from Tennessean.com:

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth became a $100 million man with the Washington Redskins on Friday, according to his agent.
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Haynesworth agreed to terms on a seven-year, $100 million deal contract offer from the Redskins on Friday morning when free agency began. He is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. on Friday, when a press conference has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Central.

The contract includes an NFL record $41 million in guaranteed money, according to sources familiar with the situation. The base value of the contract could max out at around $115 million. Haynesworth is scheduled to earn $32 million over the first 13 months of the deal.

He's now the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

COMPLETE ARTILCE

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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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Let's take a look at some of the latest headlines from around the NFL:

JACOBS 'LIKELY' TO GO AGAINST PANTHERS (Newark Star-Ledger)
Multiple sources in the New York area say Brandon Jacobs is likely to play against the Panthers. The Newark Star Ledger and NY Daily News echo a similar report from NBC's Andrea Kremer. Jacobs, the Giants' leading rusher, did not play in Sunday night's loss to the Giants...MORE

PALMER UNLIKELY TO PLAY AGAIN THIS YEAR (Dayton Daily News)
Even though Carson Palmer's rehab on his injured right elbow is going well and he continues to "cut it loose" with workout throws, the Bengals' quarterback was all but ruled out of playing in the final two games against the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs...MORE

PETERSON RESIGNS FROM CHIEFS (Kansas City Star)
The day began like most Mondays this season, with the Kansas City Chiefs stinging from another defeat. It ended in most extraordinary fashion, with Carl Peterson out after 20 years as the Chiefs’ president and general manager. Chairman Clark Hunt called the move — which will take place after the team’s final game this season Dec. 28 at Cincinnati — a mutual decision...MORE

VIKINGS' WILLIAMS COULD MISS PLAYOFFS (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
The Vikings will face the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense Sunday against Atlanta, but they will do so without run-stuffing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams, who might be lost for the season. Vikings coach Brad Childress announced Monday that Williams suffered a broken right shoulder in Sunday's 35-14 victory at Arizona and will be sidelined two to six weeks...MORE

ZORN SHOULDERS BLAME FOR 'SKINS COLLAPSE (Washington Post)
With his team in a free fall that has all but eliminated it from playoff contention, Washington Redskins Coach Jim Zorn turned introspective yesterday, saying that any evaluation of the Redskins' collapse -- five losses in their last six games, including a debacle Sunday in Cincinnati -- must start with Zorn himself...MORE

JAURON FINALLY SIGNS EXTENSION (ESPN.com)
Despite going on a 1-7 slide that left the Buffalo Bills out of the playoffs, coach Dick Jauron signed an extension, sources told ESPN. The deal runs through the 2011 season. ESPN and the NFL Network reported on Oct. 26 that the coach had agreed to the deal. The Bills were 5-2 at that point and in contention in the AFC East...MORE

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Here are some of the latest headlines from around league heading into Week 11's action:

SAINTS RULE BUSH OUT
It's official, Reggie Bush will be out for Week 11's match-up with the Chiefs. He suffered a minor setback early in the week at practice as he attempts to recover from a MCL injury. Deuce McAllister will get the nod, with Pierre Thomas worked into the mix too. Bush should be back for Week 12's Monday night showdown with Packers.

BEARS EXPECTING ORTON BACK
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Kyle Orton announced after practice Friday that he will be probable for Sunday's game at Green Bay, meaning the Bears' quarterback will return to the starting lineup after missing one game with a right ankle injury. Orton worked with the first team again in the short practice at Halas Hall and will test out the ankle again Saturday in a brief walk-through before the team travels by bus to Green Bay.

RAMS WITHOUT JACKSON AGAIN
Steven Jackson sat out practice again Friday, is scheduled to see a specialist in St. Louis in an attempt to learn why his strained thigh muscle, suffered Oct. 19 vs. Dallas, isn’t responding to treatment, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Antonio Pittman will start for the Rams in Week 11 as the team travels to San Francisco.

BACKFIELD DILEMMAS FOR BUCS
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers listed both Warrick Dunn (back) and Earnest Graham (Questionable) as questionable on the official injury report on Friday. It doesn't appear as if Cadillac Williams is going to come in just to the picture in Week 11. So expect Dunn to be the best bet for touches with Graham getting into the mix on a limited basis. Either way the Vikings' rushing defense is a tough task to handle.

PORTIS HOPEFUL, BUT UNLIKELY
Redskins' running back Clinton Portis (knee) missed practice for the third straight day on Friday, but remains hopeful that he could play against Dallas. Coach Jim Zorn said Portis's chances of playing are only "50-50," but Portis told the Washington Post that his knee has responded to treatment this week. "I've got two days left. I'll be in the training room working, trying to get there." Portis told the paper. Expect Ladell Betts to get the start for the Redskins on Sunday if Portis sits.

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From Fitsnews.com:

Unearthed in 2000 by a sports researcher trying to provide television announcers with something interesting to talk about on the air, the “Redskins Rule” has quickly become a phenomenon of Presidential prognostication.

In fact, depending on who you ask, the rule has either correctly predicted 16 of the last 17 U.S. presidential elections … or gotten all of them right.

More on that in a minute.

First, here’s how the rule works … “if the Washington Redskins win their last home game prior to the presidential election, the candidate representing the incumbent party remains in office. If the Redskins lose, the incumbent party also loses.”

That’s not chiseled in stone anywhere, of course, but it’s one way of saying that as the Redskins go, so goes the incumbent party.

In fact, the only time the “Redskins Rule” has failed to accurately predict the U.S. presidential winner was in 2004, when Washington fell 28-14 to the Green Bay Packers just prior to the election and yet George W. Bush still won.

Other than that, the rule has been perfectly prescient (even pegging Truman over Dewey), and some argue that Al Gore’s victory in the popular vote in 2000 gets the rule off the hook for its blurry ‘04 crystal ball.

The “Redskins Rule” will have additional drama behind it tonight, as both Senators John McCain and Barack Obama will make special guest appearances on Monday Night Football with ESPN anchor Chris Berman.

In case you’re wondering, the 6-2 Skins’ are favored by a field goal over the 5-2 Steelers … which means McCain may have a shot at this thing after all, despite what the polls say.

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UPDATE: After learning that backup running back Ladell Betts is going to be unavailable for 2-3 weeks due to a sprained knee, the Redskins have a void at running back behind Clinton Portis. That void was filled on Tuesday filled by former Seahawks' running back Shaun Alexander. The Redskins have signed RB Shaun Alexander to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network.

The Bengals and the Lions also both took looks at Alexander, but neither team opted to sign him. Judging by the fact that both teams are a combined 0-11, that was probably in Shaun's best interest. I would rather stay retired too.

Even if Alexander does comeback don't get too excited about him from a fantasy perspective. His numbers weren't that great the past two years since his MVP campaign in 2005 and now he's going to be in limited role assuming he is signed.

from Pro-Football-Reference.com: 

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Here is our Week 4 edition of Line-Up Locks. Here's a quick look at those who have favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Donovan McNabb @ Chi.

My take: The Bears are 28th in the league vs. the pass and Brian Westbrook is probably not going to play. What do you think the Eagles are going to do? That's right, pass the ball all day. Expect a huge day from McNabb this week. 

--J.T. O' Sullivan @ NO

My take: The 49ers offense is looking like a juggernaut. Who would've thought. And going against one of the poorest defenses in a potential shootout spells a fantastic day for O' Sullivan.

--Jake Delhomme vs. ATL

My take: Delhomme disappointed a little bit last week, yes, and you might have him as your #2 QB, but I expect Delhomme to throw for a couple of TDs against a Falcons team that I'm just not sold on being very good.

Lock Out:
-- --Derek Anderson @ Cin

My take: I think Anderson is going to feel the pressure of Brady Quinn waiting in the wings and make some mistakes, even though he's playing a team he's exploited big time and who essentially helped pad his Pro-Bowl stats last year.

--Kyle Orton vs. Phi.

My take: Don't be fooled by the Bears new-found passing game. They are still a running team with rookie Matt Forte. And the Eagles defense is very, very good.

--Ben Roethlisberger vs. Bal.

My take: He's hurt and going against a rejuvenated Ravens defense AND he has a rookie RB behind him this week.

RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Chris Perry vs. Cle

My take: He scored his second TD of the year last week against a much better defense than he'll face this week.  

--Steve Slaton @ Jax

My take: He racked up over 100 yards last week against a good Titans defense. This week should be no different for this breakout rookie. 

--Darren McFadden vs. SD

My take: His turf toe is a concern, but he's practiced fully and seems to be over it and has a very favorable matchup and still no Justin Fargas to steal carries from him. Expect a big day from McFadden. 

Lock Out:
--Matt Forte vs. Phi

My take: Forte is young and exciting and has produced thus far, but the Eagles have yet to allow anyone to run for much, so I doubt this rookie can break that trend.

--Chris Johnson vs. Min

My take: Minnesota's run defense is still stout AND Lendale White is there to steal TDs. This is not a good week to put Johnson in your lineup. 

--Rashard Mendenahll vs. Bal

My take: His first start and significant playing time comes against a revitalized defense with a banged up QB handing off to him.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Steve Smith vs. Atl

My take: This is the week Smith breaks out. His 60 yards last week was a tease. 

--Lavernaues Coles vs. Ariz

My take: Brett Favre seems to have established a connection with Coles.

--Dwayne Bowe vs. Den

My take: It's sad when Damon Huard makes you a better player, but that's the case here. Bowe is a safe bet for 60 yards and a TD.

Lock Out:
--Torry Holt vs. Buf

My take: The Rams offense is a mess. Nobody other than Stephen Jackson warrants a start at this point.
--Brandon Lloyd vs. PHI

My take: He had one really good game and now faces a nasty Eagles defense. 

--Chad Johnson vs. Cle.

My take: Leah Bodden is gone, but Chad always seems to falter a little against the Browns. I still think his shoulder is keeping him from making some catches and TJ has passed him on the targeted passes.

TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Kellen Winslow @ Cin

My take:  Tight ends always do well against the Bengals and Winslow seems like one of the few Browns still playing with passion.

--Tony Scheffler @ KC

My take: The Broncos offense is impressive and the Chiefs defense is atrocious. 

 --Owen Daniels @ Jac

My take: This is the week for Daniels to step it up.

Lock Out:
--Vernon Davis @ NO

My take: He has been non-existant in this offense. Despite a good matchup until he proves he's in the gameplan, he should be on your bench.

--Todd Heap @ Pit

My take: I just don't see a lot of points being scored by the Ravens offense.

--Heath Miller vs. Bal.

My take: What few passing TDs that the Steelers have will go Santonio Holmes, probably, not Miller.

TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Eagles @ Chi.
--Bills @SL

--Carolina vs. Atl.

Lock Out:
--Cleveland @Cin
--Cin vs. Cle.
--Washington @ Dal 

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Here are a few interesting points that may help you decide what to do regarding the first game of the 2008 season:

 - Clinton Portis scored in both games against the Giants last season. He has six touchdowns in seven career games against the division rival.
 - Santana Moss had three receptions in each of the games in 2007. He totaled 82 yards in the first match-up and followed that up with 75 in NY. He did not score in either game.
 - Brandon Jacobs has just one touchdown in five games against the Redskins. He scored the first time he faced them back in 2005.
 - Last season in Washington Reuben Droughns scored twice - both times from the 1-yard line. He finished the game with a total of 3 yards.
 - Eli Manning does not have great numbers versus the Redskins. He has a QB rating of 66.3 in seven career games. The most yards he has thrown in one game against Washington is 256 and he has finished with less than 200 four times. He has never thrown more than one touchdown in a game against the rival.
 - After scoring in each of the first six weeks last year, Plaxico Burress had just four touchdowns in the Giants' final 10 games. He also scored just once in the post season and he waited until there was just 35 seconds left in the season to do that!
 - Last season these teams split their two match-ups, with the visitors walking away victorious each time.
 - The Redskins have won six of their last seven opening games. The Giants have lost three of their last four and five of their last seven to start the season.

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I begin my division predictions with a look at the NFC East:

ORDER OF FINISH

1. DALLAS COWBOYS (11-5): Assuming that Tony Romo can break out the spell that Jessica Simpson has played on him and T.O. can stay quiet (big assumptions on both fronts), the Cowboys are my pick again in the NFC East. The offense is potent under the leadership of coordinator Jason Garrett. The passing game with Romo throwing to Owens and tight end Jason Witten is tough. Marion Barber is a bruising back and rookie Felix Jones replaces Julius Jones as the playmaker. Defensively the key could come down to a pair of off-season gambles. Jerry Jones didn't blink at signing Pacman...er Adam Jones and also took a chance on the rapidly aging veteran linebacker Zack Thomas. Without those guys Dallas has a good D. If they both pan out, the Cowboys could suddenly have an elite D.

2. NEW YORK GIANTS (10-6): The Super Bowl champs will have to do it as wildcards once again. Eli Manning is finally stepping out of Peyton's shadow not that he is boasting a ring. This year will go a long way. I expect him to be good enough for the Giants to be a factor once again. The running game is deadly and gets even better if Brandon Jacobs can stay healthy. Plaxico Burress is reliable, but after that the targets for Manning drop off. The D lost Michael Strahan, but that won't be as a big of factor as most fans think.

3. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-9): I loved the Asante Samuel signing and the defense is going to be better than last season with that move alone, but offense leaves its question marks. Durability becomes more of a concern every year for Donovan McNabb and Mr. Everything Brian Westbrook is always banged up. The passing game does not impress me enough within this division to be looked than anything more than a .500 team, and that's if they stay healthy.

4. WASHINGTON REDKSINS (6-10): Two words. Jason Campbell. I am still not sold on this guy being able to be the man. Clinton Portis is a force, but he's not what he used to be and if he falls so to will the Redskins. I did like the additions to receiving corps this off-season, particularly in the draft and the defense is always respectable. However, they are easily the weakest team in the NFC East.

DIVISION AWARDS
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Donovan McNabb

BIGGEST SURPRISE: Ahmad Bradshaw

MVP: Tony Romo

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Felix Jones

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The Major League Baseball trading deadline is a week away, but it was the NFL that stole the headlines on Monday as two deals sent disgruntled Pro Bowlers to new teams.

The day began with DE Jason Taylor getting dealt from Miami to Washington in an exchange for a 2nd and 6th Round pick in the 2009 draft. Taylor managed 11 sacks for the Dolphins last year as the team went 1-15, but he has been a headache for new team president Bill Parcells since the Tuna's arrival to Southern Florida.

The move after defensive end Phillip Daniels  injured his left anterior cruciate ligament during 7-on-7 drills on the team's first day of camp and it was believed that the injury was season-ending.

The Redskins' NFC East counterparts, the New York Giants, also were busy on Monday as they sent TE Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints for their 2nd and 5th Round picks in next year's draft.

Shockey rejoins offensive coordinator Sean Payton in New Orleans and could be the perfect fit for the Saints' offense, assuming he can stay healthy, something he has been unable to do.

"Jeremy is a player that we are excited to have on our roster. He is someone I am familiar with as a player," Payton told FOX Sports. "He brings a skill set to the position that I feel will be a tremendous benefit to our offense." 

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