Week 16 stocking stuffers

The best Christmas gifts can come from people who don’t even know you. For me, those people are Jamaal Charles, Ben Roethlisberger and Andre Johnson (pictured here in Santa gear). I’m counting on big, really big, gifts from them this week. Week 16 marks the Sports Radio 610 Fantasy Super Bowl, and I (or rather Marc Vandermeer and I) go head-to-head with Robert Henslee for the title. I’ll forego candy, candles and other Christmas gift staples for a fantasy championship ring. Hear that, Santa?

You too need a Christmas miracle? Here are a few early gifts for you….

Jon Kitna – Kitna, who is the No. 7 quarterback over the past six weeks, faces the Cardinals on Christmas Day. And while Arizona has nice numbers against QBs, as Yahoo points out, their matchups have been weak so their numbers are misleading. Available in 41 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Tim Tebow – Although I lack a research team to prove this, I’m pretty sure he’s the only quarterback to ever apologize for a 40-yard touchdown run. It was a busted play, and a mistake, but an apology….really? Good grief, I am vomiting. But I’m also recommending the awe-shucks gunner in deep or two-QB leagues. Available in 85 percent of Yahoo leagues. Zero availability in the state of Florida, just like his jersey.

Donald Brown –With injuries to Adrian Peterson and Knowshon Moreno, owners are searching the waiver wire. Brown looked solid last week with 129 yards, but proceed with caution. The Colts assortment of running backs resembles that of the Patriots. Start in the flex slot only. Available in 65 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Lance Ball – Ball’s a good play vs. the Texans if Moreno sits. No word yet on Moreno ’s status for Sunday, but as of Wednesday, he had yet to practice. I’ll avoid calling Ball a “baller” like most fantasy sites. Available in 99 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Chris Ivory – Reggie Bush was pitiful last week. Ivory’s a good No. 3 or flex play. Available in 55 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Andre Caldwell – Boasted 89 yards vs. Cleveland last week. Faces a less friendly Chargers defense this week, however T.O. and Ocho are ailing, so Caldwell will get more looks. Available in 99 percent of Yahoo leagues.

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 week Friday morning 9-10 a.m., or during the Texans pre-game show every week. With the holidays, Erin will appear on Thursday instead of Friday.

Week 15: Special playoff edition

I could use Sal Alosi right about now. Who’s Sal? I’m referring to the New York Jets strength and conditioning coach who is the real life version of Wile E. Coyote. I guess tripping a player is better than using Acme dynamite or triple-strength poison. But it’s also less creative.

Of course, Sal’s slip-and-fall was inappropriate. But if tripping my opponents advances me to the next round, I’m thinking a strategically placed grease spot is a consideration.

Actually, I’m trying to act cool like I’ve been here before (and of course, I have!) but I’m a little giddy, especially with Sunday approaching. I’m also beginning to second-guess my players, my defense and my strategy. But now I’m second-guessing my second-guessing. And there’s an important lesson to be learned from anyone who has tried to upgrade their fantasy management before: Don’t. Really. Don’t over-think, over-react, or over-do. You are either smart or lucky enough - but probably just lucky – to have gotten this far. So stick with the strategy that earned you a playoff berth.

Here are a few pickups to help you down the final stretch. And by the way, congratulations!

Tim Hightower – Carolina is generously donating yards to running backs, so look for Hightower to go crazy with at least 100 yards and a score. Available in 44 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Javarris James – The Colts hate to run, but this guy gets cheap touchdowns. James is expected to shoulder the load on Sunday. He’s a good No. 2 or flex running back. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Kerry Collins – Sorry Texans fans. I know, I know. He’s a Titan, and he faces Houston this week. Don’t like that pick? Check out John Kitna. Ouch, a Cowboy, and not much better. What about David Garrard? Ok, I’ll stop.

Kenny Brit – I can’t stop. I promise the Texans matchup is merely a detail. After recovering from a hamstring injury, Collins’ favorite wideout is back. Moss is just a decoy. Brit is the real thing. Available in 34 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Owen Daniels – Yep, he's recovered. Five catches for 91 yards vs. Baltimore on Monday. Available in 58 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Ryan Torain – With 172 yards against the Bucs, Torain is looking like the Christmas miracle running back, just in time for a playoff run. Available in 42 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Phillies starting rotation – Now that’s a fantasy team.

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 9-10 a.m., or during the Texans pre-game show every week. This Sunday’s show begins at 9 a.m., with fantasy advice at 9:30.

Week 14: Christmas miracle running back edition

Sunday’s Cowboys-Colts game brought back sweet memories. (Cue the dreamy music.) As Tashard Choice sweated for 100 yards, it reminded me of 2008 when my fantasy playoff hopes were bleak. With very little value on the wire, I claimed Choice, rolling the dice on the Cowboys third-string back. In five weeks, he mustered 552 combined rushing and receiving yards, propelling my little hopeful squad to a Super Bowl berth.

Who is this year’s miracle back? Is Choice the chosen one? Or is it James Starks? What about Anthony Dixon?

Anthony Dixon – While desperate fantasy gamers claimed Brian Westbrook, others overlooked the obvious oldie and claimed the younger, stronger back who now appears to be the lead guy in San Francisco. The Seattle D-line has struggled with injuries lately, so the matchup will be prime for the rookie running back. Down the road, he faces San Diego and St. Louis. Available in 86 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Tashard Choice – As mentioned above, vintage Choice is back. The Philly matchup makes me a little nervous, but you’re not planning to be eliminated this week. Are you? Think Super Bowl, my friend. Dallas faces Washington, then Arizona (giggle). Available in 71 percent of Yahoo leagues.

James Starks – In week 13, Green Bay still didn’t have a solid starter at running back. Enter James Starks, who has a chance to maintain the lead role, despite Coach Mike McCarthy's insistence that they’re all equal. Right. Brandon Jackson had four carries last week. With 73 yards on 20 carries, I not only recommend him, but I claimed him myself. Faces a weak Detroit defense this week. Available in 79 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Chris Ivory – Two touchdowns and 117 yards lands Ivory on this list. The fantasy community has been hesitant to claim him, unsure of Pierre Thomas' return and Reggie Bush’s take-aways. Sean Payton says he doesn’t plan to minimize Ivory's carries, even if Thomas is healthy Sunday. Available in 44 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Random Redskins running backs – Keep your eye on them, and pick carefully. Although the lead back changes week to week, if you pick right, it'll pay. Remember Quinton Ganther last year?

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 9:00-10 a.m., or during the Texans pre-game show every week. This week is a special Monday Night Football edition. Tune in at 4:30 p.m.

Week 13 pickups

I admit, I enjoyed watching Andre Johnson pummel Cortland Finnegan’s face. Repeatedly. I was at Reliant Stadium for the always contentious Texans-Titans game, and couldn’t find a TV fast enough to see the replay over and over and over. Even as Johnson was escorted off the field, I didn’t consider fantasy implications… until I heard a Texans fan smirk, “Well, there goes Philly.” I quickly deduced that a suspension, perhaps a several-game suspension, could also foil my fantasy team’s playoff plans.

As we now know, all is good for Johnson. After a $25K slap on the wrist, the Texans and fantasy owners everywhere can breathe a collective sigh of relieve. My message to Cortland: Please quit jacking with my pretend team.

As you finalize your rosters, here are a few guys to consider:

Brian Westbrook – An obvious pickup, and an obvious start, Westbrook proved he still has a little bit left in the tank. If your bench allows, grab Anthony Dixon too, especially as the playoffs approach. Westbrook may only have enough fuel for two or three games. Available in 30 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Jacoby Ford – His stats were impressive enough: 108 yards and a touchdown. But if you haven’t seen it, check out the highlight of Ford interrupting an interception for the catch. Amazing. Available in 76 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Ben Obomanu – With Mike Williams sidelined, Obomanu filled his shoes nicely with 159 yards on five catches. As of Wednesday, Williams still hadn’t practiced. Keep your eye on this. Even if he returns, Obomanu is at least worth a look in deeper leagues. And if he sits, start Obomanu. Available in 86 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Toby Gerhart – Although we don’t know Adrian Peterson's fate yet, Gerhart is worth the gamble as the Vikings face the Bills, one of the worst run defenses in the league. Available in 64 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Christopher Ivory – Despite the injury tag, Ivory’s a solid start this week with injuries to Pierre Thomas and Ladell Betts. Ivory will split carries with Reggie Bush, but look for Ivory to shoulder the load. Available in 74 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Mike Goodson – What? Goodson is available in half the leagues? The Carolina running back has compiled 400 yards in the last three games. I'm not worried about Jonathan Stewart's return. If he’s still on the wire, grab him.

Any QB but Rusty Smith – In Tennessee , it’s likely Kerry Collins this week. While a calf injury has plagued the Titans quarterback since November 14, there are no other choices for Jeff Fisher on Sunday. Although mediocre, Collins is the best mediocre option for the Titans. Why start him? He faces the Jags. And you don’t need me to tell you this: Start all QBs vs. Jacksonville. Except Rusty.

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 (expect this week due to the Thursday night game).