If you’re eyeballing an obscure receiver such as Patrick Crayton or Terrance Copper as a possible free agent this week, do yourself a favor and don’t think about it.

Just pick them up, even this late in the season and even if they seem like unlikely fantasy football stars. As New Orleans rookie Marques Colston proves, the key to success in free agency is just throwing a bunch of names at the wall and hoping a couple somehow stick.

You really think us lucky saps who picked up Colston knew what we were getting? There wasn’t even a tiny clue that at this point Colston would lead the NFL with 869 yards receiving and be tied for the league lead with seven touchdown catches. After all, rookie receivers rarely pan out for fantasy purposes, especially when they’re drafted 252nd out of Hofstra.

The people who picked up Colston just got lucky after gambling on a random guy who put together a few solid games. There’s probably not another Colston out there, but you won’t know for certain if you don’t keep throwing those names at the wall.

As you watch Danny Abramowicz’s New Orleans receiving records fall, here are some players to start in Week 11, some to avoid and a few long shots who just might pan out.

QUARTERBACKS

A safe bet

¢ San Diego’s Philip Rivers proves youngsters develop better when they don’t have to start right away – and when they can hand off to LaDainian Tomlinson. Rivers probably won’t be handing off all day Sunday, though, as LT always struggles at Denver and the Broncos have allowed an NFL-low two rushing touchdowns.

¢ Does anyone understand Atlanta’s Michael Vick? He’s unstoppable against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, powerless against Detroit and Cleveland. The Ravens’ once-feared defense has been vulnerable against the run and the pass, and Vick can do both.

¢ If Seattle’s Matt Hasselbeck returns from injury, give him the start. He had four TDs the last time he played the 49ers. If he doesn’t make it back, plug in Seneca Wallace, who’s always good for a couple of scores.

¢ The Vikings-Dolphins showdown was supposed to be subtitled “Daunte Culpepper’s Revenge.” Instead, it’ll be a Joey Harrington showcase as he lights up a bad pass defense in a battle of losing teams. Just imagine the TV ratings!

¢ The odds of Tom Brady losing three straight are long, and he faces the Packers’ NFL-worst pass defense in Green Bay. Brady’s thrown nine of his 15 touchdowns on the road.

RUNNING BACKS

All day long

¢ If the Bengals would just listen to me and feed Rudi Johnson, they could stop their three-game losing streak (and help my fantasy teams). They’re 3-0 when Johnson gets 20 carries, 1-5 when he doesn’t. And he faces a Saints defense that allowed a 200-yard rusher last week.

¢ It should be automatic at this point in the season. You see the Jets on the schedule, you plug in your running back. Thomas Jones of Chicago is this week’s winner. He’s scored in two of his last three games, and the Jets have allowed an NFL-worst 13 rushing TDs.

¢ What’s gotten into that Niner defense? Whatever it is, it’s about due to leave, so look for a big day from Seattle’s Shaun Alexander if he returns from a foot injury, or from Maurice Morris if he doesn’t.

¢ Andy Reid fired himself from play-calling duties, meaning Philadelphia will actually run against Tennessee’s No. 31 run defense. Brian Westbrook had 22 carries for 112 yards last week, his first time over 20 attempts in the past 30 games.

¢ Travis Henry should get tons of carries as the Titans attempt to become the latest team to play keep-away from Donovan McNabb. Henry’s gone over 100 yards in three of his last five games.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Throw him the darn ball!

¢ Quick, start Philadelphia’s Donte’ Stallworth before he gets hurt again. He’s a guaranteed 100 yards and a score when healthy, but he’s missed four full games and parts of others.

¢ Seattle’s Darrell Jackson has been surprisingly steady with Matt Hasselbeck out, scoring in four of the last five games. He should have another big game against the Niners regardless of who starts.

¢ Last year, Miami’s Chris Chambers started tearing it up once the season was all but over and the Dolphins began their late-season roll. Miami’s won two straight, and Chambers is sure to break 70 yards for the first time this year against Minnesota’s lax pass defense.

¢ Look for Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald to make a rare appearance as the Cardinals capitalize on home field against the Lions in the Give-Up Bowl. The fans will probably keep the paper sacks on their heads, though.

¢ Maybe Baltimore’s Derrick Mason is over his end zone phobia after catching the game-winner last week. Maybe he can get No. 2 of the season against a weak Falcons pass defense that’s now without Patrick Kerney.