David Alcaro: The CHieF

Chief, What do you think of Baylor going East to play Wake Forest? Baylor has a lot of returning starters, a talented QB and WF has only 4 returning defensive players?
Also, under in the Alabama vs Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta?
Kevin
Lugano, Switzerland

I’m not so sure about Baylor, I trust Wake Forest coaching. Baylor does have a solid squad, but I like the home team in the opener. Also on ESPN 58% of the public is supporting Baylor to win outright, yet Wake is favored by 2.5 and the line has stayed strong.

The under is probably a good play in the Alabama/Virginia Tech game. Yes the game is in the dome, which usually helps the offense, which limits my excitement. The total opened 39 and is now 37, these defenses are great. The game will be played similarly to an NFL game. I wouldn’t play it until right before game time as I expect the public will move that total up a bit.

Had my fantasy football draft last night, what do you think of Pierre Thomas and Joe Addai?
Scott
New York, NY, USA
I like Pierre Thomas, should see a lot of action especially near the goal line. Reggie Bush consistantly misses time and with Deuce Mcallister no longer there, Thomas is the feature back for the high powered New Orleans Saints offense. I don’t know where you drafted him, but he seems to be a good value pick in most drafts. Joseph Addai, I’m not so sure, he could bounce back, but he has seemed really fragile. I like Donald Brown in Indianapolis, after last year when rookie running backs made a huge splash, I would expect to see a lot of Donald Brown. However Addai has been good finding the end zone, I can see the Colts using their veteran back near the goal line.

Who would you take if you had the number 2 pick in a football fantasy draft?
Howie
Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

After Adrian Peterson goes number one, I would take Jacksonville Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew. With Fred Taylor’s departure to New England, Jones-Drew will get a lot more touches to go along with his excellent red zone production. In a league that rewards receptions with points he is even more valuable as he should catch 50+ balls. Chicago Bears’ Matt Forte is another consideration at #2 and he is a pass catching running back as well. In a league that emphasizes scoring, Atlanta Falcons Michael Turner could be the pick, but newly acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez could cut into “the Burner’s” TDs. I had toyed with idea of taking Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. His playoff performance was so incredible (30 rec, 546 yds, 7 tds in 4 games), but I think you need to go running back with any pick in the top 5.
The CHieF