Help. Marc Bulger is my quarterback.

Thursday morning, my alarm goes off and I immediately grab my Blackberry to check my fantasy roster. I had submitted three claims for quarterbacks to replace Ben Roethlisberger, who’s on a bye week, and it was time to see which one materialized. After a few clicks and scrolls, I impatiently watch the hourglass do somersaults. And there he is: Marc Bulger - QB, STL.

I keep scrolling and I see Matthew Stafford also made the cut. I wasn’t sure who to pick so I tried for both, and got them both. Stafford is a game-time decision for the Lions and likely one for me too. Not sure which offense – Rams or Lions – is better….or rather, which defense is worse. Whomever I decide, I’m pitting all my team’s hopes and dreams on the Rams or Lions.

I never thought it would come to this.

It could be worse. I could be starting Vince Young on my fantasy team. Or even worse, starting him on my reality team. If you’re considering VY, only do it if you’re as desperate as the Titans.

If the Rams-Lions game weren’t at the same time as the Texans game this Sunday, I would probably host a viewing party to watch on Sunday Ticket. This could be a very entertaining game, not to mention lucrative for fantasy owners. I’m trying not to get carried away, but they both allow a ton of offense. I’m guessing Calvin Johnson is working overtime in rehab to get ready for this game. Just too yummy to pass up.

Besides QB temps Bulger and Stafford, here are a few other players worth considering:

Shonn Greene – We knew he’d be good, but he’s in a system with three quality backs. Just not enough touches to go around. Greene finally got his opportunity when Leon Washington went down with a broken leg. In Sunday’s contest, he ran for 144 yards, two touchdowns, averaging 7.6 YPC. I think he’s a viable No. 2 RB this week as the Jets game plan is run, run, run. Please note, I don’t expect the same performance as last week – that was the Raiders, after all. But he could muster 8-10 points.

Donald Lee – Green Bay’s tight end is a sleeper pick with Jermichael Finely out. He doesn’t have the same speed, but will get some looks, and could prove valuable in the red zone if the Packers stop the run.

Justin Forsett – I think I recommended him week 2 and he did nothing. Same for week 3, 4, 5, etc. Julius Jones has been sub par lately, so Forsett is likely to get more carries. Plus, he’s a good receiver.

Michael Crabtree and James Jones are also decent pickups – good for 5-6 points.


Looking ahead

Alex Smith – There’s risk in playing Smith this week as the 49ers go head to head with the Colts. But next week, San Francisco takes on the weak Tennessee Titans. Smith looked brilliant against the Texans last Sunday throwing three TDs to Vernon Davis, all in the second half. He may not be available next week, so take him now.

Jamaal Charles – There are some athletes who should not have a Twitter account. Larry Johnson is one of them. But why did it take a mis-tweet to encourage Kansas City coach Todd Haley to bench Johnson? Do the math, Todd. 2.7 YPC vs. 6.4 YPC. If Charles is still available, get him.


Happy Halloween

For my weekly visit to Sport Radio 610 this week, I dressed as Turf Girl, warrior of turf toe health. Yes, it’s the same outfit as last year, but once you discover you have superpowers, you have to go with it. Here’s the morning crew: Marc Vandermeer, dressed as Howard Stern (Vander-Stern), and John Lopez dressed as TNT reporter Craig Sager. Below, I'm with Sports Radio 610 sales manager Gina Messick Farquharson.

Some have asked why Astro turf. For starters, natural grass wasn't practical. Truth is, I have always had a fascination with artificial turf. I have an Astro turf purse, koozie and a necklace. In college, I even wrote a thesis on it. So Turf Girl just seemed like a natural (or rather synthetic) super hero for me.


Texans Taste of the NFL

The Houston Texans hosted the Texans Taste of the NFL on Monday at Reliant Stadium. Over 40 restaurants sampled their best dishes, while raising funds for heart and diabetes research at The Methodist Hospital, as well as the Houston Food Bank. I visited with tight end James Casey. He really is as nice as everyone says he is. In this photo, I'm showing him my fantasy team. Clearly, he’s impressed with my team, although questioning why Shonn Greene was on my bench last week. I am too, James.


Have a question for Erin? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.