It was a typo

Did I say Derek Anderson last week? And Mohamed Massaquoi? I meant Miles Austin and Jeremy Maclin. You completely misunderstood me.

I’m not defensive, but let’s not forget I suggested Austin Collie, who helped me maintain some credibility. He did score two touchdowns, after all. So, what do I think about Maclin and Austin? I’m undecided on Maclin. Yes, he looked fantastic – 142 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday. But it was Tampa Bay, perhaps the worst defense in the league. And you could say the same for Austin, assembling 250 yards and two TDs. He must have studied the Chiefs’ complicated defensive schemes for hours. Truth is, I like Austin because of the underperforming Roy E. Williams. There’s a void in Dallas, and Austin owners are hoping he will fill it. Maclin, on the other hand, is more likely to be a one-week wonder, or at least taper off a bit. DeSean Jackson is not likely to settle for just one yard again this season.

So, as I look into my crystal ball of smart pickups this week, I will now settle for ones that don’t make me look stupid. Thanks, Cleveland.

Nate Burleson – I like Burleson again this week. He’s one of the most targeted wideouts in the league. Plus Arizona doesn’t protect well against the pass. Add to that Hasslebeck’s return, and Burleson becomes a must start. Bonus: he doesn’t play for Cleveland.

Josh Johnson- Available in nearly every league, Johnson has quietly put up decent numbers and definitely worth consideration if your QB is on a bye this week. Provides increased fantasy value with his speedy feet, giving owners rushing yards they don’t get in most slingers. Faces a weak Carolina run defense this week, so the ground game for Johnson could increase.

Hakeem Nicks – With a reputation for having gifted hands, Nicks becomes more integral to the offense every week. While the Giants have so many talented receivers, that’s ok when Eli is as accurate as he has been. Little nervous about the New Orleans match-up – you certainly wouldn’t pick them to play against – but I would consider him a good option in deep leagues or if you’re short WRs this week.


Looking ahead

Chad Henne - If you have an extra spot on your bench, Miami’s Chad Henne is worth stashing. While he’s on a bye this week, he could prove helpful when your QB faces his bye week. The impressive rookie completed 20 of 26 passes for 241 yards, plus two touchdowns against the New York Jets, one of the best defenses in the league.

Austin Collie – I recommended him last week, but probably hard to see while you were laughing at my other picks. Collie, like Nicks, is another good weapon on a stacked team. The competition doesn’t seem to hurt, but rather keep the defense honest. Collie had eight receptions and two touchdowns on Sunday. I’m a little worried about his production once Anthony Gonzalez returns, which could be after the Colts' bye week. And let me be clear, don’t start him this week as the Colts are on a bye. But he’s a good WR to stockpile.


Phillies Phrenzy

It’s that time of year when I break out all my Phillies gear as they make a run at the World Series. I annoy all my friends….or rather phriends, by changing all my “Fs” to “Ph.” And I think it’s phunny every time. I also wear a gaudy Philly Phanatic bracelet that I’m pretty sure was designed for children. I have beads, caps and a Phanatic beanie baby. I could go on, but it would only make me look worse. Here I am last year with Adam Clanton at Sports Radio 610 glowing over the Phillies championship. I’m rooting for a repeat, of course. My phriends are rooting for me to quit being a dork.

Have a question for Erin? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com or listen to her on Sports Radio 610 on Friday at 9:00 a.m.