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December 12, 11:00 AM ET
Fantasy NFL with AJ Mass

AJ Mass
  (10:59 AM)

Good morning gang! We've got 60 minutes of fantasy chattage to get to... so let's get it started, shall we? Second cup of coffee in hand. Who is up first?

Joe (Dallas)

If Jennings is out, who do you think will get the most reps, D. Driver or J. Jones? Are either one of them a good play?

AJ Mass
  (11:02 AM)

I'd say Nelson becomes the best WR option, followed by Driver and then Jones. In a way, even without the injury, there was a chance this would have played out the same way. With the SF loss, the Packers were likely to rest the starters over the last two regardless.

G (NY)

AJ, last night with 5:07 to play in the fourth, Eli completed a 9 yard pass to Nicks, but it was awarded to Cruz. I've seen on several fantasy sights that others have also noticed the mistake. Is there going to be a stat correction? That's a HUGE 1.9 point swing in PPRs for many of us in the playoffs.

AJ Mass
  (11:03 AM)

Stats come from the NFL. They go over every game film and the changes come from there. When they go official, whatever they say goes.

Marc (Malden, MA)

I know I?m scraping the bottom of the barrel, but please rank these QBs for week 15: Locker (@IND), Gabbert (@ATL), Ponder (NO), Skelton (CLE)

AJ Mass
  (11:04 AM)

Scrape, scrape. Don't forget Seneca Wallace! I'd say most (all) depend on health concerns that will suss out during the week. I'd go Skelton, Locker, Ponder, Gabbert in that order, if you assume they all are starting.

Mike (Raleigh)

Do you think Marion Barber will lose any touches next week due to his mistakes yesterday?

AJ Mass
  (11:05 AM)

Short answer - no.

Mike (Allentown,Pa)

Cam Newton or Tim Tebow (vs. NE) for week 15?

AJ Mass
  (11:06 AM)

Patriots secondary is bad, so Tebow will throw. I lean to him given the matchup.

Jeff (Il)

Any hint to who will start for Rams at QB tonight? Out of their many bad options which one would play out best for Seattle D/ST?

AJ Mass
  (11:08 AM)

All options give the SEA D/ST the same chance. Little film on either guy... Brandstater likely starts, but I wouldn't be stunned to see Clemens get a series early. Then it's hot hand...

Todd (SF)

Uh-oh, is CJ0K back?

AJ Mass
  (11:10 AM)

Hard to judge the RBs when the QB changes midstream like that. I can see around 90 yards this week.

Martin (New York, NY)

You mentioned that, with the SF loss to Arizona, GB may rest starters going into the final weeks. What does this mean for a Rodgers and Jordy owner?

AJ Mass
  (11:11 AM)

I'd expect all hands on deck this week to lock up No. 1. After that, I'd look to early second half subbing in games where they have the lead.

Mike (Chicago)

Ethics question: I am winning in my playoff matchup by one point currently with Seattle's D left to play tonight. Is it ok to bench Seattle's D and take the win?

AJ Mass
  (11:12 AM)

If league rules allow it, then you can do it. Personally, I would not want to win that way.

Julio Jones (Back!)

Would you start me (vs. JAX) over VJax (vs. BAL) this week?

AJ Mass
  (11:13 AM)

Even when the points weren't there in recent games, the targets were... No reason to bench Julio for lesser names. However, I think V-Jax is not a lesser name.

Dan (NYC)

If you could have only one of the Cowboys' wide receivers for the rest of the fantasy playoffs, who would it be?

AJ Mass
  (11:15 AM)

Austin. If Romo doesn't overthrow him, he has a 100-yard day, and this was the "shake the rust off" outing.

Chet (LA)

Do you think Darren McFadden will play this week? As a Michael Bush owner in the playoffs, I really hope not.

AJ Mass
  (11:16 AM)

A better question for my esteemed colleague Ms. Bell *ding* but right now, I would think DMC sits this week.

Zach (Boston)

I lost F. Davis but luckily had a bye. Please pick 2 TE's from Daniels v Car, Ballard v Was, Fasano v Buf and Gresham v Stl. I'll play the match up

AJ Mass
  (11:17 AM)

I like Gresham versus the Rams. I'd avoid a Losman-led Dolphins team... Daniels gets nod over Ballard.

Dave (Charlotte, nc)

A. Bradshaw let down a bunch of owners who held on to him for a playoff run... Can he be trusted down the stretch?

AJ Mass
  (11:19 AM)

The important thing to me was that he looked healthy. I'd expect a 50-50 split for next few weeks.

Sid (Sunderland)

Why, oh why do ties count as 0.5 wins when calculating win percentage?

AJ Mass
  (11:20 AM)

Because, like, math and stuff?

Scott (Dallas)

Megatron? 3 catches for 29 yards? Are teams really taking him out of games this well? Only one double-digit performance the past 5 weeks (10 points).

AJ Mass
  (11:22 AM)

It's hard to avoid the defense loading up on Megatron when the run game is so anemic. Ducky MoMo ceded to Keiland Williams for a time at lead back... They need a healthy Kevin Smith in order for Calvin to soar.

Matty (Harrisburg)

Who has most upside/potential for next two weeks: Ivory, Hardesty, K. Bell, or K. Hunter?

AJ Mass
  (11:23 AM)

I'd say Hunter. He's the most likely candidate for touches of that group, to me.

John (Ny)

Colston hot the rest of year?

AJ Mass
  (11:25 AM)

Brees spreads the love, but Colston is always going to be near the top of the list. Given that Graham may be rested a bit, that may at least take one guy out of the red zone mix.

Heat (Kansas)

Would I be crazy to bench Newton vs. Texans for Yates vs. Panthers? Yates looks better on paper.

AJ Mass
  (11:26 AM)

Wouldn't be crazy, but I'd stick with Cam. If Texans are going to win that one, it's going to be on the ground.

Daniel (Philly)

Worried about Maclin? Only one catch yesterday

AJ Mass
  (11:28 AM)

Not worried... I had low expectations in his first game back to begin with. Four catches this week is my guess.

Bobby (RI)

any confidence starting Hillis @ Ariz this week?

AJ Mass
  (11:28 AM)

None. Starting any of the three Browns RBs is an act of sheer optimism.

Mark (Detroit)

Who would you go with in week 15 out of these options - Stewart or Spiller? Both have bad matchups.

AJ Mass
  (11:29 AM)

I'd go with Spiller since he's not sharing with DeAngelo and Cam.


Struggling at TE after Davis - Celek, Pettigrew, or Gresham for next 2 weeks?

AJ Mass
  (11:30 AM)

Gresham for me. Celek second.

chuck (ohio)

is felix jones a top 15 back this week?

AJ Mass
  (11:30 AM)

Haven't parsed all the numbers yet, but 100 and a score I can see.

Dan (chicago)

San Fran D vs. Big Ben or Falcons vs. Mjd?

AJ Mass
  (11:32 AM)

I'd take my chances with the Falcons.

John Skelton (Larry Fitz's BFF)

If I get the start this week, how does that affect my WR's value?

AJ Mass
  (11:33 AM)

I don't think it changes it much. I think Skelton is serviceable in that offense.

Jake (Washington, DC)

Have you ever seen a league where there aren't weekly matchups but wins are awarded to the top half of league that scores most points? Or where there aren't any wins and losses in reg season but playoffs are determined by points scored?

AJ Mass
  (11:35 AM)

I've seen all sorts of leagues... whatever works for the owners involved is fine with me. As for top half = win system... Pro: you don't have that added area of luck of the draw in terms of head-to-head. Con: You have to track a lot of other teams each week instead of just one...

Kent (NYC)

Gerhart, K Hunter, Tate to replace Murray?Also, Lloyd or Torrey Smith?

AJ Mass
  (11:37 AM)

I'd go with Hunter. Not sure we don't see AP back this week. I also would go with Brandon Lloyd.

AJ Mass
  (11:37 AM)


Determining (Playoff Spots)

What method do you like best? We're debating switching from head-to-head record to a system where the top 2 spots are based on H2H with the 3rd and 4th based on total points scored.

AJ Mass
  (11:38 AM)

I think you need consistency. Either go all in with H2H or use points. The mix and match to me is a cop out... but again, I've seen leagues where last WC spot is highest points not already in. Whatever you want to do, you can do. Just decide in advance. I like H2H.

Scott (Memphis)

The aforementioned Nicks stat change is going to lead to a tie in our league - what's your favorite playoff tiebreaker?

AJ Mass
  (11:40 AM)

I like each playoff owner submitting a list of three OT players, in ranked order, to the Commish. In the event of a tie, you add the players to the totals to try and break it. If still tied after all 3 players, you go to total TDs.

Chris (NY)

Is Cuse going to cut down the nets in April? Seems like they have the talent do so this year...also, McGahee or Greene ROS?

AJ Mass
  (11:41 AM)

I'd go with Greene. As for 'Cuse... it all comes down to a good bracket, but they sure do look like a Final 4 contender.

Marc (Malden, MA)

I don't understand why all leagues haven't moved to 0.1 pts. Chances of ties are so small.

AJ Mass
  (11:42 AM)

I've seen ties in leagues that go to .00 points. However unlikely, you need to have a plan in place.

BJ (Indiana)

A guy in our league will the miss the playoffs by .1 because Murray went out when he did...most epic miss ever?

AJ Mass
  (11:43 AM)

Injuries happen... I've seen teams miss the playoffs on their QB taking a knee for negative rushing yards... that's the worst to me. Also had a guy miss playoffs by .1 when Steve Young threw pass to himself in a PPR.

Christian (NY)

Is it crazy to sit Gore for Felix Jones this week?

AJ Mass
  (11:45 AM)

Why would that be crazy? Jones to get 20 plus carries against a bad run defense.

jason (ny)

matty ice's been hot. does he keep it goin v jags on thurs night?

AJ Mass
  (11:46 AM)

I'm thinking Turner does something this week... so let's say 215 and 2 TDs for Ryan.

Steve (Dallas)

Hi AJ, I have SEA going tonight but will need a play for next week from the wire...of DAL, CIN, ATL, or TEN is any a better option?Thanks

AJ Mass
  (11:48 AM)

I'd go with Falcons. Gabbert not ready to pick up a game plan for a Thursday.

G. Post (Mystic)

As someone with an easily punned last name: I was wondering what is the best/worst way your name has been "utilized"?Also: DHB or pick up Jones/Plax/Torrey for flex?

AJ Mass
  (11:49 AM)

I'd take a shot with Torrey or Plax. True story: in little league, I lead off. Batting second: Hal Terr. Batting third: Jason Bates. Nobody wanted to clean up after that...

Taylor (Attleboro)

Ryan Grant worth an add and play v KC? Drop JStew for him?

AJ Mass
  (11:52 AM)

Yes, for Stewart, I'd make the switch. Though, we'll have to see if KC steps it up or shuts down completely now that Haley is out.

Matt (NYC)

Why do you think Turner will do something this week?

AJ Mass
  (11:53 AM)

Just a hunch. Didn't play much in the second half due to score, so he may be more rested on Thursday than if he'd played a full sixty.

Tom (Playoff Defeat)

AJ, dont you hate it when you are eliminated from the playoffs last week ( we started early) and then your team outscores everyone this week!!! NOT FAIR!!!!!!

AJ Mass
  (11:55 AM)

Nobody ever said fantasy football was fair. Nobody ever said the world was fair. Come to think of it... fantasy sports kind of explains the world...

jp (nyc)

dreesen has tds in 3 straight games and leads the texans in td receptions! is he a 'safe' play in your opinion?

AJ Mass
  (11:56 AM)

Not safe at all, because all of his value is tied to those TDs. Daniels is safer, even if he doesn't always get the red zone pass.

Dan (chicago)

Stafford over Eli this week right?

AJ Mass
  (11:57 AM)

Yes, I like Stafford better.

Mike (San Diego)

Could you elaborate a bit more on how fantasy sports explains the world? Or at least where I might go to find such information?

AJ Mass
  (11:58 AM)

Why, since you asked... there might well be a book with such a title available:

Chris (NY)

Williams TB or Boldin this week?

AJ Mass
  (11:59 AM)

Really close call... I'm going Williams.

John (Philly)

Got this in just in time? Would you go Pitt D vs SF or Detroit D vs Oakland?

AJ Mass
  (11:59 AM)

Steelers for me.

AJ Mass
  (12:00 PM)

And that's the chat... thanks to all for your Q's. I can be caught on the Twitter if I didn't get to yours... until the next time... good luck and may the odds be EVER in your favor.