Pirate Galaxy » said talks with Encarnacion are ongoing

This page will be updated with new questions and answers up until just after noon ET, so refresh often to see if your question was answered. The most recent answers will appear first.Sometimes, rankings and columns just arent enough to help you decide which player should go in your lineup. If youre still not sure about that final spot before Sundays games kick off, send us a question on Twitter using the hashtag #startsitESPN, and you just might get yours answered below.Each week, ESPN Fantasy analysts KC Joyner and Jim McCormick will provide advice for players just like you stuck with tough choices to make.The fantasy playoffs are upon us in many leagues, so making the correct lineup decisions becomes that much more important. So lets get started on answering your fantasy football questions for this weeks games.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Dalton vs colin kaepernick- Todd Mayster (@tmayster82) December 11, 2016Its difficult to trust Kaepernick after last weeks debacle, but he does have a 93 score in my matchup points-total system that grades matchup favorability (with 100 being the most favorable). That is slightly higher than Daltons 80 in that category. Add in that the Bengals will want to lean on their ground game against a horrible Cleveland rush defense that places next to last in points allowed per game to opponents running backs, and Kaepernick is the pick. -- KCBig Ben or Matthew Stafford? #StartSitESPN- Spencer Cohen (@Srcohen24) December 11, 2016Its a close call between these two, so lets consider an upside tiebreaker. The Bills have allowed 20 or more fantasy points to the opposing quarterback in four of their last five games. The Bears have allowed that mark only once in their last five games. Weather could be a factor in Buffalo, but light snow wont stop Roethlisberger, so he would be the go-to option here. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN start Ladarius green or eifert ?- Daniel J Sustaita (@Daniel_sus8) December 11, 2016Neither the Bills nor the Browns have been very good at stopping opponents tight ends this year, but Cleveland has allowed opponents tight ends to rack up a double-digit reception mark on four occasions this year, versus zero games for Buffalo. Combine that with Eifert being more central to the Cincinnati offense with A.J. Green still out with injury and Eifert would be the preferred choice in this one. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Def - Miami or Baltimore- daniel affourtit (@edrevONLINE) December 11, 2016Baltimore is first in rushing yards allowed and yards allowed, second in interceptions, tied for second in points allowed and first in ESPN Stats & Informations special teams expected-points-added metric that measures special teams impact in an expected-points framework. Add that to Tom Brady ranking 23rd in yards per attempt since Week 9 (6.9) and the injuries to the Patriots pass catchers, and the Ravens are the selection. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Delanie Walker or Jason Witten in the TE spot?- Orlando Diaz (@orlydiaz) December 11, 2016Wittens goose egg last week is very concerning, but a matchup against a Giants secondary that has allowed nine or more points to opposing tight ends in four of the last five weeks should make that a one-week anomaly. Walkers matchup against Denver may be the most unfavorable of the week, as he gets a zero in my matchup points system that grades matchup favorability on a 0-100 scale (with 100 being the most favorable). Put those together, and Witten is the pick. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Dak Prescott or Tom Brady? Thanks- John Ellsaesser (@JDE_pilot) December 11, 2016As noted earlier, Brady ranks 23rd in yards per attempt since Week 9. The Patriots also have injuries to their pass catchers, as Danny Amendola has been ruled out of the game and Martellus Bennett is questionable with ankle and shoulder injuries that have held him to limited practices all week. Prescott does have a difficult matchup against the Giants, but New York has been inconsistent against tight ends (see the earlier question about Witten). Add in that Prescott has Dez Bryant and Brady has no receiver of that caliber, and Prescott would be the choice. -- KC#StartSitESPN Newton or Brees?- My5sons? (@TweetingLaurenX) December 11, 2016Tampas pass defense has been quite suspect this year, something evidenced by its No. 26 ranking in vertical yards allowed per attempt (12.3 yards on aerials thrown 11 or more yards downfield). The Buccaneers also wont have starting free safety Chris Conte, who has been ruled out of this game with a chest injury. That should allow Brees to get back on track, and it makes him a higher-percentage option than the hit-or-miss Newton. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN jay ajayi or legarrette Blount for my flex. Crowder or sanders for my wr? #championshiprun- frank pentaris (@maddenhead) December 11, 2016Ajayi faces a Cardinals defense that ranks second in fantasy points allowed per game to opponents running backs, but as noted in an ESPN Insider article I wrote this week, Ajayis value could improve, since Miami has started utilizing him more often in the passing game. That gives him a slight edge over Blount, who is facing a Ravens defense that is the best in the league against the rush. Crowder would be the pick over Sanders, because the Eagles mediocre pass defense should allow him to score 10 or more points for the sixth time this season. -- KCJulio Jones or D. Jackson? #StartSitESPN @ESPNFantasy- Fransua Durazo (@Fransua_D) December 11, 2016Its not a given that Jones will play this week, as Adam Schefter has reported that Jones will have to post an acceptable showing during warm-ups to avoid being inactive this week. Jackson is more than a reasonable substitute, given that he faces an Eagles secondary that has allowed opponents wide receivers to rack up 26 or more points in five of their last six contests. Thats enough upside to warrant not playing Jones, so the suggestion would be to start Jackson. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Cooks or Hopkins?- Ramos (@livingwater71) December 11, 2016An ESPN Insider piece I wrote this week detailed how Brock Osweilers vertical passing woes have all but crushed Hopkins fantasy value. Cooks doesnt have that issue with Drew Brees, who ranks second in vertical passing yards (1,742 on aerials traveling 11 or more yards downfield). That makes Cooks the better option here. -- KC@ESPNFantasy tyrell williams or michael thomas? #StartSitESPN- Ho Ho Hoey (@djjoeyg3) December 11, 2016Williams gets the nod, given the softer matchup against a young and generous Carolina secondary. Save for some down outings against Denver this season, Williams has been a production peer of Thomas in every regard, so the matchup advantage is enough to sway the call. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Eric Ebron or Devante Parker at flex? #StartSitESPN- KobeDropped60 (@G_Lpz94) December 11, 2016Since Week 6 -- when Miami started featuring Jay Ajayi -- Parker has been a near-even target peer of Jarvis Landry when healthy, thus his opportunity rate and the ability to match up with exploitable corner Marcus Cooper proves inviting. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Do I start Micheal Thomas or Richard Matthews in a PPR league?- Frank Fanelli (@f_fanelli18) December 11, 2016Going with Thomas here, as Rishard Matthews faces a Denver secondary that has yielded the fewest yards and fantasy points to receivers this season. -- J.M.Gurley vs. Riddick vs. Hightower? Gurley = disappointment all year but, Riddick is questionable. Thoughts? #FantasyFootball #StartSitESPN- Meg Crawford (@Postgrad) December 11, 2016Gurley remains the high-floor option here, while his ceiling is actually increased against a young Atlanta front that proves to be overly aggressive in space. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Jamison Crowder or Cameron Brate for flex?- Will (@wildwilliec) December 11, 2016Digging Crowder here, as the Redskins are second in passing yardage and yards per play, signs of an elite offense. The Philly secondary was picked apart against the Bengals last week. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Kaep or Stafford? And also I got T. Rawls, Forte, and Freeman I need 2! Thanks- Julian Gonzalez (@JulianG61403466) December 11, 2016Gotta go Stafford, while Forte and Freeman is a strong pairing. -- J.M.C. Brate or C.J. Fiedorowicz #StartSitESPN- El Chapo (@Str8E45T_Mig0) December 11, 2016Ill take Brate with no Kenny Vaccaro for the Saints and his sizable share of targets and red zone attention. -- J.M.Diggs or Ginn #StartSitESPN- Jarrod Hildebrandt (@Jrodhildebrandt) December 11, 2016Not sure how this is close -- gotta go Diggs and his remarkable target share. -- J.M.Ladarius Green or Antonio Gates? #StartSitESPN- Tom Sauer (@remhuck) December 11, 2016Prefer Green here, as hes hauled in five catches at least 15 yards downfield over the past two games -- Roethlisberger has four such completions to other tight ends over the past two seasons. It also helps that Green has 24 percent of Pittsburghs passing market the past two games. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Booker, Moncrief, or Watkins at FLEX. Standard. #StartSitESPN- Miguel (@iMiguel_G) December 11, 2016Moncrief has the best touchdown pattern, while Bookers workload is curbed by the presence of Forsett and his struggles with efficiency of late. -- J.M.Rob Kelley or J. Stewart in half pt PPR? What about bengals or vikes D? #StartSitESPN- Paul McMurry (@spaulmcmurry) December 11, 2016Sticking with Kelley, as this is a common dilemma today, and prefer the Vikings defense just slightly, given their elite pass rush (third in pressuring opposing passers per dropback). -- J.M.#StartSitESPN considering the weather Brady@baltimore or Palmer@miami?- jerry sanchez (@drtysanc) December 11, 2016Still riding with Brady at home here. We often overrate the influence of weather on scheme. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Blount or Steve smith sr?- brady (@bradypags) December 11, 2016Gonna go Blount, as hes second in the league in goal-to-go touches and has such an enduring role as the short-yardage weapon on a top offense. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN #FFNow PPR league. Martin or Booker? Both seem to be looking at time share situation.- Adam Garland (@hokietect) December 11, 2016Would rather have Martin, whos tied to the stronger offense at home with a massive point total. -- J.M.Cobb or Pryor? Weather, new QB factor for Pryor? #StartSitESPN- David E. Schwartz (@schwartzy98) December 11, 2016Cobb is a tertiary target in that offense now, while Pryor remains the top read in his. Ill assume any risks for the sheer volume of Pryors share. -- J.M.Which TE to start? Antonio Gates or Greg Olsen? Olsen has been slumping bad. Theo Riddick or Kenneth Dixon? Thanks!! #StartSitESPN- Jake Harrison (@JakeCLT) December 11, 2016Still sticking with Olsen, given the talent and upside; were betting on a touchdown with Gates either way. Riddick for me at tailback. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Need one... Edelman, Cooks, Tate, or Tyrell Williams in PPR league.- fyihyd (@fyihyd) December 11, 2016Going with Edelman and his 30-plus percent share of the passing game over the past three games, which proves ideal for PPR. -- J.M.Landry or Shepard? Choose 1 as WR3 #StartSitESPN- Corey Dempsey (@cordemps) December 11, 2016Landry still has a 20 percent share of the Dolphins passing offense and should get moved around enough to evade Petersons/Cardinals top coverage. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN In a ppr flex. L. Green or E. Sanders?- Jerry Bevil (@menofsteel87) December 11, 2016Sanders has a 30 percent share of the Broncos passing game over the past three games, and the Titans pass defense has proved suspect throughout the season. -- J.M.Ted Ginn Jr vs SD or Taylor Gabriel @ LA?? #StartSitESPN #NFLFantasy #FantasyFootball #FantasyESPN #fantasyadvice- Jeff Schultz Jr (@Jeffschultzjr) December 11, 2016Lets ride with Gabriel and any uptick in routes and targets he might merit with Julio Jones ailing. -- J.M.Dion Lewis or T. Coleman? Have to start one #StartSitESPN- David E. Schwartz (@schwartzy98) December 11, 2016I have Lewis higher of the two in flex ranks, mostly because Lewis looks great on tape and should see around 10 touches on Monday. -- J.M.Dion Lewis or Asiata.. #StartSitESPN- Rudy Guerrero (@AreGee408) December 11, 2016Have Lewis higher for total yardage with a similar workload. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Which do I start, Kap or Dalton? #StartSitESPN- K.Curtis (@kcurtis093) December 11, 2016Id start Dalton, as he connected on five of six deep balls last week and was nearly perfect from a clean pocket against Philly. The Browns, meanwhile, have the fifth-lowest pressure rate and have allowed the most points per drive and a touchdown on a third of opposing drives since Week 4. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN at WR Terrelle Pryor or Kenny Britt?- Nathan Dilts (@Dilts22) December 11, 2016Pryor for me. I do like Britts vertical usage but prefer Pryors heavy share, and game script could trend pass-happy for Cleveland. -- J.M.Cousins or Kaepernick at QB?? #StartSitESPN @MatthewBerryTMR- DatManCuzzin (@DJ_Blvck) December 11, 2016Cousins is on pace for 5,000 yards and faces a Philly defense that has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback performance in five of the past six. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Start Doug Martin or Tevin Coleman?- Steve (@_stephendugan) December 11, 2016There are more mouths to feed in Tampa now, but I still prefer Doug Martins stake in meaningful short-yardage/goal-line scenarios to Colemans receiving prowess. The inviting implied point total in that Tampa game is a solid touchdown higher than the total in L.A. today, per the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN S. Watkins, Jamison Crowder, Ryan Mathews for FLEX.- Jordan Breeding (@J_Chapman_Music) December 11, 2016Crowder has the highest floor of this group, and with the Eagles secondary proving suspect, his outcome spectrum is more reliable than that of Watkins or Mathews. I understand the appeal for Watkins big-play ability, but Taylors struggles from the pocket (just three touchdowns since Week 7) are a factor. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN start Ingram or J Stewart at flex?- Kelly Carr (@kellypcarr) December 11, 2016Given Ingram returned to practice to end the week, Ill side with him in that potential shootout in Tampa over San Diegos solid rush defense matchup for Stewart. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Luck or Cousins? Thx- IU (@itumo30) December 11, 2016The Texans defense doesnt travel nearly as well as it plays at home, ceding the 12th-most points per drive on the road, and their pass rush is bottom 10 in pressure rate since Week 4 (when J.J. Watt was first sidelined). Add this up, and Luck is positioned to produce a strong volume-driven line. -- J.M.Should I start Ben roethlisburger or russel Wilson #StartSitESPN- Bob moss (@Bobmoss16) December 11, 2016Prefer Wilson here, as the Packers pass coverage rates 31st on Pro Football Focus and Green Bay has ceded the most points per drive in the NFL over the past month. -- J.M.Will Jacquizz Rodgers affect Doug Martin? Should I start Thomas Rawls, rob Kelley, or Doug Martin as my rb2? - Standard #StartSitESPN- Mohammed Mclovin (@MohammedMclovi4) December 11, 2016I do think Rodgers gets some work, but Martin still appears to claim a valuable enough share to earn RB2 status. That said, I have Rawls a good bit ahead of Martin today and consider him a strong start for a Seattle offense that could move the ball in Lambeau. -- J.M.Need to pick two: Fat Rob, Diggs, Sammy, Moncrief. Help please! @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN- Ryan Allen (@raallen81) December 11, 2016Riding with Diggs and Moncrief. I do respect Robert Kelleys role, and when game flow (as in competing/leading) favors the Washington offense, he gets valuable work. The Eagles rush defense, however, has proved respectable with Bennie Logan back in the middle. Diggs is a target hog who will get moved around a ton to avoid Jalen Ramsey, while Moncrief is a touchdown machine in that Indy offense. -- J.M.Better running back to start this week in PPR Riddick or Stewart? Also TE McDonald or Ebron?#StartSitESPN- Luke Schutt (@lucasschutt) December 11, 2016Gotta go Riddick in PPR, especially with the decimated Chicago front seven -- particularly their depleted interior linebackers. I prefer Ebron, as well, given the matchup factor and the higher volume passing offense. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Rudolph or Vernon Davis. Gore, booker, or Dion Lewis. 1 pt ppr- Ben (@Ben_Skolnick) December 11, 2016Siding with Rudolph and his red zone appeal and Gores steady workload. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Rob Kelley or Jonathan Stewart? RB2 in PPR- sino (@feelthetrill) December 11, 2016Good deal of Kelley interest today, which makes sense, since he was a free-agent fantasy find and has earned consideration. Lets go with Kelley, who has a much better shot at a heavy workload and less competition for work on the goal line, while Stewart still contends with Cam Newton and Mike Tolbert in close. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN @MathewBerryTMR Kenneth Dixon, Rex Burkhead, or Bilal Powell in standard?- Weeyamish (@weeyamish) December 11, 2016I prefer Dixon in standard, as his upside in the rushing phase is legit and his ability to build total yardage -- at least 72 yards from scrimmage in three of his past four -- is impressive. The game script could prove pass-heavy if the Pats pull ahead, as well. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy falcons or Titans D/ST? #StartSitESPN- Sam Moore (@raidernationyvr) December 11, 2016I? prefer the Falcons, who are facing an L.A. offense that ranks last in the league in points per drive and have a raw rookie behind center. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Big Ben or Carson Palmer #StartSitESPN- Tee (@just_tee77) December 11, 2016I have Roethlisberger higher this week; even as the Steelers offense produces stronger rates at home, the sheer floor of his established weapons and emergence of Ladarius Green is enough to earn him the nod over Palmer. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy #startsitespn Snead or McKinnon at Flex? (Non ppr)- Ali (@AlltheWire123) December 10, 2016Based on workload upside, I prefer McKinnon, as he could see 15 touches and some passing work to build a worthy day from scrimmage. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN TE Z. Ertz or Jordan Reed? @ESPNFantasy- Tommy Meena (@FollowThatGrizz) December 10, 2016Ertz has such a low-end scoring profile over the larger sample, while Reed remains an elite red zone threat and is simply the better player with a similar market share of his offense. -- J.M.#StartSitESPN Ladarius green or walker?- Ryan Balsei (@Ryan_Balsei) December 11, 2016Still riding with Walker, even as the Denver secondary is imposing. The floor for targets between the painted numbers is valuable. I do like Greens emerging vertical role, I but trust Walkers 20 percent share of his offense more. -- J.M.S Watkins Buff or D Jackson Phil #StartSitESPN- John Harris (@harrisj2016) December 11, 2016Lets go with Watkins here, as we can assume three to four vertical shots and less competition for meaningful targets than Jackson on that deep D.C. passing offense. -- J.M.Start Rawls or Hyde? #StartSitESPN- Tanner (@thecommoncox) December 11, 2016I trust the Seattle offense here more and, thus, the goal-line back attached to it (Thomas Rawls). -- J.M.#StartSitESPN D. Inman, T. Pryor or D. Martin, 1/2 PPR for flex.- Mike Oney (@mike_oney) December 11, 2016Going with Pryor here, as his 27 percent market share of the teams targets remains steady and he established a valuable rapport with RG III earlier this season. -- J.M.Ebron or cj fed? Standard. #StartSitESPN- Eva Key (@emk264) December 11, 2016I prefer C.J. Fiedorowicz to Ebron, as he has consumed the second-most targets and leads the team in yardage since Week 4. It also helps that he set a career high in yardage against the Colts in their first meeting and Indy is missing key depth at linebacker and safety. -- J.M.@ESPNFantasy Which Matt do I start, Stafford or Ryan? #StartSitESPN- A. M. (@AaronMayDay) December 11, 2016The Rams defense has proved respectable in most outings, save for that debacle in the Superdome. I prefer Stafford at home against an ineffective Chicago defense. -- J.M. Wholesale Air Max Australia . Olli Jokinen, Mark Scheifele, and Bryan Little each had a goal and an assist as Winnipeg won 5-2, handing Calgary its record-setting seventh consecutive loss on home ice. Air Max Australia From China . Robredo, ranked No. 16, bounced back from an upset loss to Leonardo Mayer in the second round of the Royal Guard Open in Chile last week to down Carreno Busta in 1 hour, 25 minutes. 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TORONTO -- The Blue Jays have finalized a three-year, $33 million contract with free agent Kendrys Morales, and say the deal lowers the chances that slugger Edwin Encarnacion will return next season.Hours after the team announced the addition of Morales on Friday, general manager Ross Atkins said talks with Encarnacion are ongoing, theyre still continuing.Encarnacion and Jose Bautista both became free agents after helping Toronto reach the playoffs.We still feel that both are realistic for us, but again, when you sign someone like Kendrys Morales, that decreases the likelihood of Edwin coming back tto the Blue Jays, but by no means eliminates that possibility, Atkins said.ddddddddddddhe 33-year-old Morales hit 30 home runs with 93 RBI while batting .263 for Kansas City last season.Atkins said second baseman Devon Travis had surgery on his right knee and is expected to be fine. He was injured in the playoffs against Cleveland.Toronto also claimed right-hander Leonel Campos on waivers from San Diego. The 29-year-old pitched 25 times for the Padres over three seasons. ' ' '