7 ON 7
The NFL / Fantasy Football season is in full swing.  The Fantasy Tailgate Watchdog is back for another bite!

Joining us this time to go "7 on 7" with questions surrounding the fantasy football and NFL world, please welcome Bob Harris of Football Diehards.com and SI.com.

As TFL Report webmaster and FSP senior editor, Bob Harris began providing Fantasy football owners with vital intelligence in 1993. Since then, he's built a strong reputation among readers and within the industry. In 2005,
Harris was named the first ever Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.

In addition to playing a key role in all four FSP's publications (Fantasy Football Pro Forecast, Fantasy Football DraftBook, Fantasy Football Cheatsheets and Football Diehards magazines), Harris is also the driving force behind FSP's Football Diehards web site, pre-season draft guide -- The August Update -- and the regular-season FlashUpdate.

Harris also heads into his sixth season as a weekly Fantasy columnist for SI.com's FantasyPlus web site.
DAN: Before we jump into the "7on7," tell us how you got started in this crazy, mixed-up world we call fantasy football.

BOB:  I started playing in 1986 and realized shortly thereafter that information -- in-depth information specific to my needs -- was hard to come by. I started the TFLReport in 1993 to provide that information. I have made my sole living providing that information ever since.

DAN: 1) Let's start in Washington DC.  The Redskins.  The offensive production is sporadic at best.  Given the talent through the air with Santana Moss and on the ground with Clinton Portis, is it time for Joe Gibbs to close the book
on QB Mark Brunell?  If so/ not, why? Is Jason Campbell the answer?  How does any of this impact fantasy football GMs?

BOB:  I'm not sure Mark Brunell is THE answer, but he's certainly the best answer right now. I think if Jason Campbell was ready he'd already be playing.  Remember, the coaches see these guys every day. If they thought for one
second Campbell was ready, he'd already be in there.

That's not to say things can't change. But NFL head coaches -- as a general rule -- are reluctant to go sit experience in favor of youth. There are exceptions. Campbell isn't one of them.

DAN: 2) According to ESPN2's fantasy show, an interesting comment was made.  "This year, the 'start your studs' concept doesn't apply as it did in years past and now you have to look at your match-ups." Do you agree with this
sentiment?  With the exception of Peyton Manning and Donovan McNabb, player point tallies have been all over the board.  Your thoughts?

BOB:  Roll with your studs through Week 4, then all bets are off and it's time to go with a pure meritocracy; those who produce the most play the most.

DAN: 3) We are almost at the half way point of the fantasy football season.  Who are your top 3 breakout players?  Top 3 busts?  What do you attribute to their performances or lack there of?

BOB:  Breakouts: Frank Gore, Marques Colston, Bernard Berrian; Busts: Aaron Brooks, Randy Moss, Edgerrin James

It always comes down to one thing: Opportunity.

Gore, Colston and Berrian are all getting a chance to make the most of their abilities; plenty of other players have similar talents (not to slight anybody), but it takes a combination of circumstances -- supporting cast, coaching, talent and schedule -- to break out. Bottom line? They're getting a chance to do what they do.

The busts fall prey to the same set of circumstances.

DAN: 4) We have received a number of emails commenting on the play of this year's rookie class.  You thoughts? Can any of these young horse carry fantasy GMs to playoff success?

BOB:  I don't see Colston slowing down at this point. ... I believe Laurence Maroney will continue to pick up the pace as the season wears on. He could explode down the stretch.

I would also feel comfortable relying on Matt Leinart or Bruce Gradkowski if I had to.

DAN: 5) Speaking of fantasy football playoffs, look into your crystal ball for us.  Which players (given the match-ups and current trends) can fantasy GMs rely on in weeks 14-16?

BOB:  Wow. There are so many. Let's put a fine point on it and say -- as long as they have something to play for -- the Colts vs. Texans in Week 16 is a game to watch. If Indianapolis hasn't locked up home-field advantage through the
playoffs -- all the Colts will be HUGE plays that day.

DAN: 6) The bulk of our Fantasy Tailgate.com Radio Show listeners are Eagles and Steeler fans.  Staying in Steel City, what are your thoughts on Big Ben, Hines Ward and Willie Parker? Given the upcoming weather and NFC North
remaining schedule, would you start any of these guys on your fantasy football team?  Why/ why not?

BOB: I think, in the case of Pittsburgh, that another game like last week will convince me that offense is ready for a solid run. And once I'm convinced, I wouldn't hesitate to use any. If Roethlisberger has truly regained his 2005
form, I think the Steelers will hold form to last season. Strong plays all.

Eagles, too.

DAN: 7) Unlike past years, many running backs have been able to remain healthy, hence making the "stud RB" draft strategy ineffective.  This has put a premium on starting wide receivers.  Do you see this rash of "good health"
continuing?  Which players do you see wearing down the next couple of weeks for whatever reasons?

BOB:  Although he seems to be improving somewhat, I'm definitely worried about Brian Westbrook. Willie Parker seems to be holding up well now, but much like Westbrook, I own him in multiple leagues and I worry about his current workload.

DAN: Bob, thanks so much for your time.  Where can our visitors read more of your work?  What's your latest project?

BOB:  My current focus is on my regular-season information service, the FlashUpdate (which I have produced annually since 1993). You can get it free of charge at http://www.footballdiehards.com.

It's worth a look. Did I mention it's free?

Also. ... Check out my weekly Fantasy Notebook column at SI.com's FantasyPlus page. The Notebook is published on Fridays. I think you'll enjoy it.

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Dan LaBert Interviews Bob Harris