by Gibby McCaleb - AccuScore Analyst
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Gibby McCaleb is back for yet another edition of Ask AccuScore where you, the fantasy player, get to ask us your fantasy questions.  We run the data through the AccuScore Super Computer and analyze the results. Just think of it as your own private fantasy consultant without the billable hours!   Remember to get your questions in early and include your name and city. Send all questions to askus@accuscore.com.

Pat S. Billings, MO.  Nick Folk, the kicker for Dallas really pulled that game out!  He’s available in my waiver pool, should I pick him up and start him?

What a finish to that game! I imagine Dallas fans had to run out and buy a defibrillator for their homes and they may very well need them again this week hosting the Patriots.  Folk would be a good pickup going forward and AccuScore puts Folk in the top ten kickers this week.  However; I’m a little skeptical myself.  I think this game is going to feature a lot of touchdowns and Dallas especially will need to put up sixes as often as possible to keep up with the Patriots scoring machine.  Unless it’s fourth and long in field goal range, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cowboys going for it on a lot of short yardage situations on fourth down.  In addition to Folk, I would take a look at Robbie Gould, Jay Feely and David Akers for possible waiver pick-ups if you need a temporary kicker.  AccuScore has Folk averaging around three extra points and one field goal of 39 yards or less in this game.

IR, Los Angeles, CA. Would you start Young or Favre at quarterback this week?
 
I would definitely start Steve Young but he’s retired.  Oh, you mean Vince Young?  Well, never mind then.  I see that you are going to make me work for it this week, eh IR?  Well, both quarterbacks are good options.  In checking the AccuScore data, it shows Favre slightly ahead of Young but not by much.  Favre has a higher probability for multiple passing touchdowns whereas Young is forecasted to have a near Vick-like running game of around 50 yards in addition to his passing yardage.  Personally, I give the edge to Favre at home off the bad loss to the Bears as opposed to Young on the road at Tampa but I think either would be fine choices.  Go with your instinct.  Use the Force Luke.

Cam H. from a mystery city. I have Clinton Portis and Shaun Alexander.  They really haven't been doing much for me.  Do you think I should drop both of them or keep them both?

Wow, Cam.  You are in a tough spot there, as are many fantasy players are this year.  It seems like the top backs have really struggled out of the gate.  However; good news is on the horizon!  AccuScore forecasts Alexander being in the top three or four rushers this weekend at home against the Saints so I would definitely start him.  Portis is much farther down the list.  Not knowing the make-up of your league, it’s hard for me to tell you to drop a starting running back because in my leagues, there are zero decent running back options available in my waiver pools.  Sadly, I’d hang onto them both.  We’re not even a third the way into the season yet so there is still time to make up some ground in your leagues.

Rob T.  Memphis, TN.  Help, I have Drew Brees as my starter but picked up Kurt Warner just in case. Who should I start this weekend?

What is going on down there in New Orleans this season?  I really believed the Saints would have a breakout game against the struggling Delhomme-less Panthers last week and yet the Saints stunk up the joint again.  I just can’t see playing a Saints starter until they pull it together which might be some time next year, the way they are playing now.  Warner, on the other hand, looks solid although not stellar.  If Boldin makes the game this week, that is even more reason to give the old guy the start.  Last week, New Orleans almost shut down Carolina and Steve Smith, and the Saint’s defense is not that good.   Arizona, with a pretty solid defense, should control this game from the kickoff.  AccuScore data shows Warner averaging around 250 yards passing and more than one touchdown. Brees isn’t far behind but as I said, play Brees and the Saints offensive players at your own risk because their play has been, well, offensive.  Also watch the injury updates carefully to see what Boldin will do this week.  Boldin and Fitzgerald together is a big difference.

Well that’s it folks. Thanks to everyone for all the questions and sorry we couldn’t get to them all.  Remember to get your questions in early by sending an email to askus@accuscore.com.  Enjoy the games!