Andy Dalton had a breakout rookie season after the Bengals nabbed the quarterback in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. While much needs to still be written in terms of Dalton’s career will shape up to be it does leave some optimism for teams that may look to fill a need at the position after their first pick. However, history is not on their side.

The best QB taken in Round 2 over the past decade or so was Drew Brees, who was drafted by the Chargers with the No. 32 overall pick (before league expanded to 32 teams). Brees has delivered during his career, posting Hall of Fame type numbers. In between Brees and Dalton though there have been some swings and misses:

Andy Dalton (Bengals), 2011
Colin Kaepernick (49ers), 2011
Jimmy Clausen (Panthers), 2010
Pat White (Dolphins), 2009
Brian Brohm (Packers), 2008
Chad Henne (Dolphins), 2008
Kevin Kolb (Eagles), 2007
John Beck (Dolphins), 2007
Drew Stanton (Lions), 2007
Kellen Clemens (Jets), 2006
Tarvaris Jackson (Vikings), 2006

*No quarterbacks were drafted in the second round of the 2002-2005 drafts.

Furthermore, you can go back all the way to 1991 and the Falcons’ second-round selection of Brett Favre.  While Favre will go down as one of the greatest signal callers of all-time there were another slew of busts in the ten drafts between him and Brees including:

Quincy Carter (Cowboys), 2001 - 34 starts
Marques Tuiasosopo (Raiders), 2001 - 2 starts
Shaun King (Bucs), 1999 - 24 starts
Charlie Batch (Lions), 1998 - 53 starts
Jake Plummer (Cardinals) - 136 starts
Tony Banks (Rams), 1996 - 78 starts
Todd Collins (Bills), 1995 - 21 starts
Kordell Stewart (Steelers), 1995 - 87 starts, career 77:84 TD-to-INT ratio
Matt Blundin (Chiefs), 1992 - 0 starts
Tony Sacca (Cardinals), 1992 - 0 starts

Assuming Dalton continues his success and you include Plummer in the mix that means NFL teams have only produced quality players in 3-of-22 incidents of the past 20 drafts and that is not a good percentage.

COMPLETE DRAFT HISTORY (NFL.com)

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Some interesting numbers relating to the end of Brett Favre’s Streak…

3 – Number of times Favre retired during streak.

4 – The age when the streak began of Bills’ linebacker Arthur Moats, who knocked Favre out of Week 13’s game that effectively ended his streak.

23 – Number of different quarterbacks to start a game for the Chicago Bears since Favre’s streak began.

117 – Number of coaches that have led NFL team on to field since streak started.

190 – Number of games Bengals have loss since Favre beat them in Game 1 of streak (9/20/92)

205 – Number of consecutive starts Peyton Manning has made (through Week 14)

238 – Number of different players to start at quarterback in NFL game.

297 – Number of consecutive regular-season games Favre played in.

321 - Number of consecutive games (including playoffs) Favre played in.

507 – Total number of TD passes by Favre during streak.

6,259 – Total completions during streak.

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We take a look at some of the headlines around pro football...

‘SKINS SUSPEND HAYNESWORTH
The $100 million headache that is Albert Haynewsorth was suspended without pay on Tuesday for conduct detrimental to the team and it's hard to imagine this relationship lasting into next season as the Redskins likely will seek to trade or release him in the offseason...MORE (ESPN.com)

BRONCOS TURN PAGE
The Denver Broncos fired head coach Josh McDaniels on Monday after a short, but controversial stint in the Mile High City. After winning his first six games a year ago, he watched his team drop 17 of their next 22 games…MORE (Denver Post)

FAVRE’S STREAK IN JEOPARDY?
Minnesota Vikings' interim coach Leslie Frazier indicated that Brett Favre will not practice on Wednesday, but will attempt to test his injured throwing shoulder during Thursday's practice. Frazier has gone on the record saying Favre will start if he is able to.  His NFL-record 297-game streak could be on the line...MORE (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

BIG BEN BEARING MASK
Despite breaking his nose in Sunday night's battle with the Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is set to start Sunday as the Bengals play a visit. He was already dealing with a foot injury and will now be sporting a clear, protective mask...MORE (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

NECK NAGGING ADDAI
With the signing of free agent running back Dominic Rhodes yesterday it is becoming more apparent that the Colts are not going to get running back Joseph Addai back anytime soon. A neck/shoulder injury has sidelined him since October and will keep him out of action again this week...MORE (Indianapolis Star)

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QB Game Ball - Kyle Orton, Denver - 22/34, 296 yards, 4 TD
At first glance, Orton's numbers on Sunday may only have been the third-best amongst QB's in the game against the Chiefs on Sunday. His opponent, Matt Cassel, also threw four scores and had 173 more passing yards - but most of that was against a soft-defense with a big lead. Orton's back-up and perhaps the future of the Broncos, Tim Tebow, also had a nice game with a TD pass and rushing TD. But it was Orton who started the charge for Denver and he's been putting up nice numbers all season long.

QB Honorable Mention - David Garrard, Jacksonville - 24/31, 342 yards, 2 TD, 7 carries, 35 yards (back-to-back solid performances.)

RB Game Ball - Fred Jackson, Buffalo - 25 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, 6 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
The Bills finally got a victory in 2010 thanks to the legs of Jackson. Sure, it was against the Lions but the Bills running back still deserves his due. Buffalo started the season with some big question marks at the position and now it looks as if Jackson will be the man the rest of the way. C.J. Spiller suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday and with the Bengals next on the schedule expect Jackson to perform well.

RB Honorable Mention - Frank Gore, San Francisco - 22 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches 67 yards (still putting up studly numbers on a struggling team.)

WR Game Ball - Mike Williams, Seattle - 11 catches, 145 yards
After a couple of bad seasons with the Lions and Titans, Williams has found a home in Seattle. He hooked up with Matt Hasselbeck often on Sunday to defeat the Cardinals. While he doesn't find the end-zone very often (just 1 TD this season) he has a good chance of finishing the season with 90+ receptions and 1,000+ yards. Not bad for a guy that's been bouncing around the league the last few years.

WR Honorable Mention - Dwayne Bowe - 13 catches, 186 yards, 2 TD (sure it all came late, but it still counts.)

TE Game Ball - Rob Gronkowski, New England - 5 catches, 72 yards, 3 TD
If you think the Patriots care about losing Randy Moss, well, they don't. The one thing about the Pats over the last ten years is that they play a system that works best for them regardless of who is on the field. And they ran that system quite well against the Steelers on Sunday night. Not only did the yound tight-end have a huge night, Wes Welker pulled in his typical 8 catches for 89 yards. Even veteran Deion Branch stepped it up with y grabs for 71 yards.

TE Honorable Mention - Anthony Fasano, Miami - 5 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD (was targeted by three different QBs.)

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota - 18/31, 170 yards, 1 TD, 3 Int
Really, that's the best you can do in Chicago? Sure, the Bears have a pretty good defense and they have certainly seen plenty of you over the last 18 years. But 170 yards passing? Fine, maybe your injuries are worse than your letting on. Then take a day off! And the running game never really got going and that's not really your fault is it? Or or you really ignoring the plays being called and making the decisions on your own? Hmmm. Chalk it up to another bad day in Chicago. Fine. But maybe it's time you hang it up. If not, you may have to enter the Hall of Fame wearing that pair of socks you wore against the Bears on Sunday.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Peyton Manning, Indianapolis - 20/36, 185 yards, 0 TD ( guess you don't need to do much to beat the Bengals.)

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***

RB Game Ball - Peyton Hillis, Cleveland - 29 carries, 184 yards, 2 TD, 3 catches, 36 yards
Are the Cleveland Browns for real? Before the bye week they take down the Saints and then pummel the Patriots at home on Sunday. While they have a good defense they have a big question at QB as they are now starting a rookie - their third QB to start a game this year. But where they don't have a question is at running back. Hillis has easily been the best surprise amongst running backs this season. He went from barely having the starting job at the beginning of the year to very nearly becoming a fantasy stud. Most of the time teams can win with a good defense and great running game and that's exactly what the Browns have now.

RB Honorable Mention - Arian Foster, Houston - 27 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD, 4 catches, 70 yards (ran all over a tough Chargers D.)

QB Game Ball - Brett Favre, Minnesota - 36/47, 446 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
It's hard not to give a guy a Game Ball who throws for 110 yards more than anyone else on Sunday. But those numbers are inflated thanks to a game-winning overtime drive. Of course, going into the game most people would not have predicted such a close score. The Cardinals had not kept an opponent to under 20 points since week one and the Vikings D should not have struggled against the Derek Anderson offense. Regardless, Favre put a nice feather in his helmet and proved he can still lead a team to victory.

QB Honorable Mention - Michael Vick, Philadelphia - 17/29, 218 yards, 1 TD, 10 carries, 74 tards, 1 TD (can't deny his talent.)

WR Game Ball - James Jones, Green Bay - 8 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD
No one should ever lose their job due to injury, but there is nothing wrong with someone else taking advantage of the opportunity. Jones started for the injured veteran Donald Driver on Sunday and made the most of it. It was his second 100+ yard performance in three weeks and there may be more to come. The Packers are taking charge in the NFC north and Jones may finally break-out.

WR Honorable Mention - Jacoby Ford, Oakland - 6 catches, 148 yards (soon-to-be the week's most added player.) 

The Game Used Sock Award - Jerry Jones, Owner/GM, Dallas - 1-7 record
It is actually very rare that people in the front-office, or even owners, ever get a lot of credit when their team wins. The glory always seems to go the quarterback or running back or even the head coach. Of course, when teams fail things don't change much. Quarterbacks get benched. Running Backs get traded. And coaches get fired. But owners and GM's, they just keep pushing the buttons. And that is what is happening in Dallas. It is well known that owner/GM Jerry Jones controls almost everything that goes on with the Cowboys. He tinkers with play calling. He questions players abilities. He suggests who should carry the ball and who shouldn't. Well, the 'Boys suck this year so what does he do? Fire the coach. Hey Jerry, you're the one that hired Jon Kitna as a back-up QB. You're the one that keeps telling people Marion Barber is injury proned. You're the one making the calls. Maybe it's time you looked in the mirror. Or at least go home home in the same nasty socks you wore in the executive booth on Sunday night.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Mike Brown, Owner, Cincinnati - The Bengals are losing 10-0 to the Steelers at the time of this posting. Not only aren't you nearly as good of an owner as Jerry Jones in Dallas, you'll never have a franchise as respected as the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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The Minnesota Vikings shocked the football world on Monday when they waived Randy Moss, just four weeks after trading for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Moss, who cost the Vikings a third-round draft pick, had only one catch for 8 yards against the Patriots. In four games for the Vikings, he had 13 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

Head coach Brad Childress told players in a meeting that Moss would no longer be with the team. The two butted heads from beginning

"Randy is very sad to find out about being waived by the Vikings this morning," Moss' agent, Joel Segal, said in an e-mail to the Star Tribune. "He has and always will remain fond of the fans in Minnesota. We will let the process of the waiver wire take its course and we will move on from there."

FANTASY IMPACT: Owners should hold on to Moss for now and see where he ends up. As for the Vikings’ passing game Brett Favre and Percy Harvin, both who are dealing with injuries, lose a bit of their luster. The team will likely lean more on running back Adrian Peterson, but overall Minnesota’s offense is a train wreck right now. Proceed with caution.

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QB Game Ball - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo - 29/43, 374 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Most of the time any player that is looking at an 0-6 record doesn't deserve a Game Ball. But this was not a typical loss for the Bills. Fitzpatrick flung the ball around againt one of the toughest defenses in the league - the Baltimore Ravens. It helps to have more than one receiver to throw the ball to. Lee Evans had 105 yards and scored three times. And if you haven't heard about Steve Johnson yet, check your league's waiver wire. All he has done is score five times in the last four games and posted 158 yards on Sunday. Sure, the Bills aren't about to turn into the 'Greatest Show' since the Rams, but given their defense and shady running game, all three of these guys should continue to put up nice numbers.

QB Honorable Mention - Todd Bouman, Jacksonville - 18/34, 222 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int (not bad for a guy that hasn't thrown a ball in a real game since 2005.)

RB Game Ball - Darren McFadden, Oakland - 16 carries, 165 yards, 3 TD, 2 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD
Not only did the Raiders spank the Broncos on Sunday, they were very happy about it! Oakland set a team record by scoring 59 points against their arch-rivals and McFadden did most of the damage. After missing a few games with hamstring issues, he showed no signs of slowing down on Sunday. He also doesn't seemed worried about Michael Bush who had one less carru but managed just 52 yards and a score. Either way, it was a crazy win for the Raiders and anyone who started McFadden on their fantasy team.

RB Honorable Mention - Thomas Jones, Kansas City - 20 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD (on his way to his 6th 1000-yard season.)

WR Game Ball - Roddy White, Atlanta - 11 catches, 201 yards, 2 TD
White set the tone early against the Benglas with a big catch in the first quarter and a score in the second. Then he put the nail in the coffin with a TD and a 2-pt. conversion in the fourth. Obviously White was out to prove a point with Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens on the other side of the ball. And, well, mission accomplished. But for those that have been following football closely for the past few years, this game was no fluke. Over the last three years White averaged 1246 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This year he should top both of those numbers.

WR Honorable Mention - Kenny Britt, Tennessee - 7 catches, 225 yards, 3 TD (not bad for a guy that was nearly benched for a bar fight.)

THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Brett Favre, Minnesota - 16/29, 212 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
It's one thing to have a bad outing. It's another thing to have a bad season. It's even another thing to have a really bad game in the place where you spent most of your career. It also doesn't help to be under investigation for some strange text messages. And finally it doesn't help at all to have a fractured ankle and be walking around in a boot after one of the worst losses of your career. Brett, you can still wear your Packers jersey when you walk into the Hall of Fame but this week, along with that boot, you have to live a pair of nasty, stinky socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Jay Cutler, Chicago - 26/40, 281 yards, 1 TD, and 4 Int (maybe you can share the sock with Mike Martz.)

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Rarely are there impact trades in the NFL. But this week, there were two, including one involving a future Hall of Famer.

Marshawn Lynch gets traded to the Seahawks

Rumors had swirled that Lynch was going to be dealt, probably to the Packers. It was a little shocking when news broke of his deal to the Pacific Northwest instead of the Frozen Tundra. To make room for Lynch, the Seahawks cut Julius Jones who was fantasy irrelevant anyway.

Winners of the trade: Obviously Lynch benefits from this deal as he steps into a bigger role on Seattle on a slightly better team. Lynch will need some time to learn some plays and he likely will get at least 10 touches initially. Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller also come out with a better value as a result. For some reason, the Bills were not giving their young talented RBs enough touches. With Lynch gone, that problem is remedied. Look for Jackson to gain the most from this deal with Spiller's value increasing as well. In PPR leagues, Jackson makes for a nice pickup.

Losers of the trade: Justin Forsett and Leon Washington are the biggest losers of this deal. Clearly, the Seahawks front office didn't like what they saw from Forsett. Washington had started performing and will still have a role. Forsett's value drops down an entire tier (or about 10 rating points) as a result of this deal.

Randy Moss goes back to Minnesota

When the Patriots make up their mind to do something, they do it. And they rarely make bad personnel moves, but this one looks like a head scratcher. Moss, a future HOF WR, goes to Brett Favre's Vikings for a fourth round draft pick. Major win for the Vikings.

Winners of the trade: Brett Favre's value goes way up as he finally gets the deep threat he desperately needed. Additionally, Adrian Peterson's value goes even higher as now defenses have to stop stuffing the line and will have to gameplan for Moss. Moss' value neither goes up or down. He's still an elite WR who should be started every week. On the Patriots, Brandon Tate comes out as the big winner. He steps in now as a starting WR for a pass-first team. He's a great waiver wire pickup this week, while the Pats are on bye. Julian Edelman's value also gets a bump. Aaron Hernandez had been excelling as a potential rookie of the year and now his value goes sky high. I can see where Hernandez gets moved to the slot, away from tight end. Hernandez has the sure hands Brady loves. Look for his targets to go up as a result.

Losers of the trade: It's hard to call Tom Brady a loser (although with that hair cut it gets easier). But his value takes a small hit with his big time receiver gone. I don't anticipate it to cause Brady owners too much concern though. Wes Welker will now get the #1 cornerback assignment and double/triple teams. Welker is, by far, the biggest loser of the Moss trade. He's such a great route runner, that he's not going to disappear, but I would drop his value an entire tier until you see what comes of this.

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In a bit of a surprise move, Vikings’ quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire rather than return as the starter for Minnesota.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune first reported the story as they claimed that Favre had text multiple teammates informing them of his decision.  However, in a press conference later Tuesday morning head coach Brad Childress claimed that Favre had yet to contact him and tell him directly that he was going to retire.

Favre, 40, is coming off an off-season ankle surgery and there is some speculation that his slow recovery from it are the reason he will likely opt to call it quits rather than return for a 20th NFL season.

It marks the third time that the longtime veteran has retired, so anything can still happen. Assuming it sticks, it leaves the Vikings to turn to Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels as their top two quarterbacks on the depth chart.

The move throws a wrinkle in the Vikings’ bid for a Super Bowl and makes the Green Bay Packers the clear-cut favorites in the NFC North.

****
FANTASY IMPACT:  The biggest hit for fantasy purposes falls with wide receivers Sidney Rice (already battling a hip injury) and Percy Harvin along with tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. All three will see their fantasy values dip heading into draft day.  As for Adrian Peterson it could have the reverse effect.  While defenses will definitely focus more on plugging the Vikings’ running game, the departure of Favre could mean five or more extra touchdowns for A-Pete. He remains an elite option.

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Let’s check in on some this week’s news from around the NFL:

FAVRE TO JOIN VIKINGS IN AUGUST?
ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen speculates that quarterback Brett Favre will join the Vikings at Training Camp in early August.  The media has yet to devote the 24-hour coverage to the veteran this off-season, but it is coming.  The fact he had ankle surgery last month is the best indicator that the future Hall of Fame is not yet done playing football.

LEFTWICH APPEARS TO HAVE LEG UP
With starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger facing at least a four-game suspension; it appears as veteran Byron Leftwich is the leading candidate to start the season under center for the Steelers. Post-Gazette beat writer Ed Bouchette claims it has become “obvious” that Leftwich will start over backup Dennis Dixon.

T.O. READY FOR HOLLYWOOD
Wide receiver Terrell Owens remains without a team and one NFL General Manager said it is unlikely that he will land somewhere until at least training camp. ProFootballTalk.com reported that Owens wants to play one more year for a contender and then pursue an acting career.

WHERE’S WAYNE?
Colts’ wide receiver Reggie Wayne continues to position himself for a holdout. The Pro Bowler did not participate in the team’s OTA’s and now  has reportedly informed coach Jim Caldwell that he will not be attending Colts mandatory minicamp this weekend, according to NFL.com.

GRAHAM LANDS IN BALTIMORE
Former Bengals kicker Shayne Graham signed a deal with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week.  The Carroll County Times reports that Graham had a chance to re-sign in Cincinnati, but opted to go with the team’s AFC foes instead. The Bengals signed free-agents Mike Nugent and Dave Raymer earlier this off-season.

REDSKINS BACKFIELD TAKING SHAPE
Since his arrival in D.C., head coach Mike Shanahan has assembled one of the oldest and big-name backfields in the league, signing Larry Johnson and Willie Parker in free agency to accompany Clinton Portis. While it appears Portis will remain the team’s starter, Johnson has been working with the first team in short-yardage situations and is likely to be the team’s goalline back. Parker has yet to impress and may have problems even making the team. Washington has also made an offer to free agent Brian Westbrook, who remains unsigned.

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