Whether you're a fantasy beginner or don't have as much time to devote to your fantasy team during the week, I'm here for you with the newest edition of Fantasy 101 - all your fantasy needs in 15 minutes or less. Because that's how long you'll need to digest this column and make your appropriate moves. With five weeks in the books, it's more than likely your season is going well. Hey, even at 1-4, you can still make the playoffs, so don't give up yet. (If you're 0-5, that's a bit of a tall order. I'm sorry.) I've seen (and owned) teams that started as bad as 1-4 and still made the postseason and it's happened often enough that even thinking about turning the page on your season is premature. So let's help your team get better.
Big injuries to watch
Robert Griffin, III, QB, Washington Redskins - He left Sunday's game with Atlanta with a concussion, and his status for this week is up in the air. Have a replacement QB ready just in case -- QB's like Alex Smith, Christian Ponder, and Brandon Weeden are probably available for you if you're not happy with your backup. Keep an eye on Smith, who sprained his finger in the victory over the Bills, although he should be okay.
Cedric Benson, RB, Green Bay Packers - His injured foot couldn't come at a worse time, as he was taking on a bigger share of the workload. He's finished for you in fantasy and not worth owning anymore. Alex Green, James Starks and Brandon Saine will make up for his carries, and it looks like Green will get the first shot, so you can try to replace Benson with him.
Jermichael Finley of the Packers was also hurt, but he may be able to play in Week 6. On the flip side, Finley's production has been awful so far, so you probably want to look for a replacement regardless.
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints - He hurt his ankle but returned to the Saints win over the Chargers. Monitor him as the week goes on but he should be fine.
Free agents to pick up
Not a lot this week on the waiver wire, but if Andrew Hawkins is available, he's worth owning as he has a big role in the Bengals offense and has game-breaking potential.
Michael Crabtree is a nice bye week option if he's available. Don't expect the numbers he put up against the Bills but for the next few weeks he can potentially give you 7-10 points per week.
I'm not as high on Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem since both are wildly inconsistent. Henderson's big game was due to the Saints missing Lance Moore from their lineup. Meanwhile Meachem hasn't been fantasy viable all season long, and likely his two-touchdown performance was a result of playing against the Saints defense, which is one of the NFL's worst.
Other notes of note
1) Andrew Luck should be started in all formats. He's a top 10, and maybe top seven fantasy QB now.
2) Rashard Mendenhall is back in your lineup this week. He had a bad matchup versus the Philadelphia Eagles and still had a good game in his return. 3) If you have a RB going up against the Miami Dolphins defense, think twice. They're number one in the league against the rush. 4) You can now go back to sitting Chris Johnson on your bench. He's such a headache. Don't even deal with it. 5) If by some reason Greg Zuerlein, Blair Walsh or Justin Tucker are available, pick them up to be your kicker. They're all terrific from long-range.Jason Smith hosts NFL Fantasy Live on the NFL Network and writes fantasy and other pith for nfl.com. Talk to him on Twitter @howaboutafresca, and listen to his Fantasy Podcast with Michael Fabiano and Elliot Harrison every week on nfl.com. He only asks you never bring up when the Jets play poorly.
