Week 15 Waiver Pickups

And this is why we have fantasy. For those times when a real loss dealt to your home team dismays and disappoints you. The hype of Monday Night Football, the Patriots matchup, and the possibility of securing better playoff positioning just magnified the game, and the defeat. Fortunately for Houston Texans fans, there’s comfort in knowing your team is 11-2. And knowing your team is not the Jets, Jaguars or Chiefs.

We also have fantasy so we can play pretend GM. And, of course, prove we’re smarter than all our friends. Anyone who had David Wilson is smart in my book. And anyone who had Nick Foles, nice job by you. The Philly quarterback fared better than elite arms Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning and Drew Brees. Even Phillip Rivers came alive with nearly 25 fantasy points. Atta boy, Phil.

Week 2 of the fantasy playoffs is upon us. In most leagues, a win here puts you in the semi-finals, and closer to that coveted fake trophy. A loss has you wondering why you ever played this silly little game. Ah, fantasy football.

Good luck to all who are still in the hunt for the championship. Here are a few guys for consideration as your round out your roster. As always, feel free to hit me up on twitter @erinskelley with your questions.

David Wilson, RB, New York Giants – All his fumbles are forgiven after rushing for 100 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Perhaps even more impressive is his special teams performance with extra special stats, giving him 327 all-purpose yards for the day. My first thought – why did the Saints continue kicking to him? My second thought – make him yours. Ahmad Bradshaw is likely out for Sunday’s contest vs. Atlanta, and perhaps even longer. Consider Wilson the starter. He’s speedy. Act quickly. Available in 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns – Don’t overlook the Browns for your fantasy fishing, and certainly not Josh Gordon, who reeled in eight receptions for 86 yards against the Chiefs on Sunday. In two weeks, Gordon has over 200 yards and a touchdown. He’s a must-start in the WR2 or WR3 slot. This week, he faces a delectable Redskins defense that yields the second most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 51 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Bilal Powel, RB, New York Jets – Powel is on a hot streak with four touchdowns in his last four games. Powel, who has worked himself into a timeshare with Shonn Greene, rushed for 77 yards on 20 carries against the Jags on Sunday. Powel will reap the rewards this week when the Jets take on the Titans, who surrender the second most fantasy points to running backs. Available in 91 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos – Moreno continues to impress, as he contributed with 32 carries (yes, 32!) for 119 yards on Thursday. Hard to believe Moreno was just collecting dust on the inactive shelf prior to week 12. He’s destined for continued success on Sunday when the Broncos face a run-friendly Baltimore defense. Available in 32 percent of Yahoo! leagues.  (If Ray Lewis is reading this, I was just kidding with that defense remark. Baltimore is the best.)

Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans – Yeah, it was garbage time, but important garbage time for Tate – and the fantasy community – to see how his recovering hamstring would hold up. In mostly fourth-quarter action, Tate rushed eight times for 46 yards as the Pats routed the Texans. Once the playoff/home field race shakes out, Tate becomes a starting option. Arian Foster, who leads the league with 298 attempts, will likely get some rest as post-season preparation. Consider Tate the next man up. Available in 68 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks – In Seattle’s 58-0 embarrassment over the Arizona Cardinals, I’m not sure why Tate mustered only six lousy yards. But don’t let this stop you from grabbing him. Prior to last week, Tate recorded four touchdowns in four games. This week, he faces the pass-friendly Bills, who yield the seventh most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 58 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Check out his QB Russell Wilson too. Also widely available (69 percent). Also a good play.

On a side note, Ben and Golden are not related, according to my trusty Internet search.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.

Gasp... Live TV Debut

I made a brief TV appearance on Monday before the Texans-Patriots Monday Night Football game. As part of KHOU-Channel 11's 30-minute special, I gave a little fantasy football advice. Props to the makeup lady for airbrushing my face!

Week 14 Waiver Pickups

Hear a popping noise? That’s the cork soaring off my bottle of celebratory champagne. The fantasy playoffs are upon us, and cheers to my team, Lil Bow Wow, as my team of misfits clinched a playoff berth. Technically, I secured a spot two weeks ago. And technically, I drank champagne then too. OK, sparkling wine.

Congratulations to all the fantasy footballers whose dreams came true! As you march into the playoffs, it’s time to get serious. Don’t wait until Sunday at 11:45 a.m. to set your lineup. You know who you are. And so do I. You tweet me at 11:55. Don’t deny it. There’s a timestamp.

But other than being punctual and more attentive (and nicer to your mother), just be yourself. Don’t go changing your strategy. Don’t get cute. Don’t start a third-string tight end with Owen Daniels on your bench. And don’t second-guess. Unless, of course, your first guess is wrong.

My point is simple. You obviously did something right to get this far. Just keep up the good work. And keep doing whatever you’ve been doing. But I was serious about the last-second desperation tweets. Don’t do that.

In special playoff form, here are this week’s waiver picks:

Brandon Myers, tight end, Oakland Raiders – Is it because he’s a Raider? Is that why you’re overlooking him? Raiders have feelings too, you know. And this Raider is one to admire. I know scoring can be spotty for tight ends, but Myers remains a steady target for Carson Palmer. On Sunday, tying a Raiders’ single-game record for the most receptions, Myers hauled in 14 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. If he’s available, get him. Available in 47 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers – Don’t go Green. At least not here. Alex Green will continue to take a backseat to Starks, who toted the ball 15 times for 66 yards, and added 16 more in the air. Starks has proven to be the more superior rusher, and will continue to get the nod. Available in 78 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Donnie Avery, WR, Indianapolis Colts – It’s like Peyton Manning never left, as it’s still nice to be a receiver in Indy. This week’s Andrew Luck-y player is Avery, who reeled in five catches for 91 yards, including two touchdowns – one, the game winner vs. Detroit. This week, the Colts take on the Titans, who are bad against the pass (and the run too). Not likely that Avery will repeat a performance like Week 13, but do you need a receiver who can get you 50-60 yards? Check him out for the WR3 spot. Available in 79 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks – Four touchdowns in four games. Not bad. Consider the Seattle wideout a good start at WR3, even facing a formidable Arizona pass defense. Week 15 is Buffalo. Nice. Available in 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Cleveland Browns DEF – Yes, Cleveland. Kansas City has surrendered the most points to defenses. Good plug-n-play. Available in 73 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Justin Forsett, RB, Houston Texans – Even with 64 yards on 14 carries last week, Forsett is unlikely to see as much playing time this week against the Patriots. Not realistic to think anyone will just run out the clock against Tom Brady. So, why is he on this list? Thinking ahead, my friend. Stash and save. Available in 98 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Bryce Brown, RB, Philadelphia Eagles – How is this guy still available anywhere? If he’s not on your team, stop whatever you are doing and claim him. I am serious.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.

 

Week 13 Waiver Pickups

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. How about Waiver Wire Tuesday? Now that’s a shopping day we can all appreciate. Put down those scissors. No coupon necessary. No crowded parking lots or endless lines either. Not sure why this shopping phenomenon hasn’t caught on.

Topping my shopping list this week is Colin Kaepernick, who delivered once again for San Francisco. If rules permitted, I’d buy him in bulk form. A surprise find is Mohamed Sanu, who scored twice within the 5-yard line. Never heard of him? It’s OK. I’ll explain below. I also found a three-pack special on Jacksonville Jaguars. I can’t help it. They’re on sale!

I know you’re all teed up and ready to shop, so without further adieu, let the games begin.

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – The Cincy wide receiver now has four touchdowns in three games. On Sunday, he caught five receptions for only 29 yards, but found the end zone twice. And did I mention that one of those was with one hand tied behind his back? Two observations: 1) Sanu becomes a bigger threat as A.J. Green gets double coverage, and 2) Start all receivers against the Raiders. Always.  Available in 97 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers – Wow. He can play. No QB controversy here with stats like this. In two starts, he has 474 yards and four touchdowns. Understandably, there were doubters, wanting to see more than one impressive start. Convinced yet? Available in 64 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Michael Bush, RB, Chicago Bears – Matt Forte’s injury means more Michael Bush, who took advantage with 60 yards on 21 carries, including two scores. Not worried about the Seahawks matchup this week. Did you see what Miami did? Available in 44 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts – Hilton has impressed with back-to-back, two-touchdown performances. Consider him a strong WR3 and climbing. Keeper league owners take note – Andrew Luck and Hilton have only just begun. Available in 57 percent of Yahoo! leagues.  

Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – Yes, I realize he’s a Jag, but their offense is hot! Get him while you can. Shorts has quietly put together some strong numbers, and expect for those to maintain – if not improve – with Chad Henne at the helm. On Sunday, Shorts reeled in four passes for 105 yards. Next up, Buffalo. Yummy. Available in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – Equally aware he’s a Jag too. Blackmon scored again to make it two straight weeks. He’s on a roll! Let this ride, and start him again on Sunday against the Bills, who surrender the 11^th most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Chad Henne, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars – I’m running out of ways to brag about the Jags. Credit the new starter Henne, who is throwing magic bullets to his receiving corp. On Sunday, Henne was 17-of-26 for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Take the hot hand as it shuffles into Buffalo. Available in 89 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Rashad Jennings, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars – This is one Jag you can pass on. Just wanted to make sure you were reading carefully. At 2.7 yards per carry, no thank you.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos – Did I say Ronnie Hillman last week? I meant Knowshon Moreno! In all fairness he hadn’t played since week 2 and was inactive prior to week 12. But yes, there was a hint that he would start. Just maybe, somehow, he’d get the nod. And he did. Toting the ball 20 times for 80 yards, he’s a good start this week in your RB2 or RB3 spot. Available in 80 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Justin Forsett, RB, Houston Texans – Talk about a fantasy touchdown. A fake touchdown delivered real points in fantasyland last week. While Forsett is mostly used as a breather for Arian Foster, look for Forsett to shoulder more of the load as the Texans inch closer to the end of the season, Keep your eye on Ben Tate too, who is nearing a return. Both are widely available.

Pittsburgh Steelers – While their price tags have been slashed, just keep walking. Good grief. Are they the new Chiefs?

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.

 

Week 12 Waiver Pickups

‘Tis the season for giving thanks. Matt Schaub, I am thankful for you. I am thankful for your 43 completions for 527 yards against a feisty Jaguars defense. I am wildly thankful for each of your five touchdowns. Of course, the final touchdown, while its fantasy value is the same as any other touchdown, certainly felt more special as the Texans overtime game winner.

 

And wow, Andre Johnson! I am thankful for you too. Even in your 10^th year, you showed ageless speed and grit as you mustered 273 yards, including a 48-yard dash to clinch the win. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed!

 

All this thankfulness is making me rather full. Especially with the giant portion of turkey I’ve swallowed all season. Yes, my fantasy turkeys, your fantasy turkeys – we all have turkeys who have ruined our cornucopia of wins. Ahem, Cam Newton and Darren McFadden, you’re featured on the fantasy failure menu. Michael Vick, Greg Jennings and Calvin Johnson deserve a seat at this table too, as do most Chiefs, Jets and Jags.

 

I could get carried away but I won’t. In the spirit of the holidays, I invite all my players to my faux Thanksgiving table. Even Chris Johnson. As we share in our gratitude, all I ask if you give me a double helping of touchdowns. Each of you. Is that too much to ask? I assure you, it’s what the pilgrims had in mind.  

 

As promised, here are a few yummy waiver dishes. Load up. Overindulging is encouraged.

 

Chad Henne, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars – I am thankful for Jags coach Mike Mularkey too, as he declared Henne the starter on Monday. That’s like a secret shout out to fantasy owners, as we typically have to wait for crucial decisions like this. He totally gets us! Henne was a mastermind on Sunday, putting up 354 yards and four touchdowns against a hardy Texans defense. Stats like that are difficult to repeat, but he faces a Titans defense that’s vulnerable against the pass. Available in 97 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 

Danario Alexander, WR, San Diego Chargers – We can all agree Phillip Rivers hasn’t done much this year. But the last two weeks, he’s connected with Alexander for 230 yards including three touchdowns. Alexander becomes a big threat against the Ravens this week, who will be without Ed Reed. Available in 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 

Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – Henne’s receivers came alive under his command. Blackmon especially impressed with 236 yards and a touchdown. This is fantastic! Unless you already dropped him. Like Henne, duplication of this performance will be difficult. This week, however, Blackmon is matched up against a Tennessee defense that is generous to wide receivers. Start Blackmon. Available in 72 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 

Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver Broncos – With Willis McGahee sidelined for 6-8 weeks, Hillman is the man to plug in. While you can’t expect the production of McGahee, he will reap the rewards of being part of a solid Denver offense. The Broncos take on the Chiefs this week, who have given up the seventh most fantasy points to running backs. Available in 81 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 

Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers – He can do more than run, that’s for sure. In fact, Kaepernick only ran four times for 12 yards. His arm, however, lit up the Bears for 243 yards and two touchdowns. It was a different – and improved – offense with Kaepernick at the helm, so QB controversy is already buzzing. Worth a gamble to pick up this kid. And by the way, San Francisco plays New Orleans this week. Perfect. Available in 95 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 

Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals – He’s back! Expect Beanie to start Week 12, instead of the ho-hum LaRod Stephens-Howling. While he’ll probably share some of the carries this week, Wells workload should increase moving forward. Get him if you can. Available in 72 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.

Week 11 Waiver Pickups

Michael Vick took a hit. Jay Cutler went down too. Even Big Ben crumbled. But the one with the biggest, most crushing hit of them all – my fantasy team, which suffered a helmet-to-helmet blow on Sunday. And I don’t think smelling salts or mandated rest is going to revive this little underachieving squad. Fortunately, I have so many teams that I can just dump this lineup of regrets at the nearest curbside and hope someone finds it as useful as a stinky couch.

With injury – even the temporary variety – comes opportunity. It appears Roethlisberger is out for the regular season, which declares Byron Leftwich the starter on Sunday. And Nick Foles, whom many Eagles diehards have been warmly suggesting, will be promoted to starter as well. If you’re in a super deep league, as I am, these backup quarterbacks create a waiver wire frenzy.

Week 10 seemed to bring us an unusual amount of injuries. Perhaps I’m just hypersensitive because my team was struck hard by the pandemic. It’s always worse when it happens to you. But that’s what the waiver is for. Pick smart and pick often. Good luck to all.

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles – It was probably time anyway with Vick’s repeated lackluster performances. Foles impressed during pre-season (completing 40 of 63 passes for 553 yards and six touchdowns), but keep in mind he’s a rookie and Sunday will be his first career start. I worry about the spotty pass protection too. Still, for all you deep leaguers, grab him. Philly draws a good matchup this week vs. the Redskins soft pass defense. Available in 96 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Chris Ivory, RB, New Orleans Saints – New Orleans stockpiles running backs the way New England loads up on tight ends. Ivory is back in the mix after rushing for 72 yards on seven carries, and a touchdown on Sunday. He showed signs he was back in Week 9 when he tallied over 11 fantasy points including a 56-yard run. But he was largely overlooked because he didn’t have many carries. That will likely change now. Consider Ivory a good pickup for deep leagues, and a decent start at the RB3 position if Darren Sproles remains inactive. Available in 88 percent of Yahoo! leagues.  

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders – Say hey to DHB, who reeled in five catches for 82 yards, including a touchdown. Over the last four weeks, Heyward-Bey has shown steady production with at least nine points per game, including Sunday’s 16-point performance. Up next is New Orleans, where the defense has the blues, especially against wideouts. Available in 46 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers – The Packers changed starting running backs again, this time, Starks winning the job over Alex Green in Week 9. Starks finished with 17 carries for 61 yards and will remain the starter; however, the Starks-Green duo is expected to remain a timeshare. Pluck Starks for your RB3 or flex position. Available in 86 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Marcel Reece, RB, Oakland Raiders – Reece, who made the list last week, tallied 104 yards on Sunday, and clearly the favorite over Tawain Jones. The backup to the backup RB rushed for 48 yards, while catching seven passes for 56 yards. With Darren McFadden’s return looming, Reece is likely just a spot starter. Take advantage while you can. Still unsure? This week, the Raiders take on the Saints, who yield the second most fantasy points to running backs. Available in 67 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Carson Palmer, QB, Oakland Raiders – I’m not going to apologize for listing another Raider. Look at his stats: Completed 29 of 45 passes, 368 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. And you know he is salivating over this week’s start – the Saints, who surrender the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Available in 42 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.  

Week 10 Waiver Pickups

Remember those television commercials promoting fantasy football play? I know you saw them. They were on a constant loop on the NFL Network, even after the season started. They still aired in Week 3, and then Week 4. Even Week 8. Come on, who would join this late?

Me. Naturally.

It’s not too late, apparently. Nor is it too many. Nor too ridiculous. As Chester Pitts ribbed me during the Houston Texans pre-game show, I realized I’ve never said no. I have never ever turned down a fantasy football invite. This story is getting more pathetic.

It’s not that I just wanted more, but I wanted a chance to start over. We all want do-overs, right? And this was a chance to do that. Of course, I really wish I could apply this little magic mulligan to other parts of my life. Oh where to begin…

Obviously, guys like Adrian Peterson, Alfred Morris, Robert Griffin III and Houston Texans’ own Owen Daniels were all taken much higher in this re-draft. Pretty cool to see Arian Foster standing firm at the No. 1 position.

I’m guessing most owners stick with their one team, perhaps two. And that’s fine. If you’re maxed out already, this means you better nurture the one you have. And what a perfect segue into this week’s waiver pickups. Of course, if you do choose to start another league, can you send me an invite?

Marcell Reece, RB, Oakland Raiders – Down goes Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson too. Reece and Taiwan Jones will share duties in replacing DMC, as they take on Baltimore this week. While the starter has not yet been named, it appears Reece will get the nod. He’s worth an RB2 spot, if he starts. Remember, this isn’t the 2011 Ravens run defense. Available in 96 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Guessing the Steelers’ backfield starter each week isn’t easy. But this week, it’s Redman, with injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer. Count on Redman, who tore up the Giants last week with 26 carries for 147 yards and a score. Now imagine he’s playing the Chiefs. Available in 49 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams – The PPR standout is set to return from a dislocated shoulder Week 10 when the Rams travel to San Francisco (gulp). His point production varied when healthy, but he appeared to be on an upward climb and developing a strong rhythm with quarterback Sam Bradford before he injured himself. Consider Amdendola a strong No. 3 play this week, as he faces one of the toughest pass defenses in the league. If you hold Chris Givens, sorry; it was nice while it lasted. Available in 39 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills – You may have laughed when I mentioned the Amish Rifle on Texans Radio last week as a future pickup. And you may have laughed again after seeing how Fitzpatrick fared in Sunday’s contest at Reliant Stadium. But wait, this Sunday he faces a Pats defense that surrenders the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Are you still laughing? Consider Fitz a good pickup in deep or 2-QB leagues. Available everywhere outside of Buffalo.

T. Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts – Donnie Avery’s injury gave opportunity for Hilton, who pored in 102 yards on six receptions, plus a touchdown on Sunday. Hilton appears to be a huge playmaker just waiting to bust out. Thursday’s matchup is generous against the Jags defense. If Avery rests with the early game, consider Hilton an even bigger play. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Brandon Myers, TE, Oakland Raiders – With so many standouts at tight end, Myers has gone largely overlooked – in part, because he had only one score prior to Week 9’s contest. He’s certainly getting attention now, as he reeled in eight passes for 59 yards and a touchdown – and saw the team’s most targets (13) on Sunday. He’s a steady producer in terms of targets and yardage, so you’re unlikely to get blanked. If he scores against the Ravens, consider it a bonus. Available in 78 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

Week 9 Waiver Pickups

Thank you, Tony Romo, for making my Sunday complete. I was nervous about a full day without Houston Texans football. But your sloppy play, matched with the Steelers’ silly little outfits made my Sunday a good one. Laughable too. Ahem, Mark Sanchez, you should not be laughing. Nor should you, Phillip Rivers. At least the Steelers won.

And let’s not overlook the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs; they both have their own quarterback messes. As if a QB dispute isn’t bad enough, imagine being in Philly. Now imagine you’re the starting quarterback. Sadly I can empathize as I have my own QB controversy in my head – I own Cam Newton.  

But as all good game managers, we put the last game behind us, and look ahead to Week 9. Here are this week’s waiver wire considerations. I made them extra special this week:

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts – Brown returned to action on Sunday with 80 yards on 14 carries against Tennessee. While Vick Ballard got the start, Brown sill proved to be an effective RB2-3. This week, the Colts face a Miami defense that has been tough against running backs. Available in 41 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Nick Foles – With Vick’s future in question, Foles is up next up. He was impressive in pre-season (completing 40 of 63 passes for 553 yards and six touchdowns) and really just needs a chance. No starter has been named yet, but his chances look good following Sunday’s 30-9 pummeling. Still, that team is a mess up and down the roster, so beware. Recommended only to those with very serious QB situations and a depleted wire. Or if you own Vick! Available in 99 percent of Yahoo leagues.  

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – He was really strong last Thursday, throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns against the Vikings. One of his problems last year was his turnovers. Freeman has been remarkable this year with only 5 turnovers, compared to 22 last year. I really like him this week. He’s going against an Oakland defense, that gives up the ninth most fantasy points to QBs. Available in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers – LaFell’s strong start to the season had been forgotten by most fantasy owners (including me), because he had done nothing since. That changed Week 7 when he revealed he still had a pulse. Over the last two games, he’s boasted 141 yards and a touchdown. Not magical statistics, but certainly serviceable in the throws of the bye weeks. And he’s an even better play this week as the Panthers take on the Redskins, who yield the second most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 80 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Sneaky play of the week:

Titus Young, WR, Detroit Tigers – With Nate Burleson out, Young is seeing extra work. On Sunday, he was 9-for-9 with 100  yards and a touchdown and two touchdowns. He’s becoming a very reliable target and has broken the WR 2 barrier. Faces a Jacksonville defense on Sunday that’s a little soft against the pass. Available in 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

Week 8 Waiver Pickups

This Sunday won’t be the same. I can pretend the NFL’s Week 8 has as much luster and anticipation as Week 7, or any other week of the season. But it doesn’t. I’m not alone. Texans fans everywhere are sulking. It’s almost (but not quite) as bad as a loss. Why are we so sad? Yes, the Texans have a bye. Sigh…

I should be accustomed to this. It’s certainly not a surprise. And I’m probably better prepared than most. After all, I have multiple fantasy teams to keep my interest and my spirits alive. Distractions are good at a time like this. But without the Texans, Sunday Fun Day is just not the same.

It’s not just the game itself, but the other stuff. Imagine sports bars with fewer Battle Red jerseys and more Tony Romo jerseys. And if you stay at home, that’s an entire Sunday of Peyton Manning commercials. I can’t get 2 million free pizzas out of my head. Week 8 already stinks.

But perhaps I should pause and consider the positive. Maybe, just maybe, we needed a little break so I can give my fake teams the real attention they deserve. While I prefer to root for Matt Schaub and Arian Foster, rather than the stats of Drew Brees or LeSean McCoy, I will bite my lip and make the best of it. It’s OK to have fun this Sunday. I think that’s what Arian would have wanted. 

As you prepare for Week 8, here are a few waiver finds. They’ll help ease the pain.

Rashad Jennings, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars – OK, I had to get the obvious one out of the way. Maurice Jones-Drew was forced to leave Sunday’s game with a foot injury. In four quarters of action, Jennings tallied 102 yards on 28 carries with one touchdown. While Jennings has shown in his spotty starts that he’s not exactly Ben Tate, he’s certainly serviceable. And with bye weeks forcing you to reach – with the likes of Foster, Ray Rice and Fred Jackson on the bench – Jennings is a welcome addition. Faces a Green Bay defense that is mediocre against the run. Available in 76 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Is Ken Whisenhunt the new Mike Shanahan? It feels like he pulled the ole bait-and-switch with William Powell only getting four carries, while giving the lion’s share to Stephens-Howling. (Can I call you LaRod? These hyphenated names are a pain.) LaRod finished the game with 20 carries for 104 yards, plus four receptions for 45 yards. And this was against the Vikings, a team that was fourth best in fantasy against running backs. With the 49ers up next, lessen your expectations. Available in 84 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Joel Dreessen, TE, Denver Broncos – The Broncos tight end appears to have surpassed Jacob Tamme as the favorite TE for Peyton Manning. With six catches for 57 yards in Week 6, Dreessen was held scoreless, but still has three touchdowns on the season. With some of the top tight ends on byes this week, Dreessen is a nice plug-n-play. Available in 88 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots – Stevan Ridley owners were hoping for an increased workload with Brandon Bolden out. Nope. Enter Shane Vereen, proof that anyone can run the ball in a Pats uniform. Even at fourth string, Vereen had eight carries for 49 yards. Ridley was still the favorite, finishing the day with 65 yards on 17 totes. Danny Woodhead contributed with 17 yards. See a lot of names in this paragraph? Exactly my point. Bill Belichick will run anyone. Need someone for Week 8? Deep leagues should give Vereen a shot. Available in 96 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Jeremy Kerley, RB New York Jets – I’m going against my “No Jets” policy here because this guy is clearly their No. 1 guy, and a viable start, with Santonio Holmes lost for the season. On Sunday, he reeled in eight catches for 118 yards against the Patriots, and he’s emerged into a solid WR2. Count on him this week against a Miami defense that surrenders the 10^th most fantasy points to receivers. Available in 57 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Cleveland Browns – With RGIII and Andrew Luck getting most of the rookie fanfare, it’s easy to overlook Weeden, who put up nearly 18 fantasy points on Sunday with 264 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts. In his last three weeks, he has nearly 800 yards and six touchdowns, with only three interceptions. This week he faces the Chargers who give up the eighth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Available in 84 percent of Yahoo! leagues.  

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

 

 

Week 7 Waiver Pickups

To the down and desperate fantasy owners, let me just say I can empathize. It’s hard to admit, but one of my teams is not considered unbeatable. I feel like a parent of many kids, with one of them underachieving. I love them all. But come on, I love this one the least.

My other teams are just fine (according to this article), but my squad against the Houston Texans front office – not so hot. My most recent pummeling came at the hands of HoustonTexans.com’s very own Nick Scurfield (cue your pic please, Nick). I have an excuse this week, as I do every week. My team isn’t very good. It’s the same combination that plagues most teams: injuries, bad luck and bad choices. If only I read my own articles!

I feel bad airing my team’s dirty laundry in the media. But I wanted you, the reader, to know I’m right there with you. Whether you’re 2-4, 1-5 or even 0-6, it’s not too late. OK, maybe you 0-6’ers should just take a knee. But for the rest of you, don’t stop believing. I can’t believe I just wrote that.

Here are a few fantasy finds for Week 7:

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys – With DeMarco Murray sentenced to week-to-week status, Jones becomes the starter this week, potentially longer. Jump on this one. Jones rushed for 92 yards on 18 carries against the Ravens. This week, he faces a Carolina defense that is generous, surrendering the third most fantasy points to running backs. Available in 77 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns – Thanks, Josh, for boosting my self-esteem with this little pickup last week. You did so well, that I’m giving you a shout out this week. Kudos to you, getting three receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati. Can you make it three in a row? The Browns wideout plays an Indy defense that gives up touchdowns to everyone. Even the Jets. Available in 86 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Brandon Gibson, WR, St. Louis Rams – Sure, I saw this one too… except I didn’t at all. When Danny Amendola went down, there was no “next best.” It was like picking a horse at the track. How do I pick the best one? The one with the best name? Sure, any of them could do the job with the right jockey. Gibson fared just fine with seven receptions for 91 yards. This week, he faces a Packers defense which yields the eighth most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 79 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Chris Givens, WR, St. Louis Rams – He finished second at the Derby with three catches for 85 yards. If you had the Gibson-Givens exacta, you had a nice payout. Available in 97 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

William Powell, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Sorry, this article really isn’t a rerun, but I have to mention he’s still available. With 13 carries for 70 yards in Week 6, Powell stands to get the nod again this week vs. the Vikings. Not a favorable matchup, but Powell is still a good start at RB2 or flex, especially during bye season. Available in 69 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Daryl Richardson, RB, St. Louis Rams – With 11 carries for 76 yards, it looks like we have ourselves a little platoon situation. Good news for those who need another RB, bad news for Steven Jackson owners. The Packers are just so-so against the run, so play Richardson with confidence in your RB3/flex spot. Available in 86 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

 Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

Week 6 Waiver Pickups

Sean Payton, you are magical. Better than any white unicorn or double rainbow or silly little leprechaun. How do you do it? Please teach me. Is it the luck of the Irish? Or just really amazing telekinetic powers? Or perhaps you’re a throwback to Bewitched and you just wiggle your nose. Whatever it is, I’m a believer. With your watchful eye from a Superdome luxury suite, the winless Saints looked decent, even good. Drew Brees threw for 370 yards with four touchdowns. Marques Colston contributed with131 yards, and three scores. Even former Saints receiver Robert Meachem got a piece with two touchdowns.

So Sean, this is kind of a crazy thought, but here I go… If I send you my fantasy rosters, will you take a quick glance at them? All I need is a little look-see for some of that Peyton flair. Cool?  

Fantasy owners, obviously, we’d all love a “lucky Sean Payton’s foot” key chain, but absent of that, here are a few waiver finds to help your team for week 6. It’s the best I can do.

Robert Meachem, WR, San Diego Chargers – It’s about time, Robert. Finally, you and Phillip Rivers connected with 67 yards on three receptions and two touchdowns. You still make me nervous, but you’re making up for four weeks of dissatisfaction, so keep up the good work. Meachem is an adequate substitute for those replacing bye-week casualties. This week, the Chargers face the Broncos who have been average against the pass. Available in 57 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Alex Green, RB, Green Bay Packers – Poor Cedric Benson is out for at least eight weeks with a foot injury. Green’s stats were decent as a fill-in, with nine carries for 55 yards. A probable time-share with James Starks, Green is an RB3 at best, and perhaps just a benchwarmer this week facing the Texans defense. Still a good steal with nice upside. Available in 90 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

William Powell, RB, Arizona Cardinals – I seem to have the opposite effect of Payton. Sorry, Ryan Williams. Obviously, I had high hopes when I wrote about you. With your season-ending shoulder injury, Powell is expected to land the starting job. Likely to split carries, so consider him an RB3 for now. Powell and the Cardinals face the delectable Bills run defense this week. Did you see what San Fran did? Available in 95 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets – No relation to William Powell (OK, maybe there is, but no time to verify). His stats aren’t that great, not even for the Jets. But there’s value here down the road. Shonn Greene remains the starter, but Powell is getting good playing time (around half the snaps) and appears to be the better runner. This week he faces the Indy run defense, which has struggled. Still, consider him a stash-n-save grab for now, or a starter in deep or desperate leagues only. Available in 85 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns – Another sneaky pick with big upside, Gordon reeled in two receptions for 82 yards against the Giants on Sunday. He also has an open door (although just barely cracked), with favorite target Greg Little dropping passes. This week, Gordon takes on the Cincy defense, which presents some problems to wideouts. Available in 98 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins – Remember all the buzz around Brian Hartline in week 4? With 12 receptions for 254 yards, who do you think helped him? That’s right, Ryan Tannehill. Expect Tannehill to continue scoring in the 10-14 point range, not bad for a QB2 or backup. Available in 91 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

 

Week 5 Waiver Pickups

Who is Brian Hartline? Brian Hartline? Sure, you were one of the 4 percent who owned and started the Miami Dolphins wideout. I somehow missed that one. Andre Roberts and Michael Turner too. And of course, my fantasy foe Chris Johnson. Next, you’ll tell me the Baltimore Orioles clinched a playoff spot.

All these players had career days, or at least season-best. Likewise, these players were either on the bench, on the free-agent market, or in the doghouse. Setting a lineup is not easy! Sometimes it seems so obvious, your pet parakeet could do it. But these little surprises serve as gentle reminders as to why we play fantasy – because we love suffering.

Yes, we love the drama. Seriously. And I mean you – sports fans of any variety, and especially fantasy football fans. I’m talking to you, guys. I’ve heard you. You tell girls you hate drama, yet you manage three fantasy teams. Morons.

Cheers to a drama-free season! I don’t really mean that, of course. I secretly root for the Brian Hartlines of the world. Just not against me.

Here are this week’s waiver finds:

Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins – When you look back, you see the Ryan Tannehill-Hartline relationship was heating up, but just you didn’t know it would go this far – 12 receptions for 254 yards. In one game! I like Hartline going forward as a WR2. By the way, as a Texans fan, thank you, Brian, for waiting until Week 4 to emerge. Available in 74 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals – The Cincy QB has been under the radar this year, with the usual suspects getting the attention. Last week, he posted impressive numbers against the Jaguars, going 21-for-36 for 244 yards and two touchdowns. And let’s not forget he had three touchdowns week 3. Available in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Yep, saw his numbers – 13 carries for 26 yards. The matchups will get better, starting this week against the Rams. And remember Beanie Wells doesn’t return for at least six weeks. Don’t stop believing. Available in 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans – Without looking, tell me who leads the Texans in receptions. Yes, O.D. has been solid this year, working himself into the must-start tight end club. I’ve said this on the air many times – predicting the hot tight end is difficult, but you want a guy who is targeted near the end zone. As a team-leading target, pluck this guy off the wire. Available in 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers –If you’ve been palling around with Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, consider expanding your circle of friends to include Rashard, who is desperately needed with the Pittsburgh running game in sad shape at 2.6 YPC. He’ll be a welcome addition to the Steelers and fantasy teams everywhere. Expected to assume the starting running back position. Available in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills – Surprisingly, the QB who leads the league in touchdown passes is widely available. Fitzpatrick posted massive numbers again on Sunday, going 22-of-39 for 350 yards and four touchdowns, giving him 12 on the year. This week he faces a durable San Francisco defense. Still expecting two touchdowns from the Amish Rifle. Available in 53 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Minnesota Vikings, DEF – Coming off a 23-point performance vs. Detroit is good. Facing a Tennessee Titans offense this week is even better. Are you salivating? More than a plug-and-play; the Vikings were strong against the 49ers too in Week 3. Available in 89 percent of Yahoo leagues.   

J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans – Most leagues don’t draft individual positions, including mine. Make him honorary captain. Your team will be better for it. 

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

 

 

Week 4 Waiver Pickups

Perhaps long-term relationships are unattainable. Of course, I mean fantasy relationships – the complicated and sometimes tumultuous marriage between owner and player. Week in and week out, owners are forced to bench or drop a player – often of star caliber – in favor of the guy with fresh legs and limited war wounds. And that guy lasts until his inevitable injury, or the other one returns. Or Mike Shanahan changes his mind. It’s an endless spin cycle of find-and-replace. This is why guys like Tashard Choice are knights in shining armor for fantasy owners. After the league’s leading rusher C.J. Spiller suffered a shoulder injury Sunday, Choice stepped in and rushed for 91 yards on 20 carries. Of course, he probably got you nothing. Choice was either unclaimed or on the bench in your league, and leagues everywhere. Over the previous two games, he had tallied only four fantasy points.

As a Spiller owner, I am suffering the typical stages of loss: shock, sadness, and now waiver wire exploitation. It’s what we do in fantasyland. And Choice may be only a one-game starter with Fred Jackson’s imminent return, but I accept that. In the words of Duran Duran’s Simon LeBon, “Some people call it a one-night stand, but we can call it paradise.”

Here are a few choice pickups for your consideration:

Tashard Choice, RB, Buffalo Bills – Remember the magic from December, 2008? His services as the Cowboys’ third-stringer were certainly appreciated during the fantasy football playoffs then (Ahem, I am especially grateful). Fantasy owners could use that Choice charm now, even if it’s temporary, and especially if you’re 0-3 with Chris Johnson and Kevin Smith anchoring your crew. With your RB faction depleted, your week-to-week strategy is in full force. Choice is worth the gamble, even against the Patriots defense. But keep your eye on Jackson’s status. Available in 91 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Another option to consider at RB, Williams filled in for the turf toe-plagued Beanie Wells on Sunday in spectacular form with 13 carries for 83 yards and several big runs. Wells’ status is still uncertain, in typical injury report fashion. Williams is a good one to claim and stash, even if you don’t use him this week. Williams will be serviceable down the road. Available in 63 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings – So much for matchups. The young QB is quietly putting together nice numbers, even against good teams. On Sunday, Ponder threw for 198 yards (21 for 35), including three touchdowns, one by foot. And this was against the 49ers! Next up, the Detroit Lions with a sub-par secondary. Available in 87 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings – While he didn’t record a lot of yards (36 yards on Sunday), he delivered near the goal line with two touchdowns. And make that three touchdowns for the year. This week’s matchup against the Lions is good for Rudolph, as they yield the fifth most points to tight ends. Available in 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions – Sorry, Kevin. Leshoure is the new captain, with Sunday’s performance: 26 carries for 100 yards, plus 34 receiving yards and a touchdown. Oh, what to do with Smith? Drop him for one of the guys on this page. Don’t worry, he won’t know. Available in 42 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans – OK, this isn’t a claim-him suggestion, but rather a start-him suggestion. Yeah, many fans across the nation watched Sunday’s matchup vs. Denver because of Peyton Manning. But it was Schaub’s day, completing  17 of 30 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Nice numbers, yet Schaub was activated in only 13 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Fantasy owners will have to reconsider starting him this week when the Texans take on the struggling Tennessee pass defense. Hello Andre Johnson.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

Week 3 Waiver Pickups

Take a deep breath and exhale. It’s time to face the facts. You are 0-2. That’s what losers do. They lose. They lose consecutively. They lose automatically. They lose habitually. They lose.  But this is not you. You are not the Arizona Cardinals Tennessee Titans. I know you’re asking yourself, “How is this even possible? I have a franchise quarterback, stud running backs and wide receivers. Even my tight end scores!”

Well, you are not alone. Just look at the New Orleans Saints and poor Drew Brees. I’ve been trying to console him all day, but he hasn’t responded to any of my texts.

I understand your sadness. I’ve had some – although very limited – experience with losing. And you can’t mope around all day. Enough! If you’re ever going to escape this seemingly insurmountable test, you have work to do. Grab a Kleenex, wipe those tears, and get to your waiver wire. Play the Braveheart theme song if you have to! These players might just be the key to that coveted 1-2 record.

Martellus Bennett, TE, New York Giants – Bennett enjoyed the Eli Manning 510-yard passing party with five receptions for 72 yards. Not just a one-week wonder, either. In the Giants-Cowboys season-opener, Bennett reeled in four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Seems like an obvious pickup, especially if you lost Rob Gronkowski on Sunday. Available in 67 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Andre Brown, RB, New York Giants – I know, I know. Another New Yorker. But there’s a lot of offense coming out of the Big Apple right now. And Andre the Giant is next in line after losing Ahmad Bradshaw to a neck sprain, and losing David Wilson to a bad case of the butterfingers. On Sunday, Brown rushed for 71 yards on 13 carries, with a touchdown and two-point conversion. With the early Thursday game this week, Brown’s likelihood of starting increases. Available in 90 percent of Yahoo! leagues.                                                                                                       

Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams – In the first two games of the season, Amendola has been the favorite target for Sam Bradford. In his latest game, he caught 15 – yes, 15 – passes for 161 yards. A PPR dream! He won’t be around long. Available in 51 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Dennis Pitta, TE, Baltimore Ravens – Targeted 15 times, the tight end had eight receptions for 65 yards. Pitta is proving to be a staple in the Ravens’ offense. And wow, his quarterback is the “best in the league,” according to Joe Flacco himself. How can you not like that combination? Available in 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Arizona defense, DEF, Arizona Cardinals – Better than you think. Don’t be scared of the Philly matchup either. In this early season, they’ve yielded the most fantasy points to opposing defenders. Available in 80 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Buffalo defense, DEF, Buffalo Bills – When in doubt, start the defense playing Cleveland. Available in 59 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

 

Week 2 Waiver Pickups

Let me be clear. I’m a waiver wire extremist. No pick is beneath me. No timing is inappropriate. No circumstance challenges my moral compass. I love the wire, even when it doesn’t love me back. As I reminisce, vintage darlings Tashard Choice, Peyton Hillis and Ron Dayne come to mind – all special picks forever engraved in my fantasy heart.

I’m convinced you can’t win at fake football without shopping the wire regularly. I realize this practice makes some owners nervous. Some are worried they’ll pick the wrong guy. And I assure you, this will happen. Or drop the wrong guy. Yes, this too will happen. Or perhaps they think they’ll regret it in the morning. Yes, you will have regrets. Lots of them. But you can’t win by playing it safe, unless you’re playing for mediocrity. And sure, that fifth place trophy is as meaningful as my swim team participation ribbons.

But relax, my friends. I’m here to help. Every week, I’ll spotlight a few of my favorite free agents. Without further adieu, here are this week’s waiver wire wonders:

Kevin Ogletree – Ogletree kicked off the “open wire” season when he reeled in eight receptions for 114 yards, including two touchdowns in the NFL’s season opener. It’s easy to mock those who claim the Cowboys’ anonymous third receiver. I mean really, what are the chances that hot hand continues? But remember last year’s third man? Laurent Robinson finished 2011 with a career-best 54 receptions for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. And yep, he was a waiver prize. Ogletree deserves the same courtesy. Owned in 42 percent of Yahoo leagues, and climbing.

Stephen Hill – Who? He plays professional football for the New York Jets. Hill and his teammates proved that they have the ability to score touchdowns – lots of them – as they embarrassed the Buffalo Bills in a 48-28 rout. The rookie wideout caught five receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Favorite target, perhaps? Jump on this bandwagon while you can. Available in 84 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Alfred Morris – Another Sunday sensation, Morris ran for 96 yards on 28 carries, plus two scores. Now this is Washington, home of the original running back roulette, so claim Morris at your own risk. Would I claim him? Um, I actually drafted him. Still, claim in deep leagues (or desperate situations) only as every week you’ll be at the mercy of Mike Shanahan. Available in 71 percent of Yahoo leagues.  

Jonathan Dwyer – Even though Isaac Redman drew the start, Dwyer had the more impressive game – 4.8 YPC (11 carries for 43 yards) vs. Redman’s 1.9 YPC. Until Rashard Mendenhall returns, consider this Dwyer’s job to lose. This week he faces a Jets defense that gave up the 23^rd most fantasy points to running backs last season, and surrendered 195 ground yards to the Bills last week. Available in 82 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Owen Daniels – Yeah, I know he’s already owned in 68 percent of Yahoo leagues, but this number should be higher. In a sea of average tight ends, Daniels’ chemistry with Matt Schaub (and his production) will place him among the top TEs. With four catches for 87 yards, he’s a nice second receiver when Andre Johnson is double covered. And this week, the Texans take on Jacksonville, which yielded the third most fantasy points to tight ends last year. Get him and start him.

Randall Cobb – If I could stockpile this player, I would. His nine catches for 77 yards along with a returned punt TD got my attention. And it gets even better! Or worse, depending on your vantage point. Greg Jennings is nursing a pulled groin, which could keep him out of the lineup Thursday night when the Packers take on the Bears. Next batter up is Cobb. Swing for the fences, Randall! Available in 52 percent of Yahoo leagues.

 

Erin Skelley joins Houston Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

Key Questions for Week 1

Fantasy football is a game of pretend, so let’s pretend I am bombarded – I mean absolutely flooded – with questions headed into week one. My pretend staff has worked all day and all night with the painful but honorable task of sorting through heaps of mail (some are adoring fan letters). After scores of paper cuts, they found the most burning questions just for you. Naturally, I am dictating this article to my pretend intern.

Week 1 Questions

Do I start Maurice Jones-Drew? – Hoping to go from “Jags to Riches,” the pocket-sized running back has presented big-time problems in fantasyland. First, we debated what round to draft him. Now he’s on your team (like it or not), you’re questioning sitting or starting. The Jags have announced that Jones-Drew will play, but only third downs this week. Rashard Jennings will get the start instead. You should do the same. Bench MJD as he won’t get many touches.   

What about Mike Wallace? – According to Steelers.com, the holdout-wideout is now spending extra time on the field, taking extra reps, and off the field, learning the playbook. All team reports sound very positive. While it is estimated he’ll play, check his status as Sunday approaches. If he plays, start him.

Adrian Peterson or Toby Gerhart? – This one is easy. Bench Peterson, start Gerhart. AD is not ready. Not today. Not Sunday. Remember, he tore his ACL with only two games left in 2011, and he’s only eight months removed from surgery. For now, you’ll have to exercise patience, just like Adrian. Just like the Vikings.

What about Jamaal Charles? – Yes, Charles tore his ACL too, but during the second game of the season, so he’s had nearly a year to recover. Charles ran for 62 yards over 12 carries in the pre-season. Not bad. He is likely not 100 percent, but he is still a playable  RB1. Start him with confidence week one.

What can we expect from Peyton Manning? – Manning was ho hum early in the pre-season, so I see why you’re skeptical. You were waiting for the signal caller, who is coming off iffy neck surgery, to prove himself. His final game, he completes 10 of 12 passes for 122 yards, and two touchdowns. And of course, you think, Manning needs to be tested against a good defense. Or what about taking a big hit? Again, he needed to prove himself. Only this time, he faced San Francisco and he got clocked. Now do you believe he’s back? Expect big things. Viable QB1.

Who’s the lead back in Pittsburgh? – For the first four weeks, and maybe longer, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman will split duties while Rashard Mendenhall recovers on the PUP list. Right now, the favorite is Dwyer. But that’s right now, so stay tuned. Both are startable as RB2s.

Is Matt Schaub undervalued? OK, this may not be on everyone’s mind, but it’s on mine. And probably Texans fans too! Yes, he’s wildly undervalued. Currently, among fantasy experts, he’s listed as the No. 14-18 QB for fantasy production, coming off a year with 2,479 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in 10 games played. But let’s look at the situation. Schaub and Andre Johnson played in only three full games together last season. Talk about a buzzkill for his stats. Plus, over time, the Texans game plan changed (hello, Arian Foster). And who needs to sling it when you’re nursing a lead? A healthy AJ means healthy stats for Schaub. Sunday projection: 200 yards, two scores.

Erin Skelley joins Houston Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

 

Fantasy Football: Should I Take Back Chris Johnson?

Dear Chris Johnson:

Hello again, it’s me. We haven’t spoken or written since I broke up with you last November. How are you? Did you have a good Christmas? How’s the weather?

I want to explain why I ended things the way I did, although you probably already know. I had big – make that HUGE – expectations for us. You were my first round fantasy pick, despite my conflicting team loyalties in Houston. I admit (secretly between us) that headed into last season, I had a good feeling about you. I’m sure nabbing you as a rookie in 2008 helped foster that bond. You were just a pup but I took a chance in the late rounds, and it proved to be spectacular, as you rushed for over 1,200 yards with 10 touchdowns. I thought we had something special.

Despite your even bigger showing in 2009, over time and especially last season, your production diminished. At first, I defended you, and then I defended you again. And then I benched you, and ultimately dumped you. Some blame the O-line. Some say you were never in “football shape.” And some claim it was the play calling. It doesn’t really matter anymore, does it? Time has passed, which has me contemplating do I try to move on, or do I beg you back? Sigh…

Let’s look at your pre-season production: Attended voluntary workouts (Excellent, kudos!), added 10 pounds (Not excellent. Doesn’t that make you… um, less fast?), then rushed for 81 yards on 28 carries in three pre-season games (downright atrocious). Perhaps it is best if I move on, or at least just choose you in a later round (like third, for instance) to avoid disappointment. At my RB1 slot, I’m thinking Arian Foster, LeSean McCoy, Ray Rice, Matt Forte, Darren McFadden, Marshawn Lynch or DeMarco Murray might be a better fit for me. And me for them, of course. They certainly carry less risk, and offer consistency. I love consistency!

Chris, now that we’ve settled that, are you friends with Michael Vick or Peyton Hillis? I’d like to consider both of them but they also struggled a bit last season. To draft or not to draft… here’s my thinking:

Vick disappointed many owners last year, especially those who claimed him in the first round. He threw for 3,306 yards, and 18 touchdowns (with 14 interceptions), and he also missed five games. But come on, you knew the risk. Just watch how he plays. His gutsy, gritty running back style, which can turn a busted play into a first down, can also surrender his body to unnecessary bodily harm. As I type this, Vick is recovering from bruised ribs, of course. The Philly quarterback has taken only 12 snaps this pre-season, only 12 more than me! Vick has practiced for two consecutive days, so he’s on the mend. For now. This is Vick, so he’s either hurt, about to get hurt, or recovering from getting hurt.

So what does all this mean? While he has first-round talent, he’s just too risky for the very early rounds. But you can’t avoid all risk, and you need some risk – smart risk – to gain an advantage. Yes, he’s draftable, but take him in rounds 4-5, and grab yourself a top reserve like Jay Cutler. Also keep an eye on Philly’s backup Nick Foles. He has impressed the Eagles so far.

Now, let’s talk about Hillis. This guy should consider himself lucky. If Johnson had not toyed with fantasy owners’ emotions last season, Hillis would have subjected himself to even more Twitter abuse. The Madden cover boy missed five games with a pulled hammy and then one game with a sore throat (Sucrets, dude). His aloof demeanor only made it worse. At season’s end, he mustered a measly 587 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

This season, he’s expected to split the carries with Jamaal Charles in the Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield. He’s the bigger back, expected to plow through defenders on the goal line. Hillis had looked better than Charles this pre-season, but now marred by the stats of his last game: 2 carries for -1 yards. Dismal, but probably not a factor. Bottom line, he’ll play and score. Decent RB2. Really good RB3. Look in rounds 5-6 for this back (and rounds 2-3 for Charles). And Peyton, rest those tonsils.

Erin Skelley joins Houston Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen. 

Fantasy Draft Day Discipline

Fantasy owners of America, you need discipline. The worst, most pathetic drafters are the ones with no game plan, no self-control – no discipline. Assuming you don’t have the courage or know-how to create and follow your own set of guidelines, I am sharing with you my “never” list. Clip and save this little essay, as you need some boundaries.

I will never draft Steven Jackson. Yeah, I know. He’s a workhorse. All he does is run, and run some more. And his braids are really awesome, but his body is going to fall apart. Let it be on someone else’s team. DeMarco Murray and Hakeem Nicks are currently being taken just after him. Much smarter, safer picks.

I will never doubt Wade Phillips. Sure, the Texans lost Mario Williams, but he missed 11 games last season, and the Texans still finished third in pass defense, sixth in pass defense and forth in TDs allowed. Studs Conor Barwin, J.J. Watt and Jonathan Joseph will anchor this team to be a top 5 play.

I will never draft a running back in the first round just because all my opponents did so. Remember what your mom said, “If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?” Mom was right. Don’t follow peer pressure. Can you imagine a real GM doing that on draft day? “Oh no! All the backs are taken. Draft one fast!” said no GM ever. Draft best (and safest) player available in first round.

I will never draft a running back first because a magazine 10 years ago told me the only way to win was drafting RB-RB-WR. The notion that you MUST draft a running back first to win is archaic and wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.  A commitment to any position in any round is a mistake. Instead take the best of what’s left, not the next RB in line.

I will never draft a kicker in any round other than last. Consider these guys the cherry on top, the garnish, the sprinkles. But don’t tell Sebastian Janikowski he’s sprinkles. Have you seen him?

I will never take a wild chance in the first round. I get it – high risk, high reward. But in the first round, it’s just dumb. Why take a chance on an angry Maurice Jones-Drew? Or Larry Fitzgerald, who’ll have a B-team QB targeting him. Or Chris Johnson whose shown he’s wildly inconsistent.

I will never use the phrase “Bring it,” an expression which should strictly be reserved for reality TV stars in their confessional interviews. If you are sophisticated enough to be confused or disinterested in what I mean, I envy your classy taste.

I will never (this year) draft any Jets players. I’m not sure which is worse: their quarterbacks who are challenged with accuracy, or their receivers who have a chronic case of the dropsies. And let’s not forget their run game, which is stuck in the mud. Avoid all Jets on offense. You will thank me.

I will never (again) underestimate a rookie quarterback. My apologies to Cam Newton, although you lacked a little polish in last year’s pre-season, right? But wow, look at Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck. They have quickly propelled themselves into the top 12 in quarterbacks. And they deserve it. Draft and enjoy. Digging Pierre Garcon too as a favorite target for Griffin. Target in the seventh round.

I will never doubt Peyton Manning. I know his pre-season has been less than stellar. And he’ll be forced to play outdoors for all but one game this season. But he’s Peyton Manning! Even a windblown Manning at 90 percent is worth a sixth round pick.

I will never swim with sharks. As tempting as it looks.

I will never assume lower production from a running back, just because of position competition. Take Jamaal Charles, for instance, who has never solely owned the role. Several fantasy pundits are nervous about the signing of Peyton Hillis. Consider Hillis the new Larry Johnson. Jamaal will be just fine. Take in the third round. Same goes for Matt Forte. Still a top running back, even with the addition of Michael Bush.  Good second round pick.

I will never overlook the importance of the late rounds. Too much emphasis is placed on your first round pick. The league is often won by late-round gems or waiver wire finds. Check out late picks: Jonathan Dwyer, Rashad Jennings, Isaiah Pead, and David Wilson

I will never trust an injury report straight from the mouth of a player. They always say they’re progressing at an amazing pace. Simply amazing. Simply not true.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.

 

Fantasy Football Sleepers 2012

Good news! I've been claimed off waivers! Yep, the Houston Texans claimed me. And after hard-fought negotiations, this season my articles will be on HoustonTexans.com. 

I'll still post here from time to time, but for the really good stuff,  you'll have to go to my new home, HoustonTexans.com, where I'll post weekly fantasy goodness.

Tomorrow, and every game, you can hear my riveting fantasy advice on SportsRadio 610 during the pre-game show. Please join us!

_____________________

Pre-Season Outlook

Oh, fantasy football, how much I’ve missed you! It’s been seven long months for me, even longer for those who missed the playoffs. I have pined, I have yearned and I have given many helpless looks at my empty stat tracker. And now you’re finally here. My sweet precious!

This year is especially sweet as I join the HoustonTexans.com lineup. For the last five years, I served as Erin the Fantasy Girl on SportsRadio 610 as a weekly guest of the morning show and blogger. Three seasons ago, I joined the Texans pre-game radio show, giving last-minute, sit-start-add-drop-laugh-cry advice. I also held the dubious honor of managing Marc Vandermeer’s fantasy team. Countless men are shaking their heads right now, Marc. But wait, before you judge, please note we fared quite well. Three Super Bowl appearances. One championship ring. And one season I want to forget. I blame Chris Johnson.

What can you expect this year? Pure fantasy goodness. I’ll help you prepare for your draft, prime you for Opening Day, and find those hidden gems throughout the season. And if you can’t get enough here, catch me on Houston Texans Radio on SportsRadio 610, both pre-game and during the week. For those who need a little tutoring or prefer the 140-character version, follow me – and send me questions relentlessly – on Twitter @erinskelley.

The Sleepers

As your Texans march into Training Camp, you have your own pre-season preparation to fulfill as a fake general manager. It’s a big job. But relax, I’ve done a little homework for you already.

Anyone can follow a draft cheat sheet. That’s what most GMs do. Sure, that’s a fair start. But the key is locating the secrets, the scratch-and-dents, the steals. That’s how you gain your edge, both in drafting and the day-to-day management. Good news, my friends. I have these secrets. Take a listen as I whisper a few of my favorite sleepers.

Eric Decker – Tim Tebow ruined his 2011 season. In his first five games, Decker caught 22 passes for 217 yards and 4 touchdowns. Post-Kyle Orton, the he caught 22 the rest of the season. The rest of the season! Denver’s extreme quarterback makeover resulted in the one-and-only Peyton Manning who should give the wideout yummy stats. Projecting 900 yards and 7 TDs. Solid sixth round pick.

Isaac Redman – Redman is the favorite fill-in for Rashard Mendenhall, who will start the season on the bench, potentially on the PUP list for six games. This provides prime opportunity for Redman, who has a lot of pieces falling into place. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley is looking to reinvigorate the sad Steelers offense, which ranked 21^st in the league last year. Pittsburgh is expected to run more, which is why the team invested high draft picks on its O-line. Redman should impress – as he did late last season with 127 yards and two TDs vs. Denver in the playoffs – and maintain at least 10-15 touches when Mendenhall returns. Best case scenario, Redman remains the starter. Currently drafting in the seventh round. Smart pick at seven.

Stevan Ridley – I was hesitant to include Ridley. After all, aren’t all Patriots running backs sleepers? Belichick loves to keep opposing teams – and fantasy owners – guessing. However, Ridley is the early favorite, practicing with the first team. The sophomore from LSU is a good goal-line back to help finish off Tom Brady’s hard work. Ridley would be a nice option to target as your No. 3 or flex as he has the potential to become a very strong No. 2.  Draft with confidence in round 9. Let me rephrase that. Draft with confidence, with the understanding Belichick could change his mind.

Brandon LaFell – The Panthers wideout is expected to win the No.2 position. LaFell reported to camp in good shape and has better grasp of the playbook this year. With Steve Smith’s 2011 renaissance season, LaFell took the table scraps. Cam Newton should spread the looks this year, giving him a good chance at 800 yards, 5 TDs. Good value in the seventh round.

Torrey Smith – Seven touchdowns isn’t bad. Keep in mind, he didn’t play until week three. Smith showed the ability to burn receivers as a dangerous downfield threat. His biggest challenges were Joe Flacco’s ability to get him the ball and his rookie route sense. Plus, Smith played without the polish of most top receivers. But he’s a sophomore now, and experience should go a long way for this budding star. Expect Smith to surpass Anquan Boldin this year as the top Baltimore target, and reach the 900 yard-mark. Currently drafting in the sixth round. Bargain.

Emmanuel Sanders – With Mike Wallace contract talks going sour and the retirement of Hines Ward, Sanders is a solid No. 2 WR in Pittsburgh, perhaps even competing with Antonio Brown for the No. 1 slot. His injury history concerns me, but not enough to overlook him in the ninth round.  

Jake Locker – Call this a super sleeper, as Matt Hasselbeck appears locked in as the starter in Tennessee. But an aging Hasselbeck gives Locker a good chance to take over. And although brief, Locker showed poise, agility and accuracy last year when forced to play (542 yards, 1 TD). He’ll be fantasy relevant; perhaps sooner than expected. Dynasty leagues take note; he’s worth a late-round grab. All others, watch with your hand on the keyboard.

Any New York Jets running back not named Shonn Greene – Another season of average Shonn Greene production. Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell are next in line.

Other notables: Randall Cobb, Denarius Moore, Jacquizz Rodgers, Isaiah Pead, Doug Baldwin, Vincent Brown, Ryan Williams.

Erin Skelley joins Houston Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.