Fantasy source

PLAY ACTION

BY VINNIE IYER

There's no chance for revisionist history if yon drafted Kevan Barlow and Michael Vick with your first two picks. But you can learn from a forgettable draft to become a better drafter next year. To avoid potential busts, be sure to ask these questions about a player:

Will he have a strong supporting cast? Struggling quarterback play and subpar blocking have hurt Clinton Portis. Inconsistent receivers have forced Matt Hasselbeck to press and make critical mistakes. If you're not happy with a player's complementary elements, chances are you won't be happy with that player being on your team.

Will he play in a new offense? Vick's early struggles in the West Coast offense have led to a topsy-turvy statistical season. Vick is young and can afford the growing pains. But unless you're in a keeper league, you can't.

Will his coaches know how to use him? This applies mainly to running backs. The Rams are the most frustrating because even though Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson are talented, pass-happy game plans often make the backs' numbers undesirable. The Broncos and Chiefs, on the other hand, have coaches who like to stick with the running game.

Will his team be bad? Consider the case of Barlow. Because the 49ers stink on both sides of the ball, they usually play from behind. That means they consistently dump the running game early, making Barlow's fantasy value sink.

MAIL BONDING ROB HURTT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Should I keep Deuce McAllister, Steven Jackson or Reuben Droughns for next year?

David Cover, Columbia, Mo

David: Any of these players could be the top choice based on what happens in the offseason. Wait until your league's keeper deadline approaches before analyzing the situation in depth. At this moment, McAllister seems the best choice.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames. sportingnews.com/football.

TSN Games TIP OF THE WEEK

Looking for something different this holiday season? Try Playoff 3 For All Football, our postseason fantasy game with a twist. Pick a quarterback, running back and wide receiver each week, and try to score the most points. But be careful; you can use players only once, so it's not as easy as just drafting Peyton Manning. One strategy to use is to predict which teams will lose and pick a quarterback and receiver from those teams. Teams that fall behind in the playoffs sometimes resort to desperate measures, such as passing on every down, leading to big fantasy numbers.--George Winkler

To learn more about Playoff 3 For All Football, go to fantasygames.sportingnews.com.

               STUDS                   SLEEPERS

Week 15 calls from Fantasy Source experts Chris Bahr,
Rob Hurtt and George Winkler.

BAHR

QB    Daunte Culpepper, Min.      Brian Griese, T.B.
RB   LaDainian Tomlinson, S.D.     Kevin Jones, Det.
WR      Javon Walker, G.B.        David Terrell, Chi.
D          Philadelphia                 Arizona

HURTT

QB    Daunte Culpepper, Min.      Jake Plummer, Den.
RB   LaDainian Tomlinson, S.D      Duce Staley, Pit.
WR      Javon Walker, G.B.        Anquan Boldin, Ari.
D           Pittsburgh                Washington

WINKLER

QB    Daunte Culpepper, Min.     Byron Leftwich, Jac.
RB     Willis McGahee, Buf.      Michael Pittman, T.B.
WR      Ashley Lelie, Den.       Michael Clayton, T.B.
D           New England                 Chicago

          STUMBLER

BAHR

QB   Aaron Brooks, N.O.
RB    Tiki Barber, NYG
WR     Joe Horn, N.O.
D         Baltimore

HURTT

QB   Aaron Brooks, N.0.
RB   Rudi Johnson, Cin.
WR   Reggie Wayne, Ind.
D         Baltimore

WINKLER

QB   Aaron Brooks, N.O.
RB    Tiki Barber, NYG
WR   Brandon Lloyd, S.F.
D         Baltimore

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