Cramer's 'Mad Money' Recap: Are You Ready for the All-Star Stock Team?

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The process of picking a winning fantasy football team and a strong diversified portfolio are similar, and Jim Cramer was all about helping investors pick a portfolio on Monday's "Mad Money" show to navigate what could be a tough schedule in the season ahead.

Both a good football stock and a portfolio require "good players in every position," and if picked well, each will "make you money all the way up though the Superbowl."

Stocks that can withstand a recession are necessary for long-term success in the market, Cramer believes. Start with picking "good defensive linemen."

His first pick of the six was PepsiCo (PEP Quote). The stock carries a 2.2% yield, and consumers do not stop buying Pepsi products during hard economic times. He compared Pepsi to the NFL's Carolina Panthers, a team known for its stability.

Cramer's second pick was Medco Health Solutions (MHS Quote). With access to 20% of the U.S. diabetic population, the company does "consistently impressive business." Cramer likened Medco to the New England Patriots.

Third of the bunch was Altria (MO Quote), which he owns for his charitable trust, Action Alerts PLUS. Similar to with Pepsi, Cramer likes that people do not stop using Altria's products -- such as cigarettes -- in times of economic hardship. He also likes its 4.4% yield. He compared Altria to the Baltimore Ravens, the "bad boys" of the NFL.