Pyro's Take:

We knew all along that too much stock was put in the NFL Combine, Slaton is a beast and will be receiving full time carries. Draft with confidence.

Pyro's Take:

Some people were reporting that this deal could top $120 million. It didn't reach that, but it still makes Eli the 8th person ever to have a contract worth over $100 million, if you include the $9.4 mil he's due this year. The deal includes $35 million in guaranteed money. That's just absurd.

Pyro's Take:

A comment like this doesn't necessarily put Housh in the same category as resident NFL style-bitch Braylon Edwards, but we might have to save a spot for him on The NFL Network's new fall show - NFL's Next Top Model.

Pyro's Take:

Vick is eligible to play in the next two preseason games, but not in the regular season games yet according to the ruling by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell also said that he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by no later than Week 6.

Pyro's Take:

Like we've said before, neither one is cutout to be a backup in the NFL and are more suited to be third-stringers, if not practice-team players. Whoever wins this job, the Panthers better hope that Delhomme stays healthy in 2009 or else expect to be running DeAngelo and crew into the ground all season long.

Pyro's Take:

That might be one of the funniest quotes we've ever seen regarding an NFL player. Maybe Culpepper should just go home and be an armchair quarterback for the rest of his days. Can't get sore from that, can ya Pooper!

Pyro's Take:

The speculation is that Vick will be cleared to play for the Eagles Week 3 game if all goes well up until then. Vick has been on his best behavior, so we tend to agree that Goodell will make this move.

Pyro's Take:

Mason has been a trooper throughout his career as he has only missed a total of six games in his 12-year stay with the NFL. He's also been one of the steadiest performers over the past decade, always giving fantasy owners exactly what they expect each year. That doesn't look to change in 2009.

Pyro's Take:

This shouldn't be a surprise, as Stevie has finished in the top 15 each year since 2005 despite not playing a full season in three of those four years. The shocker is that he's only caught 11 of those 28 balls with no TDs to his credit.

Pyro's Take:

This shouldn't be a surprise, as Stevie has finished in the top 15 each year since 2005 despite not playing a full season in three of those four years. The shocker is that he's only caught 11 of those 28 balls with no TDs to his credit.

Pyro's Take:

This shouldn't be a surprise, as Stevie has finished in the top 15 each year since 2005 despite not playing a full season in three of those four years. The shocker is that he's only caught 11 of those 28 balls with no TDs to his credit.

Pyro's Take:

This shouldn't be a surprise, as Stevie has finished in the top 15 each year since 2005 despite not playing a full season in three of those four years. The shocker is that he's only caught 11 of those 28 balls with no TDs to his credit.

Pyro's Take:

Henry seems to have gotten his life in order, but that doesn't mean he got any smarter. If you have an injury that hampers your ability to do what you do best in the NFL, you should tell the coaches and rest until it gets better instead of hurting the team just trying to play.
When Henry is healthy, we fully expect him to regain his fantasy sleeper status, but not until then.

Pyro's Take:

Sanchez is just fine and will play against the Titans. The Dirty One could have a pretty good game on Sunday as the Titans boast the worst pass D in the NFL thus far.

Pyro's Take:

It's no surprise that coach Morris is yanking Big Lefty. The whole team should probably be yanked out of the NFL at this point actually. If you had Leftwich on your fantasy team, slap yourself, then drop him immediately.

Pyro's Take:

Will wonders never cease? When healthy and playing, Welker is one of the best underneath receivers in the game, so he should be a good WR2 fantasy football play today even though he's going against one of the toughest defenses in the NFL.

Pyro's Take:

Great news for Portis fantasy football owners as he'll be running against one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL. Get him in your lineup if you have him.

Pyro's Take:

The Bears boast two of the fastest guys the NFL have to offer in Knox and Devin Hester, and both got injured on Sunday. Knox will be fine and should be good to go as a low-end WR3 on your fantasy football team in two weeks.

Pyro's Take:

The poll, according to SI, was completed before the NFL's Week 2 games, and after what Favre has done the past two weeks, we're betting that some players are wishing they had their vote back.
Hey, at least they got Romo and Owens right.

Pyro's Take:

The poll, according to SI, was completed before the NFL's Week 2 games, and after what Favre has done the past two weeks, we're betting that some players are wishing they had their vote back.
Hey, at least they got Romo and Owens right.

Pyro's Take:

The poll, according to SI, was completed before the NFL's Week 2 games, and after what Favre has done the past two weeks, we're betting that some players are wishing they had their vote back.
Hey, at least they got Romo and Owens right.

Pyro's Take:

The poll, according to SI, was completed before the NFL's Week 2 games, and after what Favre has done the past two weeks, we're betting that some players are wishing they had their vote back.
Hey, at least they got Romo and Owens right.

Pyro's Take:

The poll, according to SI, was completed before the NFL's Week 2 games, and after what Favre has done the past two weeks, we're betting that some players are wishing they had their vote back.
Hey, at least they got Romo and Owens right.

Pyro's Take:

The Jets finally get their complimentary receiver to Jerricho Cotchery. Edwards still might have to face disciplinary action from the NFL concerning a recent nightclub incident, but the move upgrades his fantasy football value nonetheless. Mark him back up to a WR3 on your team.

Pyro's Take:

They needed it, as Crabtree is at least two weeks behind the curve in learning the 49er offense and getting into game shape. Again, Crabby won't have a fantasy football impact until at least Week 10, so stash him on your bench until then.

Pyro's Take:

Robiskie was touted as the most NFL-ready receiver in the draft, so it's about time the Browns give him a shot. Robiskie, however, still has no fantasy football value.
Side-note: For all the crap moves the Big Man-gina has pulled off, this trade at least makes up for some of it.

Pyro's Take:

It's good to see Marshall finally letting his actions do the talking instead of his whining. His play and his attitude are much improved, as is his fantasy football value now that he is in sync with QB Kyle Orton.

Pyro's Take:

Not that Thigpen is a total slouch, but the Chiefs should be happy to have picked up an extra fifth-round pick for the guy. This, of course, has no bearing on fantasy football whatsoever.

Pyro's Take:

Well, hopefully Mike has taken care of his primal urges for the rest of the year as fantasy football teams can't afford that type of crap moving forward. Let's just hope he didn't have to pay double for it...

Pyro's Take:

The Bears have now traded away their first and second-round picks in the 2010 draft, with the first-round selection going to Denver in the trade for Jay Cutler.

Pyro's Take:

Ginn was one of the most exciting return guys back at Ohio State, but he hasn't been able to win the job at the NFL level. Miami may end up giving him the job, however, which would boost his fantasy football value a touch.

Pyro's Take:

Dre is also paced for 1,398 yards, but that mark would come up short of his personal high of 1,575 yards set just last year. With all apologies to Randy, Fitz, and Megatron, Johnson is hand over fist the best NFL and fantasy football receiver out there.

Pyro's Take:

Is Campbell a better option than Todd Collins? Maybe, but that offense is in such disarray at this point that it probably won't matter. Neither QB should be on your fantasy football squad.

Pyro's Take:

Is Campbell a better option than Todd Collins? Maybe, but that offense is in such disarray at this point that it probably won't matter. Neither QB should be on your fantasy football squad.

Pyro's Take:

Slaton looks like he's going through a bit of a sophomore slump at first glance, but then you realize that he's 10th in the NFL with 556 yards from scrimmage. Continue to start him as a RB2 on your fantasy football team.

Pyro's Take:

With DeShawn Wynn (knee) possibly going on injured reserve and Brandon Jackson both below average and injury-prone himself, the move makes sense on all counts. Ahman's fantasy football value would come as a handcuff to Ryan Grant.

Pyro's Take:

With DeShawn Wynn (knee) possibly going on injured reserve and Brandon Jackson both below average and injury-prone himself, the move makes sense on all counts. Ahman's fantasy football value would come as a handcuff to Ryan Grant.

Pyro's Take:

Shiancoe had just four receiving TDs combined over the first five years of his career, then busted out for seven in 2008. At this pace, he'll easily smash that mark as Visanthe has become one of Brett Favre's favorite red-zone targets.

Pyro's Take:

If this isn't an NFL match made in heaven, I don't know what is: Al Davis overpays for crap receiver. Al Davis signs crap coach. Crap coach and crap receiver don't get along. Al Davis pays them both to fail at their jobs.

Pyro's Take:

As expected. If you had Wynn on your fantasy football team for any reason, go ahead and drop him and pick up Ahman Green as fast as you can.

Pyro's Take:

There's been a bit of a flu bug going around the NFL lately, but this shouldn't keep him out of action on Sunday. LT has a favorable match-up against the Chiefs this weekend, so get him in your fantasy football lineup if he's good to go.

Pyro's Take:

In his last two full years (2006, 2008), Johnson was fourth in the league among receivers in YAC, so his leading the NFL this year should be no surprise. Look for 'Dre to continue his dominance throughout the final 10 games of the season.

Pyro's Take:

Austin went absolutely berserk in Week 5 against the Chiefs racking up 10 receptions for 250 yards, most of which came after the catch. We'd be shocked if Miles stayed among the top WRs in YAC for the rest of the year, but that doesn't take away from what he's done thus far.

Pyro's Take:

This was a compound fracture, which means the bone came out of the skin. It was pretty severe, and you have to wonder about his chances of coming back successfully in 2010.
He can now be dropped from your fantasy football team.

Pyro's Take:

Sayonara Mr. Johnson! Take your two good years in the league and tweet about them all you want for the rest of your life, cause the chance of you lasting one more week in the NFL just flew the coop.

Pyro's Take:

Tauscher had off-season reconstructive knee surgery nine months ago and may or may not start after rookie T.J. Lang held up well in his first NFL start at left tackle in place of longtime starter Chad Clifton. Either way, this is good news for Aaron Rodgers fantasy football owners.

Pyro's Take:

The guy who suffers the most here is Matt Hasselbeck. If he happened to be your backup QB on your fantasy football team, you might want to think about getting a backup for your backup at this point...

Pyro's Take:

Smith also said that the Chiefs received a lot of calls complaining about Johnson's gay-bashing and comments about coach Todd Haley. Our take is that there will at least be a suspension of some sort and wouldn't be surprised if LJ never plays another down in the NFL. Feel free to drop him off your fantasy football team as he was pretty much worthless before this mess anyway.

Pyro's Take:

Par for the course with Stewart. He's not in danger of missing the game against Arizona this week, though he's a risky fantasy football play against the best rushing defense in the NFL.

Pyro's Take:

Broken record. He'll play Sunday, but doesn't have the greatest of match-ups with the NFL's No. 1 rated pass D coming to town in Carolina. He would be a WR3 on your fantasy football team at best if you have no other options.

Pyro's Take:

Wayne has the NFL's longest streak of WR starts right now (103), so we didn't expect him to miss this game. Feel free to get him into your fantasy football lineup, but you might want to check back with us on Sunday just to be sure he's a go.

Pyro's Take:

LJ is a little upset that $600,000 will go by the wayside for his little twittering episode. Our bet is that the suspension gets chopped down to one game, but that the coaches don't play him the rest of the year.
Drop this cancer from your fantasy football team or risk what the fantasy karma Gods have in store for you.

Pyro's Take:

Jarrett has been a real disappointment for the Panthers since they drafted him a couple years ago. The Cardinals have one of the more porous pass defenses in the NFL, so if Jarrett can't do anything in his chance to start this Sunday, expect Carolina to take a good look at his future with the team in the off-season.

Pyro's Take:

That's a HUGE loss for Matt Schaub and the Texans, as Daniels had garnered the most tight end targets in the NFL up to this point. Schaub's fantasy football value takes a slight hit to be sure, while Owen owners must now look to either their bench or the waiver wire for a replacement.

Pyro's Take:

Marshall has been on his best behavior since all that prima donna stuff went down in the Pre, so this move doesn't shock us at all. Everybody's happy when you're winning and playing well, especially Marshall fantasy football owners who took the chance on him and have seen decent returns thus far.

Pyro's Take:

Both TDs came from over 100 yards which establishes a new NFL record. Ginn, however, loses a bunch of fantasy football value due to his demotion to non-starter, but he didn't have a whole hell of a lot in the first place.

Pyro's Take:

Say good bye to one of the bigger pricks the NFL has had to endure over the past decade. He can be dropped from fantasy football teams any day now, as he was pretty much worthless before his latest freak-out anyway.

Pyro's Take:

In case you haven't noticed, there is quite a large bug floating around the NFL this year, sometimes keeping full teams from practicing on certain days. Willie should be fine, but he's still not worth a fantasy football play this weekend.

Pyro's Take:

Through his first eight games, Harvin has 64 touches (eight runs, 28 catches and 28 kickoff returns) and is tied for 35th in the NFL with 46 targets despite being the WR3 on his team (one target behind Bernard Berrian). On top of all that, Percy also says that his health is "great" right now, so his production doesn't look to stop anytime soon. Keep playing him as a WR3 on your fantasy football team and continue to reap the rewards.

Pyro's Take:

The Human Tripod seems to have been running on all three legs this year with Favre as his QB. He's become a top-ten fantasy football tight end this year and can be started just about any week you choose from here on out (this week excluded due to the Vikings bye).

Pyro's Take:

Lewis also went on to say that though he is disappointed with the Browns 1-7 record this year, that would not be the reason he is retiring.
Our guess is that he is forced to draft and start himself in his fantasy football league and is sick of losing because of it.

Pyro's Take:

What else can we say but 'Good Riddance' LJ. You have been a perpetual scar on the face of the National Football League for the past seven years and we are glad to see you go. Don't call us, we'll call you... and feel free to hold your breath for that call.
As for fantasy football, please, for the love of all that is holy, please tell us that you've already dropped his sorry ass from your team.

Pyro's Take:

The Patriots don't want him because they know he's useless. The Redskins might want him because Daniel Snyder is a putz and likes to sign big names, no matter who they are. Lovie Smith is a cliche' gray puppet who gives the blandest answers possibly of any coach ever. Gary Kubiak is just trying to scare his running backs into not fumbling the ball anymore. And Pittsburgh? They just won the Super Bowl! You think they really want to throw a cancer in the middle of one of the best organizations the NFL has?

We'll keep you informed as the rumor mill churns, but wherever, if anywhere, LJ ends up, he won't make a bit of difference as he's just no good.

Pyro's Take:

LJ was set to make about $2.3 million over the final half of the season if claimed, which was likely the second largest reason nobody wanted him (2nd to him being a cancerous schmuck).
It has also been reported that the Redskins, Bears, and Steelers have no interest in signing the nine days shy of 30-years old RB. There are conflicting reports as to whether the Texans are interested or not, but we just heard that GM Rick Smith confirmed that the team will not pursue the free agent back, leaving LJ with very few options left.
We'll let you know if there ends up being a team out there stupid enough to grab this jackass.

Pyro's Take:

Presumably, just like half of the other players in the NFL, LenDale came down with the flu. He should be okay for Sunday's game, but he's become fantasy football scrapheap material with Chris Johnson taking the league by storm.

Pyro's Take:

30-years old really sneaks up on you fast in the NFL. The decline is rapid, whether it be in health or in your level of play, and it doesn't matter if you are a future Hall of Famer or not. LT21 has a poor match-up against the Eagles on Sunday anyway, so he shouldn't be more than a flex play on your fantasy football team.

Pyro's Take:

He might very well be right, but of course, it's impossible to predict injuries in the NFL... as fantasy football owners know all too well.
Keep LJ out on the waiver wire as it's too big a chance to take for no particular reason.

Pyro's Take:

Another part of the recent surge could be due to the coaches making a few changes and tweaks in their plays so that Turner could have more room to run, as busting his ass through the middle just didn't seem to working with the same regularity as it was last year.
Whatever the case, Turner is back to being a steady RB1 on your fantasy football team. Continue to treat him as such.

Pyro's Take:

So the sporting world has gotten sooo stiffly serious that you're not just not allowed to be funny anymore, you actually get fined close to a normal man's yearly salary for it!!!
I'm sorry, but for as nutty as Ocho has gotten, he's freakin' hilarious, and everybody in the world knows there was no way in hell he could have been serious in "bribing" that official... WITH A ONE DOLLAR BILL!!! Come on NFL, loosen up just a little, will ya?

Pyro's Take:

Broncos backup QB Chris Simms was completely ineffective in his half of action, so the Broncos will do everything they can to get Orton healthy for the game next week. The contest could very well be a shootout, so Orton might be able to be used as a QB2 on your fantasy football team.

Pyro's Take:

Wait, really? The Bengals are going to sign one of the most hated, trouble-making pieces of shit the NFL has seen in the last decade? No way!
It's also been said that coach Marvin Lewis informed LJ that he would be no more than an "insurance policy" that he couldn't foresee Johnson being active on game days unless something happened to one of the team's top three RBs down the road.
Basically, he shouldn't be added to your fantasy football team just yet.

Pyro's Take:

Has JaMarcus ever seen the stats that real quarterbacks put up in the NFL and college? Or High School? Or maybe even Pop Warner Youth Football?
Clueless? Check. Gigantic and overweight? Check. Worst QB in the NFL? Double-check.
Fit to be a Raider, that's for sure.

Pyro's Take:

Bowe will be back for the fantasy football playoffs in Week 15, but the question is, with coach Todd Haley not liking him very much in the first place, will Bowe even play upon return? Obviously we'll have to wait a month to find out, so keep him stashed on your bench for the duration of his time off.

Pyro's Take:

Jauron was 24-33 since taking over for the Bills in 2006, and now stands with a 60-82 record over his career as an NFL head coach. As Bears fans know all too well, this move should have been made long ago... like maybe right after his first game when they should have realized what a mistake they made by hiring him in the first place.

Pyro's Take:

Morgan and Crabtree make up an extremely talented, young receiving duo and could be paired together for a long time to come. Morgan, however, still isn't a fantasy football consideration, and Isaac Bruce might as well be playing soccer as far as fantasy is concerned.

Pyro's Take:

Morgan and Crabtree make up an extremely talented, young receiving duo and could be paired together for a long time to come. Morgan, however, still isn't a fantasy football consideration, and Isaac Bruce might as well be playing soccer as far as fantasy is concerned.

Pyro's Take:

If Orton can't go this weekend, expect the Broncos to take the defeat as neither of their backups have shown they can handle themselves in an NFL game yet. If Kyle does play, he might be a decent fantasy football start in what could be a shootout on Sunday against the Chargers.

Pyro's Take:

If Orton can't go this weekend, expect the Broncos to take the defeat as neither of their backups have shown they can handle themselves in an NFL game yet. If Kyle does play, he might be a decent fantasy football start in what could be a shootout on Sunday against the Chargers.

Pyro's Take:

Our guess is that coach Tom Cable is just lighting a fire under his ass and that the team is not giving up on him just yet. However, they probably should as he looks like one of the worst starting QBs ever to lace 'em up in the NFL. We'd have a tough time telling you to keep him on your fantasy football team even in dynasty leagues at this point.

Pyro's Take:

This is really too bad, as Ronnie was having a real nice season both in real life and in fantasy football. The injury is suspected to be a Lisfranc fracture in the midsection of his right foot, which could keep him out of action all the way through to 2010 training camp.
He can safely be dropped from all fantasy teams except those in dynasty leagues.

Pyro's Take:

Holy shit! Cowher is exactly the type of coach the Bears need!
Chicago fans deserve more than having to hear another year of Lovie Smith saying "there's still a lot of football to be played", or "I still feel like we're in the mix", or "there's just a few small things we need to correct".
Mr. Cowher, we certainly understand and appreciate the respect you have for all those involved, but please, here's a pen, and in fact, here are the keys to the Bic factory... please, for the love of George Halas, please please please just sign on the dotted line.

Pyro's Take:

Winslow keeps amassing the targets as he has become rookie QB Josh Freeman's safety valve as he gets used to NFL ball. Continue to start the talented tight end on your fantasy football team and reap the benefits of the Bucs offensive situation.

Pyro's Take:

Bruce's run in the NFL is about to come to an end, though we're sure he could grab a coaching position anytime he wants once he hangs his cleats up for good. Bruce could be debated as being one of the 10 best receivers of all-time, especially when you bring his stats into the conversation.
You can safely drop him from you fantasy football team now.

Pyro's Take:

So that's why he's listed as questionable this week. Big Ben made it through a full week of practice without a setback, so everyone assumed he would just be playing Sunday no matter what.
Check back with us tomorrow and Sunday to see what the final call is before sticking him in your fantasy football lineup this weekend.

Pyro's Take:

This is, of course, just the word of a reporter, so nothing is for sure yet. However, we have no reason to doubt La Canfora, so it looks like Benson will be playing Sunday. How much he plays is the question.
Check back with us until noon to get the official scoop on CedBen, but for now, it looks safe to get him in your fantasy football lineup.

Pyro's Take:

With all that Favre has accomplished over his storied career, this is one record that should definitely not be overlooked. Just to last 282 games in the NFL, at any position, is a feat in itself, but to not miss a single game for that long is truly something special.
On top of this amazing accomplishment, the 40-year old QB is also having one of the best fantasy football seasons in his 19-year career.

Pyro's Take:

Hightower is second in the NFL in both receptions and RB targets, so a thumb injury could definitely have an impact on his game. We'll keep you updated as to whether this will affect his fantasy football value or not.

Pyro's Take:

What a sad day in sports. Granted, Elam was absolutely awful this year, making just 12-of-19 field goals while missing an extra point to boot. And really, going 4-of-8 from 30-39 yards is completely unacceptable.
However, the 39-year old Denver Broncos legend likely ends his career today with an 80.7 field goal percentage while making 39-of-65 from 50+ yards, good for 60 percent. He is also currently tied with Tom Dempsey for the longest field goal made in NFL history as he sank a 63-yarder on October 25th, 1998 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pyro's Take:

What a sad day in sports. Granted, Elam was absolutely awful this year, making just 12-of-19 field goals while missing an extra point to boot. And really, going 4-of-8 from 30-39 yards is completely unacceptable.
However, the 39-year old Denver Broncos legend likely ends his career today with an 80.7 field goal percentage while making 39-of-65 from 50+ yards, good for 60 percent. He is also currently tied with Tom Dempsey for the longest field goal made in NFL history as he sank a 63-yarder on October 25th, 1998 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pyro's Take:

Slaton is starting to regain a bit of the fantasy football value he lost from the first half of the season. Despite being benched after one carry in Week 8 and not starting the following game, Slaton is still fourth in the league in RB receptions, leads the NFL in receiving TDs for a RB, and has seven touchdowns overall. Not too shabby for a down year.

Pyro's Take:

If this is the end for Jamal, the 9-year veteran will finish with 10,607 rushing yards to go along with 58 rushing TDs. The 10,607 yards places him at 21st on the all-time NFL list, which ranks him ahead of Hall of Fame players such as Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor, and Larry Csonka. The 2,066 yards he ran for in 2003 while with the Baltimore Ravens are the second most yards ever gained in a single season (Eric Dickerson, 2,105), while his single game mark of 295 yards gained on September 14th, 2003 are the second most ever next to Adrian Peterson's 296 yards in 2007.
You may have slowed down the past couple years Mr. Lewis, but you had a fine nine-year career and should be proud.

Pyro's Take:

Portis was having a very frustrating year up until that point, and we're guessing he is looking forward to regaining his strength in the off-season after being abused in terms of mileage his whole career. He'll likely start for the 'Skins next year, but we wouldn't expect much improvement fantasy football-wise.

Pyro's Take:

With all that has been in the papers and on-line about concussions lately, you can't blame Westy, or any football player for being scared. The sheer size of players nowadays and the force with which they hit you can cause permanent damage on any single play.
We'd be surprised if Westy makes it back to form this year, but just in case, keep him on the end of your fantasy football bench.

Pyro's Take:

The doctors said that Slaton has a nerve issue in his neck and that the injury should heal on its own, but will take at least 4-6 weeks to do so. It was also stated that the issue was in no way career threatening.
You can safely drop Slaton from your fantasy football teams now.

Pyro's Take:

Ward is one tough cookie. In fact, he's probably the toughest receiver in the NFL right now, so we're guessing he makes a go of it tonight. The weather conditions in Cleveland, however, make him no more than a low-end WR3 play on your fantasy team this week.

Pyro's Take:

If it were almost any other starting QB in the NFL, we'd say the team needs him back against the Pats. However, this is Delhomme we're talking about. Moore won't do any worse than Jake would, though neither should even be close to sitting on your fantasy football roster right now.

Pyro's Take:

When Bruce Gradkowski got hurt at the end of the first half last week, Russell was the one who replaced him. In one half of play, Russell threw one interception, fumbled once (Raiders recovered), and was sacked SIX times. Russell's days in Oakland are likely over, and it's possible he never plays another down in the NFL.

Pyro's Take:

The NFL has experienced a number of horrific events over it's existence, but none of them compares to when a player loses his life. Chris Henry may have been a troubled soul early on in his career, but he turned his life around as of late, and was even said to have been planning his wedding in the days leading up to his death.
Our condolences go out to Chris Henry's family and all those involved in his life.

Pyro's Take:

Sweed was a disappointment again this year as rookie WR Mike Wallace passed him up early in the year for Pittsburgh's WR3 duties. Sweed ended the season with just one catch for five yards, with that one catch also equaling the number of tackles he had on the year.

Pyro's Take:

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! The world gets to watch QB Derek Anderson run the Cleveland offense once again, which is basically akin to watching "The Hangover", "Wedding Crashers", and "Old School" back-to-back-to-back. Thank goodness for late-season entertainment.

Pyro's Take:

One step closer to the world catching a full game glimpse of the bad boy known as Brian Brohm.

Pyro's Take:

The 49ers will instead use Ricky Schmitt for the kicking duties Sunday. It's his first NFL game, so he may be a bit nervous, but there are plenty of points to be had against the Lions, so if Nedney was your guy, think about grabbing Schmitt as his replacement on your fantasy team this week.

Pyro's Take:

Just for fans of the NFL, it would have been nice to see Bruce suit up one last time, but that's not going to happen. If Bruce has indeed played his final snap, he will end his career with 1,024 receptions, 15,208 yards, and 91 TDs.

Pyro's Take:

Just when it looked like Gonzo might be ready to return, poof! He's gone-zo. With Pierre Garcon playing so well this year, Gonzalez may go back to the slot in 2010 instead of taking over that coveted outside position like he was going to before his injury. He's still worth keeping on your roster if you're in a fantasy dynasty league, but he might not have the same value as before.

Pyro's Take:

And the Matt Moore show continues, which is a good thing for the Panthers. Moore is 2-1 as a starter now and has outplayed two of the best QBs in the NFL over that stretch, Tom Brady and Brett Favre. He's still hardly worth your fantasy time, however.

Pyro's Take:

It should be mentioned that he was put on IR so that Dr. James Andrews could clean up his knee and that it has nothing to do with his shoulder. Drew Stanton will take over for Stafford as the starting QB, but he's not even close to being worth a pickup for your fantasy team.

Pyro's Take:

Ahmad Bradshaw will get the start against Minnesota, and if you play your fantasy Super Bowl this weekend, he could end up being a decent RB2 for your team.

Pyro's Take:

Manning led his team to a NFL-best 14-2 record while setting personal high marks in both completions (393) and completion percentage (68.8). He also finished with 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns, the second-highest totals in his 12-year career.
Out of the 50 votes, Manning received 39.5 while Drew Brees had 7.5 to come in second. Philip Rivers had 2 votes and Brett Favre had 1.

Pyro's Take:

The Seahawks still need to interview a minority candidate to fulfill the stipulations of the Rooney Rule, but the deal looks all but done. Carroll also corralled his offensive coordinator from USC, Jeremy Bates, to run the Seattle offense. Bates was thought to be a candidate for the Chicago Bears OC because of his connection to Jay Cutler, but chose to follow his fellow USC coach instead.

Pyro's Take:

This sounds about right to us, as it hasn't looked good for Boldin all week long. He's listed as questionable, and will be checked out right before game time, but the Cards aren't likely to sacrifice the roster spot if his leg doesn't look better than 75 percent.

Pyro's Take:

Holmes was seventh in the NFL in receiving yards this year with 1,248 and put up career highs in receptions (79), first downs (63) and yards. He played all 16 games and is set to make just $755,000 in the last year of his rookie contract in 2010. We expect a deal to be reached before training camp as well.

Pyro's Take:

CJ28 earned 38.5 votes out of 50, while Drew Brees came in second with 9, Peyton Manning in third with 1.5, and Philip Rivers in fourth with 1. Johnson was ridiculous this year putting up just the sixth 2,000-yard rushing season, 16 TDs, and 11 straight 100-yard games (including 6 straight of 125+ yards). He has pretty much established himself as a top-3 pick in the 2010 fantasy draft, and likely will be the consensus No. 1.

Pyro's Take:

There were a bunch of good candidates this year, from the aforementioned Lewis, Payton, and Turner, to the Colts Jim Caldwell, Eagles Andy Reid, Cardinals Ken Whisenhunt, and Jets Rex Ryan. With all the tragedy that could have crippled his team, not to mention the injuries and scheme adjustments the team went through, Marvin Lewis was still able to lead the Bengals to an AFC North title and the playoffs with a record of 10-6. This was a very much deserved and earned award by Coach Lewis.

Pyro's Take:

Mason first said that he was done for sure, but the 13-year veteran came back to say on Monday that he's now 60-40 in favor of retiring, thus forcing the Ravens monetary hand as they desperately need him to stick around next year.
If Mason has indeed played his final down in the NFL, he will have ended up with 863 receptions (14th all-time) and 11,089 yards (23rd all-time).

Pyro's Take:

If this really is the end for the former grocery store shelf-stocker, it's been quite a ride and a truly inspirational story. All the way from working for $5.50/hr. at the local Hy-Vee to becoming a 4-time NFL Pro Bowl QB, Warner ended up winning two league MVP awards and one Super Bowl with his former team, the St. Louis Rams. He is also one of just two QBs all-time to throw 100 TD passes for two different franchises.
Warner will retire with 32,344 passing yards (26th all-time), 208 passing TDs (26th all-time), a 93.7 career passer rating (currently 6th all-time), an average of 258.8 passing yards/game (2nd all-time, P. Manning), and a career completion percentage of 65.5% (2nd all-time, C. Pennington).

Pyro's Take:

Schaub was somewhat of a snub in the first place, and since Philip Rivers also pulled out of the game, Schaub ends up getting the Pro Bowl start on Sunday.
Schaub actually had more yards, more TDs, and a better QB rating than Brady did on the year, and most importantly, his team beat Brady's Patriots head-to-head in the final week of the season.

Pyro's Take:

Schaub was somewhat of a snub in the first place, and since Philip Rivers also pulled out of the game, Schaub ends up getting the Pro Bowl start on Sunday.
Schaub actually had more yards, more TDs, and a better QB rating than Brady did on the year, and most importantly, his team beat Brady's Patriots head-to-head in the final week of the season.

Pyro's Take:

No argument here. What Young did for the Titans once he replaced Kerry Collins was nothing short of Pro Bowl-worthy. After starting off 0-6, Young was finally inserted into the starting lineup and led the team to an 8-2 record down the stretch while just barely missing the playoffs. If there's anything that can be said about Vinsanity, it's that he's a winner, plain and simple.

Pyro's Take:

No argument here. What Young did for the Titans once he replaced Kerry Collins was nothing short of Pro Bowl-worthy. After starting off 0-6, Young was finally inserted into the starting lineup and led the team to an 8-2 record down the stretch while just barely missing the playoffs. If there's anything that can be said about Vinsanity, it's that he's a winner, plain and simple.

Pyro's Take:

Love to see that Heath made the squad here. He had an outstanding season and would have easily made the roster if it weren't for guys like Antonio Gates and Clark standing in his way. Miller far surpassed his career highs in both receptions (76, was 48) and receiving yards (789, was 566) in 2009 and was a key component in helping QB Ben Roethlisberger surpass his own career highs in completions, completion percentage, and yards this year.

Pyro's Take:

Love to see that Heath made the squad here. He had an outstanding season and would have easily made the roster if it weren't for guys like Antonio Gates and Clark standing in his way. Miller far surpassed his career highs in both receptions (76, was 48) and receiving yards (789, was 566) in 2009 and was a key component in helping QB Ben Roethlisberger surpass his own career highs in completions, completion percentage, and yards this year.

Pyro's Take:

Warner left with one year remaining on a two-year, $23 million contract, so he must really be looking forward to leaving the game. He retires with 32,344 passing yards (26th all-time), 208 passing TDs (26th all-time), a 93.7 career passer rating (currently 6th all-time), an average of 258.8 passing yards/game (2nd all-time, P. Manning), and a career completion percentage of 65.5% (2nd all-time, C. Pennington). He also has two league MVPs and one Super Bowl ring to his credit.

Pyro's Take:

Westy still has a ton of talent and can probably still produce at the NFL level, it just won't be for the Eagles. His injury woes are too concerning for the team's management at this point, so LeSean McCoy will get the chance in 2010 to take over for Westbrook as the starting RB of the future.
The 30-year old running back has already stated that he will not be retiring, so we'll see where the multi-talented RB shows up soon enough.

Pyro's Take:

Westy still has a ton of talent and can probably still produce at the NFL level, it just won't be for the Eagles. His injury woes are too concerning for the team's management at this point, so LeSean McCoy will get the chance in 2010 to take over for Westbrook as the starting RB of the future.
The 30-year old running back has already stated that he will not be retiring, so we'll see where the multi-talented RB shows up soon enough.