For many leagues the playoffs are here. Time to shine, time to make a statement and -- most of all -- time to make some money.
As we head into the first week of the playoffs, we look to improve on last week's mediocre start record while continuing to build on the solid benchings we recommended.
Let's get that money.
Last Week's Starts
Tommy Streeter, Miami vs. Duke: 4 receptions, 62 yards, TD. Grade A-
Marqise Lee, USC vs. Colorado: 9 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD. Grade A.
Tavarres King, Georgia vs. New Mexico State: 4 receptions, 30 yards. Grade C-
Briggs Orsbon, Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan: 7 receptions, 47 yards. Grade B-
Billy Ray Stutzmann, Hawaii vs. Utah State: 6 receptions, 36 yards. Grade C-
Josh Boyce, TCU vs. Wyoming: 4 receptions, 51 yards. Grade C
Josh Jarboe, Arkansas State vs. FAU: 3 receptions, 30 yards. Grade F
Grade: C
Last Week's Sits
Mike Shanahan, Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati-1 reception, 10 yards. Grade A.
Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina vs. Arkansas: 3 receptions, 19 yards. Grade A.
Taveon Rogers, New Mexico vs. Georgia: 2 receptions, 46 yards. Grade A.
Chris McNeill, Wyoming vs. TCU: 5 receptions, 99 yards. Grade C.
Grade: A
Start Em! Wide Receivers (BCS)
Kain Colter, Northwestern vs. Rice: Regardless of whether Dan Persa plays, Colter is a must-start if he has eligibility at receiver in your league. He does it all, as he runs, catches, passes and scores every week. Chances are Northwestern will rest Persa against Rice which means Colter will play quarterback, which is fine since he should have an enormous day.
Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky: Matthews has been one of the main beneficiaries of the Vanderbilt team being under the watch of Jordan Rodgers. Against Kentucky, who plays little defense, Vanderbilt should be able to score in the 30s, thus Matthews is a good No. 3 receiver option.
Terrance Williams, Baylor vs. Kansas: When on, the Baylor offense is unstoppable. Despite their solid effort against Iowa State, Kansas' defense is awful. Baylor should score at will, and Williams is likely to top 100 yards with a score.
Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota: Wisconsin has put points up at will for much of 2011 and this week is no different as they should post plenty against the Gophers. The worry is they blow out Minnesota early, but chances are Abbrederis has enough of a time invested to be a solid receiver next week.
Rueben Randle, LSU vs. Western Kentucky: The LSU offense looked awful against Alabama. Good thing for Randle and the Tigers they take on WKU this week. Expect Randle to get deep a few times against the Hilltoppers and be a sleeper play in all formats.
All 120
Justin Johnson, Houston vs. Tulane: Johnson is nothing more than a flex play, but week in and week out makes an impact. He is a virtual lock for five to six catches and is the preferred red zone receiver for Case Keenum. In a game which they should score 50 again, Johnson is a solid starter in all formats.
Jeremiah Ostrowski, Hawaii vs. Nevada: Ostrowski should be the main beneficiary of the injury to Royce Pollard, and it showed against Utah State as he caught eight balls for 76 yards and a score. With Pollard out with injuries to his knee and ankle, this is a huge sneaky play you can make if Ostrowski is free and available in your league.
Sit Em! Wide Receivers (BCS)
Marvin McNutt, Iowa vs. Michigan State: MSU has a very solid secondary and despite their upset of Michigan, the Iowa defense is anything but steady. McNutt has nine scores on the year but he will be keyed on in this one. The Hawkeyes' talented wideout will make some plays, but there are safer options this week.
Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee vs. Arkansas: Yes Rogers was suggested to play last week, and yes he delivered. Now Tennessee does not play MTSU and they play a top 10 team with a still-struggling offense. Bench him in all formats.
All 120
Nick Harwell, Miami (Ohio) vs. Temple: Harwell has had a disappointing 2011 as he only has three touchdowns on the year, and despite having a solid game last week, he faces a much tougher opponent against the Owls. Harwell may catch a few, but they normally do not give up the big play vertically.
Mike Edwards, Texas-El Paso vs. East Carolina: Edwards probably flew off some waiver wires this week in the wake of his 170-plus yards, two-touchdown game against Rice. While ECU's defense is not great, that performance will not be duplicated. Not this year and likely not ever again.
Cole Beasley, Southern Methodist vs. Navy: Beasley is a PPR star, but his inability to find the end zone frustrates owners who can rely on pass catchers to produce huge numbers. Navy's defense is not awful, so keep Beasley sidelined this week.
