Fantasy Football

Washington Post staff writer Gene Wang is on hand every Thursday at 11 a.m. ET to help you through the fantasy football season.

The transcript follows.

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Gene Wang: Good morning fantasy footballers everywhere. Many fantasy titles will be decided this weekend, so let's jump right in.

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Norfolk, Va.: Hello, Gene. Great column! I'm a reigning Fantasy Football champion looking for a repeat. Two questions.

Do you think Marvin Harrison will play this weekend or is it best to go ahead and start Housh?

Also, I'm leaning towards starting Cadillac againts the Falcons over Mike Anderson and Steven Jackson. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for your reply.

washingtonpost.com: 'Tis the Season for Well-Earned Superlatives; Recriminations, Too (Post, Dec. 22)

Gene Wang: Don't necessarily count out Harrison for this weekend. I'd keep a close watch on his practice progress today and tomorrow, then decided whether to start TJ Housh. Caddy will rebound from a really bad game last week because the Falcons have trouble on the road and against the run.

Gene Wang: make that decide.

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Nashville, Tenn.: Mean Gene - thanks for your live sessions all season. I've enjoyed the columns and I'm finally admitting I need help (the first step toward recovery, right?). I need some lineup recs:

QB - Is Favre done? I only have Bollinger as backup and Losman is the only other starter on waivers.

RB - Rudi Johnson is a lock, but McGahee or Dominick Rhodes?

WR - The Infirmary - Pick 3 (or 2 but start McGahee AND Rhodes) - I. Bruce, D. Jackson, D. Stallworth, Eric Parker, D. Hall.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let's hope 2006 is better for Fantasy Football.

PS - I traded away most of my roster and now have six picks in the first two rounds - will you do online sessions before the draft next year?

Gene Wang: Favre will play this week, so start him. McGahee, Bruce, DJack (he's listed as questionable on the injury report, so keep an eye on his status over the next few days), Stallworth. And yes, the first fantasy chat next year will be devoted entirely to the draft.

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NOVA (Northern Virginia): Happy Holidays: Hi Gene, I read this chat all the time... Great Job!!!Thanks for getting me to the playoffs!

Pick one:

Brunell, E. Manning, B. Johnson

Pick two:

Jurevicius, Galloway, T. Glen

Pick one:

Wash Def, Miami Def, Giants Def

Happy Holidays Everybody!

Gene Wang: Brunell, Galloway, Glenn, Dolphins defense

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Baltimore, Md.: Gene Gene dancing machine,

Despite you not replying to any of my questions all season, I've made it to the championship game. Here's this week's questions, WRs Plaxico or Lelie, RBs Droughns or Parker, TEs Witten or Cooley (could have really used your insight on that one last week!) Cincy's D or Tampa's D.

Gene in Baltimore

Gene Wang: Congrats on making it to your league title game. It's clear you really don't need my help at all. But here goes. Plaxico, Parker, Cooley and Bengals defense.

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Fairfax, Va.: Gene,

I'm loving your show and check it out every week. I need an edge on defense this weekend. Which DF would you start out of the following teams: Steelers, Panthers, or Bengals.

Gene Wang: Steelers

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Arlington, Va.: Just wanted to share an amazing fantasy story with you. I was in the semi of a league and I was getting drummed. The score before Monday night had me down by about 10 points. I had no players playing in that game, but my oppenent had Green Bay's defense. He didn't even have to play his defense to win, but let them go and they gave up 42 points, which gets you big time negative points in the league. B/c of that, I ended up winning by about 5 points and I am now sitting in the finals saying "I'm just happy to be here." Just letting everybody know that defenses can swing games in fantasy sports just like they can in real life.

P.S. GO SKINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene Wang: Thanks for that story. Your opponent really must have been kicking himself the next day. But who in their right mind could have predicted the Ravens scoring that many points?

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Arlington, Va.: My heart goes out to Tony Dungy and his family. I know all the talk about when he's going to rest his players and making it to the Super Bowl pales in comparison to the news received today.

washingtonpost.com: Son of Colts' Coach Tony Dungy Found Dead (Post, Dec. 22)

Gene Wang: I read the news this morning as I was getting ready for the chat. The game has got to be the last thing on his mind right now. I'm sure all the fantasy readers out there will join me in sending condolences to the Dungy family.

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Fairfax, Va.: Gene-o - Do you think Kyle Boller will ever have another fantasy-esque performance, or was that a one time deal?

Gene Wang: As my esteemed colleague and Post Gameday guru Desmond Bieler stated in his chat earlier this week, let's wait until Kyle "Pro" Boller has another great game before pronouncing him the next Joe Montana. That's the long way of saying I can't see him repeating that performance.

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Need a QB!: Please help - I'm stuck without a quarterback for the championship game. In a league where you don't lose points for interceptions, who would you start in Week 16: McCown (vs. PHI), Frye (vs. CLE), or Grossman (vs. GB)? Thanks.

Gene Wang: Grossman

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Washington, D.C.: Mean Gene the Fantasy Football Machine, Thanks for your help all season long. I'm in the finals this weekend, and I need some sage advice. Will Seattle or Indy mail it in this weekend given that they have nothing tangible to play for? What about Chicago's defense? Thanks!

Gene Wang: Indy might mail it in, but the Hawks actually do have something for which to play: home-field advantage throughout the postseason. And I always like the Bears defense.

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Alexandria, Va.: I made it to my league's championship and need a fill in at running back if Kevin Jones doesn't play again this week. Between Cedric Houston vs. NE, Zack Crocket (if Jordan is out) vs. DEN and Maurice Hicks (if Gore and Barlow are out) vs. STL would get me the most points this week?

Gene Wang: Hick vs. the Rams defense seems the best play. The Pats defense is healthy again and bent on stopping the run, and no one really runs on the Broncos defense.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Gene , Let me start off with you are the best at Fantasy advice. I've reached my championship game (thanks to your advice)and need help can you pick three out of Shawn Alexander, Rudi, Dillon, Fred taylor, Ricky williams.

pick two Boldin , Bennet, Darell Jackson, Jimmy smith. And which QB do i pick Trent or Jarrad??? Thank you for all the help this year and trade advice.

Gene Wang: You are too kind, though I'm sure there are plenty of fantasy readers out there who are cursing my name. In any case, Alexander, Rudi and Dillon. Boldin and DJack, assuming of course that he plays. I like Garrard too against the Texans.

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Did I read that correctly?: Did someone just ask you to help them decide between McCown (vs. PHI), Frye (vs. CLE), or Grossman (vs. GB)?

Does this person have 30 teams in their fantasy league?

Gene Wang: You're right, it's probably not your typical fantasy league. I'm actually in one league with 12 teams that requires starting three QBs! I feel that poster's pain, believe me.

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Annapolis, Md.: Gene, I made it to the final game, and I owe you a big thanks as I have a few of the same guys as you on your team.

QB: Garrard or Brunell? WR: Housh or B. Lloyd?

Thanks again, Jerry

Gene Wang: I accept payment in checks, money orders or cold, hard cash. Seriously, congrats on advancing to the title game, and good luck with Garrard and TJ Housh.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gene,

I am the only female in my fantasy league and am fighting my fiance for 3rd place this week. Can you advise on who to play for WR-C. Chambers, H. Ward, Ji Smith, E. Moulds, B. Stokley and D. Branch...If you also have suggestions for my running back I would appreciate it! M. Anderson, F. Taylor, J. Jones, M. Barber

Thanks Much and Happy Holidays!

Gene Wang: I don't want to be held responsible for breaking up your marriage, but here goes. I like Chambers, Ward and Branch. As for RB, I'm starting Mike Anderson in one of my leagues, and I need a huge game from him.

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Blasdell, N.Y.: Gene,

Great column/chat. I am in my league championship game this weekend and would appreciate your thoughts on my lineup. I am currently starting Drew Brees, Shaun Alexander, Thomas Jones, Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Rod Smith, Jason Witten, Nick Keading and the Chicago D.

My significant reserves are Jake Plummer, Marion Barber, David Givens and Lee Evans (I also have Adrian Peterson and Maurice Morris). Jonathn Wells and Michael Turner are available free agents.

Is my lineup alright the way it is or should I bring someone in off the bench and/or pick up a free agent?

Thanks and sorry for the long question. Good luck with your fantasy teams and Merry Christmas!

Gene Wang: I like your lineup just the way it is.

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Baltimore, Md.: Hi Gene, I have Peyton Manning and there are many QB's I can pick up... Vick, Bledsoe, Roethlisberger, Garrard, Fitzpatrick, Navarre and Boller. Please let me know if any are worth a pickup. Also, I have Cin., Balt., Seat. for def. and N.E. is available. Please pick 1. Thanks again and good luck this week.

-C.D.

Gene Wang: I like Garrard's matchup this week vs. the Texans, but that's no reason to bench Manning. Peyton's numbers in one half probably will be better than most over an entire game. New England's defense is a good play against a weak Jets offense.

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Rockville, Md.: Gene -- thanks for all the advice you've doled out this year. Should I start Andre Johnson (vs. JAX), Dante Hall (vs. DEN), or Ashley Lelie (vs. OAK) at WR3? If it matters, we get a point for every 20 return yards as well.

Gene Wang: I think the Broncos will be able to get deep on the Raiders secondary, so my inclination would be to go with Lelie.

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Chesapeake, Va.: Mr. Gene! I've reached the championship game in my first-ever fantasy season. I'm a little concerned because my team is Seahawks-heavy and I'm not sure what to do about my receiving corps.

Against Indianapolis, is Shaun Alexander going to have a bigger game than his backup, Maurice Morris? I own both.

Joe Jurevicius? Bobby Engram? Jerry Porter? Isaac Bruce? Deion Branch? I'm a little iffy. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Gene Wang: The Seahawks still have plenty to play for (home-field advantage), so Alexander will play his share. On a personal note, I really need him to have a big game because my opponent's lineup is stacked! I like Engram over JJ, and I also like Deion Branch.

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Arlington, Va.: yo gene.

Thanks for all of your help this season. w/o you, i don't go to the finals. my opponent has hasselbach and alexander. i can start three RB's. who do i go with?? mc gahee, james (??), foster, bell, or taylor??

Which D do you like better: NE or CINCY's?

Do I start gould vs. the pack or do i stay with graham???

Much appreciative of your help. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you. see you next season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene Wang: McGahee, James (yes, I like Edge even if he doesn't play the entire game) and Foster. I like NE's defense and Graham as well. For everyone worried about starting Colts players, I'm convinced Dungy will give those guys a good amount of work after they lost last week. They don't want to go into the playoffs on a mini losing streak.

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Another championship on the line: So Gene, who would you start as your 2nd QB behind C. Palmer? C. Simms or J. McCown?

Gene Wang: Simms

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Ellicott City, Md.: Grossman over McCown??? The Rexter will only throw it 15 times all game! Is Josh that bad a choice??

Gene Wang: I think the Bears will give Grossman more opportunities to throw because he simply is a better passer than Kyle Orton. Lovie Smith is starting Grossman because he makes the Bears more of a downfield threat. And you've got to like the Bears matchup against the Packers, right? I mean, if Kyle Boller can throw for three touchdowns against the Pack . . .

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Bowie, Md.: Hi Gene!

This is the first time that I have played FF, and now I am the only chickie in the playoffs! Woohoo! I am playing the same fella in the playoffs that I lost to last week. My main producer is L.T.. I picked up Michael Turner, but I do not know who to put up. I have Rudi Johnson as my other RB.

I also have a dilemma with my QB situation. Vick or Bledsoe? Neither provided points for me last week.

Any advice would be appreciated!! Merry Xmas! And GO SKINS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene Wang: You have to figure LT will play this week in must-win game for the Chargers. I like Vick a little more than Bledsoe, but both have very tough matchups this weekend.

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Rockville, Md.: Hey Gene-

I'm in the same boat as you are at wide receiver. So who is it this week- Roy Williams or Terry Glenn? No pressure. It's just that my league title is at stake.

Thanks for the great season of advice.

Gene Wang: I may end up flipping a coin on this one. It'll be a game-time decision for me. Right now I like Glenn though.

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Gene Wang: Thanks for all your questions, and good luck to all in the playoffs. Time for me to finish the rest of my Christmas shopping! I'm told there will be a bonus fantasy chat in two weeks, so join me then for the final one of the season. Happy holidays, and see you next year.

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Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.