BUCS ACQUIRE REVIS
After a ton of talk all offseason long, the Jets finally pulled the trigger on a trade sending Pro Bowl cornerback Darrell Revis to the Buccaneers in exchange for a pair of draft picks, including the 13th overall selection in this week’s draft.  Tampa Bay then inked Revis to a $96 million deal…MORE

MCLAIN ARRESTED AGAIN
Recently signed Ravens linebacker Rolando McClain likely won’t stay on the team long. McClain was arrested over the weekend in his hometown of Decatur (AL) for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. It is third time that the troubled defender has been arrested while returning home. With no money guaranteed in his new deal, he is likely to be released…MORE

JETS EYE IVORY
Running back Chris Ivory has long been buried on a deep backfield depth chart in New Orleans, but he may finally get a crack for regular NFL carries. Several reports indicate that the Jets are willing to part with a 5th Round draft pick to acquire the running back. If he winds up in New York he’d be the favorite for early-down work while mixing in with Mike Goodson and Bilal Powell…MORE

LACY’S STOCK FALLING
Most mock drafts have Alabama running back Eddie Lacy as the first running back to go off the board in this week’s NFL Draft. However, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net is reporting that many teams have now moved UCLA’s Jonathan Franklin ahead of him at the position on their draft boards…MORE

DOLPHINS AT CROSSROADS WITH ALBERT
With Chiefs expected to draft a left tackle with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday incumbent starter Branden Albert is on the trading block.  The Dolphins, who lost starter Jake Long in free agency, are the main team of interest. However, Albert’s high salary demands are slowing down progress in the deal getting done…MORE

MANNING USES MOVIES TO CONNECT
Consider that some of his teammates weren’t even alive when he was in high school, 37-year old Peyton Manning is using movies as a way to relate to younger players on the Broncos.  He has assigned some classic comedies from the 80’s such as “Vacation”, “Fletch” and “Stripes” for his teammates to watch…MORE

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GSI.com's Dan Clasgens look at the two seasons of the two Mannings...

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GSI.com's Dan Clasgens discuss all of the hot topics in fantasy football entering Week 2:

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Every week I’ll address five topics that have my head spinning after Sunday’s action:

RGIII
The Redskins pulled off the upset of the day by knocking off the Saints at the Superdome and the rookie was a big reason why. RGIII started the game by completing eight straight passes, including an 88-yard connection for a TD to Pierre Garcon. He was the first rookie in the history of the league to have a perfect first-half QB rating (minimum 10 pass attempts).  The final numbers were staggering – 19/26 for 320 yards and 2 PaTD along with 10 carries for 42 yards.  I had RGIII at No. 13 entering the season as the top fantasy QB2. After another take he could have top six potential. It will be hard to keep him out of the lineup in Week 2 vs. St. Louis.

CJ Spiller
There weren’t many bright spots for the Bills on Sunday as they got smoked by the Jets and watched starting running back Fred Jackson forced from the game with a sprained LCL.  That resulted in Spiller getting his chance to shine. He amassed 169 yards and a score on just 14 carries and a touchdown while adding three catches for 25 yards. Spiller’s role was perplexing coming into the season, but as long as Jackson is out of action he’s a viable fantasy force as he proved down the stretch last year. At this point, even if Jackson returns the team could start leaning on Spiller more.

Michael Vick
Few players looked worst to me yesterday than Vick. The Eagles’ quarterback turned the ball over four times and appeared to be out of sync all day long. He only completed 29 of 56 passes and didn’t look good on many of them.  While durability concerns caused me to temper my expectations on him heading into the season, this performance has soured me a bit more. I am willing to give him another shot next week, but in the end I am worried.

Adrian Peterson
We figured Peterson would be limited and expected 10-15 touches. It was closer to 20 for him as he finished with 84 yards and touchdown on 17 carries. Peterson fell in many drafts because of the concern over his recovering from an ACL injury that ended his 2011 season prematurely. He pushed many of them concerns aside. While I expect the Vikings to mix Toby Gerhart in to the equation to keep AP fresh, owners can now view him a legit RB1 option moving forward with top 3 potential.

Stevan Ridley
The Patriots may have found their running back in the second-year back. Ridley was running with force all day long and took full advantage of Shane Vereen being out and the increased workload. He finished the win over the Titans with 125 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. I still have a tough time trusting Bill Belichick won’t pull him the first time he fumbles, but with each performance like this his leash is going to get longer. He’s a rock solid RB2 option with upside until further notice.

Peyton Manning
The only thing that looked weird to me with Peyton Manning was the fact he was in a Broncos’ uniform. He was 19-of-26 for 256 yards and a pair of touchdowns and let the Broncos to four straight scoring drives. I still don’t consider him an elite fantasy QB anymore, but he’s definitely a decent QB 1 that if he stays healthy could easily lead the Broncos and fantasy owners alike to the playoffs this season.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
--Cam Newton, Michael Vick Chris Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Wes Welker, and Larry Fitzgerald.

BIGGEST SURPRISES
--Mark Sanchez, CJ Spiller, Frank Gore, Michael Bush, Kevin Ogletree (WED), and Stephen Hill.

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Here’s a list of players I just can’t see myself drafting in 2012 and why:

Peyton Manning (DEN) – Manning certainly has some potential and may be a surprise here on the list. He’s trying to come back from injury, but the greater concerns to me are his transition to a new team and his tough slate (including cold weather games). He’s definitely a QB1 I just think with all the hype surrounding him he’ll go earlier in drafts than I will be willing to invest.

Frank Gore (SF) – His role is going to decline this year, but the question is how much? With so many backs on the depth chart with some ability the touches are simply not going to be there. Throw in his subpar numbers a year ago (no 100-yard games over last 8 and 8 total TD’s on season) and I hope to do better for my RB2.

Jahvid Best (DET) – There’s no questioning his ability to make plays, but the concussion problems are the icing on the cake for his growing list of durability concerns. He has a current ADP of 80.42 as the 29th overall RB off the board. I favor some other names that surround him on the list such as Mark Ingram, Ben Tate, Willis McGahee and Peyton Hillis.

James Starks (GB) – Starks teased owners last year with the fast start and the promise of being the No. 1 RB in the Packers’ high-octane attack. Yet even with Ryan Grant no longer in the picture, there’s little to be excited about with Starks. You’re better off waiting around and taking a late stab at Alex Green, who could supplant Starks if his struggles continue.

Randy Moss (SF) – After not playing last season, Moss’ return to the league has been highly touted.  I am having a tough time envisioning him suddenly being fantasy relevant, something he hasn’t been since 2009. Alex Smith is not going to light up the world and consistency is going to be too tough to come by for the veteran.

Chad Johnson (MIA) – I am pretty sure I’ve got his name right. Ochocinco died in New England, where he struggled to learn the playbook. Winning a starting job in Miami might be in reach, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into fantasy success. At 34, Johnson no longer has the physical advantage he possessed a few years ago.

Kenny Britt (TEN) – Injuries, suspensions, and stupidity. Those are not great combinations for a player on your fantasy roster. Britt has all the talent in the world, but there are simply too many hurdles that will need to be cleared for him to be anything more than a roster stash in redraft leagues.

Jacksonville Jaguars – With Maurice Jones-Drew’s holdout going nowhere, even he’s not appealing to me. Throw in a ridiculous workload the past two seasons and a decline should be expected. The rest of the team is terrible and though there are talented players there, I just don’t want have to count on this offense period.

Kicker & Defense/ST – OK I guess my league rules require me to draft a kicker and a Team Defense/ST. However, I will not even think about either until the LAST TWO ROUNDS.  Do not waste a pick any earlier.

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One of the biggest questions entering the 2012 fantasy football season is where will Peyton Manning fall in the ranks of quarterbacks?

After missing the entire 2011 season due to complications from multiple neck surgeries, Manning was released from the Colts prior to being owed a $28 million roster bonus.

He drew the interest of many teams this offseason, before deciding on the Broncos.

Denver was a playoff team a year ago with Tim Tebow under center and certainly has some key components in place on offense.

They return their entire offensive line from a year ago and the unit will provide great protection. The team added a familiar face, former Colts’ tight end Jacob Tamme, to go along with young and talented wideouts in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.  The team lacks a true marquee runner, but has plenty of options to look at coming out of the backfield.

With his age (36) and recent injury history, fantasy owners should have some room for concern about him returning to full strength, but despite having plenty of eyeballs on him during his brief free agent period most NFL scouts pushed their injury concern behind. I am certainly not dispelling the possibility of a setback, but I am not going to assume it either.

The greater concerns should be the transition to playing in the elements, particularly late in the season, in the Mile High City and the Broncos’ grueling 2012 schedule.

Going from the friendly confines of the RCA Dome and most recently Lucas Oil Field where you play on turf and indoors is a far cry from what Manning could face in his new home at Invesco Field. Three of Denver’s last five games this season are at home, including in both Week 16 and Week 17, with another game on the road in Baltimore and Oakland during December.

The Broncos also have the second-toughest schedule in the NFL with non-divisional matchups set versus Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Atlanta, New Orleans, New England, Cincinnati and Houston. All of those teams made the playoffs last season.

2012 PROJECTIONS
4,485 PaYd, 33 PaTD, 12 INTs

FINAL TAKE
Even with all the clouds over him, Manning is deserving of being viewed as a top fantasy QB entering 2012 (currently have him 9th).  The upside is certainly there should he fall down in drafts. However, with his huge name recognition and all the media hype likely to follow him during training camp chances are he’ll be drafted a few rounds too early for my taste. 

There’s no doubt that top options like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady will go way before Manning does and rightfully so.  Manning is part of the next tier, but on the back end of it. I would easily take Cam Newton, Matthew Stafford, Tony Romo, Michael Vick, and even Eli Manning over Peyton and consider all safer and more reliable options.  Somewhere between Rounds 6-8 is the point where I definitely start considering the veteran. If you do draft him though be sure to land a solid backup just in case.

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The schedule for the 2012 NFL season was released by the league on Tuesday and there are several marquee matchups on the slate, including a Wednesday night opening matchup with the defending Super Bowl champion Giants hosting their arch rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys as always are part of the Thanksgiving Day slate and this year the NFL has a stellar Turkey Day trifecta on the slate with Detroit hosting Houston, Dallas welcoming NFC East foes, the Redskins, and a nightcap between AFC East Rivals as the Pats and Jets square off.

Other schedule highlights have Peyton Manning and his new team, the Denver Broncos, will kick off the Sunday night football schedule, as they tangle with the Steelers, who hope to avenge their playoff loss from last season.

The Bengals will get three games in prime time, including the Monday Night opener at Baltimore to go along with a Thursday Night game at Philadelphia and a Sunday Night home matchup with the Steelers.

Here’s a look at the complete Cincinnati schedule:

BENGALS SCEHDULE (day, date, opponent, time)
Mon., Sept. 10, at Baltimore (ESPN), 7 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 16, CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 23, at Washington, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 30, at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 7, MIAMI, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 14, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 21, PITTSBURGH (NBC), 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 28, — BYE —
Sun., Nov. 4, DENVER, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 11, N.Y. GIANTS, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 18, at Kansas City*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 25, OAKLAND*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 2, at San Diego*, 4:15 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 9, DALLAS*, 1 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 13, at Philadelphia (NFL Network), 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 23, at Pittsburgh*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 30, BALTIMORE*, 1 p.m.

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There have been hundreds of free agent signings thus far around the NFL. Here are a dozen of moves that should make the biggest impact:

Peyton Manning (DEN) – After trying their hand with Tim Tebow a year ago, the Broncos now turn to Manning to get them back to the promise land. If the future Hall of Famer can shed the neck issues and regain his throwing strength he could pay big dividends over the next couple of seasons in Denver.

Vincent Jackson (TB) – Jackson became a malcontent in San Diego and continuously has battled injuries. He now gets a fresh slate in Tampa Bay where the Bucs have made big offseason movement. With Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow being nice compliments and a young quarterback like Josh Freeman it could be big things ahead for the former Charger.

Mario Williams (BUF) – Buffalo had to make a splash and were in desperate need of improving one of the league’s worst defensive fronts and by landing Williams they did both.  Adding Mark Anderson from New England to go along with Williams was icing on the cake.

Brandon Lloyd (NE) – Being reunited with Josh McDaniels can’t be overlooked. The journeyman receiver had a career year playing under McDaniels in Denver and now he gets Tom Brady throwing him the ball. The presence of Wes Welker and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez could limit his targets, but expect a big year ahead for Lloyd.

Matt Flynn (SEA) – Though he still has plenty to prove the fact remains he’s the best quarterback Pete Carroll has brought in since arriving to Seattle. That’s not saying much considering the other two were Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst. Flynn had options and chose to go to the Seahawks. The last free-agent, backup quarterback that left Green Bay for the Emerald City was Matt Hasselbeck and that didn’t turn out too bad.

Cortland Finnegan (STL) – Finnegan was the easily the best cornerback on the open market and his former head coach Jeff Fischer knew it. He joins a young and overrated defense in St. Louis. It might not be this year that the Rams are ready to compete, but clearly they’re going in the right direction.

Brandon Jacobs (SF) – While they lost out to Manning, the 49ers did have several new pieces to its offense already this offseason. None may prove more valuable than Jacobs, who gives the team a nice compliment to Frank Gore and youngster Kendall Hunter. The loss of Jacobs will be felt in New York as much as his impact will be made on the 49ers.

Michael Bush (CHI) – One of the more surprising signings was Bush going to the Bears. However, with Matt Forte entering the last year of his deal, coming off a major injury and threatening to hold out the team grabbed some nice insurance policy on the cheap. Bush is going to be in the mix with or without the incumbent Forte.

Peyton Hillis (KC) – With Jamal Charles returning from a season-long ACL injury a year ago, the Chiefs found a nice compliment in Hillis. Just like Thomas Jones did in 2010, Hillis is going to get plenty of looks in the Chiefs’ offense. His receiving skills out of the backfield will prove to be an asset.

Pierre Garcon (WAS) – Garcon got paid big time to come to DC and with the Redskins likely to draft Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the draft, they needed some targets. Garcon still found a way to be productive in Indy last year through the Manningless mess.

Robert Meachem (NO) – Chargers coach Norv Turner has already promised big things for Meachem, who was inconsistent in the Saints’ offense. With Vincent Jackson no longer in the picture though there will be plenty of chances for Meachem in San Diego’s revamped receiving corps to make a splash.

LaRon Landry (NYJ) – Part of the Jets struggles last year on defense was the result of not being able to stop the run from the secondary. In Landry, Rex Ryan gets a physical, hard-hitting safety that allows him to do what he does best.

COMPLETE FREE AGENT SIGNINGS (FFToolbox.com)

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The Broncos announced the signing of free agent quarterback Peyton Manning in a press conference at the team’s headquarters in Denver on Wednesday.

The five-year deal will pay Peyton Manning a total of $96 million, including $18 million guaranteed for 2012. If he passes a physical following the season another $40 million guaranteed will be kicked in for 2013 and 2014.

The veteran had spent his entire 14-year career in Indianapolis before being cut by the Colts earlier this month just before he was supposed to receive a $28 million signing bonus.  He missed the entire 2011 season due to neck injury that required three surgeries, but has now been cleared to play and is reportedly making great progress and throwing the ball well.

His arrival to the Mile High City makes the Broncos the clear cut favorite in the AFC West and greatly increases their chances of making a deep playoff run as soon as this season.

Manning’s decision to sign in Denver has created several ripple effects and some interesting subplots:

TEBOW ON THE BLOCK – With Manning in the fold John Elway will finally be able to rid himself of the Tebow situation he inherited. The Broncos have already begun fielding calls from teams about acquiring the popular player. If he is unable to be traded the fan favorite could simply be cut.

49ERS READY TO KISS AND MAKEUP – After losing out on Manning, 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh need to smooth things over with Alex Smith, who was instrumental in the team’s run to last year’s NFC Championship game.

TITANS LOOK TO REGROUP – Tennessee was hoping to lure Manning back to the Volunteer State where he played college ball.  With Manning going to Denver the Titans need to move on with their off-season objectives.

DENVER COULD BE COME INDY WEST – Several reports that with Manning now in uniform that Denver is talking to several of his former Colts’ teammates, who remain free agents.

MIAMI TURNS TO ANOTHER INJURED QB – Eliminated from the Manning sweepstakes early and missing out on other free agents Matt Flynn and Alex Smith the Dolphins signed David Garrard, who was cut by the Jaguars last year.

CARDS GIVE KOLB BONUS – Arizona couldn’t land Manning, leaving them to keep Kevin Kolb under center and give him his roster bonus. Kolb struggled during his debut season in Arizona after siging a big contract last year in free agency.

FANTASY IMPACT – With questions revolving around his ability to throw the ball needing to be answered, a new system with new receivers, a brutal schedule and the outdoor elements of Denver it’s hard to see Manning as a top 5 quarterback, but he still makes for a solid QB1. Chances are he’ll be drafted higher than his value should deem.

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In an announcement that came as little surprise, Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning said good bye to the fans he loved on Tuesday in an emotional press conference as the team released the 14-year veteran one day before he was due a $28 million roster bonus.

In what a classy and sincere move by Manning and team owner Jim Irsay addressed the media to inform everyone of their decision.

Just two years removed from their last playoff appearance, the Colts hit rock bottom when Manning was sidelined for the entire 2011 season due a neck injury that required three surgeries.

The team lost its first 13 games and finished the year 2-14, earning them the top pick in the NFL. With salary cap restrictions and the team going into serious rebuild mode the organization was left with the decision to keep the aging quarterback entering his twilight or take the Next potential Petyon Manning in the highly-touted Andrew Luck.

The decision made was the right one for both parties.  The Colts will get their next franchise quarterback to hand the keys to the offense for the next 10 or 12 years and Manning will get one last shot at a second Super Bowl ring.

Now the future Hall of Famer hits the open market. There should be a long line of suitors with as many as 2/3 of the league likely to at least make an exploratory call.

Here are the teams that make the most sense to me based off need, ability to add him to roster and playoff expectations: 49ers , Texans , Dolphins, Jets , Cardinals, Seahawks Redskins.

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