The offseason news fodder continues to build as NFL teams gear up for what lies ahead. Here’s a look at some of the latest news from around the league:

CHIEFS MAKING MOVE FOR QB
New head coach Andy Reid is already creating a buzz in Kansas City and it appears as if he’s ready to upgrade his quarterback situation. According to USA Today the team has yet to offer incumbent starter Matt Cassel a contract offer with a pay cut and they are prepared to release veteran. The paper also indicated that the Eagles and Chiefs talked about a trade involving former Reid pupil Nick Foles.  Yahoo Sports reports the Chiefs also appear to be the most interested team in Alex Smith, and are unlikely to use the No. 1 pick on a quarterback.

PANTHERS LEANING TOWARDS KEEPING WILLIAMS
The Charlotte Observer reports that Panthers want to keep their highly-paid, backfield tandem intact.  The team has already extended Jonathan Stewart’s contract last August and many speculated that they would part ways with DeAngelo Williams, 29, after June 1 to save on the cap hit.  It now appears the team will opt to keep Williams at his current $5 million ($8.2 million cap hit) deal for this year or potentially restructure the deal.  Ankle issues shortened Stewart’s 2012 campaign and Williams took of advantage with a big finish, including a franchise-record 210 yards in Week 17 against the Saints.

AUSTIN COULD BE CAP CASUALTY
Injuries and inconsistent production have plagued wide receiver Miles Austin over the past couple seasons and now the Cowboys are considering cutting the former Pro Bowler. ESPN’s Adam Schefter referred to Austin as the “most interesting potential salary-cap casualty in coming days” in a Saturday morning tweet.  Dallas desperately needs to create some cap room and the team can save $3.6 million by releasing Austin. It is unclear whether or not the team has offered his a restructured deal or not. Austin has battled leg injuries but did manage to catch 66 balls for 943 yards and six TD’s in 15 games a year ago.

BIG THINGS EXPECTED FROM LESHOURE
Lions head coach Jim Schwartz spoke highly of second-year running back Mikel Leshoure at the NFL combine on Thursday. "He flashed enough highs that gives us optimism that he can (be explosive), but he also had enough inconsistency to say that he's not there yet," Schwartz told DetroitLions.com. "We still have high hopes for him and expect him to make a big jump”.  After missing his rookie campaign due to a torn Achilles’ tendon, Leshoure finished with 1,012 total yards, including 798 rushing (3.7 ypcs), to go along with nine touchdowns.

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS
After a dismal 2010 campaign, much of which can be accredited to having Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, Steve Smith re-emerged as an elite fantasy wideout last season. He tallied 100 receiving yards and/or a touchdown in 10 of his 16 starts. The fact he played in 16 games was a feat in itself, Smith has played in at least 14 games in each of the last seven seasons. As the year progressed teams began to double and triple team him. With improved surrounding weapons, Smith should be able to find enough openings to make him a top 10 WR again this season.

SCHEDULE
The Panthers play seven teams that finished in the top 16 in terms of fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2011 which spells good news for the team’s ground weapons. Three of the team’s first four games come against divisional foes. The bye week comes in Week 6 and Carolina currently has two games schedule for prime time with at Thursday night tilt vs. the Giants and a Monday night affair at the Eagles on tap. Four of the team’s last four games are on the road. The playoff matchups against the Falcons, at the Chargers, and home with the Raiders are manageable.

STUD
Cam Newton was disregarded by most owners leading up to his rookie season, but after just one short year he’s risen to the top of fantasy football rankings across the web. Newton starts the preseason at No. 2 on the GSI Cheat Sheet on the heels of a season which he threw for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns and garnered another 706 yards and 14 scores on the ground. While it’s reasonable to expect a dip in the rushing totals, an increase in the passing stats and a cut down on the 24 turnovers is also likely.

DUD
Despite proven to be a productive fantasy commodity at times in San Diego, Mike Tolbert could be hard pressed for opportunities in his new uniform. With Newton being a vulture of touches at the goalline and a crowded backfield it remains to be seen where Tolbert will fit in the Panthers’ offense. However, the team signed him for a purpose so he’s worth keeping your eyes on. Some will stretch for him based off name recognition, but he’s nothing more than a late-round stab in deeper formats in our eyes.

SLEEPER
A breakout season could be on tap for third-year wide receiver Brandon LaFell. With the Legedu Naanee experiment officially over in Carolina, LaFell will slide into a starting spot opposite of Steve Smith in the Panthers’ offense. Even if a limited role a year ago, LaFell managed 613 yards and three touchdowns receiving. Targets may be tough to come by, but even if he’s plagued with inconsistency 65 catches for 900 yards and 5 touchdowns are modest projections. View him as a WR4 or WR5 with some nice upside.

NEW ADDITION
Not yet comfortable with its depth at receiver, the Panthers traded for Louis Murphy just before the start of training camp. The former Raider has always had the potential, but had a problem staying on the field. It’s going to take his some time to work into the mix with Carolina, so his draft value is extremely low. However, during the course of the season and beyond he could develop into a worthy option for the Panthers and fantasy owners alike.

POSITION BATTLE
The Carolina backfield has been a head scratcher for the past couple of seasons for fantasy owners as both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have shown flashes of brilliance at times while being non-factors on occasion as well. Williams had more touches last year, but Stewart became more a factor in the passing game as he caught 47 balls. If Williams stays healthy he’s the back to grab, but he’s high-end WR3 at best. Stewart value rises if Williams goes down, but still could be a RB3 in his own right. With Tolbert and Newton taking short-yardage touches, but players will post modest scoring numbers.

BENCH BUILDER
Owners can do much worse than Greg Olsen as a TE2 option. His debut season in Carolina wasn’t spectacular as he finished with 45 catches for 540 yards and five touchdowns. However, with Jeremy Shockey no longer in the equation is reasonable to expect an increase in numbers. Olsen has always had the tools and now needs to just find a bit more consistency to become a more viable fantasy option.

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This week didn't prove to be a big one for injuries...

QB
Brett Favre (ankle) - mutliple fractures and in boot; streak could be in jeopardy
Alex Smith (shoulder) - sprained non-throwing shoulder
Max Hall (concussion) - status unclear for Week 8

RB
Steven Jackson (finger) - played through crack in his left finger
DeAngelo Williams (foot) - injury doesn't appear to be serious

WR
Louis Murphy (clavicle) - reaggrevated previous injury

TE
Todd Heap (shoulder) - doesn't appear to be a concern

MORE INJURIES (KFFL.com)

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After drafting two teams, having an auction and studying the latest Average Draft Position (ADP) numbers from around the web, I have found five guys going in the first six rounds that you don’t want on your team.

Understand, they could add value if they slip, but you’re better off letting some other owner investing such a high pick in them.

DeAngelo Williams (17th overall – ADP):  Williams has put up some big games over the past two seasons and undoubtedly warranted some heavy fantasy consideration.  My biggest concerns are his durability and the presence of Jonathan Stewart, who could easily prove to be the better fantasy option. Williams is a solid choice, but I find more consistency in Round 2 with my pick.

Ryan Grant (25th overall –ADP):  I can’t put my thumb on it, but Grant just doesn’t excite me. While he plays in a high-powered offense, the Packers’ running back lacks explosiveness. He won’t kill you as a RB2, but if you go with other positions in the first two rounds and count on him as your RB1 you will be disappointed.

Percy Harvin (61st overall – ADP):  Harvin’s stock is on the rise following the injury to Sidney Rice, but his struggles with migraines could become a weekly concern.  I favor a few other of the receivers surrounding him on the GSI Cheat Sheet, including Michael Crabtree, Mike-Sims Walker, and Dwayne Bowe. They are all safer picks.

Brandon Jacobs (78th overall –ADP):  After rating as the fourth highest scoring running back in 2008, Jacobs failed to hit 100 yards and finished with just five TD’s a year ago.  He is seemingly is always banged up, has apparently lost a step and is likely to play second fiddle to Ahmad Bradshaw. He is worth a look outside the top 100 overall, but not this early.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh (94th overall – ADP):  Houshmandzadeh only topped 77 yards twice a year ago and had his lowest TD total since 2003. At 33, he’s not getting any better and with so many questions surrounding the Seahawks’ offense you can find a better option at this point in the draft.

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QB Game Ball - Matt Schaub, Houston - 28/40, 392 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
The Texans put a hurt on the Bengals Sunday thanks to a big day from Schaub. The Texans QB relied heavily on his stud WR Andre Johnson (8 catches, 135 yards) and his Pro-Bowl TE Owen Daniels (2 TD). It was the fourth time in six games that Schaub threw for more than 300 yards and he now has 14 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

QB Honorable Mention - Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh - 23/35, 417 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT (another big game against an Ohio team.)

RB Game Ball - DeAngelo Williams, Carolina - 30 carries, 152 yards, 2 TD, 2 catches, 20 yards
The Panthers got their running game in gear against the Bucs on Sunday. Williams and his counterpart Jonathan Stewart combined for 262 yards and three scores. It was the first time this season either back reached triple digits on the ground.

RB Honorable Mention - Thomas Jones, NY Jets - 22 carries, 210 yards, 1 TD (the Jets rush for more than 300 yards and lose?!?!)

WR Game Ball - Sidney Rice, Minnesota - 6 catches, 176 yards
The Vikes won another close game thanks to some magic from their new QB. Brett Favre hooked up with Rice on a 58 yard play that set up the game winning field goal. Then, just a few minutes later, the Ravens missed a field goal with time running out, thanks once again to Favre. Okay, he had nothing to do with it but he'll probably still get credit. Regardless, Minnesota's WRs are all better with him at the helm.

WR Honorable Mention - Welker/Moss, New England - combined for 18 catches, 279 yards, 5 TD (really, neither should have been playing in the second half.)

TE Game Ball - Zach Miller, Oakland - 6 catches, 139 yards, 1 TD
The Raiders beat the Eagles? Yeah, they did. Oakland actually looked pretty good on Sunday. The D held Philly to just three field goals. Justin Fargas and Michael Bush combined for over 100 yards on the ground. And Jamarcus Russell found his new favorite target in Miller.

TE Honorable Mention - Owen Daniels, Houston/Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota/Heath Miller, Pittsburgh (combined for 5 TDs - the TE position is deep!)

The Game Used Sock Award - Kerry Collins, Tennessee - 2/12, -7 yards, 1 INT, 1 Fum
It snowed in New England today. There was snow on the ground throughout the game between the Patriots and Titans. And while it seems early for snow, football players should be used to it. Kerry Collins was not. He has, however, gotten used to losing. And losing badly. I'm not really sure what happened in that game today. I don't think the Patriots are really that good and I don't think the Titans are really that bad. But something sure is not right with Collins. To his credit, Vince Young did not do much better after replacing him. Maybe they can both go home with a stinky sock. Or at least a couple of thermal ones.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Jason Campbell, Washington - 9/16, 89 yards, 1 INT (he had his chance against the Chiefs and blew it.)

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It's that time of the year again. The 6th Annual GetSportsInfo.com Mock Draft kicked off on Monday and the opening round provided some interesting insights...

ROUND ONE
1. HUMBERT - RB A Peterson (MIN)
2. FISCHER - RB M. Turner (ATL)
3. CLASGENS - RB M. Jones-Drew (JCK)
4. ANSELMO - QB D. Brees (NO)
5. MURDICO - RB M. Forte (CHI)
6. SIMS - RB L. Tomlinson (SD)
7. SCHMITT - RB F. Gore (SF)
8. WETZEL - RB D. Williams (CAR)
9. BRYANT - RB S. Jackson (STL)
10. DINSMORE - RB B. Westbrook (PHI)
11. SIMON - RB C. Johnson (TEN)
12. BROERING - RB M. Barber (DAL)

POSITION BREAKDOWNS: RB (11), QB (1)

MY PICK: This is not necessarily the year to pick third. With the difference between the No. 3 running back on my Cheat Sheet and the No. 10 running back in the rankings being so slim, I would have preferred to pick at the bottom of Round One in order to get an early pick in Round Two as the draft order snakes. Picking third I had to with a running back.  Maurice Jones-Drew is the flavor of the off-season for fantasy gurus everywhere. Why wouldn't he be? Fred Taylor has long stood in his way of being an elite fantasy runner. However, Taylor has fled to New England via free agency, leaving MJD is the man in J-Ville! In a limited role he's produced at least 1100 yards per season and at least nine touchdowns per year. With Taylor gone, he will get his chance at being the featured back. It's hard to imagine the 5-foot-7 running back getting more than 20 touches per game very often, but he will make the most of his chances.

BEST VALUE PICK: LaDainian Tomlinson battled a nagging turf toe injury last season and disappointed many owners that spent a top pick on him. With his age, career workload, and Darren Sproles all factors in projecting his stats there's no doubt that the days of 2,000 total yards are over. But LT appears healthy and will definitely be given the ball early and often in San Diego. I expect him to approach 1500 total yards and 15 touchdowns if he stays healthy. That makes him a steal at No. 7. Too many websites have him ranked way too low.

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: It's hard to pick a player from this group as being a bust-candidate. In fact, none of them fall under that category in my mind. If I had to pick one that may disappoint though I'll go with Michael Turner. Let me be clear, I love the Falcons' offense and expect a very productive year from Turner. Yet, the team has already said they plan on reducing his workload to ensure that he stays fresh. Plus, the addition of Tony Gonzalez and another year of maturity for the Falcons' passing game leads me to believe fewer touchdown chances for Turner. Throw in a tougher slate of games this year and it's hard to imagine Turner eclipsing 2008's numbers.

FINAL TAKE: Overall, it was solid drafting for the opening round. Drew Brees was a bit of a surprise with the fourth overall selection, but at least you know you will get consistency and that is what wins. Getting a Tier 1 quarterback is HUGE this season and Anselmo may not have gotten one in the second round. I was a bit surprised to see Larry Fitzgerald go undrafted, but expect a big run on wideouts in Round Two.

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The 2008 fantasy season in the books and there are plenty of questions that need to be answered, but nonetheless here's the 1st edition of the 2009 GSI Fantasy Football Top 50 rankings:

TOP TEN PICKS
1. ADRIAN PETERSON (MIN) - The winner by default. A-Pete won the rushing title and 16 TD's is hard to beat. He may not be the best overall RB in the NFL, but he remains fantasy football's best. The fact he still has room for improvement is scary.

2. STEVEN JACKSON (STL) - When he played, Jackson was one of the best scorers in fantasy football. In fact he finished the year in the top 3 of fantasy points per game. The problem is he only played in 12 games and was less than 100% in half of those. New Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo says his offensive philosophy is to "to be able to run the football and protect the quarterback." That should spell success for the Rams' franchise back.

3. MATT FORTE (CHI) - Having a top five pick is not what it used to be, but you can't go wrong taking the Bears' newest weapon there. He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and can break big plays. The Bears' offense will continue to focus on giving him opportunities.

4. MAURICE JONES-DREW (JCK) - Fred Taylor's days in Jacksonville appear to be over, leaving the bulk of the duty to MJD. He shined down the stretch with Taylor sidelined and now could have the chance to do so for the length of a season. He not only is rock solid at the goalline, but Jones-Drew also is one of the best receiving backs in the league.

5. CHRIS JOHNSON (TEN) - The rookie was sensational, picking up right where he left off in college at making explosive plays. If it weren't for the touchdown machine Lendale White stealing his chances at the stripe, Johnson would rival A-Pete for the #1 pick.

6. MICHAEL TURNER (ATL) - The best free-agent pickup during last year's off-season won't make it past Round 1 in 2009. He finished second in the league in rushing and put up four mutliple-TD games. Throw in a score in 7 of his last 8 games in '08 and his value is high. I am a bit worried about his 370 carries this year though as he could wear down.

7. LARRY FITZGERALD (ARZ) - Fitz has moved to the top of my list at receiver with his dominating playoff performance. He is as solid as they come and a safe bet to be near the top of the league again next year. Through three playoff games Fitzgerald is up to 419 receiving yards, 23 catches, and five touchdowns. That's following six scores in his last five regular season games. Pretty impressive. Getting quarterback Kurt Warner back could prove key though to him going this high.

8. FRANK GORE (SF) - I am still holding out for Gore to follow up on the 2006 campaign. To do so he's going to need to avoid all the bumps and bruises though. With Mike Singletary back and Mike Martz gone in San Fran, expect Gore to become the center of attention in the 49ers' attack (even more so than before).

9. DEANGELO WILLIAMS (CAR) - Even with Jonathan Stewart lurking, Williams was able to put up some amazing numbers this season in the high-powered Panthers' running attack.  He made 20 trips to the end zone and rushed for 1,518 yards. A repeat performance may be tough, but he's certainly worth top 10 recognition.

10. ANDRE JOHNSON (HOU) - Johnson makes my top 10 and is really 1A on my Cheat Sheet at receiver heading into next season.  It's pretty impressive to think about only six running backs had more yards than Johnson did through the air. That's enough for me to take him in late in the first round.

COMPLETE RANKINGS

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Man each week the NFL season draws closer to an end, and each week the depression kicks in a little more. Still, there are some great games on tap this weekend and I am going to try to enjoy them to the fullest. Let's take a look each game as I tell you how I see things unfolding and give you my picks.

BALTIMORE (12-5) at TENNESSEE (13-3) - Titans favored by 3
Outlook: The Titans won the Week 5 meeting 13-10 in Baltimore and this one promises to be another slugfest. Baltimore comes into the game off an impressive opening-round victory and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. In the Week 5 meeting the Ravens controlled the clock and limited Tennessee to 47 yards rushing. Tennessee will need more effective running the ball this time around. Ravens' QB Joe Flacco threw two picks in the first meeting, but hasn't been turning the ball over as much of late. The two teams are extremely similar statisically in PaYd per game, RuYd per game, points scored, points allowed, give-aways, and take-aways. The game could easily come down to which team can put points on the board with their defense of special teams.

My Pick: Ravens 20, Titans 16...The one underdog I like to win straight up this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Chris Johnson, LeRon McClain, Derrick Mason, Bo Scaife, Rob Bironas, Matt Stover, Ravens DEF, Titans DEF; DON'T PLAY - Joe Flacco, Kerry Collins, LenDale White, Any Titans' WR, Todd Heap.

ARIZONA (10-7) at CAROLINA (12-4) - Panthers favored by 10
Outlook: Talk about two teams that are completely different, the Cardinals and Panthers have gotten to this point in completely different manners. The Panthers have a top-notched running game and an above average defense. The Cardinals boast the league's most prolific passing attack, but struggle to move the ball on the ground and has played inconsistent this year on defense. The game is in Carolina and that could be the difference. Arizona is just 3-5 away from the friendly confines of the desert and and the Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Kurt Warner has passed for twice as many TD's as Jake Delhomme (30:15), but Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower collectively were nearly outproduced by the Panthers' No. 2 running back Jonathan Stewart on the ground (913 yards to 836 yards). DeAngelo Williams finished thrid in the NFL in rushing with 1515 yards.

My Pick: Carolina 31, Arizona 20...The Cards will have some success on offense, but will not be able to stop the run this week.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, DeAngelo Williams, Edgerrin James, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin (game-time decision), Mushin Muhammad, John Kasay, Neil Rackers; DON'T PLAY - Tim Hightower, Stephen Spach, Donte Rosario, Panthers DEF, Cardinals DEF.

PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NY GIANTS (13-3) - Giants favored by 4.5
Outlook: I am still trying to figure out the Eagles even got this point. It wasn't too long ago I went and watched them tie the Bengals. Much has happened since then and the Eagles have won 4 of their last 5 games to get to this point. The Giants are the defending champs and come into the game well rested. While the Eagles finished the season red hot, the Giants were a bit sluggish down the stretch as they dealt with problems on and off the field. The two teams split in their head-to-head match-ups with Philly, winning 20-14 in Week 14 at the Meadowlands. Eli Manning has looked rough down the stretch (only averaging 153 PaYd per game w/out Plaxico). The G-Men will enjoy a healthy return of Brandon Jacobs.

My Pick: Giants 20, Eagles 14...the rubber match should be a good one, but I still like the champs coming off two weeks of rest.

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Domenik Hixon, Kevin Boss, Brent Celek, Eagles DEF, David Akers, John Carney; DON'T PLAY - Eli Manning, Correll Buckhalter, Amani Toomer, Giants DEF.

SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4) - Steelers favored by 6
Outlook: A little over a month ago I pegged the Chargers as the most overrated team and declared Norv Turner one of the worst coaches in the league. It's amazing what five straight wins can do for job somebody's job security. Behind the Pro Bowl caliber play of Phillip Rivers and the speedy Darren Sproles San Diego has caught a bolt of lightning. Pittsburgh's defense is as good as ever and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to find ways to win. The Steelers' ground attack has been disappointing, but it hasn't matter much as they've continue to beat good team after good team. They have the best homefield advantage of any team in the playoffs and that could make the difference here. San Diego lost at Pittsburhg in Week 11 in the first 11-10 game in NFL history.

My Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Chargers 14...as much as I hate them the Steelers are my Super Bowl pick right now and I am sticking with it!

Fantasy Clicks: PLAY - Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Heath Miller, Steelers; DON'T PLAY - Phillip Rivers, Darren Sproles (fear the Steelers' D), LaDainian Tomlinson (hurt), Chris Chambers, Chargers DEF, Nate Kaeding, Jeff Reed.

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Here's some notes on the Pro Bowl selections (from Rotoworld.com):

--The Jets led all teams with seven players (Brett Favre, Thomas Jones, Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington, Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis). Favre makes it despite -- brace yourselves now -- leading the league with 17 picks.

--Giants' Kicker John Carney (44) is the oldest Pro Bowler ever.

--After sending eight players last year, only two New England Patriots made it (first-timers Wes Welker and Stephen Gostkowski).

--Tennessee's Chris Johnson was the only rookie selection.

--You may think Joey Porter is a mouthy knucklehead, but he and his AFC-leading 17.5 sacks deserved a spot, while Dolphins teammate…

--...Ronnie Brown simply didn't. 10 TDs (4 in that fluky 'Wildcat-gone-wild!' game) were nice, but he has only three 100-plus-yard games and only one other game topping even 70 yards. Steve Slaton, Marshawn Lynch and even LaDainian Tomlinson deserved it more.

--The Bengals, Jags, Rams and Lions had zero reps. Shocker.

--Notable snubs: Atlanta's John Abraham (3rd in sacks with 15), Philip Rivers (#1 in passer rating/tied for #1 with 28 TDs, and Cutler goes?), Matt Ryan (Eli?), DeAngelo Williams (1,229 yards/14 TDs and they choose Portis?), Calvin Johnson, Brandon Jacobs, Chad Pennington (The Matt Ryan of the AFC…c'mon, Favre?). And Dallas Clark should have edged Antonio Gates.

COMPLETE PRO BOWL ROSTERS

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Andre Johnson, WR, Houston - 11 catches, 207 yards, 1 TD
Johnson has been a top receiver all season and took his game to a higher level against the Titans on Sunday. His big game help the Texans give Tennessee just its second loss of the year. Matt Schaub finished with 284 yards and Steve Slaton had 100 on the ground. The Houston defense stymied the Titans who were held to just four field goals. While the game may not have an affect on the post-season it could go along way to help the confidence of a good, young Texans squad.

Tavaris Jackson, QB, Minnesota - 11/17, 163 yards, 4 TD
Okay, so Adrian Peterson had 165 yards on 28 carries - he's supposed to do that. The real story for the Vikings was Jackson. Not only did he throw four touchdown passes, he did not turn the ball over. Each of his four scores went to different players and none of them were Peterson. If this team makes the post-season it will be because of its running game and solid defense. But today Jackson showed he can manage the game when he needs to.

Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego - 34/48, 346 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
The Chargers squeaked out a win in Kansas City and kept their playoff hopes alive thanks to a late charge led by Rivers. Both his touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter and really for most of the game the Chargers did not look good. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for just 39 yards and the defense looked porous once again. But the Chargers can still win their division thanks to the win and a Broncos loss.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo - 21 carries, 127 yards
While the Bills woes continue, Lynch continues to put up solid numbers. He was not expected to do much against a tough Jets defense but they weren't exactly on their game on Sunday. Other than Lynch, few players did well in this one. The quarterbacks combined for just 355 yards and five interceptions. Yet there were 58 points scored. Either way Lynch is a stud and should continue to produce for a long time in Buffalo.

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis - 12 catches, 142 yards, 1 TD
The Colts kept on rolling in Detroit thanks to a big day from just about everybody. Peyton Manning finished with 318 yards and the one score to Clark. Reggie Wayne seven passes for 104 yards. And in place of an injured Josepg Addai, Dominic Rhodes ran for 86 yards and two touchdowns. The defense may have been suspect, giving up 21 points to the winless Lions. But still, few teams will want to face the Colts in the post-season.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 32 carries, 152 yards, 1 TD
Turner and the Falcons took advantage of a Buccaneers defense that suddenly looks like a sieve. (It has a lot of holes and things go through it easily.) Tampa's post-season hopes are beginning to fade as the Atlanta's are getting brighter. Matt Ryan was not as sharp as he has been, finishing with just 206 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. But with a running game of Turner and Jerius Norwood who needs to throw the ball?

Matt Cassel, QB, New England - 18/30, 218 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int
The Patriots scored seven touchdowns against the hapless Raiders. And while Cassel deserves plenty of credit, it is important to note that the Pats ran for 277 yards. Sammy Morris had 117, LaMont Jordan 97, Kevin Faulk 45 and Cassel 18. All of those running backs scored and so did Wes Welker and Randy Moss, twice. And while the Raiders mounted a comeback this game looked a lot like the ones the 2007 Patriots played.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina - 9 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD
The Panthers may be the best team in the NFL. First, there's Smith who continues to put up monster numbers. His game helps Jake Delhomme look good. he finished with 253 yards and the score to Smith. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 140 rushing yards and each scored. And the defense held the high-powered Broncos to just 10 points. So they can throw, they can run and they can stop the other team. Yeah, they're good.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh - 22/40, 246 yards, 1 TD
Big Ben threw for 85 yards in the Steelers final drive to pick up a big win in Baltimore. He hooked up with Santonio Holmes with just 43 seconds left to give Pittsburgh the win and the AFC North crown. Hines Ward also had a huge day with 107 yards on eight catches. And the defense did their job, holding the Ravens to just three field goals. If the Panthers aren't the best team in football then it's only because the Steelers are.


The Game Used Sock Award
Clinton Portis, RB, Washington - 25 carries, 77 yards
It was not that long ago that Portis was leading the league in rushing and the Redskins were thinking 'playoffs'. Well, a lot has changed in a few weeks. His 77 yards against the Bengals was the most he had in three games and the second highest total for him in six games. And Washington has lost all but one of those. To top it off, Portis has not scored since October 19. Heck, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a rushing touchdown against his team on Sunday! I, for one, am happy to have traded Portis in one of my leagues a few weeks ago. Sure, I missed the playoffs in that league but at least I'm not sharing a dirty sock with Portis today. (I put mine on a month ago.)

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