Fantasy Focus
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM ETMichael Fabiano
22 comments
Welcome to Week 1 of the 2008 NFL season. NFL.com fantasy editor Michael Fabiano took questions Friday afternoon. Here is a transcript of the chat.
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Mike, Philadelphia
1:59 PM ET
Who do you think is going to be more productive this week Brett Favre or Tom Brady? I'm a a little worried about Brady's foot.
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Hi all...let's get this chat started! I'm still siding with Brady, despite the foot. He would have to really fall off statistically to be reserved in favor of Favre this season. -
Brooklyn Carter, Boston, MA
2:01 PM ET
I currently have Andre Hall and Leon Washington as handcuff RBs on my bench. I'm hearing a lot of hype about Steve Slaton, who is available in my league. Would you drop Hall or Washington for Slaton, and if so, who would you drop? Thanks!
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I'm not a fan of Ahman Green at all. How can anyone like him this season? He's Mr. Glass. I've heard rumors that Slaton could take that starting job at some point, so yes, I would add him and release Hall. -
Antonio, Dayton, Ohio
2:03 PM ET
I have Marion Barber, Selvin Young and Darren McFadden, who should start, who should?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Well Antonio I'd go with Barber and Young. I like McFadden's matchup, but Young is almost guaranteed to see more carries for Denver. -
Jose , Guevara
2:04 PM ET
What are the chances of Shaun Alexander playing this season? Do you think Julius Jones will move to the top spot in Seattle? Is Marvin Harrison back to his old self?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Alexander could be picked up if a few RBs around the league get hurt, but he's no fantasy relevant at this point. I'm not a fan of Jones, and that's a definite committee regardless of who starts. Maurice Morris is starting in Week 1. I doubt Harrison will post monster numbers as in season's past, but he's still a viable No. 2 fantasy wideout this week. -
Chris, Kansas City
2:07 PM ET
Kevin Smith and Steve Smith for Larry Johnson... bad trade?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I'm not sure I would make this deal. Johnson isn't the same back that posted monster numbers a few seasons back. I'm also a little concerned about his offensive line. -
Jason, Maryland
2:08 PM ET
Donovan McNabb or Peyton Manning start for Week 1?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
McNabb did have a nice preseason, but if Manning's active he's a must start. He was removed from the injury report yesterday, so it looks like Manning is a go vs. Chicago. -
JCT, Atlanta, GA
2:10 PM ET
I heard reports earlier in the week that Antonio Gates would not be healthy enough to start this week, but today I heard he would be starting. Can you provide some clarification on this? Thanks!
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Hi JCT...Gates was actually misquoted in a San Diego paper yesterday saying he would NOT start, but Chargers.com said he WILL start this morning. Looks like he's a go vs. Carolina. -
Travis, New York
2:11 PM ET
In the flex position, I am having a hard time choosing between LenDale White versus Alge Crumpler. Any advice on who to start in Week 1?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I don't like White's matchup vs. Jacksonville, but I'm almost always going to start a running back over a tight end at a flex spot. -
R.D. Dhawan, Chicago
2:12 PM ET
Start Big Ben Roethlisberger or Kurt Warner?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I love Warner this week, but Big Ben's facing a questionable Houston pass defense at Heinz Field. I'd go with Roethlisberger. -
Al, Toronto
2:14 PM ET
Aaron Rodgers or Jay Cutler in Week 1? I have high hopes for Cutler this year.
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I agree, Al. I think Cutler will have a big season. But based on his matchup in Oakland and the absence of Brandon Marshall, I'm starting Rodgers. He's a solid sleeper this week. -
Jeremy , New York
2:15 PM ET
I have Jason Campbell to back up Peyton Manning but I really don't like how he looked last night. Should I pick up Matt Schaub, J.T. O'Sullivan, Matt Ryan or Tarvaris Jackson instead?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I'd drop Campbell and add Schaub. He's a bit injury prone but has more fantasy upside than Campbell. -
Travis, New York
2:17 PM ET
Michael, Should I start Kurt Warner over Carson Palmer in week 1?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Again, I love Warner this week. But I'd still side with Palmer. I think the Ravens defense is a little overrated against the pass. -
Corey Dunkin, Colorado
2:18 PM ET
Hey Michael, great idea with the live chat. Here's my question. Most people seem to think Seattle's WR injuries reduce Matt Hasselbeck's value from starter to nearly worthless. Isn't that a bit of an overreaction? Won't his value go back up once Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are back?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I agree with you Corey. I'd be more worried about his back than his receivers to be honest. Sure, it hurts not to have guys like Branch and Engram, but both should return before midseason. -
Mark Gambuti, North Jersey
2:19 PM ET
Go with Rashard Mendenhall or Pick up DeAngelo Williams?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I'd start Williams over Mendenhall. I expect big things from Willie Parker, not Mendenhall, this week. -
Daniel , Washington D.C.
2:20 PM ET
Should I start DeSean Jackson or Chad Johnson this week with Andre Johnson?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
You mean Chad Javon Ocho Cinco? Regardless of what his name is these days, I'm starting him ahead of Jackson. -
Christopher Parsholt, Copenhagen, Denmark
2:22 PM ET
Hey Michael, I got problems: Willis McGahee or Maurice Jones-Drew? Marvin Harrison or Nate Burleson? Thanks!
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
McGahee is probably a game-time decision, and even if he starts he could lose some carries to Ray Rice. I'd start MJD. Also, I'd go with Harrison over Burleson. -
Kevin J., Chicago, Illinois
2:23 PM ET
Who should start I in Week 1, Derek Anderson or Kurt Warner?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
As my good friend Adam Rank would say, "Start the Warner Machine!" -
Craig, N. Massapequa
2:24 PM ET
Thomas Jones vs. Miami or Jamal Lewis vs. Dallas? Who do you like?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Hi Craig, you have to go with Jones based on the matchups. The Dolphins were awful vs. the run last season, and the Jets have really improved their offensive line. -
lance, Philadelphia
2:26 PM ET
Hey Mike, I have to start three of these four wideouts; Jerricho Cotchery, Santonio Holmes, Nate Burleson and Calvin Johnson. which one should sit this week?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
I'm sitting Burleson out of those four wideouts. -
Michelle Gustus, Oceanside, NY
2:27 PM ET
Who is the best sleeper WR candidate - DeSean Jackson, Limas Sweed or Devin Hester? Thanks!
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Hi Michelle...I'd start Jackson. He could be starting for Philadelphia this week (Reggie Brown is doubtful). -
Steve, Toronto, Canada
2:29 PM ET
Hey Michael, I need to start two players between Jamal Lewis, Kevin Smith, Lee Evans and Ronald Curry this week. Any information on Javon Walker's status or the status of Lewis? Thanks.
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Right now I'd start Smith and Lewis (he is expected to start vs. Dallas). Walker hasn't practiced much this week, but if he suits up for today practice that's an indication he'll be active. Keep tabs on our fantasy injury report for that update. -
Hieu, New Orleans
2:31 PM ET
Michael, I have Joey Galloway, Wes Welker and Marques Colston. Which two do I start?
Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
Galloway has owned the Saints as a member of the Buccaneers, but Colston and Welker are too valuable to sit.
