Football fans who feel sad about the fact the season has ended, this is for you. Yes no sooner did the Saints and Colts walk off the Super Bowl field did the football buzz come right back around with scouting combines, rumors, lockouts, salary caps and of course the biggie (with no disrespect to draft day) NFL Free Agency!

So far we have been introduced to the NFL’s new buzz word “tender”, which is a number teams put on restricted free agents for other teams to match, plus the leagues value of draft compensation should a player be taken by another team (confused? you will be). Several big name players fit the restricted bill, so not as many may be on the move this season.

Then there are the trade rumors. One biggie has the Eagles trading Donovan McNabb to the St. Louis Rams possibly for draft picks. Another annual rumor is as common as free agency itself, the Arizona Cardinals are looking to unload Anquan Boldin. Most believe the Baltimore Ravens will part with a 3rd round pick to grab him.

With no salary cap in place for this year, it is expected that there won’t be many NFL teams unloading huge amounts of cash on players. Many restricted NFL free agents have already spoken up about how they feel they have been screwed out of a chance to make bigger dollars because of the cap rule. Hmm I still think it beats being a hot dog vendor. Vikings DE and restricted free agent Ray Edwards went public a few weeks back, questioning commissioner Roger Godell’s big new contract and salary, and how he can make much more money then the guys “risking their lives out on that field”. I can not help but agree, but keeping this league in line is a tall order, and one the commissioner’s office has done better then the NHL, NBA and even MLB for years.

So what I have done is gathered a list of the top 10 unrestricted and restricted free agents for this season and the team or teams they may be best suited for. Who knows what March 5th will bring, but it is always fun to guess.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

1. Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers
Peppers is easily this years Albert Haynesworth. Julius Peppers is a big time defensive player and has freakish athletic ability for a guy who stands 6 foot 7 inches. Last season’s decline in stats was a simple combination of not wanting to be in Carolina and the team’s amazing flop. While many may not get big money this off-season, Peppers may easily bring $100 million dollars in a deal. He can go anywhere, as he has the ability to be a great pass rusher in a 4-3 or a speedy stealth linebacker in a 3-4.
Possible Suitors: Bears, Eagles, Patriots, Colts, Jets

2. Karlos Dansby, LB, Arizona Cardinals
For years the Cards were not known much for defense, yet Dansby has played all over the field and has had big numbers. Now comes his turn, and he will draw interest from a lot of teams looking for a quality linebacker that can play weak or strong, 4-3 or 3-4. He also has the leadership skills coveted by today’s NFL.
Possible Suitors: Patriots, Titans, 49ers, Colts, Rams

3. Dunta Robinson, CB, Houston Texans
A big surprise here is that the Texans did not apply a franchise tag on Robinson. He is easily the best corner on the market, when healthy. He is physical, fast and tough. Robinson is the one bright spot in a usually suspect Texans secondary, but now it seems evident that another team will come hard for him.
Possible Suitors: Jets, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Dolphins

4. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay Packers
Yes, as a defensive end only. Seen as Juluis Peppers light this off-season, in my opinion Kampman is the best available pass rusher. As a 3-4 linebacker he struggled and it is not his game. As a DE he collected 22 sacks between 2007 and 2008. He may be the best value for the money in this market. He did miss half of last season with an injury, but his excellent work ethic will have him more then ready for camp.
Possible Suitors: Eagles, Bears, Panthers, Titans, Texans, Jaguars

5. Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
As poor as many think the Colts defense usually is, they do have some good athletes. Brackett looks like a fire hydrant with a jet engine on his back. He plays the middle fast and hard, and rarely misses a down. The Colts will be working hard to re-sign him, but in this market he will command some high dollars. Any team with a 4-3 scheme and a strong front would love to have this guy.
Possible Suitors: Colts, Giants, Saints, Bengals, Broncos

6. Darren Sharper, S, New Orleans Saints
At 34 years old, how much more big hits can we expect from Sharper? Darren Sharper is a field general and plays hard every down. Sharper has his Super Bowl ring, so you wonder how much intensity could be left. In my opinion it’s worth a two-year deal to find out.
Possible Suitors: Bears, Seahawks, Jaguars, Raiders

7. Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Tennessee Titans
Very much like Kampman, Vanden Bosch is a good pass rusher. He usually thrives when he has a good supporting cast surrounding him. His numbers were way down last year, but then again so was everything with the Titans. A change of scene may be the best thing for Vanden Bosch, and his non-stop on field motor may be worth it.
Possible Suitors: Falcons, Eagles, Bears, Dolphins, Jaguars

8. Leigh Bodden, CB, New England Patriots

Bodden took full advantage of the spotlight he got in New England last year. For the third straight season he collected at least five interceptions, and with his size and speed is considered by some to be the top CB on the market. I do not see him being a number one corner, so a team with good CB play can grab him and use him in a very formidable pass defense. He is truly a guy who deserves a shot with a contender this year.
Possible Suitors: Jets, Giants, Buccaneers, Rams, Ravens, Texans, Chargers

9. Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee TitansAll out tough guy Bulluck may be getting older at 33, but he still has some game left in him. Bullock missed half of the last season with an injury and the Titans may not be looking to bring him back. For any team in need of line backing help, it is hard to imagine that even a slower version of Bulluck would not be worth having for two years. Maybe a team young in defense could bring him in as a teacher as well, the guy knows the game.
Possible Suitors: Giants, Redskins, Saints, Patriots, Broncos, 49ers

10. Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes I am calling Antonio Bryant the best unrestricted free agent WR on the market. Then again the list is not that big. Bryant showed 2 years ago that when healthy and in a good system, he can haul it in 70 plus catches. 2008 was a nice bounce back for a guy many considered one big waste of talent. Bryant is not lightning fast, but he does have the strength and enough speed to get good separation and does well finding the end zone. Not quite a number one at this rate but is an excellent compliment as a number 2.
Possible Suitors: Panthers, Jaguars, Ravens, Chiefs, Bears

Restricted Free Agents ( these players may cost draft pick compensations if signed):

1. Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Marshall may cost a first and third-round draft pick if signed. Now I ask you, what other wide receiver can you get in the draft in the first round that has caught 300 passes in the last 3 years? None, and from the looks of the class none will. Marshall has some baggage, he can be feisty and can show displeasure with his team. Now, put him on a team with Super Bowl potential, put him in a new scene where he is clearly the man. Marshall is a no-brainer for me. 26 years young, fast, strong, and hands of glue. You build an offense around a guy like this, not question marked draft picks. Any team in need of a wide out would be wise to match the offer then lock him in. Deal with his antics later.
Possible Suitors: Ravens, Giants, Bears, Titans, Cowboys, Redskins

2. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston Texans
Averaging over 112 solo tackles a year, and being the unsung leader of the Texans defense makes Ryans well worth a look. It is possible he would cost a first-round pick, but once again, find me a LB in the first round so ready and still this young. Linebackers are the key to any solid defense, and as much as the Texans would like to keep him, it may require a huge tender to do so. I would however be shocked if he was not back in Houston next year.
Possible Suitors: Any team with sense

3. Marcus McNeil, OT, San Diego Chargers
Durable, tough, big, strong. Did I say enough? McNeil is the top offensive lineman available right now, but his asking price may be high. However in 4 seasons he has not missed a game and has been the one constant on a Chargers line that has been riddled by injury. We all love draft picks, and the beauty of grooming a youngster, however at 26 this is a well groomed youngster and if it cost a first round pick it may be the best move a team will make all season. Watching a QB’s blind-side is a tough job, but this kid is great at it.
Possible Suitors: Redskins, Cowboys, Rams, Bears, Dolphins, Bengals, Chargers

4. Jahri Evans, G, New Orleans Saints
Fresh off of a Super Bowl win, Evans has suddenly become a big name amongst O-Lineman. In four years he has become one of the games best and many believe the Saints, who have lots of free agent issues, will lay a big tender on him. If not, he may be well worth whatever a team surrenders to anchor a line.
Possible Suitors: Colts, Cardinals, Giants, Saints, Broncos

5. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers
Big time knee injuries and off-field spats have made some a little leery of Merriman. Oh so do the four sacks he recorded all of last year. Ok so he seemed slowed last year, but lots of players who dealt with similar injuries usually are. Many wonder if he is in the Chargers long term plans, and if not he is worth a shot. If he returns to the multi-sack guy he was pre-injury,then he is the steal of this market.
Possible Suitors: Patriots, Jets, Cowboys, Packers, Steelers

6. Logan Mankins, G, New England Patriots
Everything you see in Jahri Evans you can transfer to Mankins. Very durable, well rounded and has a great knowledge of the game. One of Tom Brady’s mainstay O Lineman, and a great asset to any team. If the tender isn’t high he is well worth a third round or even a second round pick, although I can not see the Pats letting him go that easily. A guy with many great years ahead of him and another great anchor for any teams line.
Possible Suitors: Colts, Patriots, Cardinals, Giants, Broncos

7. Oshiomogho Atogwe, S, St. Louis Rams
Perhaps the one bright spot in the last few years for the Rams has been Atogwe. A very unique blend of speed and hard hitting mixed in with great ball hawking skills at the Safety position. At 29 many feel he is not worth an early draft pick, so it is very likely he will stay with the Rams. Being a Philly guy myself perhaps a deal for McNabb should include Atogwe on a sign and trade basis. Still 5 or 6 good years left for this kid, and with talent around him he is a sure fire pro-bowler.
Possible Suitors: Eagles, Broncos, Cowboys, Bears, Vikings

8. Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts
See above.

9. Dawan Landry, S, Baltimore Ravens
Did I mention, see above. 3 quality safeties, none may be worth the compensation.

10. Pierre Thomas, RB, new Orleans Saints
I never quite understood Sean Payton’s logic, but here we have a lightly used (415 touches in 3 seasons) talented running back who may soon need a new home. Yes they have Reggie Bush, Mike Bell, Lydell Hamilton, and in the past have had Deuce McAllister and Aaron Stecker, but seriously Thomas seems to be the best the of the bunch as far has having all the tools in place. He has good hands, terrific run power and is agile. So why do the Saints limit his touches? Clearly unknown, but if his tender is low, in a season in which guys like Westbrook and Tomlinson and even Thomas Jones have been sent packing, Thomas can jump right in and be an immediate lead back with big dividends.
Possible Suitors: With emphasis on 2 and 3 back systems, i’d say any team that has the pick to part with.

So here is my outlook. As I said once the frenzy begins who really knows what can happen. So let’s all tune in on Friday and check it out!

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com

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I knew we couldn’t get through an NFL regular season without some Brett Favre controversy. Favre shut a lot of doubters like me up earlier this season when he had the Minnesota Vikings rolling through the regular season and crushing opponents. Favre looked great, the team looked great, and even Brad Childress’ questionable coaching couldn’t stop this NFC North division machine…until now. A tense exchange Sunday night between Favre and Chilly could be two minutes of Brad Childress’ life that could change his career forever.

For the first time all season, the Vikings have struggled in their last two of three football games. Not only were they defeated by both the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, they were crushed by both teams. Brett Favre returned to his late-season form last year with the New York Jets. Brad Childress’ game plans have proven to be ineffective and at times just moronic. The story reached a new level on Sunday night when Brad Childress attempted to take quarterback Brett Favre out of the game. Yes, I did say attempted.

Favre addressed the situation after the game and well, let’s just say that this story has now taken on a life of its own. Favre said the following about the situation…

“[T]here was a heated discussion, I guess you would call it,” Favre said after the game. “We were up 7-6 at the time. No secret, I was getting hit a little bit. I felt the pressure on a lot of plays. We had seven points. So I think everyone in the building was like, ‘They’re not moving the ball, they’re not getting points.’ Brad wanted to go in a different direction and I wanted to stay in the game.

“We were up 7-6. Yeah, it’s not 70-6, but we’re up 7-6. So I said, ‘I’m staying in the game, I’m playing.’ I don’t know if it was exactly to protect me, or we had seven points, I’m not sure. That’s his call. But we talked it out. We didn’t have time, I didn’t have time to sit there and say why or what. My response was, we’ve got to win this ballgame and I want to stay in and do whatever I can. Now, unfortunately, I didn’t do that, but that was my intention.” – StarTribune.

Sorry Chilly, you are the weakest link!

This latest revelation exposes everything that Brett Favre’s critics have said about him over the last few years. Is this really any surprise? Hey at least the Vikings have it easy. In Green Bay, Favre tried to bully both the head coach and the general manager into making decisions. There were numerous reports from New York last season of Favre sulking after head coach Eric Mangini criticized his decision making or more bluntly, interceptions. Even teammates such as Thomas Jones questioned this very same issue about Favre staying in a game and accused Favre of being selfish, although the circumstances were much different. Minnesota Vikings fans shouldn’t be surprised this happened, they should be surprised it took fifteen weeks for the devil to start wearing Prada.

This is a much bigger problem for the organization than it is for Brett Favre and Brad Childress. Favre likes to have these buddy-buddy relationships with his head coaches, and I don’t think it is only because he is such a nice guy. He is a manipulator. He did it to Mike Holmgren, he did it to Mike McCarthy, and he has now done it to Brad Childress. It was evident from day one that Favre didn’t speak about his coach the way that most NFL players should and do. Take Peyton Manning for example. Let’s face it, if there is any quarterback running their NFL team it is Peyton Manning. At the same time, he shows his new head coach more respect than Jim Caldwell probably deserves. The situation between Favre and Manning is almost similar. Caldwell is considering benching Manning to rest him, Manning wants to play, both disagree, but in the end Manning has said that it is the coach’s decision.

The situation will undoubtedly open up old wounds in an already divided locker room. The locker room was reportedly in disarray when Chilly shuffled Favre onto the team, feeling that they were lied to and disrespected by their coach. Many ex-NFL players who are now analysts cited that this would be a problem down the line. Now you have a public situation where a player flat out told the coach to stick it, and probably a few more words while he was at it. Here in Philadelphia, Terrell Owens was run out of town for the very same thing (ironically to the same Brad Childress when he was a coordinator). How can a head coach in the NFL coach his team and discipline his players when they are well aware that he can’t control the old man taking the snaps at QB? The answer is easy, they can’t.

The idea of benching Favre in that situation is also a debate in itself. I really don’t get Brad Childress sometimes. Childress will just as easily abandon the running game with arguably the best running back in the NFL at the strangest times for reasons that are unexplainable. The New Orleans Saints lost Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles won, and the Vikings needed this win to stay ahead for the second seed. Why Childress would want to pull Favre in a 7-6 game (score at the time) in such a critical situation is beyond words to me. I don’t think Favre played well at all, but pulling him at that point in the game made very little sense. However, at the end of the day he is the head coach and he should be able to play who he wants, when he wants, and not when the players want.

There is only one way out of this for Brad Childress. Childress needs to bench Brett Favre. But wait a minute! The sacred streak of NFL starts for Brett Favre will be tarnished by being disciplined for refusing to come out of a game. How will that fly among the team, the media, and with Brett Favre? I don’t think it will fly at all. Without benching old #4, Childress is a dead man walking in Minnesota. Of course a Super Bowl could cure all of this, but this team is imploding faster than it is exploding on the exterior. Sure, coaches have been in this position before and unfortunately for Chilly it rarely works out in their favor. When you lose the locker room, and your player won’t let you coach, you lose your job.

Just ask Grady Little.

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If you have followed my fantasy football blogs on CamelClutchBlog.com, you are well aware of my man-crush on Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams this season. He is the Rodney Dangerfield of fantasy football, until now. Ricky got his first start in a little more than a year for the Miami Dolphins against the Carolina Panthers and looked like the the Heisman champ I watched back at Texas. Williams put up 30 points in one of my leagues and finished the day with his first receiving and rushing touchdown day in his career, three touchdowns in all, 119 yards and over five yards a carry! Check out the videos here of one of the best performances from a running back all season.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was watching Ricky being interviewed on some deserted island on 60 Minutes. I love that Ricky has turned his career around and has done it quietly. The irony of it all is that I don’t know if Ricky ever would have realized his full potential without the time away from the NFL. While it seems we get a story on Michael Vick’s “redemption” every week, I hear very little from Ricky about his past. The guy does his talking on the field and that is something I can really appreciate. Keep in mind, that Ricky also announced his retirement earlier this season. As of now, Ricky isn’t coming back next season. However, I can bet if the Tuna has anything to say about it than Ricky will be Wildcatting until he burns his ninth life.

Bonus: Ricky Williams breaks Tony Dorsett’s NCAA all time rushing record

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One fantasy football player’s nightmare could be your fantasy football dreams come true. If there is any bright spot to losing a fantasy football game, it is the fact that you will get top dibs on the waiver wire. This may be the best week of the season for players with running back needs to get a quick fix. Four starting running backs went down in NFL Week 10 which means that there are four potential starting running backs on the waiver wire this week. Let’s check out some quick fixes and long term solutions as we near the fantasy football playoffs.

Justin Forsett - Of all the running backs I will suggest this week, he may be your best long term option here. Forsett came into the game Sunday for Julius Jones and had over 100 yards and a touchdown against a very good rushing defense. Jones has a bruised lung and could be out longer than any of the other running backs who got hurt over the weekend. Forsett was a really good back in college and is the kind of small, fast running back that could give defenses fits the rest of the way. Don’t be scared of the Vikings rushing defense, Ray Rice had a very good game against them and Forsett is a lot like Rice. Not too mention, the Seahawks have games against the Rams, the Bucs, and the Titans down the stretch who all give up big points to running backs. Jim Mora loves to run the ball and Forsett could really thrive in his West Coast offense in both the running and passing game.

Ricky Williams - The only downside here is that while Ricky hasn’t technically been a starting running back, he is probably unavailable in your league. In the Wildcat offense, Ricky has thrived this season and is putting up better numbers than half of the starting tailbacks in the NFL. Ronnie Brown is hurt and likely out for this Thursday’s game. Williams is a very good one-week option, and quite honestly is one of the best flex players in fantasy football even with Brown in the lineup. The Panthers are a good running defense, but an even better passing defense. Pat White and Lex Hilliard will allow the Miami Dolphins to continue the Wildcat offense, with Williams getting the bulk of the carries. Grab him if you can, and keep him even if Brown comes back in the near future.

Jason Snelling - The verdict is still out on Michael Turner’s injury, but it doesn’t look good. Turner’s primary backup Jerious Norwood is hurt also. The Falcons have a great schedule for running backs the rest of the way. Snelling got a touchdown Sunday against the Panthers, who once again have a terrific running defense. Keep in mind that while Turner is down, his offensive line isn’t going anywhere. The Falcons have a great line and Snelling will get his holes down the stretch. Turner’s injury didn’t look good and I would be shocked if he comes back anytime in the next three weeks. Having a starting back in this offense for Weeks 11, 12, and 13 in fantasy football could make the difference in whether you make the playoffs or not.

Leonard Weaver - Unfortunately, Weaver would probably be your worst option here. However, with Brian Westbrook’s future in serious doubt Weaver will get carries. I tend to lean more towards Weaverthe course of the season than LeSean McCoy, because Weaver is likely to get the goal line carries. At the same time, Andy Reid never runs and rarely ever wins in short yardage situations. Both of these guys are low recommendations, but if you need some improvement at running back Weaver could give you numbers throughout the season. In the end, I have a feeling that Weaver is in line for a big fantasy game.

Jake Delhomme - Lord strike me dead for recommending Delhomme, but I kind of like him if you need help at quarterback. I think the worst is over for Delhomme and he and Steve Smith actually look like they are starting to get in sync with each other. Quarterbacks can be really streaky and just when you think they are done, they can turn it around and run the table with great games. For starters, he has a great matchup against Miami on Thursday. The Dolphins give up a lot of points to quarterbacks and I don’t expect things to be any different on a short week. Should Delhomme remain hot, he has two great quarterback matchups in Weeks 15 and 16 which are your playoff and championship weeks. Look for Jake as a high recommendation this week in my NFL preview column.

Brandon Gibson - At wide receiver, Gibson is a good waiver wire add if you are desperate for some receiver depth. Gibson’s role is expected to increase due to Keenan Burton’s injury. Like Delhomme, Marc Bulger is on the verge of turning it around and getting hot. Gibson had 7 catches for 93 yards against one of the best passing defenses in the NFL on Sunday. Gibson has some tremendous fantasy matchups in the coming weeks against the Seahawks, Bears, Cardinals, and Titans. As a Philadelphia Eagles fan, I watched Gibson in the pre season and I liked him a lot. He made some really difficult catches and was just simply a casualty of numbers in Philadelphia. I look for big things from him in the future and they could come as soon as this Sunday against the Cardinals.

I won’t hit on everyone, but if you have followed this blog you have gotten some very productive fantasy players off of the waiver wire. Jamaal Charles, Vince Young, Ryan Moats, Shonn Greene, Mike Wallace, Vernon Davis, Sidney Rice, and Ladell Betts have all been suggested here and have all had some big weeks since then. I look at upcoming matchups, situations, coaching habits, and breakdown their fantasy opponents before I make a high or low recommendation. They all won’t hit every week (nobody will not named Peterson or Jones-Drew), but read closely what I am saying and when to play these guys. Take Jamaal Charles for example. I recommended him solely for the Raiders game and he hit as expected Sunday. So use this information wisely and get a step ahead of the players in your league with some diamonds in the ruff.

Make sure to check out my NFL previews every week for the not-so-obvious high fantasy recommendations.

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The NFL 2009 season is moving along as Week 3 is already upon us. It looks like a much different season as usual than the previous season. We are already seeing new powerhouses, new fantasy football studs, and some offenses are starting to come alive. It is now that you will truly begin to see who the contenders and pretenders are.

Either Mark Sanchez is the next coming of God in New York or someone has played a cruel joke on Jets fans. This kid is for real. I was convinced in the Titans game he was for real no matter what happened last week. He didn’t put up huge numbers, but once again he was money on third down. Give me a quarterback who can keep cool under that kind of pressure than a fantasy football hero who chokes in the big one or as I like to call it, a “Romo.”

When will people start to wake up and realize that Tony Romo is not an elite quarterback? This kid was anointed as a great quarterback the first time he started for the Dallas Cowboys. Sure, he will give you 300-plus against teams like Tampa Bay every September. However, he not only chokes in the post season but he chokes in the regular season. I don’t know what is so surprising about last week. Does anyone remember how his season ended last year in Philadelphia?

The Jets are once again in the spotlight this week. The Tennessee Titans come to New York/Jersey in what has to be the AFC Game of the Week. The Titans started last season 10-0 and were sure locks to get to the AFC title game. Oh how things can change in one season (just ask Dolphins fans.) The Titans are now 0-2 and are done if they lose to the Jets. The way the schedule breaks down, the Titans are playing for their season in Week 3 on Sunday.

The Jets gave the Titans their first loss season. The Titans are obviously struggling without Hayneworth and a new defensive coordinator. The irony of it all is that the offense is playing much better thus far than they did last year. The Jets are in a tough position here. The Jets just came off of their Super Bowl beating the Patriots last week at home. This could be a bit of a letdown game for the team. That and the Titans desperation are pushing me towards the direction of a Titans win.

Fun NFL Week 3 Camelclutchblog.com Fact- No 0-3 NFL team has ever gone to the Super Bowl. It has been 11 years since any 0-3 NFL team has even made the playoffs.

Speaking of trap games, I am scared to death as an Eagles fan of the Kansas City Chiefs game coming to town. The 0-2 Chiefs come to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the 1-1 Eagles. The Eagles were embarrassed last week by the Saints at home. I can’t remember a home loss that bad since Indy came to town a few years back and Peyton torched us for four quarters. Matt Cassel isn’t torching anyone, but there aren’t too many weapons left to carry the flame for the Eagles either.

In addition to all of the injuries leading up to the regular season, the Eagles are faced with missing Brian Westbrook, Donovan cNabb, and DeSean Jackson. Yes, only the three most important offensive components to the team may not play. Kevin Kolb is likely to get the start once again in place of McNabb. Oh but don’t worry Philly fans, we get Michael Vick and the Wild Cat!

I see disaster written all over this game for the Eagles. There are just too many new players on offense that are bound to make mistakes. As for Vick, did anyone watch that Jets pre season game? Maybe Vick gets back to form by the end of the season, but his legs and his arm just aren’t there. Unless he swallowed the Michael Vick 2004 pill in the last three weeks, I can’t see anything being different in just a few weeks.

A fun game to watch this weekend will likely be the Indianapolis Colts vs. Arizona Cardinals. Peyton showed up everyone including his little brother’s Sunday heroics with his performance on Monday night. It’s one thing for Drew Brees to throw up 5 touchdowns every week, but it is another to do it coming from behind. Manning just makes it look so easy, including opening up the game last Monday with an 11-second, 1-play scoring drive. Manning put on a show in Miami and is bound to do the same thing in Arizona.

Arizona is 1-1 and the Cards far from the offensive machine that they were last year. There are grumblings about Fitzgerald being upset with Warner, Boldin is always crying, and their running game is once again in doubt. Kurt Warner just doesn’t seem like himself this year. Warner admitted not being 100% going into the season. Obviously he is still hurting on Sundays. Warner’s dinks and dunks aren’t going to be enough to get it done against the Colts. The Colts showed their weakness against the run Monday, but the Cardinals don’t have a strong enough running game to take advantage of it.

An interesting game to keep an eye on is the rival game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals showed me a lot last week by coming back after that heart breaker in Denver. Opening up on the road is never easy in the NFL. Playing your first two games in Denver and Green Bay is damn near torture. The Bengals came away 1-1 and have a chance to take a big step on Sunday against the Steelers.

The Steelers are a really hard team to read. Their rushing defense will probably be the best in the NFL this season. Yet, they had a real hard time stopping Jay Cutler in the air last week. They are playing arguably the best quarterback they have played all season. The Steelers are also going to see a re-born Cedric Benson who tore it up for 141 last week. The Steelers may be without safety Tyrone Carter in addition to Troy Polamalu this Sunday. If the Bengals are for real, they will show it this Sunday in their home-opener.

It must be Christmas, because I get the Dallas Cowboys in prime time for a second week in a row. The only thing better than watching Tony Romo choke is having all eyes on the game with no other games being played. The Cowboys Carnival is open for business once again on Monday as the Carolina Panthers come to town. I don’t think there is anybody else playing this weekend that has more pressure on them than Tony Romo or Wade Phillips.

The Panthers lost last week, but bounced back from a terrible opener against the Eagles. Jake Delhomme put up some numbers last week with 300-plus on the Falcons. Yet once again for Panthers fans, Jake throws a crucial interception on fourth down. DeAngelo Williams seems to be running fine, but their quarterback is killing them. The Panthers defense also played a part in the loss last week. The Falcons were able to convert two critical fourth down plays on the Carolina defense. This game on Monday night is purely a toss up.

Fantasy Fix - Ride the hot hand and keep Matt Schaub in the game. I panicked last week and cost myself about 30 points by sitting him. All reports indicate he is either fully or close to over the ankle injury. The Texans have the Jacksonville Jaguars who have one of the worst passing defenses in the league.

You saw what Dallas Clark did to the Miami defense on Monday night. Antonio Gates gets the same defense this Sunday. I know

Gates has started out slow, but you can’t ask for a better matchup to get your star tight end back on track.

Greg Jennings is another guy bound to have a great day on Sunday. Jason Campbell had opportunities against the Rams and so will Aaron Rogers. I see a big day out of that Packers offense specifically Jennings, Don Driver, and Aaron Rogers.

Fantasy Sleeper - There are some great sleeper wide receivers out there on the waiver wire. I tend to believe that Mario Manningham is more than a one-week wonder. The Giants are just waiting for one of their receivers to step up. Eli has been looking for that one guy to lock in since Burress left. Until he blows a big play, I believe that Manningham is that guy. On top of that, you couldn’t ask for a better matchup than the Tampa Bay defense.

If you are a gambler, I like Pierre Garcon on the Colts this Sunday. Peyton has a great matchup with the Arizona defense. Arizona is a team on the verge of an implosion if you read the Arizona papers. Manning is bound to have a big game and Garcon is likely to see some looks this Sunday.

Finally, I am loving me some Ricky Williams off of the waiver wire. Ricky isn’t a starter, but if you have L.T. or another back on the shelf and are desperate, Ricky isn’t a bad pickup. After watching that game Monday night, it is obvious that Ricky will get his touches.

He even looked more explosive at times than Ronnie Brown. The Dolphins are a pure running team and Williams is bound to have some breakout games this season. Keep him around if you have a spot.

Hey, I may have had Schaub wrong last week but I was right on Larry Johnson, Trent Edwards, Jeremy Shockey, and Joe Flacco.

I broke even last week with an overall 8-8 week on my picks. I am 20-12 overall on the season straight-up. Now for the Week 3 Picks (Picks in BOLD) -

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots
Tennessee Titans at NY Jets
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles
NY Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys

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Philadelphia Eagles fans have gotten their quarterback controversy early. Donovan McNabb will miss 2-4 weeks with cracked ribs. This will be #5’s fifth season of eight with injury. The situation sets up a situation in four weeks where Michael Vick may be the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback.

McNabb was injured after being hit on a touchdown run. A review of the tape shows that the hit came late, although it wasn”t called. As an Eagles fan, my fears were heightened when McNabb immediately grabbed both of his knees. McNabb was able to walk off under his own volition, but never returned to the game.

The injury darkened what would have been a glorious day for Philadelphia Eagles fans. The Eagles struggled early by giving up a touchdown to Carolina on their first drive. The Eagles defense sparked the team when Victor Abiamiri picked up a Jake Delhomme fumble and returned it for six. This started a 28-point run, all in the first half. The Eagles got points from the special teams, offense, and defense making it a an all-around terrific team effort.

Kevin Kolb saw his first NFL action since the Baltimore debacle last season. Kolb didn”t look all that much better. The offense didn”t click well under Kolb. Kolb went 7 for 11 for a disappointing 23 yards. On the one hand, Kolb was in a bad spot coming into the game when he did. On the other hand, he has had two opportunities to show his stuff and has failed miserably in both of them.

This isn”t to say that McNabb can come back early. McNabb has played through injuries before, but that doesn”t make me feel better. This could be a situation like 2005 where he was injured in the first game, continued to play through injury, and struggled until Andy Reid finally pulled the plug in mid-season. Andy Reid did say after the game that there is a chance McNabb could play. Whether he plays at 65% or doesn”t play at all, it is a lose-lose situation for Eagles fans.

The Eagles host the New Orleans Saints next week. This is a tricky situation in my opinion for McNabb. The Saints are going to score and I have no confidence that Kevin Kolb can hang in a shootout with Drew Brees. On the other hand, McNabb is already playing behind a questionable offensive line. If it takes sitting him for a game or two to ensure he is back at close to 100%, I say go for it. It isn”t worth seeing McNabb”s entire season ended next week.

Eagles fans have been down this road for the last eight years with Donovan McNabb. Whether it is bad luck or his own culpability, he has been injured in five of the last eight seasons. This is something that he can play through, so his status for next week will probably up in the air all week. Brett Favre is currently playing with bad ribs and so far he has looked good. Like him or not, McNabb is a tough quarterback that once finished a game with a broken leg. All eyes will be on Donovan McNabb for the next seven days.

Never a dull moment in Philadelphia during the football season!

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