Plug 'em in....they're worth a start.

Plug 'em in. -

Matt Shaub QB/Hou - You might go into this game wondering if this is a good week to sit Shaub. After all, his opponents, the Steelers, have done a solid job vs opposing QB's so far. But look a bit deeper. Look who those opposing QB's have been: C. Painter, T. Collins and T. Jackson. Not exactly the NFL's version of murderers row. In week 1, J. Flacco threw for 3 TD's against Pittsburgh. This may be closer to what we see from Shaub.


Eli Manning QB/NYG - What a fantastic opportunity for Manning owners to get some serious fantasy points this week vs Arizona. Manning looks more confident lately, he gets M. Manningham back, and the Arizona defense has virtually no pass rush. The only bad thing? I don't own Manning on any of my fantasy teams.


LeGarrette Blount RB/TB - Blount owners were ready to dump Blount after the first week or two. Those that held off and kept him will be rewarded this week against a Colt defense that is run on quite a bit and are without, LB's Gary Brackett and Ernie Sims, DT Fili Moala, and SS Melvin Bullitt. Lets admit it, with Buc QB Josh Freeman not getting it done through the air, running Blount makes a lot of sense.


Tim Hightower RB/Was - After all this R. Helu talk, it's Hightower that is the play this week. He crushed them twice last year and the Ram defense is probably at a lower level now than it was last season, 175 yds a game to RB's, not to mention the receiving yardage they give up to running backs as well.


Jabbar Gaffney WR/Was - Need a final WR to round out that lineup? Having a tough time finding a flex play? Worry no longer. Jabbar may be your answer. In PPR leagues, he's getting his looks (10/122 over last 2 games). And your added bonus? The Redskins are playing the Rams. Have you SEEN the Ram defensive backfield?!


Jordy Nelson WR/GB - After starting the season on a high note, Nelson's #'s came back to earth last week (3/40). No problem. This week he busts out once again. After the week J. Finley had last week, and the concern that G. Jennings will cause, Nelson should be primed for a solid outing. And, if Champ Bailey is MIA again...all the better.


Randy McMichael TE/SD - I was stunned when I saw McMichael available in 2 of my leagues. Sure, P. Rivers is struggling a bit, but with A. Gates out, and Miami one of the 2-3 worst teams when it comes to giving up fantasy points to opposing TE's, picking him up and playing him is a no-brainer.

(Mark) Start 'em...sit 'em. Week 2

If these picks turn out to be a bust, I take no blame. I have the James Taylor CD..."October Road" on as I do this and I'm in an exaggerated, mellow, state of mind.

START 'EM -

Matthew Stafford QB Det - Listen, if you have Stafford and you're just not quite sure to start him or not, let me make the decision for you. Play him! He's facing a team in the Chiefs that has lost their best defensive back (Berry), and gave up an obscene # of TD's through the air last week.

Ben Roethlisberger QB Pit - After doing his best Jay Cutler, "running for my life imitation" 2010 version, Roethlisberger eases back into a bit of normalcy this week as he faces a Seahawk defense that I believe is ready for a good shredding.

Peyton Hillis RB Cle - Yep. No doubt about it. The Madden cover jinx has struck again! Well, I'm not sure about THAT, but after 1 week I was hearing grumblings. While I don't believe Hillis is as good as he looked last season, I'm of the mindset that this week he takes a generous Colt defense and lays a hurtin' on 'em this week.

Rashard Mendenhall RB Pit - Remember what I said about Roethlisberger? No? Go back, and apply it to Mendenhall this week. I see 1-man wrecking crew numbers this weekend.

Mario Manningham WR NYG - As a Manningham owner, I was expecting a bit more out of him in week 1. But, I am a PATIENT fantasy owner and vs the MASH unit that IS the St. Louis Rams, my guess is I will be rewarded for that patience. 6 rec/80 yds/1 td

Jordy Nelson WR GB - In larger leagues, this guy is absolute $$$. In my 14-team league, I have in as my WR#3 or flex (depending on the match up) and ain't lookin' back.

SIT 'EM -

Jay Cutler QB Chi - Oooooo, I got a bad feeling here. Something tells me the Bears are hitting the road and Cutler will be reverting to his "dancing days" of last season. New Orleans didn't look very good defensively in week one and I think a little home cookin' for the Saints is going to give Cutler indigestion.

Matt Ryan QB Atl - Ugh. After a rather indifferent performance in week 1 against Chicago, Ryan is "rewarded" with a game vs Philadelphia. Good luck Matt.

Maurice Jones-Drew RB Jax - I know, I know, you're going to start him. So am I. Just be smart enough to temper expectations. He's not going to lead your fantasy squad to the promised land, but I could see him getting around 12-15 fantasy points.

Frank Gore RB SF - As with MJD, I know you'll start him, but just don't get your hopes up. I think Dallas will keep Gore pretty quiet.

Steve Smith WR Car - Those of you the played Smith last week, I hope you also bought lottery tickets. Last week was "fools gold". The Green Bay secondary will thoroughly confuse Panther QB Cam Newton, and frustrate Smith to no end.

Dwayne Bowe WR KC - The Chiefs looked so bad last week, I just can't bring myself to play Bowe until KC shows some life. I don't see them showing much of that going to Detroit vs the Lions. It's a "wait-and-see" situation with KC.

You can listen to the FF101 crew every Sunday morning online at, www.sportsradio1450.com from 9a-11a ct

(Eric) Wk 2 - Players to sell, buy, and hold on to for now.

Players to sell high. Cam Newton, Rex Grossman, Beanie Wells, Ced Benson, Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham, Jordy Nelson, Early Doucet, Plaxico Burress, Randall Cobb, Mohamed Massaquoi, Jermaine Gresham.

Players to buy low. Josh Freeman, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Hillis, LeGarrette Blount, Marques Colston, Larry Fitzgerald, Mario Manningham, Malcom Floyd, Greg Olsen, Vernon Davis, Dallas Clark, Jermichael Finley.

Players to hold for now. Chad Henne, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jay Cutler, Kevin Kolb, Kyle Orton, Mike Tolbert, LeSean McCoy, Reggie Bush, Ben Tate, Felix Jones, Steve Smith (Car), Kenny Britt, Davone Bess, Devery Henderson, Scott Chandler, Jimmy Graham, Fred Davis, Brent Celek.

(Mark) Game notes for GB vs NO.

A smorgasbord of players our listeners/followers could plug into their lineups for week 1.

You need real help if you don't start - A. Rodgers, G. Jennings, J. Finley, D. Brees, J. Graham.

No, I didn't forget M. Colston. While you probably should play him, remember, he is coming off of off-season knee surgery AND the Green Bay secondary isn't chopped liver. Just don't expect huge numbers.

Another NO wide-out to be wary of is Lance Moore. He has missed a # of practices due to a groin injury. He is questionable as of Wednesday afternoon.

Temper your expectations with Green Bay RB Ryan Grant. First off, New Orleans has a pretty fair rush defense and secondly, Grant will split carries with James Starks.

Consider starting - RB Mark Ingram NO, and this pains me to say...either K, Mason Crosby GB or John Kasay NO.

Sleeper play - WR Robert Meachem NO. Especially if Lance Moore doesn't play.

(Mark) Start 'em...sit 'em. 9/8/11

Since there is a Thursday night game this week, I wanted to touch on a few game notes.

Lots of players to plug in to a fantasy line up between GB and NO. Rodgers, Brees, Jennings, Finley...etc. I didn't forget M. Colston, but be aware, Colston IS coming off of off-season surgery and is facing a good Green Bay secondary. Don't expect huge #'s.

Lance Moore is OUT due to a groin injury.

Ryan Grant may have a tough time getting yardage since he will split carries with James Starks.

Other players worthy of starting - TE Jimmy Graham NO, RB Mark Ingram NO, and I can't believe I'm saying this...K's Mason Crosby and John Kasay.

Sleeper play - WR Robert Meachem NO. With Lance Moore OUT for Thursday's game, Meachem is a must start.

Preseason Top-25 rankings..WR's and TE's

WR'S -

1) Roddy White Atl
2) Andre Johnson Hou
3) Calvin Johnson Det
4) Greg Jennings GB
5) Hakeem Nicks NYG
6) Larry Fitzgerald Arz
7) Vincent Jackson SD
8) Miles Austin Dal
9) Mike Wallace Pit
10) Reggie Wayne Ind
11) Dwayne Bowe KC
12) Santonio Holmes
13) Dez Bryant Dal
14) Steve Johnson Buf
15) Brendon Marshall Mia
16) Austin Collie Ind
17) Mike Williams TB
18) DeSean Jackson Phi
19) Wes Welker NE
20) Brandon Lloyd Den
21) Marques Colston NO
22) Kenny Britt Ten
23) Percy Harvin Min
24) Jeremy Maclin
25) Anquan Boldin Bal

(Mark) I'm sorry, I can't look at these rankings and think we are waaaay off base on a couple of players. Wes Welker HAS to be ranked better than #19. I think he and Tom Brady will have big years...I like Welker at around #11.

Anquan Boldin should be bumped up a bit due to Baltimore signing Lee Evans. Evans will stretch the field allowing Boldin better opportunities. I really like him in TD leagues. I like Boldin at #20.


TE's -

1) Antonio Gates SD
2) Dallas Clark Ind
3) Jason Witten Dal
4) Jeremichael Finley GB
5) Owen Daniels Hou
6) Marcedes Lewis Jax
7) Vernon Davis SF
8) Jimmy Graham NO
9) Ron Gronkowski NE
10) Kellen Winslow TB
11) Brent Celek Phi
12) Dustin Keller NYJ
13) Ben Watson Cle
14) Greg Olsen Car
15) Brandon Pettigrew Det
16) Cris Cooley Was
17) Jared Cook Ten
18) Tony Gonzalez Atl
19) Heath Miller Pit
20) Lance Kendricks Stl
21) Tony Moeaki KC
22) Aaron Hernandez NE
23) Zach Miller Sea
24) Visanthe Shiancoe Min
25) Travis Beckum NYG

(Mark) Not much to comment on with TE's. I do think Kevin Boss (Oak) and Ed Dickson (Bal) deserve some attention. Also, be wary of C. Cooley (Was). He's got an injury already and will deal with it all season long.

Preseason Top-25 rankings..Qb's and RB's

QB's -

1) Aaron Rodgers GB
2) Michael Vick Phi
3) Drew Brees NO
4) Tom Brady NE
5) Peyton Manning Ind
6) Phillip Rivers SD
7) Tony Romo Dal
8) Matt Shaub Hou
9) Matt Ryan Atl
10) Josh Freeman TB
11) Ben Roethlisberger Pit
12) Eli Manning NYG
13) Joe Flacco Bal
14) Sam Bradford Stl
15) Matthew Stafford Det
16) Jay Cutler Chi
17) Ryan Fitzpatrick Buf
18) Matt Cassel KC
19) Mark Sanchez NYJ
20) Colt McCoy Cle
21) Kevin Kolb ARZ
22) Matt Hasselbeck Ten
23) Kyle Orton Den
24) Donovan McNabb Min
25) Jason Campbell Oak

Mark - The Peyton Manning injury issue really concerns me. When I read Manning himself say that, "I'm going to need every bit of the next 2 weeks to get ready." I get a little worried about drafting him too high. I remember had poorly he played early in the season a couple of years ago after a leg injury. I think he slides down below Rivers and Romo.

Kyle Orton was red-hot last year at the beginning of the season. My guess is he may do it again. I feel he should be no lower than 17th...after Cutler.

RB's -

1) Adrian Peterson Min
2) Arian Foster Hou
3) Chris Johnson Ten
4) Ray Rice Bal
5) LeSean McCoy Phi
6) Maurice Jones-Drew Jax
7) Jamaal Charles KC
8) Rashard Mendenhall Pit
9) Matt Forte Chi
10) Frank Gore SF
11) Darren McFadden Oak
12) Steven Jackson Stl
13) Peyton Hillis Cle
14) Shonn Greene NYJ
15) Felix Jones Dal
16) Michael Turner Atl
17) Ahmad Bradshaw NYG
18) Mark Ingram NO
19) Javid Best Det
20) LaGarette Blount TB
21) Knowshon Moreno Den
22) Ryan Mathews SD
23) DeAngelo Williams Car
24) Tim Hightower Was
25) Fred Jackson Buf

Mark - At this point in time, you HAVE to lower Chris Johnson in the rankings. It was said that even if he signed today (8/22) there was a good chance he might miss week 1. I think he drops to at least 7th.

I also think the both, Felix Jones and Tim Hightower should be moved up 3 slots each. Both have looked very good thus far in pre-season.