Week 4 pickups

My league hates me. I know it. I’m among the lowest point getters yet I have a pretty 3-0 record. I’m not stupid. I know this streak won’t last long. In fact, three more days is my best guess.

I already have my excuses prepared. I have a shallow bench (I blame the commissioner). Andre Johnson is limping (I blame the Cowboys). And I have three players on byes this week (I blame myself). I also have a quarterback who was not convicted of a crime, yet he won’t be in uniform until week six. That’s unlucky.

I do have other teams. More teams just means more drama. Again, I blame myself. I’ll save those sagas for another day. In the meantime, here are a few good pickups. Hopefully, your commissioner gives you a bench deeper than four. Yes, four.

Pickups:

BenJarvus Green-Ellis – The hot waiver pickup, Green-Ellis has promise as a flex option. In Sunday’s contest vs. Buffalo , he ran for 98 yards and a score. But claim him with caution. He plays for Bill Belichick which means you’re playing running back roulette. Draft him in desperate situations only, or as a third back option. Available in 73 percent of Yahoo leagues.

John Kuhn – Apparently, Brandon Jackson as the replacement guy is not a shoe-in. Meet John Kuhn, the spoiler to those of you with the fast finger. He’s averaging 4.5 yards per carry, compared to Jackson ’s measly 2.3. While the Packers will continue to choose air over ground, Kuhn is clearly the more powerful back with the more powerful stats. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Roscoe Parrish – Great name, right?... although it sounds more appropriate for a quirky relief pitcher than a wide receiver. Even though he plays for the Bills, he’s worth a look. Parrish reeled in five catches for 83 yards against the Patriots. There is risk in any Buffalo player, but with Ryan Fitzgerald under center, Parrish is a more viable option. I like him in the third WR slot, or in deeper formats. Like most Bills, available in 96 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Other notables:

Andre Johnson – What to do, what to do. It’s obviously a game-time decision for Gary Kubiak, but what do you do? I’m waiting until 2:45 CST. If he plays, I’m taking my chances and playing him. I understand he’ll have tough coverage in Nnamdi Asomugha, and only one good ankle. But he’s Andre Johnson. Another thought to consider, if he plays, Kevin Walter’s value increases as he draws the better matchup. I like them both.

Calvin Johnson – He’s hard to bench, but look at the tough matchup. Green Bay is completely shutting down their opponent’s top wideout. That demotes Johnson to a No. 2 or 3. Weigh your options.

49ers offense – I’ve lost my mind, just like Mike Singletary. I’m starting Alex Smith (it’s a bye week!) and Michael Crabtree. I like the change of pace with Mike Johnson inserted as the new offensive coordinator. Signaling any plays – even the bad ones – is an improvement over what we’ve seen. Good luck, Johnson. I am counting on you.


Michael Vick - I've received lots of e-mails about this one. Many of you who have him, also have another top quarterback on your team. Undecided in who to start? Let's make this easier. Deal one of them. Too much value is sitting on your bench. Trade Vick while he's at his prime value.


Have a question for Erin Skelley? 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.