Week 11 pickups

Busy, busy week for me. Not bragging, trust me. I am simply providing excuses. I’m exhausted and picking fantasy favorites requires focus. I don’t want to mix up Seattle Mike Williams with Tampa Mike Williams. Or is that Jacksonville ? No, Jacksonville has all the hyphenators. See, I lose focus. So this time, let’s cut the intro. Besides, I'm guessing you skip past it anyway.

Waiver Picks

Keiland Williams – With injuries to Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain, Williams got the nod last week. If not for Monday Night Vick, you would have noticed Williams, who ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns, plus one receiving TD. Available in 67 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Mike Goodson – Last week vs. Tampa Bay, Goodson hit the century mark. Still a strong play this week with Carolina running backs bleeding. Both Jonathan Stewart and Tyrell Sutton missed practice. And DeAngelo Williams always misses practice. Wait, what? He faces Baltimore. OK, not a perfect pickup, but better than the injury-plagued Portis who is warming your bench. Available in 74 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Shaun Hill – This is a repeat recommendation for a reason. He is largely available. And he faces the generous Dallas pass defense. Available in 78 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Tim Hightower – With Beanie Wells’ perpetual injuries, Hightower is a good pickup. The Chiefs are just average against the run. If Hightower starts, I like him as a No. 2 back. Available in 51 percent of Yahoo leagues.

James Jones – Another contingency pick here. If Donald Driver is out, James is a solid No. 2 start. Available in 81 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Rob Gronkowski – Three touchdowns makes him a hot waiver pick. However, this is New England and I have strong evidence that suggests Bill Belichick likes jacking with fantasy owners. Plus, Indy guards well against tight ends.

Notes

Jamaal Charles – Is this too good to be true? Charles faces the weakest run defense in the league this week. The only thing (ever) holding him back is Todd Haley.

Shonn Greene – He busted quite a few teams who drafted him early, but he’ll make up for it with the playoffs. Rex Ryan has already announced he wants to balance the running game. Believe him. While only available in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, he’s on a lot of benches of disappointed owners.

Randy McMichael – I like McMichael if Antonio Gates doesn’t play. However, you have to consider the timing. He plays Monday night. If we know Friday or Saturday that Gates won’t play, McMichael is a great replacement with Phillip Rivers firing bullets. But you can’t reserve a starting spot for someone who’s a maybe. Timing matters here.

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 at 9:00, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.