Wir suchen Dich! » like DeSean Jacksons setup against Share

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nicolas Batum said he isnt planning to alter how he plays the game after signing a five-year, $120 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets.And thats just fine with coach Steve Clifford.Clifford said Batum doesnt need to put additional pressure on himself to score just because hes now the highest-paid player in Hornets history. He told him to play how he plays.You dont change the nature of how you play. I think guys get messed up with that, Clifford said. ... I dont think you try to reinvent yourself because the money changed. We gave him the money because he played so well. In my opinion he was an All-Star-caliber player last season when healthy.Batum was acquired in a trade with Portland before last season and turned out to be a gem for Charlotte, which won 48 games and tied for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Batum averaged a career-high 14.9 points and 5.6 assists while becoming one of the teams top three go-to options.Batum said hes learned from experience that its not worth putting pressure on himself just because he signed a big contract.He did in that 2012 after inking a four-year, $46 million deal to remain with the Portland Trail Blazers. While he still played well, he said it was pointless.I was a young guy at the time and I didnt know what to expect, Batum said. Now I know. I know what I have to go through right now. I know what the views of the media and the public will be. I know that, and Im good with it.For Batum, pressure no longer enters the equation because the Hornets trust him and believe in him.Its more relief than pressure, Batum said.The Hornets made re-signing him their No. 1 priority, offering the Frenchman a huge deal about an hour into the free-agency signing period. Batum also received several offers from other teams shortly after the deadline, which he called flattering.The 6-foot-8, 200-pound Batum enters the season as Charlottes best all-around player and a favorite among teammates.Guys are so much more comfortable when hes out there on the floor because he makes it so much easier at both ends, forward Marvin Williams said.Williams said theres a naturalness to Batums game, and hes incredibly unselfish -- hes always looking for the better shot option.He likes to make the assist, and he likes to get everyone involved, Williams said. I think that is why so many people like playing with him. Its why I love playing with him.And why Clifford views him as irreplaceable.When Batum went down in the second half of last season with an ankle injury, the Hornets struggled to find their rhythm.Hes not a numbers guy to me, Clifford said. People can say, `Well, hes making this or hes making that (much money), but if he plays at the level he played at last year when he was healthy, we have a chance to be a really good team.The Hornets continue to work on 5-on-5 scrimmages extensively during practice as Clifford gets a feel for his team.But there were several key players missing on Thursday.Point guard Kemba Walker (knee) and center Cody Zeller (knee) remained out of practice while rehabbing from injuries. Guard Jeremy Lamb did not practice after stepping on a basketball and twisting his ankle, while Brian Roberts was held out after injuring his hamstring when he slipped on some water on the court. Clifford said he hopes to have Lamb and Roberts back in a few days. Yu Darvish Jersey . Once again Jordan Cieciwa (@FitCityJordan) and I (@LynchOnSports) go head to head in our picks. Last weekend at UFC Fight Night 32 my #TeamLynch got the best of #TeamJC by a score of 9-6. Let us know which side youre on for UFC 167 use the hashtag #TeamLynch or #TeamJC on Twitter. Ben Zobrist Jersey . The native of Mont-Tremblant, Que., captured a World Cup downhill event Saturday, his second this year and fifth career victory on the circuit. http://www.cubsauthentic.com/cubs-anthony-rizzo-jersey/ . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Javier Baez Jersey . The 19-year-old Olsen played 34 games with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL this season. In that time, hes recorded 17 goals and 17 assists with 36 penalty minutes. Ben Zobrist Cubs Jersey . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. 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. Lets get started on answering your fantasy football questions for Week 5.#StartSitESPN jalen Richard or Jay ajayi at RB2- Richard Becerra (@chdhwk) October 9, 2016Both Ajayi and Richard are going to get large workload increases due to injuries to their teams respective starters. Richard has an insanely high 16.6-yard mark in my good blocking yards per attempt (GBYPA) metric that measures how productive a ball carrier is when given good blocking. That gives him a huge upside ceiling and the edge in this one. -- KCWho is the better QB play today, Rivers or Wentz? #StartSitESPN- Kelly Grayson (@redhotcrew2004) October 9, 2016Wentz may be the best rookie quarterback Ive seen in 14 years of breaking down game tape, but the Chargers are more likely to get into a high-scoring game given that their defense will be missing both of its starting cornerbacks. That gives Rivers a higher upside ceiling than Wentz and makes him the choice. -- KC@ESPNFantasy Fitzpatrick or Ryan #StartSitESPN- Quarter Life Crisis (@qrtr_lyfecrisis) October 9, 2016Ryans game at Denver gives him the toughest defensive matchup among quarterbacks according to my schedule rating system. As much of a hurdle as that is, the Jets have major injury issues at wide receiver with Eric Decker listed as out for the game against Pittsburgh and Quincy Enunwa listed as questionable (but active). The Steelers are also playing lights-out on defense and may end up being nearly as tough of a matchup as Denver. Ryan would be the pick here. -- KCPPR League: Brady or Carr #StartSitESPN- Jerry Silvera (@HowAJerryEat) October 9, 2016I have Brady and Carr rated almost even this week. The tiebreaker would be this: New England and Brady will want to make a statement in his return from suspension and Clevelands defense will be hard pressed to stop them from making such a statement. Go with Brady in this one. -- KC#StartSitESPN better streamer stafford or cousins?- Enrique Perez (@7kiks8) October 9, 2016Baltimores rush defense ranks fourth this year in points allowed per game to opposing running backs. The Ravens gave up only seven combined points to the Jaguars and Raiders running backs over the past two weeks. That tough rush defense matchup will make Washington put the ball in the air a lot, as Cousins is still one of the most accomplished dink and dunk passers in the league. Add these to Stafford having a much more difficult pass defense matchup, and it makes Cousins the pick. -- KC#StartSitESPN Is Duke J. or Isaiah C. a better bet today? .5 PPR and Big Play league.- JT Andrews (@JTA_AKA) October 9, 2016Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell both have posted double-digit marks in GBYPA. To get an idea of how great a double-digit mark is in this metric, consider that only Todd Gurley and Charles Sims ended the 2015 season with a double-digit GBYPA. That makes both of them high-quality start options in a PPR league. Since Crowell gets more of the workload, he would be the pick. -- KCSterling Shepard or Will Fuller? #StartSitESPN- Edgar Sanchez (@edgarsanc22) October 9, 2016Fuller is facing the Vikings defense and as such has one of the toughest schedules among wide receivers in my schedule ranking system. Shepard is squaring off against a Green Bay secondary that has given up the second-highest points per game to opponents wide receivers. The Packers will also be missing starting cornerback Sam Shields, who is out with an injury. Those factors make Shepard a top-10 wide receiver this week and give him the edge over Fuller. -- KC@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Gronk or Ertz? #FantasyFootball- Moms and Beyond (@MomsAndBeyond) October 9, 2016Zach Ertz has the most favorable matchup among tight ends this week, as the Detroit defense has allowed the second-highest points per game to opposing tight ends. Rob Gronkowski may end up having a breakout game with Tom Brady back under center, but given how rusty Gronkowski has looked of late, it is far from a given that will happen. Go with the known commodity and start Ertz in that highly favorable matchup. -- KCShould I trade Doug Martin for Melvin Gordon #StartSitESPN- Jayy (@King_Jayyy7) October 9, 2016Any time you can trade an injured player for a healthy player of equal or higher value, it is a good trade to make. That is exactly the case in this trade option. Gordon also has three highly favorable rush defense matchups over the next six weeks, so he also provides a lot of upside potential. The suggestion would be to make the deal and acquire Gordon. -- KC#StartSitESPN deandre Washington , gio bernard, or Hunter Henry as my flex this wk- Andrew Nawn (@andrewnawn) October 9, 2016Hey Andrew, lets ride with Washington here, given he has real upside as an elusive big-play threat and his floor is clearly higher now that Murray has been ruled out. This could be a fun audition for him to assume a larger role going forward. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Flex, PPR...K Benjamin,J McKinnon, or W Fuller? Pick 1 please. Thanks.- Jami Ingling (@JamiIngling) October 9, 2016As you might notice, I lean toward taking the tailback at flex when the workload is there, and Jerick McKinnon is in line to net 15 or more touches as the Vikings lead back. With upside as a receiver and a growing share of red zone/goal-line work, McKinnon is in a nice spot against a Texans front that has given up the fourth-most rushing touchdowns and over 125 yards on the ground per game this year. -- J.M. Start will fuller against min or Pryor against new England #StartSitESPN- Kris Baez (@BaezKris) October 9, 2016With Terrelle Pryor netting a 29 percent share of the Browns passing volume on the season and game script potentially helping drive some garbage time numbers his way, I prefer him over Will Fullers tougher setup against a capable Minnesota secondary. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN higher upside: Coates for his 40 plus streak or tyrell williams for his RZ targets?- Robert Thomas (@rthomas2734) October 9, 2016Coates wins the upside debate, as hes in a great position to produce multiple big hauls against this susceptible Jets secondary. -- J.M. Rams or Panthers? #StartSitESPN- Jarrod Strokos (@J__stroke) October 9, 2016I still respect the Panthers big-play ability, so they are the call over the Rams. -- J.M. Melvin Gordon or Devante Freeman? #StartSitESPN- Mikey Page (@Mikey_Pagee) October 9, 2016I do dig Devonta Freeman even with the unfavorable setup in Denver, but Melvin Gordon gets the nod given his consolidated control of meaningful touches for the Chargers and ability to produce from the goal line. -- J.M. Steve Smith Sr or TY Hilton ? #StartSitESPN- T.L.O.A ?????? (@Nevers_Failures) October 9, 2016Its fun to get Steve Smith Sr. in the lineup, but T.Y. Hilton has a dominant target share and higher ceiling, thus hes the guy in this debate. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy Cole Beasley or Sterling Shepard in a PPR league? #StartSitESPN- Adam Atath (@adamatath) October 9, 2016Sterling Shepard offers some real upside as a touchdown producer given that rare vertical/contested catch skill set, so he gets the nod over Cole Beasleys conservative usage pattern. -- J.M. Hunter Henry, Will Tye or Zach Miller ? #StartSitESPN- T.L.O.A ?????? (@Nevers_Failures) October 9, 2016Zach Miller is in a strong spot to produce here. The Colts have allowed the fourth-most yards per game to tight ends dating back to last season and continue to prove susceptible in the secondary and particularly over the middle. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN riddick or forte- Jeremy Lamfers (@JeremyLamfers) October 9, 2016Even as Matt Fortes workload and snap share deflates with Bilal Powell gaining traction, hes still a workhorse in the sense we can expect 15-or-so touches. As for Theo Riddick, hes really just a receiving back with little upside in the early-down phase. Which is to say, I prefer Forte. -- J.M. Crowell, McKinnon, Edelman or E Sanders. Need WR, RB and flex #StartSitESPN- Alex Cikanek (@ACikanek) October 9, 2016Lets get McKinnon at RB and the receivers in the lineup. Isaiah Crowell has been stellar this season, but game script isnt ideal as the Browns are heavy dogs and McKinnon offers more in the passing game. -- J.M. Sammie Coates or dontrell inman #StartSitESPN- Damo (@damo7x) October 9, 2016Dontrelle Inman was averaging a reception on around five percent of his routes heading into Week 4, so that big game -- fueled mostly by one big broken play -- appears a bit of an outlier. Coates big-play profile appears more believable and enduring. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Matt Jones or Theo Riddick?- Reade (@ReadeBeam) October 9, 2016Its almost a format question, as I clearly prefer Riddick in any form of PPR scoring and would side with Jones in a purely standard scoring format. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Blount or Emmanuel Sanders as flex in non PPR league ?- Barry (@BBMione) October 9, 2016Emmanuel Sanders leads the league in percentage of his teams targets this season, with a 35 percent slice of the Broncos passing pie. With a nice matchup against the Atlanta secondary, Sanders is the call here. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy start James white, Cameron artis-Payne, or Terrance west?? PPR #StartSitESPN- Tyler (@tfrench33) October 9, 2016Ill take West of this trio, as he should get a nice chunk of early-down touches for the Ravens against a Redskins front allowing the most yards per game and per carry to tailbacks. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Hunter Henry or Delaney Walker? .5 pt ppr- Landon Whiteside (@Landonw25W) October 9, 2016Walker doesnt have any competition for routes/targets like Henry will, so lets stick with the steady vet. -- J.M. Jamison crowder or James white PPR #StartSitESPN- Lars T (@larstaylor6) October 9, 2016I prefer James White here, as he was second in the league among backs in PPR production per route run last season and could again prove efficient and busier now that Brady is back. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy #startsitespn deciding btwn S Shepard, Q Enunwa, T Pryor. I dont loove Pryors matchup.dddddddddddd..- Ryan (@slyther3) October 9, 2016Pryors workload and diverse skill set builds a pretty high floor, so Im still a fan even with the Patriots capable corners. Volume alone could deliver a nice day. -- J.M. Jeremey Hill or Isaiah Crowell in standard league?? #StartSitESPN- Jack Houtman (@HootyHoo01) October 9, 2016Really similar assets here, but Ill take Jeremy Hill in a close one over Crowell. I know Crowell has been more effective running, but since we really want touchdown chances in the red zone for these bruisers, game script/role today could and should favor Hill. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy Start Viking defense or Ravens defense? #StartSitESPN- Ignacio (@BigGeno06) October 9, 2016Im going to stick with the far more talented Vikings defense here. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Standard league RB: Duke Johnson Jr or Artis-Payne (RB situation is dire haha)- Noahsports (@NoahSports1) October 9, 2016I hear you, Noah. I have a few ugly backfield decisions to make, as well. Im going with Duke Johnson here, as he could net a nice total-yardage outing in the receiving phase with the Browns positioned as the heaviest underdogs of the day, per the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. With Cameron Artis-Payne, its simply difficult to trust his workload. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy need expert thoughts, best TE start in standard league, Z. Miller or Pitta? Both next to each other on rankings #StartSitESPN- Brian Meyer (@akbrian50) October 9, 2016I prefer Miller, as he has way more upside in the sense of red-zone rapport and big-play ability. His chemistry with Brian Hoyer has been evident so far. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Standard League Flex Spot: E.Lacy, DJax, or Steve Smith Sr.?- codydion. (@cdotdion) October 9, 2016I have Eddie Lacy atop this trio. I know hes been frustrating, but hes actually been solid on a per-touch basis and its a way to avoid the weather concerns in that Baltimore game. -- J.M. Blount or Zeke Elliott #StartSitESPN- Austin Schoepske (@Philsfan89) October 9, 2016Morning, Austin. There are at least some legitimate concerns over LeGarrette Blounts workload, as we saw major variance in his touch and snap rates with Tom Brady active last season. Game script as heavy favorites should still see him play an important role, but Ezekiel Elliott is an unquestioned workhorse and is among the rare bankable backs set for at least 20 touches. Volume on early downs and some upside as a receiver vaults him well ahead of Blount today. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Ryan Mathews or deandre Washington- shmully ash (@cymbal2k) October 9, 2016Going through Twitter this morning we see tons of DeAndre Washington queries, which makes sense given his elevation to a more prominent starting role in place of an ailing Latavius Murray, who has been ruled out. I prefer Washington over Ryan Mathews given he poses better big-play upside and real usage in the passing phase. That, and Mathews has more competition/traffic for touches, as Kenyon Barner, Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood all factor into the workload for Philly. Washington will no doubt share with Jalen Richard, but he should see a valuable share north of 10 touches against a Chargers defense with some key front seven injuries. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN PPR CJ Anderson or M. Jones(Detroit wr)...... Washington or Tennessee defense.....thanks!!- PETE (@pete504HDCVO) October 9, 2016Hey Pete, lets go with C.J. Anderson given the sweet matchup here against a Falcons front missing several linebackers, including key rookie Deion Jones. With a favorable home setup, Anderson is quietly in one of the best spots to produce today. Marvin Jones is a nice play as well, expected to play with his foot ailment, but its a sizable gap in touches between him and the tailback. I prefer the Titans defense of these options, as the Redskins have been beaten up by injuries in the secondary and could get run on throughout. The Dolphins, meanwhile, have had major issues protecting the pocket. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy @ESPNFantasy Julian Edelman or Jacquizz Rodgers? #StartSitESPN- Justin (@ClearCutWinner) October 9, 2016Edelman for sure, as hes poised to resume his awesome market share of the Patriots passing game that led him to a pace for 108/1,200+/8 last season. -- J.M. Bennett or Barnidge? #StartSitESPN- Eduardo Fumo (@eduardo_fumo) October 9, 2016Sticking with the Patriots passing revival, Id go with Martellus Bennett, who should earn meaningful targets no matter Rob Gronkowskis involvement (which is expected to rise, per Adam Schefter). -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy Gates or Henry? PPR. #StartSitESPN- Susan Eisenberg (@sberg82) October 9, 2016Word from the beat is Antonio Gates will be on a somewhat limited snap count and Henry should see the majority of snaps/routes. Its tough since Gates has such a red-zone pedigree to consider, but Im uncomfortable playing him given the snap limitations. If this situation seems deflating, Cameron Brate is in a great spot for the Bucs or Will Tye for the Giants should see a sizable snap share, if you want an outside option. -- J.M. @MatthewBerryTMR Deandre Hopkins or Sterling Shepard? #StartSitESPN- Ben Cathcart (@ken_bathfart) October 9, 2016Last week was rough, but if Julio Jones taught us anything -- besides that hes quite good at football -- its to trust your top talents despite the temptations of recency bias. Which is to say, Id trust DeAndre Hopkins for a bounce-back even in a tough matchup. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy Jordan Howard or Sterling Shepard #StartSitESPN- Jus4info (@Jusmel77Info) October 9, 2016Even with KaDeem Carey back for Chicago, we can assume a healthy workload for Jordan Howard, who has thrived as the teams feature back. I prefer the higher floor the back offers. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy should I start Eddie royal or victor cruz. Ppr league #StartSitESPN- Mike Mendoza (@MikeAMendoza) October 9, 2016With Eddie Royal banged up and a true game-time call, lets go with Victor Cruz, who faces a Packers secondary ranked 27th in pass coverage on Pro Football Focus while ceding the most yards per game to receivers. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy better flex in PPR: Gore or Travis Benjamin? #StartSitESPN #flexplay- Gym Haul (@Hall_Monitor92) October 9, 2016Frank Gore is simply the safer play, so if you desire a stable floor for fantasy points hes the guy. Travis Benjamin is third in routes over the past three weeks on the Chargers and on par with several receiving peers in targets over this span, so his floor isnt so awesome, but hes the higher-ceiling threat. Its a matter of preference in some sense, but Gore is the trustworthy asset with his double-digit touches and goal-line duties. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN who should I start....Wentz or Luck?- Jen (@2CuteDimples13) October 9, 2016Im a Philly guy and love what Carson Wentz has done, but Im still sticking with Andrew Luck. Luck is among the league leaders over the past several seasons in passes beyond 10 yards, which can lead to the rewarding big plays we covet in fantasy. With Wentz thriving, albeit via a conservative West Coast scheme, the big plays and a volume of attempts might not be there as they are for the Indy passer. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Flex, PPR League...Coates, Cruz or Crowder...Pick 1...Thanks.- Jami Ingling (@JamiIngling) October 9, 2016Id go with Sammie Coates, as he made a distinct move up the depth chart last week, vaulting well ahead of Markus Wheaton in snaps, routes and targets. With an average depth of target at 19.9 yard downfield, Coates is a big-play target with a rising floor for usage. -- J.M. J. Rodgers or fozzy from carolina at RB. D. Walker or K. Roudolf at TE? #StartSitESPN- Marcus Macinski (@BigMaczilla76) October 9, 2016Jacquizz Rodgers should see a healthy workload without much competition for touches with Charles Sims ailing, while Fozzy Whitaker could continue to compete for work with Cameron Artis-Payne for Carolina. That said, go with Rodgers and his helpful receiving skills. At tight end, Delanie Walkers share is still safer than Kyle Rudolphs for producing a strong yardage floor.@ESPNFantasy Matt Asiata, Kennith Dixon or Wendell Smallwood standard scoring #StartSitESPN- Cody Brown (@codybrown003) October 9, 2016The running back market got ugly early this season, so I completely appreciate your dilemma here. Lets go with Wendell Smallwood, since there is a real shot at him securing a meaningful share of touches after a nice Week 3 showing as the lead back. All of these backs are in limiting shares, but Matt Asiata is purely a touchdown-or-bust guy at this stage, while Kenneth Dixon could be limited as hes eased into the game. Its a risk, but I dig Phillys rookie of this trio. -- J.M. @TDFantasySports Stafford or Fitzpatrick? #StartSitESPN- Lauren Zehnder (@lolovescraft) October 9, 2016Ill take Matthew Stafford at home, even with the Philly pass rush proving productive. From ESPN Stats & Info: When the Jets are tied or leading, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a very efficient quarterback, with 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions the last 2 seasons. However, he has 15 touchdowns and 20 interceptions when the Jets are trailing, including 4 Pass TD and 15 interceptions in the 4th quarter when trailing. -- J.M. #StartSitESPN Do I start Ryan Mathews, Desean Jackson or Sammie Coates at my flex in a standard league?- joshua (@joshuaholdredge) October 9, 2016I really like DeSean Jacksons setup against Shareece Wright, an entirely exploitable Baltimore cornerback who could match up with Jackson often today. Wright is ranked 100th in coverage among corners on Pro Football Focus. -- J.M. Flex play in a non-PPR Crabtree or Terrance West? #StartSitESPN- Wes Hughes (@w_hughes31) October 9, 2016With elite cover corner Jason Verrett out for the Chargers, the San Diego secondary is suddenly thin at what was once a position of strength. Thus Michael Crabtree, coming off that three-score outing, is a fine play over Terrance West. We dig Wests upside against a soft Washington front, but Crabtrees role/share in his offense is truly secure. -- J.M. @ESPNFantasy .5 pt ppr... Quincy Enunwa or Tyrell Williams #StartSitESPN- Matthew Frazier (@Frazier_Fraz) October 9, 2016Adam Schefter reports that Quincy Enunwa is expected to play and see a normal workload today, so hes my guy given the Steelers have allowed the most yards per game to receivers dating back to the start of last season and the Jets game script could prove pass heavy. -- J.M. ' ' '