After a strong Week-One performance against the Saints, Aaron Rodgers is our No. 1 fantasy quarterback this week.

Your usual fantasy guru Ray Tannock is taking a break from the rankings this week, so I am here to give you the lowdown on what’s going to go down in Week Two. We had a lot of surprises at quarterback in Week One. The biggest one, obviously, being Cam Newton’s breakout performance against the Cardinals. Things should settle down this weekend, but we could have a surprise or two that pop up out of nowhere.

Before I start, I would like to congratulate Ray for coming in first place in Fantasy Football Crystal Ball’s Week One Accuracy Score for Quarterbacks last week. Way to go RAY!!!!!!!

Below are my quarterback rankings going into Week Two.

TOP FIVE WEEK-TWO MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Aaron Rogers (GB) @ CAR: Is there any reason to not put Rodgers at No. 1 this week? I know Tom Brady had that huge game against Miami, but my money is on Rodgers to lead the charge against a Carolina Defense that gave up 309 yards and two scores against Kevin Kolb.

2. Tom Brady (NE) vs. SD: Putting Brady any lower than No. 2 would be ridiculous. The guy simply doesn’t stop at putting up big games. Hell, he even made Deion Branch look like a stud Monday night. The Chargers Defense will come back down to Earth after facing Donovan McNabb in Week One.

3. Michael Vick (PHI) @ ATL: Vick didn’t throw for very many yards (187) against the Rams, but his two passing touchdowns and 98 rushing yards made up for it. Vick showed he still has plenty left in the legs. He will need that in, what figures to be, a very emotional game against his old team the Falcons in their house.

4. Matthew Stafford (DET) vs. KC: Stafford had a huge Week One, throwing for three touchdowns against the Bucs. Kansas City didn’t have an answer for Ryan Fitzpatrick. And after losing Eric Berry to a torn ACL, Stafford should have his way with the Chiefs’ secondary.

5. Philip Rivers (SD) @ NE: The Chargers’ receivers were held in check by the Vikings, but Rivers still had a huge fantasy day, using both Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews in the passing game. If Chad Henne can look like a Pro Bowler against the Patriots D, Rivers should have a field day in Foxboro.

Kevin Kolb had an excellent regular-season debut.

Despite throwing for two scores in Week One against the Bengals, Colt McCoy is better off on your bench.

BEST OF THE REST:

THE BOTTOM FEEDERS:

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

Smiling all the way to the bank!

It was just two weeks ago that fans checking sports scores were shocked to learn that the Carolina Panthers had selected Cam Newton from Auburn with the first overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft. When the NFL ends its lockout, fans can expect Cam Newton and the Panthers offense to TRY and put up huge football scores, but let’s be honest, this likely isn’t the factor but we’ll get into that in a minute.

When Cam Newton was selected first overall two weeks ago by the Carolina Panthers, the entire NFL world was shocked. Since Jake Delhomme left in 2009, the Carolina Panthers have had a quarterback carousel, as they drafted Jimmy Clausen to partner up with Matt Moore in 2010. By bringing in Cam Newton, Panthers management has informed their fans that they expect to contend in the not too distant future. Given how successful Newton was in his only year at Auburn, fantasy football managers should proceed with caution when selecting Newton.

To say that Newton is an intriguing player would be an understatement. On the one hand, he’s been compared to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. Conversely, Newton’s also been compared to former NCAA standout, turned first overall selection bust JaMarcus Russell. For all intents and purposes, today we will stick with the Vick comparison.

Dynasty Fantasy Football

In our humble opinions, we suggest taking a flyer on Cam Newton, if you are playing in a dynasty format fantasy league. The reason we suggest Newton for this type of league, is because despite all of his talent, Newton will need at least a season to a season and a half to get adjusted to the NFL. Keeping with the Vick comparison, a lot of scouts believe that Newton is a better passing version of Vick. Which, considering Vick was runner up to the MVP title last year, could mean that Newton and the Panthers have a good chance of becoming great in a couple of years.

Head to Head Fantasy Football

On the other hand, if you are playing in a head to head fantasy league, we suggest keeping Newton on the waiver wire and in deep leagues you could pick Newton up in place of you starter’s bye week. I don’t even see Cam as a fantasy football sleeper. Newton won’t be the week one starter, as the Panthers will most likely start Jimmy Clausen. However, by week 10 if the Clausen and Moore quarterback combination hasn’t worked out, expect the Panthers to make Newton the starter.

Waiver Wire Predictions

The Waiver Wire pickups from week 9 were good with Nate Burleson, but definitely lacked some depth with the poor offense of the Carolina Panthers in Brandon LaFell. When I look forward to week 10, I start to look down the stretch at the fantasy football playoffs and pick up those 1 or 2 players that will be the key to a championship. Here are the waiver wire pickups for week 10.

Waiver Wire: Mike Goodson - With DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Moore and almost every other player banged up for the Panthers, Mike Goodson will be seeing all the carries that would have gone to the first two guys. He has 9 carries for 29 yards and caught 3 passes for 18 yards in the loss to the Saints, but if those top 2 guys are not healthy he is the man at the moment. Mike is more of a 3rd down back and on a horrible offense however he does face Arizona, Tampa and Seattle in the up coming weeks, all of which are in the top 5 for points allowed to RB.

Waiver Wire: Mike Thomas - The Jaguars will be facing one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL next week in Houston. If you saw what the Chargers did on Sunday versus the Texans, it will be no different when the Jaguars play them in week 10. Thomas caught 4 passes for 41 yards versus the Cowboys in week 8 and I see him as a very good WR replacement for potential byes in week 10.

Waiver Wire: Sidney Rice - Before the Cardinals game on Sunday, Sidney Rice was seen jogging around and testing out his surgically repaired hip. Even though reports say he is still a few weeks away from returning to action, I think this would be a very good time to go and pick him up for your playoff stretch run. If it’s any consolation, Rice caught 4 TD in the last 4 weeks of the regular season last year and at this point you could do a lot worse with Brett Favre as your quarterback.

Waiver Wire Watch: Stephen McGee/Tony Pike -

To say Jon Kitna has had a rough start to his 2010 season since Tony Romo went down with an injury is a serious understatement. In case you were wondering who the quarterback behind Kitna is, it’s 4^th round pick out of Texas A&M, Stephen McGee. He has yet to throw a single pass in his NFL career, but definitely could be of some fantasy relevance down the stretch if Wade Phillips decides to completely throw in the towel and go with the youth movement.

When it comes to the Carolina Panthers, I usually wouldn’t tell you to pick up anyone, but today it seems I am telling you to pick up two members of that team. With Matt Moore sidelined with his 3^rd injury of the year and Jimmy Clausen looking desperately lost every week on the field, it seems like time to go with the former Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike. Coach John Fox is in the last year of his deal and will be desperate to find wins down the stretch; so, do not be shocked if he benches Moore and Clausen and like Wade Phillips, goes with the youth movement.

Waiver Wire Replacement Players [Return Yards League]:

Larod Stephens-Howling- With Chris “Beanie” Wells hobbled at the moment with a knee injury and Tim Hightower taking the role of the fumble monster; LSH seems to be the player most in need for touches for Whisenhunt.

Stefan Logan- Logan was recently named NFC special teams player of the month, and is a good option for fantasy owners in this spot because the Lions give up points and put Logan in a good position to rack up return yards.

Brad Smith- The wildcat extraordinaire for the New York Jets; Smith is a good option because of his mild workload in the offense mixed with his special teams return yards. Smith has surpassed the 100-yard mark three times this year and proves to be a solid weapon for the Jets,

Leon Washington- Speaking of the Jets, Leon Washington [former Jet], who has been the special teams guru for the Seahawks all season is a great option in fantasy need because of his flexibility all over the field. Washington is currently the kick and punt returner for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks and he has recently said that will not change.

Michael Spurlock- I know, I know, it’s a week to late; but still Michael Spurlock is a good kick return option, but do not expect the madness he gave us in week 9.

Waiver Wire updates we Sent Out Yesterday to Our Subscribers During the Games

Jacoby Ford (WR) had a 94-yard kickoff return TD and caught six passes for 148 yards. Ford could emerge as the Raiders’ top receiver after the Week 10 bye.

James Jones (WR) is tearing up the Dallas secondary and has 8 catches for for 123 yards and a TD. After this performance I don’t see Donald Driver starting again for the Green Bay packers.

Willis McGahee (RB) has now scored a TD in four straight games. If you need a RB for a bye week look no further he might be your best option if the waiver wire is thin. Fred Jackson also has a nice matchup next week against Detroit. Post your waiver wire options in the forum for further bye week help.

Aaron Rodgers is Ranked Number 1 this Week.

Quarterback Rankings QB for Week 9

I have Jason Campbell ranked at 22 because I still don’t trust the Raiders to keep up the offensive onslaught. But KC is weak against the pass and if you’re looking for someone with upside Jason Campbell could give you 2 TD and 250 yards. Michael Vick is at five because Indy just can’t stop the run, so you got to think Vick will light it up. Matt Cassel might do well if Nnamdi Asomugha doesn’t play for the Raiders, I doubt he suits up.

1    Aaron Rodgers vs. DAL
2    Philip Rivers at HOU
3    Peyton Manning at PHI
4    Drew Brees at CAR
5    Michael Vick vs. IND
6    Tom Brady at CLE
7    Ben Roethlisberger at CIN
8    Eli Manning at SEA
9    Matt Schaub vs. SD
10    Matt Ryan vs. TB
11    Joe Flacco vs. MIA
12    Jay Cutler at BUF
13    Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. CHI
14    Brett Favre vs. ARZ
15    Jon Kitna at GB
16    Mark Sanchez at DET
17    Josh Freeman at ATL
18    Matthew Stafford vs. NYJ
19    Carson Palmer vs. PIT
20    Chad Henne at BAL
21    Matt Cassel at OAK
22    Jason Campbell vs. KC
23    Derek Anderson at MIN
24    Matt Moore vs. NO
25    Colt McCoy vs. NE

Waiver Wire Predictions

Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

1. Keiland Williams, RB, Washington Redskins: We have always known that Ryan Torain was injury prone; so this pick up was most likely inevitable, but it is now the time. Torain has been an absolute fantasy stud [335 rush yards, 3 TD] since entering the starting lineup when Clinton Portis went down, but with a hamstring injury and a bye coming up for the Redskins, Keiland Williams should be the healthy option for at least the next few weeks for Washington.
2. Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions: With Matthew Stafford back at quarterback for the Detroit Lions, I feel Burlesons’ fantasy value just got to the highest it could possibly go. Being targeted 9 times this week against the Redskins for 7 receptions shows that Stafford might be looking to his wide receivers more than Shaun Hill did [who seemed to like his tight ends more]. With Buffalo, Dallas and New England coming up on the schedule for the Lions you have to like the chances for Burleson in the weeks to come.
3. Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers: It seems like every week fantasy experts are going back and forth between fantasy receivers on this team other than the obvious Steve Smith. But with David Gettis [3 targets, 0 receptions] really not even being a part of the gameplan this week for Matt Moore and Brandon LaFell looking like the number two wide receiver for good [4 receptions, 40 yards and a TD]; if Brandon is not picked up in your league he is a good replacement down the stretch.
4. Steve Breaston, WR,  finished with eight catches for 147 yards, a career high. Breaston missed the previous three games following knee surgery and as usual looked strong opposite Larry Fitzgerald.
5. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Blount rushed for 120 yards and 2 Touchdowns on 22 carriers. No doubt he is now the featured back in Tampa.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire QB’s: Desperate Bye Week Quarterback Replacements and Injury Fill In’s

1. Kerry Collins- Vince Young left the game on Sunday versus the Chargers with a left ankle injury. Collins is both experienced and a better pocket passer than VY and should be considered a very good backup if applicable.
2. Derek Anderson- Max Hall was replaced in the 2^nd quarter by Derek Anderson after Hall threw 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns. Even if Ken Whisenhunt took out Hall to just stop the bleeding and give the Cardinals a chance to win, Anderson looked decent and could replace Hall at any given moment going forward.
3. Tim Tebow- He is obviously the back up to Orton here, but with him getting a touch or two a week and only getting goal line carries, you could do much worse than the NFL fan favorite Tim Tebow.
4. Tarvaris Jackson- Brett Favre left the Vikings game on Sunday in the 4^th quarter with a laceration to the face, which required 8 stitches. With that being said, Favre is an absolute warrior and you never want to count him out of anything, but at this point with that Vikings offense, owning Favre’s back up would probably be a good idea [especially after Tarvaris threw a TD this week in the 4^th quarter].
5. Jon Kitna- Kitna has already been the starter for the Cowboys for almost 6 quarters so this is no shocker that he should be picked up, but since he has had almost zero success in those quarters he may still be available in some leagues for a bye week replacement.
6. Troy Smith- No Alex Smith, No David Carr, enter former Heisman award winner Troy Smith. What seemed to be a San Francisco 49er home game in London on Sunday, Smith scored 2 total TD and led SF to their 2^nd win of the season versus the Broncos. In the weeks to come, we are not sure Smith will be the starting QB, but what we are sure of is Troy Smith looked better than Alex Smith has all season, so there is your upside in picking him up.

Start ‘em: Week Nine Team Defenses

New Orleans Saints @ CAR: This play has to do more with Carolina than it does with New Orleans to be honest. I think I was the last person on the earth that put any type of faith in the Panthers and I have just jumped off the bandwagon. With DeAngelo Williams banged up and Jonathan Stewart looking like the ghost of Jonathan Stewart, the Saints are going to force turnovers and should rack up the sacks versus Matt Moore this week.

Baltimore Ravens vs MIA: Coming off of a bye and a terrible defensive performance versus the Bills, the Ravens will be fired up at home this week and will bring the heat all game versus Chad Henne. Baltimore is currently ranked right in the middle of all team defense statistics in the NFL, this week they are going to raise those rankings against the Dolphins.

Minnesota Vikings vs ARI: After watching the Cardinals tear apart the Buccaneers defense last week, I think the Vikings will stop a lot of what the Cardinals do well on offense [which is not much]. Whether it is Max Hall or Derek Anderson out there, I trust Leslie Frazier [Vikings Defensive Coordinator] to come up with a game plan that will confuse the Cardinals offense into turnovers and mistakes all game long.

New England Patriots @ CLE: I just do not see the Browns doing to the Patriots what they did to the Saints in back-to-back games. Cleveland had an unbelievable game plan going into that matchup with Drew Brees, but against Bill Belichick, the Browns will have a lot of trouble with the blitz schemes and defensive looks the Patriots are going to give Cleveland all game long.

Sit ‘em: Week Nine Team Defenses

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ ATL: Being ranked 26^th versus the run this season, the Bucs are going to seriously struggle when they are forced to see the powerful running game of Michael Turner this week. Having to pay so much attention to stop Turner and the run game, I also expect Matt Ryan, Roddy White and the passing attack to excel as well. Look for the Bucs to have a lot of trouble with this high-powered offense.

Dallas Cowboys @ GB: After what I saw the Cowboys do last week versus David Garrard and the Jagaurs, how can I buy this defense next week in Lambeau Field against Aaron Rodgers and that strong passing attack? The answer is I cannot, and neither should you. The Cowboys offense has not been the sole issue for Dallas this year, it has been the defense as well that has not held up their part of the bargain, and this week they will continue that trend.

Indianapolis Colts @ PHI: The Eagles are coming off a bye last week and should be rested and ready to stop Peyton Manning and the Colts and that is part of the reason why I am sitting the Colts defense this week. Philadelphia could get back DeSean Jackson this week, and the bye gave the rest of the Eagles offense a chance to heal and rest [which is exactly what they need after so many different types of injuries this season]. The Colts defense has had trouble stopping many different types of offenses this year and the Eagles will be no different.

San Diego Chargers @ HOU: Statistically the Chargers are around one of the best defenses in football, but if you look closely at the win-loss statistics as well as the per play stats for the Chargers, you will see that San Diego has outplayed themselves dramatically this year. Well that will change when they go to Houston this week to face the run game of Arian Foster and the passing attack of Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub.