The Name Game

In honor of the segment on ESPN’s Fantasy Football Focus podcast, we took this Tuesday afternoon to have a little fun of our own. The Name Game forces you to make a decision on which player you’d rather own from now until the rest of the season. Standard scoring is assumed for all comparisons. Unfortunately we don’t have a fancy drop, so let’s go straight to our experts’ opinions.

Tyler Thigpen (QB – KC) or Eli Manning (QB – NYG)

Marble Ryan: I’ll go with Thigpen. It’s crazy I know, but Eli still hasn't proven he can be a fantasy stud when it gets chilly. Thigpen has Oak, Den, and SD coming up on the schedule.

Black Irish: I agree with Thigpen for the same reasoning as Marble. Since their bye week, he's thrown 8 touchdowns and 1 interception. That’s not too shabby if you ask me.

The Slow Eater: Thigpen continues to be good and the Giants run the ball too damn well for Eli to put up big points in most weeks. Thigpen, however, is going to throw the ball 40 times a game, so he’s the one I’d choose.

Steve Stevens: I don't believe in Tyler Thigpen.


Brandon Jacobs (RB – NYG) or Matt Forte (RB – CHI)

Marble Ryan: I’ll take Jacobs here. Take a look at his numbers from the last few games in 2007. Late in the season, Coughlin loves to inflict a little pain with the big guy. If you're in the finals hunt, check his #s from Week 16 last year...

Black Irish: It’s Jacobs hands down. Forte has seen the end zone just twice since Week 7, and only one of those was a rushing touchdown

The Slow Eater: As much as it pains me, I guess I have to go with Jacobs because of his TD totals. I do think it's closer than people think, though. Forte puts up solid point totals even in weeks which he doesn't score because of his receiving skills. Jacobs’ value, however, is solely based on whether he finds the end zone or not. But he's been finding the end zone enough lately, so that doesn't matter.

Steve Stevens: What about the issue of Brandon Jacobs possibly not playing this week? For missing one week alone, I've gotta go with Forte.


Hines Ward (WR – PIT) or Lee Evans (WR – BUF)

Marble Ryan: Hines Ward is the answer. The winds are picking up in Buffalo, and Trent Edwards looks like he wants to go back to Cali. Hines will play till he's 40.

Black Irish: It’s Ward simply because Lee can go from a solid game to being completely invisible. At least Ward will give you fairly consistent yardage.

The Slow Eater: I’d lean to Evans. This one is pretty much a tossup so I'd go with the more talented receiver. Before his past 2 games of over 100 yards, Ward had 2 straight games with yards totals in the 30s. Either one can disappear for a game, but I think Evans has more upside.

Steve Stevens: The Steelers are going to be fighting for the division, and the Bills are falling apart. The weather is shit in both cities, but at least the Steelers have shown they can successfully function in bad weather. Plus Trent Edwards is starting to look like Shaun King.