Larry Johnson is haunting me

I don’t own Larry Johnson. In fact, I never have. Not this year. Nor any year. Yet he continues to hurt me.

If there is such a thing as a fantasy restraining order, I need one.

Not for my protection. But for my running backs. Tell me where to file the claim. And order him 100 feet away from my backs. Look what Jamaal Charles can do when he’s not handcuffed to Johnson: 103 yards and a touchdown. Todd Haley should feel guilty. He enabled this.

On Sunday, while watching back after back go down, I was parked at my computer and plucked them all: Justin Forsett for the injured Julius Jones, Jason Snelling for the injured Michael Turner and Bernard Scott for the injured Cedric Benson (I’m in multiple leagues). And of course, on Tuesday it happened. I should have seen this coming.

Larry Johnson is a Bengal. Sigh…

Forsett, Snelling and Scott – Who do you start?

By now, you may have picked one or more. And let’s not forget about LeSean McCoy and Ladell Betts filling in for Brian Westbrook and Clinton Portis respectively. In no particular order, here's a breakdown:

Jason Snelling – Snelling looked solid against Miami last week – 93 yards and one score - so I expect even more against the Giants, who were struggling against the run before their bye week. Plus, New York has provided decent pressure to opposing quarterbacks, disabling the passing game. Atlanta will have to run the ball to win this game. A friendlier Tampa Bay defense is next in line.

Bernard Scott – If you claimed Scott you’ve been holding your breath. Lots of uncertainties – would Benson or LJ play this week? Today it was announced that Benson is out for Sunday. And while Johnson is a Bengal, I don’t expect immediate playing time for him. Scott is likely a safe play because Haley is not his coach. I love the Raiders matchup too. Looking ahead, he faces Cleveland and Detroit. Expect 100 yards and at least one touchdown for the Abilene Christian product this week.

Justin Forsett – With Jones’ broken rib, Forsett finally got his chance, boasting a season-high 149 yards and a touchdown. He’s a great pickup, but owners should consider the Vikings matchup this week - not a friendly defense, yielding the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Up next, Seattle vs. St. Louis. Much better.

LeSean McCoy – Getting the nod with Brian Westbrook’s second concussion this season, McCoy is an attractive plug-n-play vs. Chicago, who ranks among the bottom third in defending the run.

Laddell Betts – Did I tell you I have him also? I’ve had a few RB issues this year. I’m reluctant to start him this week facing the Cowboys at home. They have a tough run defense, although they’re an unpredictable bunch. I’d count on 80+ yards, but hard to count on finding the end zone. The Redskins offense hasn’t produced a lot of scores, especially against good defenses.

Paging Dr. Schaub

Houston Texans Quarterback Matt Schaub, his wife Laurie, Voice of the Texans Marc Vandermeer and Sports Radio 610 host Matt Jackson joined physicians at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center for Leadership Grand Rounds. They got a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation's best hospitals (I know I work there, but it really is!). They viewed surgeries and even tested some of the same robotic tools physicians use in surgery - of course, not on real patients. Marc brought Junior Mints, a must-have for surgery.




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 (except this Sunday, since the Texans play Monday).