Erin Skelley, aka "Erin the Fantasy Girl" on Texans Radio/Sports Radio 610 in Houston, dishes out waiver wire magic for Week 3.
All right stop, collaborate and listen.
I admit, I'm not sure what that really means. I understand the words, but just not together. Still, it seemed like a cool opening line – for a hit song or a fantasy football article. Why the sudden burst of coolness from me? Famed 90s rap artist Vanilla Ice entertained Reliant Stadium during halftime at Sunday's Texans-Titans contest. And clearly, Ice Ice Baby left an impact.
If you listen carefully, you'll find inspiration too. "Anything less than the best is a felony." Heck yeah, I'm with you, Mr. Ice. That is why I devote my time to mining the waiver wire. I feel as though you're talking specifically to me, Vanilla!
"If there was a problem, yo, I'll solve it." Nodding again. Solving other people's fantasy problems is something that gives me pride. I've never quite said it like that – with such authority – but worth consideration if it improves my power ranking.
"Take heed, cause I'm a lyrical poet." Hmmm, I never thought of myself as a lyrical poet, but that's mainly because I'm neither lyrical nor poetic. Perhaps I should try delivering my fantasy advice in rhyme. YES! I wonder what that would be like…
Eddie Royal, who was sorta unknown,
Is now a five-time champ in the end zone.
And Hopkins, whose large hands are unique,
Has sideline awareness, catching balls like a freak.
And how about poor Eddie Lacy,
Hurts his head, so Starks is taking his placey.
So placey is not a word, but now I see why songwriters resort to such gibberish. The pressure to rhyme is just too intense. But ok, I'll stop. Here are this weeks picks in boring non-poetic, non-rhyming form:
Eddie Royal, WR, San Diego Chargers – I choose not to ask why, but somehow Royal has become the favorite target to Phillip Rivers. Even before the unfortunate injury to Malcom Floyd on Sunday, Royal was already showing signs of fantasy relevancy, and now he leads the league with five touchdowns. Five touchdowns! He is also the first receiver with five TD receptions in the first two games of the season since Marvin Harrison in 1999. A fluke? A streak? A miracle? Perhaps, yes to all. Still, he's worth a roster spot for your WR2 or WR3 until further notice. Available in 77 percent of Yahoo leagues.
James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers – As mentioned in the third stanza above, on Sunday, Starks replaced Lacy, who left the game in the first quarter with a bad hit to the helmet. Starks responded well with 20 totes for 132 yards, and became the first Packers back to net 100 yards since 2010. It's unsure how long Lacy will sit, but if you have him, Starks is a must. Available in 87 percent of Yahoo leagues.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans – So that's how you earn respect? In only the second game of his NFL career, Hopkins caught the winning TD, with a sideline grab in the end zone to clinch the win in overtime. Hopkins finished the game with 117 yards on 13 targets. Next week, the team travels to Baltimore to face a defense that has surrendered the seventh most receiving yards. Hopkins is worth the nod as your WR3 or flex. Available in 49 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos – Welcome back, Knowshon! Your 13 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns earns you a spot on this list. The Denver backfield was a mess the first game, keeping waiver fishers away. Moreno is the early Green Bay fave and a legitimate start in the RB2 position. Available in 43 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Atlanta Falcons – Just 17 yards on 11 catches. Yikes. Rodgers, who filled in for the injured Steven Jackson, didn't look so hot. He looked a little better in the passing game with 28 yards. I know. Not impressive. But if you're desperate, you know what needs to be done. Available in 77 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Buffalo Defense – What? Yes. Two reasons: Mario Williams. And they play the Jets. Available in 94 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. *
