PM) joe, wi - Wells or hightower?
| (09/01 16:58 PM) Hightower!
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(09/01 16:58 PM) coltsfan, Indianapolis, In - When is a good time to take a QB when the scoring is the same between them and RB's and WR's
| (09/01 16:58 PM) Supply and demand suggests waiting. If you're in a 10- or 12-team league and there are 32 QBs out there, one is bound to be there for you when you need one. I'd go with one starting in Round 3 but would wait if there's better talent out there.
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(09/01 16:59 PM) jp, nyc - brady or d. williams to keep in a 12 team league?
| (09/01 17:00 PM) If TDs count for four for passing TDs I'd go DeAngelo. In fact, unless the scoring system really favors quarterbacks, I'd go Williams over Brady and aim for a QB later on.
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(09/01 17:00 PM) Marko, boston, MA - LT, Gore or Jackson 1st round?
| (09/01 17:01 PM) Aha! I knew someone would ask about LT! I like Gore, then Jackson, then LT. I'm not feeling Tomlinson this season unless it's as my No. 2 RB. And I did NOT like him sitting out a preseason game. He flew across the country only to sit out? Something smells fishy.
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| (09/01 17:03 PM) OK guys, I tallied up the votes, and eight of you liked my team with AP, Fitz and Thomas while six liked my team if I had stayed put with AP, Jennings and White. That means the majority of you liked my trade. I feel much better now. If your question didn't get answered here, email me it at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com and I'll try to answer it later on (DM stands for Digital Media, by the way). Thank you for coming to our chat today, thank you for coming to CBSSports.com for your Fantasy advice, and please don't forget to get all the latest news Sunday mornings with me, Jamey Eisenberg, Brian Jones and Jason Horowitz on Fantasy Football Today, live on your computers at 11 a.m. ET! Take care, folks.
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