Start 'em....Sit 'em, week 8.

Many of these players will be prime trade prospects (suspects?) after this week. Be alert.


Start 'em -

Joe Flacco QB Bal - It's rare when I say "Flacco" and "start" in the same sentence. This is one of those times. The Ravens' opponent, the Arizona Cardinals, give up over 21 fpg to QB's. While that's not a huge amount, during bye weeks, it's better than a kick in the backside.

Ben Roethlisberger QB Pit - Big Ben has been on a serious run as of late. He's put up close to a 1,000 yds and 9 TD's over the last 4 weeks. I traded for him in 2 leagues two weeks ago and have nothing but "W's" to show for it. This week vs New England should add nicely to those 4 week totals.


Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas RB's N.O. - Awwwww man, I can't wait for this game. After seeing what DeMarco Murray did to St. Louis last week, I can't wait to see what these 2 do to the Ram defense. In fact, I'm tempted to tell owners in 14 and 16 team leagues to pick up Chris Ivory (who the Saints activated this week) AND FLEX HIM!

Ryan Torain RB Was - I say use this guy before the inevitable injury rears its ugly head, or Roy Helu takes over. Whichever comes first. With Tim Hightower out, playing a so-so Buffalo Bill run defense, this might be your last chance to get decent productivity out of Torain.


Anquan Boldin WR Bal - Remember what I said earlier about Joe Flacco? Well, just erase Flacco's name and enter Boldin's. The Cardinals have given up almost 26 fantasy points a game to WR's over the last few weeks. Cash in on Boldin this week.

Mario Manningham WR NYG - I know, I've been getting killed by Manningham's lack of productivity too. I just feel that this is the week that Eli Manning rediscovers Mario for a score. Dolphin CB, Vontae Davis should be kept busy with H. Nicks, which should allow Manningham his biggest day yet in 2011.


Fred Davis TE Was - With C. Cooley out of the picture and the fact that Buffalo is the 3rd worst teamin giving up pts to TE's...don't even THINK of sitting Davis!

Brandon Pettigrew TE Det - This a fairly simple call. The Lion running game is in bad shape so Lion QB Matthew Stafford will be throwing early and often. Pettigrew will get what Calvin doesn't.


SIT these guys -

Tim Tebow QB Den - I'm not a Tebow hater, far from it. I just don't see him running like he did last week against Miami. And we all know he doesn't frighten anyone through the air.

Kevin Kolb QB Arz - Couple the dissappointing year Kolb has has so far with the Raven defense...you have a recipe for very few fantasy points.


ANY Detroit RB - Unless Barry Sanders makes an unexpected return, I'll pass on Lion RB's.

Joseph Addai RB Ind Addai has been fighting a hamstring injury and I don't have much faith in RB's who haven't completely recovered from hammy issues. Besides that, it's not as though Addai has been "lighting it up" anyway. There are better options out there.


Sidney Rice WR Sea - So, THIS is what Seattle got for...what was it, $41 million? I'd be going to customer service and demanding a refund. In all seriousness, Rice may still work out, but not this weekend vs Cincinnati. The Bengals have allowed the 2nd fewest fpg to WR's over the last 4 games.

Malcolm Floyd WR SD - I have to admit, Floyd was someone when I was drafting, I expected to have a nice, solid, year. Yeah, well, I was WAY off base on THAT thought. I'm not sure if it's all Floyd, or part of his poor #'s are because Phillip Rivers is playing in the Twilight Zone somewhere. Whichever it is, I'm looking somewhere else.


Marcedes Lewis TE Jax - Do you realize that some fantasy owners are still waiting for Lewis to pop back to his 2010 stats? Those are the guys I want to play against on the weekends. If you are one of those people, my friend, it is time to snap back into reality.

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.