Here's some of the NFL records that are in jeopardy of being broken over the next two weeks...

Rushing yards
NFL record: 2,105, Eric Dickerson, 1984
Current leader: 1,812, Adrian Peterson

Peterson needs to average 94 yards over the final two weeks of the regular season to hit the 2K mark on the ground, and he needs to rip off 146.5 per game to tie Dickerson’s record. Standing between Peterson and history is a Houston defense that ranks fifth in the league against the run, followed by a Packers D that watched Peterson rumble for 210 yards in Week 13.

Receiving yards
NFL record: 1,848, Jerry Rice, 1995
Current leader: 1,667, Calvin Johnson

Megatron has averaged 147 yards per game over his last seven outings. If he hits that number Sunday, he would need just 34 yards against Chicago in Week 17 — and that’s exactly what Johnson gained in an earlier loss to the Bears this season.

Receptions
NFL record: 143, Marvin Harrison, 2002
Current leader: 107, Brandon Marshall

Putting up 18 catches per game over the season’s final two weeks sets a pretty lofty bar for Marshall, but keep in mind that he has had 18- and 21-catch games in his career (though both came with Denver). What won’t help: Marshall figures to draw Arizona’s Patrick Peterson in Week 16, so he’ll have a tough time coming free too many times.

COMPLETE LIST (SI.com)

Fantasy Football, NFL nfl records, adrian peterson, calvin johnson, brandon marshall

We've officially reached the halfway point of the NFL season, and more than halfway for most fantasy leagues. This week saw two rookie records fall, and without a doubt, 2012 is shaping up to be the year of the rookie. A few of those rookies receive this week’s game balls.

QB
Andrew Luck, IND, 433 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs – Luck broke the single game passing yard record for rookies and is on pace to shatter the total yardage record for rookies too. Luck looks so natural under center that it’s hard to believe he actually is a rookie. For those owners who have Luck in a dynasty format, well, congrats, he’s gonna be something special for a long time.

Carson Palmer, OAK, 414 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs – It pains me to include Palmer on this list, as I’ve been critical of Palmer for years. And if you started Palmer on your fantasy team, you enjoyed a statistic-rich performance. A lot of those yards were junk time, as were the TDs, but they still count. And you can’t deny 400+ yards as a quality fantasy performance.

RB
Doug Martin, TB, 251 yards, 4 TDs, 4 catches for 21 yards – Another rookie record, as Martin ran three TDs of 40+ yards en route to one of the top 10 best fantasy performances by a running back in the history of fantasy football. And did I mention that he’s a rookie?

Adrian Peterson, MIN, 182 yards, 2 TDs, 3 catches – I’m not convinced that Peterson is actually human. Most athletes coming back from a major knee injury aren’t nearly this productive. Peterson leads the league in rushing yards and has not missed a single beat. Fantasy owners who took the risk on him have found their investment paying off big time.

WR
Brandon Marshall, CHI, 9 catches 122 yards, 3 TDs – Everyone expected Marshall reunion with Jay Cutler to pay dividends, but this week was beyond those expectations. 3 TDs for the Bears receiver means fantasy gold for his owners.

T.Y Hilton, IND, 6 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD – Sticking with the rookie theme, Hilton made his presence known as Andrew Luck targeted him 7 times and Hilton caught his second TD of the year, but easily had his best performance of his young NFL career.

TE
Brandon Myers, OAK, 8 catches, 59 yards 2 TDs – Myers is quietly becoming a viable fantasy option at the tight end position. This week, in both PPR and non-PPR formats, he was valuable.

Jermaine Gresham, CIN, 6 catches, 108 yards – The only thing that could’ve made his performance better would’ve been a trip to the end zone, but the Bengals tight end was a beast making athletic catches and showing off the prowess that got him drafted in the first round by the Bengals.

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Eli Manning, NYG, 125 yards passing, 0 TDs, 1 INT – Nobody has been a bigger Eli fan than me. I’m still a fan. And Eli still has value for his owners. This was a blip on the radar, I believe, an enigma, a fantasy mirage so to speak. But, come on already. 125 yards passing and no TDs? That is just unacceptable. And so, justifiably, he lands here and receives his first game used sock award. I don’t anticipate him being here again this year though, especially with the Bengals as his next opponent.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek

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It’s time to hand out our Game Balls for this week brought to you by Apex Awards…

QB Game Ball - Matt Ryan - 23/31 299 yards, 3 TDs, 25 rush yards, 1 Rush TD
Many experts predicted a breakout year for Matty Ice, and if his performance in the opening week is any hint, this could be his breakout year. Ryan did it all, and didn't even throw a pick. He threw, at will, it seemed, for three TDs, two to Julio Jones, and even ran one too. He absolutely abused the Kansas City defense.

QB Honorable mention - Robert Griffin III, 19/26 320 yards, 2 TDs (good for a rookie record, and RG3 just may be the real deal).

RB Game Ball - Steven Ridley, 125 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 catches for 27 yards
Lots of choices in this category as several RBs had stellar performances. But Ridley looks like another weapon for Bill Belichick. The Patriots running back got almost all the carries, and made the most of them. This looks like Ridley's job firmly, and this looks like the normal type of fantasy production for Ridley.

RB Honorable mention - Adrian Peterson, 84 yards and 2 TDs. Most were skeptical of what to expect from AP, but he proved everyone wrong who didn't start him.

WR Game Ball - Brandon Marshall, 9 catches for 119 yards, 1 TD
Reunited and it feels so good. That's how Marshall has to feel about being in a Bears uniform with Jay Cutler. Marshall is a must-start fantasy option from here on out.

WR Honorable mention - Stephen Hill, 5 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs - If you started this rookie on your team, you should probably buy a lottery ticket, and give me your email as I'll look for your fantasy advice next week.

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
RB - Chris Johnson - Tennessee - 11 rushes for 4 yards
A lot of people took CJ2K as the fourth RB off the board in their drafts. He was predicted to have a breakout year. And then today he does this - 4 yards. FOUR!! Owners of Johnson (I refuse to call him CJ2K any longer) who have him in PPR leagues at least got some redemption as he did manage 6 catches for 47 yards. But still, for someone taken so high, and with so much expected from him, for him to have had such a pathetic performance against a weak opponent in the Patriots, is well, worthy of a big, stinky game-used sock.

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS
During his last two seasons (2007-08) playing with Jay Cutler in Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall averaged 103 catches for 1,295 yards with 13 touchdowns during that span. The two are reunited in the Windy City in 2012 and if they pick up where they left off it could pay huge fantasy dividends. Despite being stuck in Miami the past two seasons, Marshall has still been productive. He had a touchdown and/or 100 yards receiving in eight games on his way to pulling in 81 balls for 1,214 yards in 2011.

SCHEDULE
The Bears schedule ranks 20th with their opponents posting a .492 winning percentage last season. The first half of the schedule is extremely fantasy friendly with five of their first eight games at home and road games at Green Bay, Dallas, and Jacksonville. The fantasy playoffs look bright too. The Bears are indoors at Minnesota in Week 14, at home to Green Bay in Week 15 and a trip to the desert for a Week 16 showdown with the Cardinals. Owners will get a good chance to watch their Bears’ players in the spotlight with five nationally televised games on tap.

STUD
A season-ending injury coupled with the arrival of new faces in the Bears’ backfield may be enough to make owners shy away from Matt Forte. That could prove to be a mistake. Before spraining in his knee in Week 13 he was posting elite-type numbers and stilled tallied nearly 1,500 total yards. In fact, he’s totaled at least 1400 yards during each season of his career. Forte is going to be hard pressed to match those numbers with fewer touches likely and the TD totals have never been great (10 total TD’s over past two seasons). Regardless consider him a low-end RB1 with a bit more upside in PPR formats.

DUD
Despite the fact that he is entering training camp as the Bears No. 2 WR on the team’s official depth chart, owners need to shy away from Devin Hester.  The four-year project of the speedster at wide receiver has produced some mediocre results. He mustered just five catches over 20 yards and found the end zone just one time in 2011. With offseason additions at the position via free agency and the draft, the competition will be fierce for targets and Hester is just too inconsistent to count on.

SLEEPER
In addition to having Marshall rejoin him as a teammate Jay Cutler also gets a boost with the departure of Mike Martz as the team’s offensive coordinator. New offensive coordinator Mike Tice has already removed the seven-step drops that led to Cutler being on his back frequently. His decision making is getting better and there’s never been a question about Cutler’s arm strength. He was on his way to one of his best seasons before suffering a season-ending hand injury in Week 10. He is a great low-end QB1 option that should fall into the mid-rounds on draft night.

NEW ADDITION
With their ability to lock up Forte long term in question, the Bears moved to sign Michael Bush during free agency. Bush excelled filling in for the oft injured Darren McFadden the past two seasons in Oakland, including carrying the ball 256 times for 977 yards a year ago. Over the past two seasons Bush has scored 16 total touchdowns and even if Forte stays healthy, he figures to get a ton of work at the goalline for the Bears in 2012. He’s a great handcuff option for Forte owners and should be viewed as a decent RB3 in deeper leagues.

POSITION BATTLE
We know what Hester can provide and it looks like Johnny Knox isn’t going to be a factor with his neck injury which leaves rookie Alshon Jeffrey and veteran Earl Bennett as players to watch this preseason. Both are nice options for late-round picks with high upside. Jeffrey has the tools and the talent, but is raw and could start slow. Bennet, who figures to slide into the slot position, is a former college teammate of Cutler and has obvious chemistry with his signal caller. The two will battle it out for targets all season long.

BENCH BUILDER
Kellen Davis was lost in a Mike Martz-ran offense where tight ends are non-existent, finishing with just 18 receptions a year ago. Expect him to see a larger role in the team’s passing game in the season ahead. Amazingly, he led the Bears’ offense in 2011 with five receiving touchdowns. At 6-foot-7, Davis is a huge target and one that the Bears would like to utilize. He’s a sly pick late on draft day or for $1 on auction night. If he goes undrafted it won’t be long before he’s hot waiver wire fodder.

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl preview, chicago bears, brandon marshall, jay cutler, matt forte, michael bush, kellen davis, alshon jeffrey, earl bennett

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Broncos and Dolphins have reached a deal that will send wide receiver Brandon Marshall to Miami in exchange for a second-round pick this year and what appears to be a second-round selection in 2011.

Marshall has been one of the league’s premier receivers over the past three seasons, catching 307 balls for 3,710 yards 23 touchdowns while averaging over 12 yards per catch.

The Broncos made it clear earlier this off-season that they wanted to trade the much maligned wideout, but were hoping for a first-round pick in exchange.

Marshall’s arrival in Miami immediately improves a weak Dolphins’ passing game. His arrival likely means that former first-round pick Ted Ginn Jr. will be traded.

FANTASY IMPACT: After playing with Kyle Orton a year ago, expect Marshall to only get better now by being paired with up-and-coming signal caller Chad Henne. He remains a top 10 fantasy wideout with the potential to be a top three candidate worthy of a pick somewhere between Rounds 3 through 5. Henne also gets a big spike in value and could prove to be a nice mid-draft steal.

Fantasy Football, NFL denver broncos, miami dolphins, brandon marshall, chad henne

With the NFL less than two weeks away expect to see some more wheeling and dealing in the NFL. Here are a few guys that could be on the move:

WR Brandon Marshall (DEN) – Denver already tendered the talented, but malcontent wideout making any team willing to come off a first-round pick a lock to acquire the 25-year old. However, there has been little interest to this point. Expect that to change as the draft approaches.

RB Marshawn Lynch (BUF) – With a new GM and head coach and Fred Jackson emerging as the team’s No. 1 running back, the Bills’ former first-rounder has become expendable. He carries a ton of baggage, but at 23 he possesses enough upside that if Buffalo settles for a mid-round pick they’ll likely get it.

QB Jason Campbell (WAS) – Donovan McNabb’s arrival to the nation’s capitol all but seals the deal that Campbell will suit up somewhere else in 2010. He could prove to be a steal for a team willing to come off a late-round pick to get him.

RB LenDale White (TEN) – The restricted free agent has already asked for a trade and has little value buried behind Chris Johnson in the Titans’ backfield. His value is at all-time low, but some team may be willing to take a crack.

DT Albert Haynesworth (WAS) – Though there are reports to the contrary, the Redskins would certainly like to move Haynesworth and his distracting attitude and $100 million price tag.

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The Cincinnati Bengals decided to pass on signing Terrell Owens today, and instead they went in a younger, possibly more risky direction. Antonio Bryant signed a four year, $28 million deal today, with incentives that could make the deal worth up to $29 million. There was a lot of speculation that the Bengals would sign Owens, especially with Chad Ochocinco pushing so hard for the organization to bring him here. The Bengals were also in talks of possibly pursuing Brandon Marshall from the Denver Broncos. Instead Mike Brown and the Bengals decided to go with Bryant, who comes by way of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Last year Bryant suffered a knee injury in training camp that limited him in action during the season. He finished 2009 with 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns. In 2008, however, Bryant set career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and and seven scores. Bryant could be the guy they've been looking for to compliment Ochocinco on the outside. He will replace a disappointing Laveraneus Coles, who the Bengals released a short time ago.

With the signing of Bryant questions now arise as to what the Bengals will do with their first round pick in the draft. They have the 21st overall pick, a pick they would have had to trade away had they decided to pursue and sign Marshall. Its very likely that the team will go with Jermaine Gresham, a tight end out of Oklahoma. Gresham missed all of last season with the Sooners due to a knee injury. If he is fully recovered, there's a good chance he could be just the guy they've been looking for to fill the void at tight end. The Bengals thought they had that last year when they drafted Chase Coffman out of Missouri, but unfortunately he hasn't impressed and never saw the field last season. Gresham would provide the pass catching tight end the team so drastically needs.

There's also been a lot of buzz around Cincinnati saying the Bengals should try to get Cincinnati Bearcats' wideout, Mardy Gilyard if at all possible in the second round. Adding Mardy to the mix would make this offense insane! Gilyard would give Carson Palmer his down the field, breakaway threat. He would also boost the kick return game, something this team desperately needs! Its not likely that Gilyard will fall to the Bengals in the second round, but its not out of the question either. Nobody thought Rey Maualuga would fall as far as he did last year and the Bengals snatched him up in the second round. Its also very possible that the Bengals may take a chance and draft Gilyard in the first round, but that might be stretching it.

Regardless of what the Bengals do in the draft, the additions of Bryant and Matt Jones (picked up last month in free agency) have this offense taking shape as possibly being one of the most lethal in the NFL. Ochocinco, Bryant, Jones and Andre Caldwell should dramatically improve on the numbers put up by the 26th ranked passing attack from last year. And with Palmer at the helm and a solid running attack headed up by Cedric Benson, this Bengals team could be scary. They could be 2005 playoff team scary!

NFL cincinnati bengals, antonio bryant, terrell owens, chad ochocinco, brandon marshall, jermaine gresham, mardy gilyard, carson palmer, matt jones, andre caldwell, rey maualuga, cedric benson

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Denver Broncos have tendered disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Marshall with a first-round tender.

If another team makes a player with a first-round tender on them a contract offer during the free-agency period beginning Friday, the player's current team has seven days to match it, or it will receive a first-round draft pick as compensation.

Marshall undoubtedly is one of the league’s most talented wideouts and is entering the prime of his career. However, multiple clashes with head coach Josh McDaniels during his first season in Denver have led the team to putting him up for grabs.

The fifth-year receiver out of Central Florida is coming off a season in which he caught 101 balls 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns, all career highs. His 21-catch, 200-yard performance against Indianapolis last season was one of the greatest receiving days in NFL history.

A change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered for Marshall. If I am a NFL general manager, I wouldn’t hesitate in giving up a first-round pick if I was in the market for a wideout, he’s the best one available via the draft or free agency by far.

Fantasy Football, NFL denver broncos, brandon marshall, 2010 nfl offseason

Former Bengal John Thornton states his case for Cincinnati to make a move for Brandon Marshall...

If it were me, I would go after one of two WR’s this off season.  Broncos WR Brandon Marshall or Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin.  Both are difference makers that won’t drop balls and would take over the role as the teams “No. 1″ WR.  And I only say “No.1 WR” in terms of attention that other teams give them.  It really doesn’t matter who gets the title, just so that defenses respect everybody on the field like they used to do.  That is not a knock at Chad, but teams can scheme to take him away too easy.  He needs legit help, in the form of another WR who is as good or better than him. 

I would give up the 21st pick for Marshall if thats what it takes.  Each guy will want a big contract in return, I would offer a 3 yr or 4 yr deal worth a little more than what Coles got last year.  And of course I would dump Coles.  That experiment was a mistake.  He wasn’t the right fit.  He is a good player, but when he and Carson are still not on the same page during the playoffs, something is wrong.

Drafting a WR in round one is a possibility as well, but if you think that none of the guys at that draft slot will give you what Marshall of Boldin will give you over the next 3 years, then go the trade route.

MORE FROM HIS BLOG (AllProBlogger.com)

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The NFL regular season is just days away and few teams have had a worse off-season than the Denver Broncos.

First there was the showdown between quarterback Jay Cutler and new head coach Josh McDaniels. That resulted in the franchise quarterback being shipped out of town.

Next was the drama on and off the field from star wideout Brandon Marshall as he positions himself for a new contract while trying to avoid the wrath of the law and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. How that scenario unfolds remain to be seen.

Now as the Broncos brace for their Week One opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, there are injury questions surrounding the quarterback position.

The Denver Post reports that for the first time in a couple of weeks, the Broncos believe they will have two veteran quarterbacks ready to practice this week.

Chris Simms will go first. He got injured first, so he's had more time to heal from his sprained left ankle. He will be taking snaps today during the Broncos' light practice at Dove Valley.

Kyle Orton and his stitched-up finger will be held back until Tuesday, when the Broncos have their first lengthy practice of the week.

If the stitches on his finger and laces on the football can meld into consistent spirals, Orton will start the season opener next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Simms would become the backup and Tom Brandstater, the rookie who just finished off a gratifying preseason, will become the No. 3 quarterback.

denver broncos, kyle orton, chris simms, tom brandstater, brandon marshall, josh mcdaniels