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).