Week 3 pickups

Todd Haley, here we go again. Clearly, I did not learn my lesson last year when you tortured me with Larry Johnson 2-yard gains while the talented Jamaal Charles sat the bench.

I thought my problems were over when Johnson was dumped. So this year I drafted Charles with confidence. He did boast 5.9 yards per carry and was a second-half fantasy stud.

I will never learn. Never ever.

If you too suffer from Todd Haley Syndrome, keep Charles. But here are a few good pickups to help you cope.

Mike Tolbert – It didn’t take long for Tolbert to emerge into relevance. With Ryan Matthews sidelined during the week two contest, the undrafted RB compiled an impressive 95 yards and two touchdowns. Matthews’ flip-floppy ankle may hold up week three, but can it hold up all season? At a minimum, Tolbert is poised to get cheap touchdowns. Claim Tolbert and stash him. Available in 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Jason Snelling – The other obvious running back who is just one Michael Turner achy groin away from assuming the starting role. On Sunday, he rushed for 186 yards and three scores. No one started him, of course, so it could have been 100 touchdowns. Keep your eye on Turner’s groin… or rather his status. Turner’s expected to play Sunday, but Snelling is a great benchwarmer just waiting for his turn. And who knows, maybe it’s this week. In the meantime, his workload will increase. Available in 33 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Demaryius Thomas – This is the guy the Broncos drafted over Dez Bryant. This is the same guy who caught eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown last week. Likely not a one-week wonder. Josh Daniels will want to prove he was the smart choice. Available in 40 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Louis Murphy – Don’t let the black and silver deter you. Murphy is a strong offensive threat, especially with Bruce Gradkowski at the helm. With 119 yards and a TD last weekend, he’s work a look at your third wide receiver slot, possible the second. This week’s matchup vs. the Cardinals is enticing. Start him. Available in 76 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Donald Brown – This is a “just in case” pickup. He filled in nicely for Joseph Addai on Sunday with 69 yards and a touchdown. Addai was limited in practice on Thursday. Available in 95 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Aaron Hernandez – Good luck catching the hot tight end at just the right moment. New England ’s Hernandez has back-to-back games with big catches. He’s averaging 20.6 yards per catch. And even better than his abilities, is the Buffalo matchup this weekend. Available in 75 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Mark Clayton – Sam Bradford’s favorite wide receiver is poised for a big game against Washington. For all of DeAngelo Hall’s yapping, the Redskins yield the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 32 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 Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.

Week 2 decisions

So, just how was opening week for you? Hopefully, not like the 49ers with your fake players pointing fingers at you. In my three leagues, two of my teams hoisted me on their shoulders as we celebrated victory. It was sweet. But as true gamers, we must move on and prepare for the next match.

My advice this week is simple. Bench all your Bills and 49ers. Well, except for Frank Gore. And maybe Vernon Davis. What a mess those teams are. Here are few other tidbits to chew on as you finalize your lineups:

Legedu Naanee – All the pre-season talk focused on Malcom Floyd, but it was Naanee who was the star receiver on Monday with five catches for 110 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown. (I watched every single one of those yards as I was clinging to short leads in two leagues.) Nothing wrong with Floyd – I blame the rainy conditions. Still, Nannee looked just as good (and not just lucky). A good flex or third receiver option, Naanee is available in 52 percent of Yahoo leagues.

LaDainian Tomlinson – His Monday line was decent – 11 carries for 62 yards. But did you see him run? He quickly suppressed rumors that he’s lost his edge. Instead, he likely gained the starting role away from Shonn Greene. LT is taken in most leagues (78 percent of Yahoo leagues). But he may have been on your bench last week. He’s a good flex or third RB in week 2.

Brandon Jackson – This one is obvious. He’s Ryan Grant’s replacement. Jackson is a good back, and just good enough to be great against the Bills. Start him. Available in 31 percent of Yahoo leagues.

David Garrard – Yes, really. David Garrard. The normally unspectacular QB passed for 170 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday’s matchup against the Broncos. While a repeat performance is unlikely, the Chargers are weak at cornerback, so he’ll be a reliable passer in deep leagues or those who start two.

Steve Breaston – With Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet gimpy, and the running game equally gimpy (and downright clumsy), Breaston is poised for a big game. Matches up well against the Atlanta defense.

Jahvid Best – Best’s value increases with Mathew Stafford out. Looked good in week one. Nice goal line action.

Darren McFadden – The Radiers back lit up Tennessee for 150 yards and a score. Isn’t Tennessee supposed to have a good defense? Isn’t Oakland supposed to be terrible? McFadden is a clear starter this week vs. the Rams.

Jets defense – Good grief! You guys would be a lot better without all those penalties.

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.

Week 1: Setting your lineup

I feel like the Colts. Humbled by a Super Bowl loss. And ready to return to real games, and forget another playoff disappointment. This year, I’m competing in three leagues, and just completed my last draft on Tuesday. I love my teams – they look great, wonderful, perfect! I say that every year. And then the season starts, and I start realizing my mistakes.

I struggle a bit giving draft advice week 1. Sure, I yawned through several pre-season games. And I took notes. But as you already know, the pre-season is hardly a predictor. But it’s OK. You can still make smart decisions, even without the help of any regular-season games behind us.

Perhaps you already have a few injuries. Or you just noticed your best wideout is Sidney Rice. Don’t worry. Here are a few guys who can fill in this week, possibly longer.

Tim Hightower – Beanie Wells’ bruised knee kept him out of practice again on Thursday. The chances of Wells playing are slim. Hightower will start, and with a mediocre pass game, look for Hightower to play a big role in the offense against the Rams.

Devin Aromashodu – The Bears wideout will be heavily involved in the offense this season, thanks to Mike Martz’ pass-heavy offense. Showed promise in the final four games last season with four TDs. Jay Cutler loves him, and will throw to him often.

Jerome Harrison – Montario Hardesty is done. Insert Harrison . Like Aromashodu, Harrison ended the 2009 season on a tear. But three pre-season fumbles hurt his chances. Harrison got a big break here.

Laurent Robinson – I see he’s a Ram, but he’s their No. 1. He’s healthy and available in 82 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Visanthe Shiancoe – A little late, I realize. But if he’s available, pick him up for next week. He looks to be a favorite target for Favre this 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, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.

Suddenly Interesting Players

Sure, it took a few injuries, waivers and disappointments but these guys are suddenly interesting. If you draft this weekend, or want to upgrade your lineup, check out these offerings.

Kareem Huggins – The explosive undrafted back from Hofstra has worked his way into a backup roll in Tampa . No doubt Cadillac Williams is the starter, but do you really think he’ll stay healthy? Huggins looks impressive in pre-season, averaging five yards per carry. He's lasting until rounds 9-11, but he won't be a secret for long.

Jabar Gaffney – He can thank Eddie Royal’s underwhelming pre-season for his promotion to the lead wideout in Denver . While he’s never been a No. 1, he looked the best among all Broncos wide receivers during pre-season. He’d make a good No. 3 (and possibly a 2) in a standard or PPR 12-team league.

Mike Williams – The Tampa rookie has upstaged higher-seed Arrelious Benn, and likely slated as the top wideout for the Bucs. His off-field issues plagued him at Syracuse and hurt his draft value, but he’s blossomed in pre-season. His talent shows he’s worth the risk in drafting him. Williams is a No. 2-3 receiver.

The other Mike Williams – The Seahawks recevier had already put together a solid pre-season and led all Seattle receivers with 149 yards. And now rumors are swirling that Seattle is trying to trade wideout T. J. Houshmandzadeh. Improves his value. Still, only a No. 3 WR. But still relatively uknown. Get him late.


Fantasy Football Convention

Thanks to those who attended Sports Radio 610’s Fantasy Football Convention at Coach’s. I’m sure you gathered tons and tons of valuable information. Just in case you forgot it all, join us on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning during the football season. We’ll discuss key pickups of the week, as well as players you should avoid. You can also get last-minute fantasy advice on the Houston Texans pre-game radio show, also on 610.

Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at ERSkelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning during the football season, or before every Texans game. If you want more, more, more, check out her blog on FantasyPros911.

Fantasy football preview: fantasy concerns

It’s not just a question of who you should draft. Equally important – who to avoid. I’m baffled every year when those plagued with injuries, handcuffs, contract disputes and mental instability are drafted as high as they are. Each time I have the chance to draft one of these bozos, there is always someone else equally talented who doesn’t have this baggage. I don’t understand how they maintain their draft value. A little too much dependency on the average draft position, I suspect. But the rankings don’t tell the full story. They just tell you when other uneducated fans drafted them. And they were probably drinking and drafting.

Don’t get me wrong, these are draftable players. But they are likely overrated for the risk they pose. So unless you can get them at a TJ-Maxx-like bargain, pick someone else.

Vikings receivers – While Sidney Rice emerged as Brett Favre’s favorite target (1,312 yards, 8 TDs), his ailing hip gives me reason to pause. Percy Harvin’s chronic headaches also concern me. Does this make Bernard Berrian a better pick? Perhaps a better value. But late, of course. And they’re all worth a gamble, but again, probably not where they’re currently ranked.

Vincent Jackson – Yikes! Things are getting nasty in San Diego. Jackson was insulted by the $3.27 million offer. OMG, Vincent! And because he didn’t sign the tender offer, the Chargers suspended him for the first three games. How does this fit with his other suspension, resulting from a DUI? Both suspensions could run concurrent with each other, but he would have to sign by September 4 or it turns into six weeks total. Confused yet? San Diego has also cleared the way for trade talks with Seattle. This could go so many ways, and none of them really that good. Without the drama, Jackson is easily a top-10 wideout. Unfortunately, he’s now outside the top 20. Malcom Floyd’s value suddenly increases.

The curse of the Denver running back – The last few years, there is an evil spell on Denver backs. And it continues this year. Likely starter Knowshon Moreno has hamstring issues, Correll Buckhalter has a sore back and LenDale White has an injured leg, and a four-game drug suspension. Moreno and Buckhalter can benefit your team, but Moreno shouldn’t be considered anything more than a No. 2 back, and Buckhalter a No. 3, although he could be a good value at the 3-spot.

DeSean Jackson – I love DeSean Jackson. I reached for him in last year’s draft in two leagues because I love him that much. And he performed to task. But I’m concerned about his chemistry with Kevin Kolb. Jackson led the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10), but Kolb will likely play a little safer than McNabb did and the potential for the big play just isn’t there. Jackson is still a great player, but I see him taking a step back this year in terms of fantasy production. He’s currently the No. 10-12 receiver taken. I would put him around 15-18.

The Patriots island of misfit running backs – Where do I begin? Bill Belichick has assembled a crew of mediocre running backs and combine that with his haphazard method of choosing a starter, and it’s anyone’s guess who will be lead rusher. These aren’t good candidates anyway – Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and BenJarvis Green-Ellis. Maroney is likely the starter, but I have no confidence that will stick. And with a pass-first offense, does it really matter if we know who's starting?

The entire Bills offense – While Fred Jackson is the starter, what about C.J. Spiller? Spiller should start opening day, with Jackson banged up, but the job could go back to Jackson when he’s healthy. And what about Lee Evans, whose success rests in the hands of Trent Edwards? (don’t draft Edwards either). Spiller is a decent pick – just hard to predict how much he’ll play. Don’t draft him any earlier than the sixth round. And Jackson shouldn’t be drafted for anything other than a third RB or flex position. As for Evans, he should be considered a No. 3 wideout.

Dwayne Bowe – I actually think he’ll rebound, but he’s on this list because I’m too chicken to test him myself.

Sports Radio 610’s Fantasy Football Convention

Join Sports Radio 610 at Coaches in Katy this Friday at 7:30 p.m. SR610 will broadcast live beginning at 2 p.m. John McClain and I will join the rest of the crew at 7:30 for a panel discussion to help you with your fantasy questions. Hope to see you there!

Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at ERSkelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 in Houston every Friday morning during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin 's blog on FantasyPros911.

Fantasy football preview: sleepers

Let me explain. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. These are sleepers. It makes sense for you to be skeptical. Even I am. If these were obvious picks, they wouldn’t be sleepers. Most, if not all, have flaws. But some are on the verge of doing great things. Of course, the key is picking the right ones.

Arian Foster – Let’s start right here in Houston where the battle for running back continues. What a mess last season was with Steve Slaton’s neck and hand problems and Chris Brown’s goal-line interception. Yes, interception. Foster was a bright spot the final two games, with 242 combined rushing/receiving yards and three touchdowns. But when the Texans signed Auburn standout Ben Tate, he seemed like the logical starter. But Slaton is reportedly healthy (according to Slaton) and Foster, the undrafted free agent from 2009, is impressing Gary Kubiak in practice. The opening day starter is still a question mark, but word from Texans camp is Tate isn’t quite ready, and Slaton has been seen handling punt returns. Starters don’t do that. Foster has a good shot as the opening day starter. Get him late and hope you get lucky.

Alex Smith – My friends and colleagues tried to dissuade me from including him on this list. If you start one QB, it should not be Smith. But he’s a great backup and well-suited as a No. 2 in two-QB leagues. Smith threw for 18 touchdowns in only 10 starts in 2009. Plus, Michael Crabtree is a key factor, instead of a maybe like last year. And let’s not forget Vernon Davis who compiled the best stats among all tight ends in 2009. I like Smith. It’s an unpopular opinion, but so is my love of math.

Jamaal Charles – If you read even one of my blogs last year, you know how I feel about Charles. I love him. If it weren’t for Larry Johnson, Charles would have been a top 10 back. But instead his prowess was contained to the second half of the season. In the final eight games, Charles ran for nearly 1,000 yards. A little worried about Thomas Jones, but he’s still worth a late second round or early third round pick, in a 12-team league.

Chad Henne – Chad Pennington’s injury gave way to Henne taking over as signal caller in Miami last season. His season stats aren’t impressive, but the final five games, Henne did pass for over 300 yards three times. The addition of Brandon Marshall gives him the solid threat he didn’t have in the disappointing Ted Ginn. Henne is obviously a backup, but a strong one.

Chester Taylor – While Matt Forte is the projected starter for the Bears, Taylor could earn himself a fair share of the carries, perhaps an even split. Taylor has good hands and speed, so I expect Mike Martz to take advantage of that. Taylor is worthy of a pickup in rounds 8-10.

Jacoby Jones – Yep, two Texans sleepers. Just put the whole team on this list. The fact is, Houston has a much improved team, with depth for the first time ever. Still, I feel like such a homer with two Texans here. Let’s look at the numbers. Jones had six touchdowns in 2009. That’s more than Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings and Dwyane Bowe. He has speed and flair, with the ability to make the big catch. He hasn’t established the No. 2 role yet, but he’s looking good at training camp. He’s worth a late round risk.

Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at ERSkelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 in Houston every Friday during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin 's blog on FantasyPros911.

Fantasy football preview: Time Warner expert league

We’re just a few days into training camp, yet I’ve already made mistakes in my fantasy football league. Earlier this week, I participated in the Time Warner Expert League draft. The league will be spotlighted in Time Warner’s fantasy football preview show, which airs August 26-29 in Time Warner cable national markets. Herbie Teope, who co-hosts the show, has invited back participants to explain our strategies and picks, and possibly embarrass us on national TV.

Participants include:

1. Jay Clemons, Sports Illustrated
2. Michael Fabiano, NFL.com
3. Herbie Teope, Time Warner Cable
4. John Hansen, FantasyGuru.com
5. Dave Neilson, Time Warner Cable
6. William Del Pilar, KFFL.com
7. Mike Beacom, FootballDiehards.com, Pro Football Weekly
8. Chris Liss, RotoWire.com, Sirius-XM Radio
9. David Gonos, OPENSports.com
10. Erin Skelley, Sports Radio 610-Houston, FantasyPros911.com
11. Chris Weeks, FFTooltbox.com
12. Evan Silva, Rotoworld.com

I had the 10th pick in the 12-team, PPR, non-keeper league. Until the show airs, Herbie has asked that we only write about our own picks. But Herbie doesn’t know I can’t keep a secret, and Jay Clemons fielded his team with nothing but Cleveland Browns. Below I’ve listed my picks, as well as my comments and excuses.

1/10 – Aaron Rodgers - I don’t even listen to my own advice. You don’t need a quarterback in the first or second round. I wanted Phillip Rivers, Matt Schaub or Tony Romo later, in rounds four or five. That was my plan. Yet, I took Rodgers as my No. 1. The reason – Rashard Mendenhall was already taken, and I didn’t want to reach for Shonn Greene. I didn’t like anyone else around there. I’m a picky first round picker. I like safe picks. And this means passing on guys who share the ball, or who are injury prone. Sure, I’m happy with Rodgers. I love his ability to run the ball too; he’s the best rushing QB. But I just wish Mendenhall had been there, as this affected several other picks of mine. Chris Liss completely jacked with my strategy.

2/3 – Shonn Greene – Still available as I suspected. The Jets are a running team with a solid offensive line. Greene should get a lot of carries, and he showed he had talent in his limited playing time last year. Not concerned about LaDainian Tomlinson.

3/10 – Ryan Grant – Yep, I’m banking a lot on the Packers this season. Not intentional, but when I saw Grant was still available, I nabbed him. While not a superstar back, he’s steady, and I’ll take 10-14 points from him every week. Plus, he’s not expected to split carries, a growing trend in the NFL. What I like: Rodgers pitching the ball to Grant. What I don’t like: Week 10, their bye week.

4/3 – Michael Crabtree – I had planned to take a wide receiver in the third round, but when I saw Grant still available, I had to take him. That meant waiting for round four before taking my top wide receiver. I’m taking a bit of a gamble on Crabtree and I know the new trend in fantasy is loading up on stud wideouts. Crabtree remains a bit of a question mark, but he showed promise near the end of the season, and so did his QB Alex Smith.

5/10 – Pierre Garcon – With Anthony Gonzalez back, the speedy Garcon isn’t expected to produce the same way he did in 2009. But his 16.3 yards per catch are hard to ignore.

6/3 – Santana Moss – Another roll of the dice at WR, I expect Moss to improve with Redskins’ off-season acquisition Donovan McNabb. While I would avoid most Redskins, Moss has never had a strong QB. So even though McNabb’s value has declined, Moss’s has improved.

7/10 – Jerome Harrison – I drafted him before Montario Hardesty’s injury. Smart, huh? Harrison was expected to start anyway, but perhaps he’ll maintain the starting position longer. He certainly has a better chance now. Possibly my favorite pick of the draft.

8/3 – Steve Breaston – With Anquan Boldin in Baltimore , Breaston becomes the No. 2 in Arizona . Unfortunately, Matt Leinart is responsible for getting him the ball. But, if nothing else, I like this pick because OPENSports.com’s David Gonos wanted him. Reason enough.

9/10 – Visanthe Shiancoe – What was I thinking? I’m dreading spelling this name all season. I wanted Vernon Davis earlier in the draft. Easier to spell, plus he's better. But with so many tight ends, I didn’t really want to waste a top pick on one. Let’s hope Grandpa Favre drinks his Ensure this season.

10/3 – Jets Defense – I possibly reached a round early here, but I’d rather have the best defense, than the best bench player available in round 10.

11/10 – Arian Foster – Avoid anyone from the Texans’ running back trio of Foster, Steve Slaton and Ben Tate early. But if any of them are available in the mid to late rounds, take ‘em. They’re worth the risk. Still, no starter declared, although rumor is, Foster gets the job. The likelihood of this sticking – doubtful. Still, I’m happy with this pick in the 11th round.

12/3 – Alex Smith – With Eli Manning gone, I targeted Smith as my backup QB. Not a popular pick, but I like his weapons. Plus he transformed himself last year and finally showed the promise you want out of a No. 1 pick.

13/10 – Kevin Smith – With the addition of Jahvid Best, I don’t expect a lot from Smith. But that’s why he’s my 13th round pick.

14/3 – Golden Tate – If my family is reading this, I did not pick him because he bears the same name as my childhood hamster, Golden. Tate has a shot at the No. 2 WR role in Seattle.

15/10 – Glenn Coffee – Insurance only.

16/3 – Mason Crosby – He was available, so I picked him.

Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at ERSkelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 in Houston every Friday during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin 's blog on FantasyPros911.