Ask the Expert Question: Which rookie WR is best going forward?

Several rookie wideouts have carved out big roles or had breakout games already - A.J. Green, Torrey Smith, Denarius Moore, etc. Of these players, which one do you like best the rest of the season, and why?

Denarius Moore. He looked great in the preseason and now gets every chance to start. No other OAK WR has any value as they cannot stay on the field. A.J.Green is probably higher ranked going forward by most, but my bet is on Moore and the arm of Jason Campbell as the Raiders throw their way out of most games.



ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/
 with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2011, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Almanac 2011: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide (10.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635003

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Fantasy Football (Soccer to Yanks): The Ultimate "How-to" Guide for Fantasy Football/Fantasy Soccer ($14.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635011

Ask the Expert: What player would you buy low on now and why?

Pick a slow starter you'd be looking to buy low on this week, and why.

With all of the injuries in week 2 (and more to come due to a reduced training schedule) there is a plethora of options out there. However, two I like are Delone Carter, RB, IND and Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL in that order. Carter is #2 to Joseph Addai who has not been stellar and has some injury history in his long career. Rodgers is stealing more and more snaps from "burner" Turner. Neither have put up noticeable FF stats, but given a chance could be #1 RBs in the next few weeks.  Kevin Ogletree is a sneaky play short term for a few weeks with Miles Austin and Dez Bryant both banged up in Dallas.



ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/
 with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2011, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Almanac 2011: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide (10.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635003

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Fantasy Football (Soccer to Yanks): The Ultimate "How-to" Guide for Fantasy Football/Fantasy Soccer ($14.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635011

Ask the Expert: Which player, if any, who changed teams over the weekend will go on to have fantasy value this season?

Which player, if any, who changed teams over the weekend will go on to have fantasy value this season?

Chester Taylor RB AZ is one possibility in a very limited field. Keep in mind though the Bears released Taylor for a reason and granted he appears to have lost a step at 32. His yards per carry have steadily decreased every year since 2007. But he can still be a value (remember a small value) as a 3rd down back and if (OK when) Beanie Wells injures or fumbles his way to the bench; Taylor could be there to pick up the pieces. His value is higher in PPR leagues.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/
 with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2011, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Almanac 2011: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide (10.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635003

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Fantasy Football (Soccer to Yanks): The Ultimate "How-to" Guide for Fantasy Football/Fantasy Soccer ($14.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635011

Ask the Expert from FantasyIndex.com: What will happen in Super Bowl XLV, and why?

What will happen in Super Bowl XLV, and why?

GB 27 PIT 24
Rodgers has a big day for GB along with Greg Jennings.
Mendenhall for PIT runs well to keep it close.
GB wins it on a Crosby FG when PIT cannot score with the last possession of the game.



ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert Question:How much stock do you place in playoff performances when developing your player rankings for the following season?

How much stock do you place in playoff performances (good or bad) when developing your player rankings for the following season?

The answer, as in many things in life, is it “depends”. It depends on if he has a chance of unseating the primary player in front on the depth chart. If a RB has a great performance but he is the backup to someone like AP or Matt Forte, then his statistics are memorable but will not dethrone the starter. However, if he will be a free agent next year, that increases his value (or if he is subsequently traded). Both performances (good and bad) must also be evaluated based on who it was against, although usually the quality of opponents in the playoffs warrants respect. In general I place a stronger emphasis on the second half of the season and do account for playoff performances in that equation



ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert: Which coaching hire, either recent or still pending, do you see as having the most fantasy impact on next season?

Which coaching hire, either recent or still pending, do you see as having the most fantasy impact on next season?

For those not following along at home, our choices in the category of new coaches are: Ron Rivera (CAR), Jim Harbaugh (SF), Leslie Frazier (MIN) and Jason Garrett (DAL). Those teams looking for a coach (DEN, CLE and OAK) are considering Jon Gruden, John Fox, Mike Mularkey (ATL OC) and Marty Mornhinweg (PHI OC) among others.
Final answer: the next DEN coach will have to make decision about Tim Tebow. That could prove to be very important for 2011.



ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert: In a fantasy playoff league (let's assume 10-team league, 4-point TD passes, no PPR, and one draft for the entire playoffs), who 1st?

In a fantasy playoff league (let's assume 10-team league, 4-point TD passes, no PPR, and one draft for the entire playoffs), who would you make the No. 1 overall pick?

The first step in this type of playoff contest is to determine how many games each team will play. Do this by picking the winners of each game week by week till the Super Bowl.

I use Vegas odds for the first week and as a guide for who might advance in later games.

I predict single games for SEA, KC, NYJ, GB, ATL and CHI; 2 games for IND , BAL and PIT; 3 games for PHI and NE and 4 games for NO as the wildcard team advances to try and repeat as SB champion (NE vs. NO). Drew Brees gets the nod as he will play one more game than any other and he is the big play guy in a format such as this non PPR league.


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert: Which no-name will come off the bench to help fantasy coaches with title games in Week 17?

Which no-name will come off the bench to help fantasy coaches with title games in Week 17?

In a standard PPR league, I have Tim Tebow ranked 5th, Stephen McGee at 13th and Charlie Whitehurst at 20th …take your pick. Other honorable mentions:

WR: Jerome Simpson 25th, Andre Roberts and Brian Robiskie 45h
TE: Jared Cook TEN 4th


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert: Which backup QB currently playing in the last month do you see with fantasy potential in 2011?

A slew of backup quarterbacks, young and old, have taken the reins over the past month. Which if any of these players (Rex Grossman, John Skelton, Tim Tebow, Jimmy Clausen, or another of your choice) will have fantasy relevance in 2011?

I am not buying the Tim Tebow era in Denver stuff. Kyle Orton has a contract through 2011 and the Broncos could end up with the #1 draft pick as well, so Andrew Luck could be throwing to Brandon Lloyd next year. Instead you have to narrow your choices to QBs with a good chance to start in 2011. Therefore John Skelton and Jimmy Clausen
are the two front runners with Skelton the slight edge in long term potential and Clausen the winner in short term fantasy potential. Whichever team has the best running game should be the key.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert: Has the production of undrafted fantasy players like Steve Johnson made you more or less likely to focus on WR early in the draft?

A lot of no-name, or at least lightly regarded, wide receivers are having big seasons. Has the production of undrafted fantasy players like Brandon Lloyd and Steve Johnson made you more or less likely to focus on the position in early rounds of drafts next year?

I always advocate in my books that the best draft strategy is to stockpile RBs and WRs early (and often) while waiting on QB. Usually this means drafting something like 4 RBs, 3 WRs and a top TE with the first 8 picks (depending on what falls to you of course). Typically this results in a RB-WR-WR-RB or RB-WR-RB-WR start. You still need to focus on WR early in the draft, but as seen in the numbers mentioned a strong RB base is more important. Why? You can get good WRs and QBs off the waiver wire. But few RBs and top TEs are there.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).






Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

"Ask the Expert" Question: Should the NFL encourage playoff teams to keep healthy players playing even in meangingless games in week 16 and 17?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the Week:
Do you believe there's anything the NFL can (or should) do to encourage playoff teams to keep healthy players playing even in meaningless football games in week 16 and 17?

The simple answer is no. The NFL should not manage a team and coerce them to play players to create meaningful games. If the NFL were to try that, I fear it is a slippery slope that could lead to even bigger problems in the future. Until last week I thought a perfect season was reason enough to try to win a football game.
I guess I was wrong. I have listened to many of the arguments for and against what the Colts did on Sunday. I would have kept them in to win the game. If the starters do not play in week 17, then I believe they were serious about injury concerns. But if Peyton (or the other starters pulled) starts week 17, just to keep his streak going, then I do not know what to think of their decision.


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC). This year he is 6th overall in the Fantasy Football Players Championship (out of 228 players) going into Week 14.

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

"Ask the Expert" Question: Which 2009 star will disappoint in the fantasy post season?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: Pick one of the season's stars to this point that you believe will disappoint in the fantasy postseason. Explain your reasoning.

Two individuals leap to mind.
But first, I consider the fantasy post season to be weeks 14-16. I see the COLTS winning home field advantage throughout the playoffs this week and Peyton Manning playing minimal time in weeks 15 and 16. Another candidate is Thomas Jones. Currently he is the 12th best RB in PPR leagues but I see more carries for Shonn Greene and a few less touches and catches and TDs for TJ. The Jets finish @TB, ATL and @ IND, so look for a let down from the Wahoo.




ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

This year he is 6th overall in the Fantasy Football Players Championship (out of 228 players) going into Week 14.

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669


Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

"Ask the Expert" Question: Who will be this years Fantasy Football playoffs sleeper?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: Name your sleeper for the fantasy playoffs -- a player who has been average to below-average this season, but will help carry teams to fantasy titles the rest of the way.

One obvious answer is Fred Jackson. He should get more carries now that new BUF coach, Perry Fewell, has decided to give Jackson the main RB duties for the Bills. A real sleeper is Larry Johnson CIN. He has a favorable schedule and has shown some flash for the Bengals filling in during Cedric Bensons' absence. He will not top 100 yards as he did Sunday but he could do some damage with 10 carries a game and DET, SD and KC all ahead. If Benson misses more time, Johnson could see his value soar. As for a WR pick, Jason Avant PHI is making his move and DeSean Jackson missing this week helps him.


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

This year he is 4th overall in the Fantasy Football Players Championship (out of 228 players) going into Week 13.

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669


Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

"Ask the Expert" Question: What one player should fantasy owners be most thankful for this season, and why?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: What one player should fantasy owners be most thankful for this season, and why?

Hands down Brett Favre is my candidate. He has the Minnesota Vikings at 9-1 with a three game lead in the NFC North. The Vikes QB is No. 1 in the NFL in passer rating (112.1), No. 1 in fewest interceptions thrown (three), No. 2 in completion percentage (69.7) and No. 2 in touchdown passes (21). He is averaging 20 points per game in most leagues (7th best QB); not bad for someone going in the 11th round in many drafts.


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at www.fantasyindex.com with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

"Ask the Expert" Question: How concerned should fantasy owners be about players from those teams with big leads being rested as early as week 16?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: Several teams have 3-game leads in their divisions. How concerned should fantasy owners be about players from those teams being rested as early as week 16?

Be afraid. Be very afraid. Just look back to 2005 when both Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning pretty much sat out the last 2 games of the season giving their owners minimal points. But quite frankly it is way too soon to worry about it now. Of the three teams with 3 game leads, IND has a tough schedule ahead and a ton of injuries; I do not see them securing home field advantage early enough. Minnesota with four of the next five games at home could be in a position after week 14 and NO may be the same. But then again they both may be fighting each other for that #1 seed. So don’t sweat it yet.




ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at www.fantasyindex.com with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: Who gets your vote for Fantasy MVP so far?

Either Peyton Manning or Drew Brees. Both have led their teams to an undefeated 7-0 start. I give the nod to Peyton because even though Brees has scored more fantasy points (172 to 169), Manning has been more consistent. Peyton has roughly a 23-point FP average with a low of 17 and high of 33. Brees on the other hand has two ten point games and a 40-point game; too much feast or famine for my taste. Winner so far: Peyton Manning and his 2227 yards, 15 TDs and 4 INTs. Honorable mention goes to Brett Favre and his league leading 16 TDs to three INTs while leading Minnesota to a 6-1 record.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at www.fantasyindex.com with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669



Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Do you believe it's OK to bench your studs, or are you against it? Fantasy Index Magazine "Ask the Expert Question of the Week"

Do you believe it's OK to bench your studs, or are you against it?

The answer is it DEPENDS.

In 99 out of 100 cases, NO never bench your studs because they are going to perform for you. Whether it is this week or next week, eventually they will produce and you do not want them on your bench when they go off for 30+ fantasy points.

A better question is what defines your “stud”?
Generally any player drafted in the first two or three rounds in my book. They were drafted high because you knew you could count on them.

So when are the rare instances when you do not start the stud player?
1) Injury issues would be one scenario. If he is questionable or doubtful with a significant injury (and not practicing on Friday is a good sign it is significant) then I would think about benching him. Even if he plays he may be limited.

2) Another case is when something beyond his control will affect him-like weather or a week 17 game where he may be rested for the playoffs. Last year Kurt Warner went to play at NE in week 16 during a snow storm. Swirling winds are not good for a passer He should have been benched even though all the predictions were for a big day.


As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com/.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669
Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Index "Ask the Expert" Question: Which player who you were high on at the start of the preseason have you now given up on?

Never say never. I have not given up on anyone this year (except Plaxico Buress), but I have lowered my expectations on some players. In the May release of Fantasy Football Almanac 2009 I suggested that Cedric Peerman, RB might be “worth a late round chance”. Saturday BAL cut him, but another team may pick him up. Nevertheless, Brandon Marshall is the player that dropped the most. In May, I had him as high as fourth best WR. Now he will be lucky to make the Top 30 at WR. Neither Peerman nor Marshall are avoid players, they just have moved considerably down the rankings.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com/.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95, www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669)

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Football Almanac 2009: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide ($12.95, http://www.amazon.com/1602643989)

Fantasy Index "Ask the Expert": Who will be this years breakout fantasy star?

Fantasy Index "Ask the Expert" Question: Who will be 2009's breakout fantasy star?
Breakout player of 2009 will be Chris Henry WR CIN. Carson Palmers return should help all the Bengal WRs and Henry seems to have straightened out his off-the-field issues. His past two years have been failures, but 2009 could be the year he breaks out and surpasses his 2006 performance. Through 3 games this preseason, he has all (3) of the CIN TD receptions. Look for 60 catches/750 yards and 6 TDs and a Top 25 WR finish.



As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com/.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95, www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669)

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Football Almanac 2009: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide ($12.95, http://www.amazon.com/1602643989)