More Late Hits To Come: Rodney Harrison Returning For Another Season

News out of the Boston area appears to show that the National Football League will be have a few more fines to issue out next season. Perhaps not wanting his lasting impression to be allowing David Tyree to make one of the greatest catches of all time, Patriots strong safety Rodney Harrison will likely return for the 2008 slate.

The 35-year old defensive back hinted in the Boston Herald that he would be honoring the final year of his contract, hopefully ending his career with another championship. Had the Super Bowl ended with a Pats win, we would likely be seeing Harrison, among others, joining pre-game teams on a bevy of television networks. Instead, it looks like this group could be giving it another go 'round.

"We went 18-0. We lost one game. I don’t know how devastating that can be in terms of us losing our whole mentality and what we’ve worked so hard for.

We still have the core guys here. And we have a lot of young talent in that locker room. We still have the best head coach in the league. So I don’t think you have to worry about the Patriots being competitive or even losing that edge.”

Harrison will always stick in my mind as a guy who jumps on piles, talks trash during every play, and missed half of this past season due to violating the substance abuse policy. His play and persona obviously mean more to the fans of New England - and for good reason. Even after missing a slew of games this year, the veteran racked up 68 tackles, seven passes defended and an interception.

But will he be able to make up for that one pass that he couldn't quite get to?

All Signs Point To Rodney's Return [Boston Herald]

Spagnuolo to Washington: Crossing Boundaries, Again?

If you have ever visited any of the key NFC East blogs (i.e. The 700 Level, Mr. Irrelevant), you're likely aware of the disdain that these fans have for the other three teams within their division. In fact, even when they are happy for the other team, they still find a way to crowbar in a little backhand or two. All of us football fans do it, it’s in our blood.

Which is why this piece from the New York Daily News caught my eye. No unit was more heralded in this past weekend's Super Bowl than the defense of the New York Giants; led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Why it was news that the championship team's defensive coordinator was at their celebration parade is beyond me. But the part that followed rang even louder.

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was at the parade, but afterwards he was expected to board a flight to Washington where he will meet with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder tonight. He’ll meet again with Snyder and his lieutenants tomorrow morning before returning to New Jersey.

Oddly enough, Spagnuolo was with the Philadelphia Eagles as a linebacker coach before taking the gig with the Giants. Its one thing to take advantage of success, but when curious to see what Giants fans think of this development regarding yet another NFC East team, I put on my detective hat and went to work. Big Blue View, a Giants fan blog had the following to say:

Losing Spagnuolo, whose passion, energy and aggressive style turned a porous defense into a dominant, championship-caliber one, would be a devastating blow
to the Giants. The Giants' defenders, who took so well to his aggressive style and executed his complicated blitz packages to perfection, certainly don't want to go into next season without him.

And the Giants General Manager agrees.

Giants GM Jerry Reese understands what he has in Spagnuolo. "We’ll make every effort to keep him," Reese said. "We sure don’t want to play against him with the Redskins because we know what he’ll bring to the table. If he gets a shot at a head coach’s job, Godspeed."

As a Browns fan, I can understand where the G-men are coming from in the fact that it was rumored that Rob Chudzinski was being sought after by the Baltimore Ravens. The quick fix was GM Phil Savage locking Chudzinksi up with a two-year extension, hoping that he can continue to help Cleveland’s assent in the AFC. Perhaps Reese needs to break out the check book, and pronto, if he intends on holding on to the one defensive coordinator that was able to stop the vaunted New England defense. And just happened to do so on the biggest stage possible.

Of course, they can just let him go to the Redskins, only to have him complete the circle by ending up in a front office job with the Cowboys...

Laying Down The Chips: Super Bowl Proposition Bets

If you have no rooting interest in this weekend's Super Bowl - aside from hoping for one of the biggest upsets in NFL history - there are fewer things better than the proposition bets.

Longest carry? Over/under for pass completions? Bodoglife.com has it all. I did a pretty not-so-quick breakdown of some of the better bets over at WaitingForNextYear. If gambling is your thing, if it were legal, I suggest you head over there and scope it out.

I even gave my thoughts on this year's National Anthem, and took an awful lot of "overs." Check it out here.

Thanks, all.

GAMBLOG: Super Bowl Prop Bets [WaitingForNextYear]

Want a Contract Extension? Move to Cleveland!

Though it had only been spoken in rumor form since the 2007 season came to an end, the Cleveland Plain Dealer has officially reported that the Cleveland Browns have awarded Romeo Crennel with a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through 2011. The deal is said to be in the range of $4 million.

This signing comes not even a month after the Browns offered a two-year extension to their offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski. And that signing came not too long after the Indians (Cleveland's baseball franchise) signed their Head Coach in Eric Wedge to three-year extension during the middle of this past season.

While rewarding Crennel for his solid efforts and turnaround of the Browns this season seems just due, I'm on the fence with this one. The Browns had a supposed successor in place with Todd Grantham, who is now the team's former defensive coordinator after he was given the curb following an abysmal defensive season for the team. So while no clear plan is presently in place to succeed the oldest coach in the NFL, giving him an extension after one year of success seems a bit much - especially given the way that other coaches (Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino) have honored their contracts in recent history.

I know that award voting is an awful benchmark to use, but is there a chance that the league was telling Cleveland something by not allocating a single Coach of the Year vote to Crennel despite being one of the biggest surprises in the NFL? The Browns will face an exponentially tougher schedule in the upcoming season, so do not count out good old hindsight come this time next year. General Manager Phil Savage may look like a genius now, but in a world of "what have you done for me lately," a regression will not be tolerated by too many fans in the Midwest.

Crennel Signs Extension [Cleveland Plain Dealer]

Low-Balling Derek Anderson Sessions Have Commenced

All in a season's work, Derek Anderson stepped into the starting quarterback position half way through an opening week debacle against the Pittsburgh Steelers and never looked back. 3,800 yards and 29 touchdown passes later, the restricted free agent would now like to get paid.

You're talking about a guy who couldn't even use his "Player of the Week" spot outside of the Browns' training facility because he and his wife share a car. Not that I can attest, but pulling up between luxury vehicles, only to get dropped off at your place of employment cannot be very uplifting. You would think that the guy could hitch a ride with someone and allow them to park there.

But I digress as the Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Browns have hit the ground running by offering Anderson a three-year deal, with terms unknown. After a 10-5 season, and becoming a Pro Bowl Alternate, Anderson is said to be looking for a six-year contract, with the obvious goal being job security and cashing in on a solid season. Given the fact that Cleveland also has another long-term answer at quarterback currently sitting on the bench in Brady Quinn, its unlikely that he'll be getting a six-year offer any time soon.

While General Manager Phil Savage has stated that the goal is to have both quarterbacks in tow for next season, it may be the last one as such given that if the two parties cannot agree on an extension, the team can slap a one-year tender on the Oregon native. Leverage will not be Derek Anderson's friend in the upcoming weeks, as these two sides will likely exchange up until the February 29th deadline.

NFL notebook: Browns, Anderson begin negotiations [Columbus Dispatch]

Darren Sharper: Walker Wants To Walk

Coming to a Clearance Rack Near You

Minnesota Vikings defensive back Darren Sharper was live on the scene as the San Diego Chargers topped the Indianapolis Colts yesterday. But while he was doing some television work, Sharper offered some insight on his good friend, and Denver Bronco wide receiver, Javon Walker.

"He wants to get out of there," Sharper said Sunday during the Colts-Chargers AFC divisional playoff game, where the Minnesota Vikings safety was doing television work. "I know all about it, and he wants out. He's not happy. He wants the ball. He doesn't feel like he's part of the offense."

While I can agree that the Broncos have another solid wide receiver in Brandon Marshall, perhaps not feeling like a part of the offense stems from not being able to stay healthy?

Is it just me, or did the same situation go down in Green Bay? Walker can deny that he has an ego all he wants, but getting injured and watching others flourish is the bane of his problems. In 2005, after a long contract battle, Walker injured his knee early in the season and then refused to play for the team again, prompting the move to Denver.

Many have hinted that the Broncos will ask Walker to re-work his contract - as he's slated to receive $5.4 million in bonus money on top of his $7.05 million cap number - but the receiver was quick to nip this in the bud as "other top players have not be asked to take a pay cut after injuries." It was only a year ago that Walker was supposed to be the "final piece" to Mike Shanahan's Super Bowl puzzle.

Walker is quickly making a name for himself in the league, and it isn't a name that many teams will want to add to their roster.


Sharper's Line On Walker [Denver Post]

TO and the Return of the Picks!

Now these Thursday games hurt me a bit because I have very little time to adjust my fantasy football lineup during the week. Thus, I missed out on about 20 points from Green Bay running back Ryan Grant, scoring twice with a bevy of yardage.

One player who is a mainstay in the linuep, and thankfully, is Mr. Terrell Owens. I turned the game off at half time and Owens had already garnered 147 yards and a touchdown. Not too bad. And big thanks to Fan IQ for this pic...



No word on if the popcorn is considered a prop, or if T.O. was just hungry. Either way, he continues to be OK with ME!

And now to the picks. It's been a few weeks, but it may have been for the better as my fiancé went 13-3 in her first week making some selections. But hey, whatever brings in the money.

Jacksonville (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS
I liked this one a lot better when it was at 7, but I'm not going to let a little movement scare me away. Indy barely beat Kansas City on the road a few weeks ago and will be facing a defense that may just win the division - assuming they can win this one straight up. Thankfully, that's why we get points.

New York Giants (-1.5) over CHICAGO
It's like the battle of the awful quarterbacks. Since we'll just go ahead and net them out, you have to just go with the team that has the better supporting cast. Of course, if the G-Men decide that they'll be cute and kick the ball to Devin Hester all day, then this is pointless. Assuming common sense is a bitch sometimes, but if I think they'll win straight up, 1.5 isn't much to give. I hope.

ST. LOUIS (-3) over Atlanta
St. Louie looks a hell of a lot better lately than the 2-9 that their record shows. They've won two of three, they have Stephen Jackson back, and they're playing Atlanta for crying out loud. Thinking here is the line was set so low because the Rams have a back-up QB playing. Vegas obviously hasn't watched Marc Bulger much this season.

San Francisco (+3) over CAROLINA
So I pick up Arizona's defense last week in my league because they're playing a Niners team that put up about 15 combined points over the past month. That worked really well. If Frank Gore looks anything like he did last week, it'll be enough to cover. Good thing that no one will have to actually witness this game outside of the Tanner Family and Charlotte. Yes. That was a Full House reference. You love it.

Good luck, all.

Pick 'Em: Hatin' On The Home Teams

Wrap it up, Larry
After rocking a 4-for-4 last week, I'm not feeling too good about this week. That pesky law of averages, I tell ya.

One thing that I'm sticking with is my love for road teams. I love it when teams that are just plain shitty get extra points because they're at home. Like New Orleans wasn't going to piss all over San Francisco because they're in San Fran? Please. On to this week's picks... Tread with caution, but if I go 4-0 again, I'll have to rub it in your face for not listening.

New England (-5) over INDIANAPOLIS
I thought a bit about taking Washington last week. I felt it was just time for the Pats to at least not cover. I mean the Browns almost did it, why couldn't Washington? Well, about 45 points later, I'm glad I opted for Green Bay getting some love. Until someone at least comes close to beating the Pats, they're a mainstay here. Of course, that "someone" could be Indy...

Houston +3 over OAKLAND
Both teams have lost three games in a row. Houston's passing offense is 4th in the NFL while Oakland gives up 328 yards per game. Their passing D isn't as good as it was last season, and frankly, I'm just not going to back a team that can't sell out a home game.

Arizona +3.5 over TAMPA BAY
With news that Larry Fitzgerald knocked up a cheerleader, he's going to have to earn some more money within the next year or so. There's no time like the present, Fitzy. Go nuts. On the field this time.

Washington -4 over NEW YORK JETS
The Jets are just one of those teams that I can't take without getting at least a touchdown. They don't even play at home when they're home. New York is full of Giants fans - don't kid yourself. Plus Kellen Clemens will be starting, Laveranues Coles is not. Washington has plenty of scoring to do given last week's disaster. Why not take it out on a guy that used to coach for Belichick?


Good luck this week....

Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson: Pro Bowl Bound?

Don't look now, but the Cleveland Browns are 4-3 on the season. You know that things are pretty bad off when you win two games in a row and it's talked about as some sort of record.

Two players that have had a profound impact on the recent successes of the Cleveland Browns thus far are a quarterback that limped into the role and a wide receiver who was known more for his outbursts than outplaying of opponents.

Now, this is obviously a bit quick to the take given that week nine is upon us in six days, but I cannot help myself. Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Cleveland Browns have had one player go to the Pro Bowl - Jamir Miller, back in 2001. Long gone were the days of the 1980s (eight players selected in 1987) and 1990s (six players selected in 1994). Could the team have someone selected this season? Would it be far-fetched to have multiple selections?

Some may argue that Kellen Winslow, Jr. should have received some consideration last season for racking up 89 receptions. But when you're in the same conference as both Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez, you'll have to have one heck of a year to get to Hawaii.

This is why I'm officially throwing in my nominations of Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards for Pro Bowl consideration this season.

Anderson has gone from the guy who was to keep the seat warm for Brady Quinn to the guy who is now second in all of football in touchdown passes with 17. And let's face it, no one is catching Tom Brady and his 30, especially when the Pats run up the score with the best of them. But I digress.

While the yardage may not be tops in the league, he is currently eighth overall - ahead of players like Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Brett Favre. For good measure, Anderson has also tacked on two rushing TDs despite a 40-time that would struggle to crack 6.5.

His main target in Braylon Edwards is absolutely blowing up in his third season. Many could even consider this to be his second year given the fact that he only played in 10 games his rookie year before injuring his knee.

Edwards is among league leaders in touchdown receptions (nine), receiving yards (669), and yards per reception (18). In fact, if you eliminate anyone in a Patriots jersey, Edwards is right there in overall receptions as well. This kid obviously has his head on straight this season, making the news for positive reasons, opposed to negative. Making acrobatic catches, and providing the Browns with a true go-to option.

Of course, the Browns can lose from here out, Anderson could throw three picks next week and something catastrophic can happen to Edwards making this whole post one of the most ridiculous jinxes in the history of man. But it wouldn't be surprising on any level at all - which is the sad part of the entire Pro Bowl drought.

(photo inspired by The Mothering Hut)

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em (Week 8)

Think they forgot to put a "1" in front of that +2.5?
OK, so last week got a bit rough - you'll have that when New England hangs 40 on a team that loses it's starting running back to a season-ending injury. I think we should be able to get our principle back if a game-deciding injury occurs.

Like what if by some strange chance a fan takes Washington +17 this week, but when I say "takes" I mean puts a few million on the line. And that fan just happens to be a little unstable - because what Redskins fan isn't - and runs on to the field to take out Brady? You think those that took NE would want a refund if the man is successful? Bet your sweet ass.

But I digress. On to this week's picks....

New Orleans (-2.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
Let's just say that I'll be hard-pressed to take San Francisco with anything less than getting a touchdown for the rest of the season. They're awful. Plus, Darrell Jackson is likely out. And they still have Trent Dilfer. Trent Freaking Dilfer. The Saints aren't as bad as their record suggests, and San Fran isn't exactly Soldier's field in terms of a home field advantage. Give me Reggie by at least a field goal. (Edit: While they still "have" Trent Dilfer, he's not starting. Alex Smith is. Still taking N'Awlins. No turning back now.)

Buffalo (+3) over NEW YORK JETS
Take the 49ers, give them green jerseys and move them to east coast and you have the Jets. Buffalo can be thrown on all day, but until the green and white can stop an opposing running back - in this case, Marshawn Lynch - they're not going to win games. I can't believe Trent Edwards can win a game two weeks in a row. Heck, he doesn't even have to do that, just don't lose by more than three.

Indianapolis (-6.5) over CAROLINA
Are you serious? They destroyed fellow expansion team Jacksonville on the road last week and do not even have to give up a touchdown this time out? Carolina could start both David Carr AND Vinny Testeverde and I'd go with Peyton Manning giving points. Plus, that would just be stupid of Carolina. Who startstwo washed up QBs? Wait, what's that Raiders fan?

Green Bay (+3) over DENVER
Obviously, I'm not liking the home teams very much this week*. I'm just a fan of Brett Favre on Monday nights...and this happens to be a Monday night. Green Bay will need to run the ball to be successful, and DeShawn Wynn seems like a guy that can get the job done when needed. Give me the gunslinger and some points and I'm all over it on the road.


*Actually, St. Louis getting points at home is intriguing with Steven Jackson coming back - but I'm a Browns fan, so I can't do it

And Here Come The Suits

Lawsuits, that is.

Remember the whole Pacman-Jones-"Making it Rain"-biting-strippers-gunfire escapade? Well while Jones is still watching football from home, or just other strip clubs, the club manager that was shot and paralyzed has filed a lawsuit against Jones, the National Football League, AND the Tennessee Titans.

How can the manager, named Tommy Urbanksi, sue the NFL and the team which employed Jones? Simple.

The fact that the NFL and the Titans did not punish Adam "Pacman" Jones until after Tommy was paralyzedis a proximate cause of Tommy's injuries.

Wait, what? Because Jones was not punished for previous encounters with the law, Urbanski should benefit? If Jones had been suspended before the Las Vegas incident, he wouldn't have been at the club?

Not surprisingly, the NFL and the Titans have said they will fight the lawsuit, which is being called a "Hail Mary" by Pacman's attorney, Robert Langford. Very nice of him to use a football term so that we all understand.

Paralyzed shooting victim sues NFL, Titans, Pacman [NBC Sports]

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em

A 16.5 point spread with this guy running the ball? No thanks.
We're in the home stretch of Friday afternoon, and it wouldn't be such without a few gambling thoughts sent to the readers.

This will be the third installment of my "picks," and I must say that with a 7-for-8 going on right now, I'm feeling pretty confident. Of course, if I get blanked this week, I'll just tell you that it was house money to begin with and to quit your bitchin'. On to this week's games...

Kansas City (+2.5) over OAKLAND
I was very close to taking Cincy giving last week, but sure glad I didn't after the barrage that Larry Johnson and company put on the Bengals. This week, I expect Herm Edwards to stick to the ground. With Warren Sapp and possibly Gerard Warren missing the contests, the Raiders will be throwing third-string D-Linemen at the Chiefs. I'll take the points on the road.

Pittsburgh (-3.5) over DENVER
When you take one of the league's biggest run-first teams and pair them up against the league's worst rush defense and add in a bit of surgery for the latter team's main receiving threat, something tells me that not even a last second timeout can stop the Steelers from working the Broncos.

Indianapolis (-3) over JACKSONVILLE
Man, I'm not liking all of these road teams. But what I am liking is the Peyton Manning on Monday Night Football bit that seems to always work out pretty well. Joseph Addai is returning and the Jags main receiver is still Dennis Northcutt. That should be worth four points right there.

MIAMI (+16.5) over New England
Yea, this one I'm not too sure about. Regardless of the record, you're giving a team a three-score lead, at home, before the game even begins. Couple this with the fact that New England could be handing the ball to a white guy for the majority of the contest, and we could be in for a close one. And by close, I mean at least 14 points.


Good luck!

Scarlet, Gray and Green

They may not come in first place during national tournaments, but The Ohio State University is in first place when it comes to their athletic budget.

Today's WSJ goes in depth with tOSU to discuss the biggest budget in the history of of college sports: $109,382,222.

If you or someone you know is a student, the following statistic will not shock you. If you're one of those "education first" people, you may just want to stop reading this right now.

[The Budget] allows the school to field 36 varsity teams in everything from baseball and soccer to riflery and synchronized swimming. The school spends about $110,000 on each of its 980 athletes, which is triple the amount the university spends per undergraduate on education.

Of the budget for this year, $65,000 is slotted out for "private jet time" for (Buckeyes basketball coach) Thad Matta alone - simply so he can recruit outside of the state with a little more ease.

Members of the Ohio State Football program appear to be living the life of the Dallas Mavericks. Leslie Wexner, OSU Grad, male, and current CEO of Limited Brands, reportedly donated a large chunk of cash - to the tune of $19.5 million - to renovate the practice facility that now includes six flat-pannel televisions, video games and a juice bar.

The damaging part from a PR perspective, is that it is no secret that the economics of the state of Ohio are pretty dismal. Job loss, lack of city living/accommodations and even state budgeting have led to a down slide in Ohio over the course of the last decade or so. But not within a few square blocks of Columbus. While the rest of the state is struggling, OSU's budget has increased 46 percent over the last five years.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association in Washington, D.C.

Ohio has the nation's highest rates for foreclosures and delinquent mortgages, and during the second quarter of 2007, 22.9% of Ohio homeowners with subprime loans were over 90 days late -- almost twice the national average

But hold the phone if you think that all of this spending is for naught. Ohio State was one of just 19 schools to turn a profit on athletics in 2006, according to data collected by the NCAA. The budget that is used for the athletic programs does not come from the same pool of money that is used to fund the academics. But should it?

A 2005 economic-impact study, commissioned by OSU, estimated that the school's sports program pumps over $100 million a year into the local economy, with more than one third of the revenues coming from fans' spending on accommodations like hotels, food, parking and shopping. No word on how much money is derived from the sales of sweater vests.

I may be a bit off with this, but thinking here is that there are not many people are flooding to Columbus, Ohio to partake in academic events. It's business.

Inside College Sports' Biggest Money Machine [Wall Street Journal]

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em

Yep, Panthers fans, that's David Carr!


Last week was a bit hectic, so I didn't get to follow up on my flawless week three picks. Yep, four-for-four. So, I figured I would try to follow up on this luck and let some money ride on a few other games for week six.

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of all of the teaser lines this week. Several games are three and four-point spreads. And a ton of home favorites. Nine of 13 home teams being favored is almost unheard of.

I also have to say that I really like St. Louis getting 10 against Baltimore. The only problem is that with neither offense really able to put up points, BAL's defense is more than capable of finding the end zone. So, with that in mind, I'm gonna have to pass and go on to the four games that I feel are the best bets this week. (Home team in CAPS, as always)

ARIZONA (-4) over Carolina
The Cardinals have beaten Seattle AND Pittsburgh at home. They've lost their starting quarterback in Matt Leinart, but actually get an upgrade with their second-stringer in Kurt Warner. Carolina also lost their starting qaurterback, but have to rely on David Carr and a 60-year old Vinny Testaverde to get them to the promise land. That's all I need to hear.

CLEVELAND (-4.5) over Miami
I hate to play the homer bet here, but come on. The line has actually moved TOWARDS Miami this week, starting at 5.5 on Monday afternoon. While John Beck could actually get his name called this week, Cleo Lemon will do enough damage to the 'Phins alone. I'm not saying that this will be low-scoring by any means, but this seems too good to be true. Or is it?

New York Giants (-3.5) over ATLANTA
I can't just let take all of these home teams - but I'm having issues with Atlanta and a hurt offensive line taking on the pass-rush of the Giants. The secondary will give up their fair share of yardage, but with Brandon Jacobs back and a Monday night crowd, I struggle to think that the Giants can't win this game by at least a touchdown.

Philadelphia (-3) over NEW YORK JETS
Brian Westbrook is back. L.J. Smith is back. Chad Pennington is still there. That's all I need to see to give the Jets three points despite them being at home.

If you're one of those people that can't stand taking a bunch of favorites, and I had to take an underdog this week, give me Tennessee (+3) at Tampa Bay. I'm not a Vince Young fan, but with the running back issues of the Bucs and the vastly improved defense of the Titans, I'll take points on the road.


Good luck.

Vegas Loves The AFC North

With week five in the books, NFL fans can now turn to the other "books." The Sportsbooks.

Opening lines bring us only two double-digit spreads, with the majority of lines being decided by field goals. Most of which, will have timeouts called right before the first snap. Shanahan.

Five of the 12 available betting odds are either three or 3.5 points - I say "available" as the New England/Dallas match-up is currently off the board.

One glaring portion of the boards is the fact that each of the teams in the AFC North are favored over their opponent for the week. The Pittsburgh Steelers hit a bye week, but the three teams looking to make up some ground all have great games to look forward to.

BALTIMORE (-10) vs. St. Louis
CLEVELAND (-5.5) vs. Miami
Cincinnati (-3) vs. KANSAS CITY

It should be mentioned that despite being 2-3, the Browns have yet to be favored in any game thus far in the season. What should also be discusses is the fact that the Baltimore Ravens failed to score 10 points total in last week's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

If you would've told me five weeks ago that Cincy was only giving three points to Kansas City, I would've been all over it. Arrowhead is a tough place to play, but if the Jags offense can beat them by 10, you have to think Cincy can do the same? Right?

Yahoo! Sports: Live Odds [Yahoo!]

Pay That Man His Money

Sal Paolantonio, the same guy who told me that Laurence Maroney would start this past Monday, is back today with some breaking news.

Not only will has Michael Vick lost his job, his sponsors and most of his fans, but a recent ESPN report writes that he's also likely to lose a good chunk of his cheddar.

Vick's (former?) team the Atlanta Falcons have asked the quarterback to give back a portion of his signing bonus that is said to be in violation of his contract - signed back in 2004.

Don't worry, the NFLPA will definitely have something to say about these matters.

The NFL Players Association will argue in the hearing before the NFL's special master, University of Pennsylvania Law School professor Stephen Burbank, that Vick has already earned the bonus money, which was in the form of roster bonuses, and that under the current collective bargaining agreement reached in March a team cannot retrieve money already earned.

Special master? Like He-Man?

Players have had a decent track record with Burbank at the helm. Ashley Lelie won his court case with the Denver Broncos last season and he didn't even earn that money.

The Falcons are seeking $22 million of the $29 million paid. Bring on the Special Master.

Sources: Falcons to ask return of bonus money at hearing [ESPN]

Afternoon Delight: Pick 'Em

We're in the home stretch on Friday afternoon, and you know what that means... Gambling.

This week brings some huge point spreads but a bunch of teaser-types. Not taser-types, bro. On to the goods...Home team in caps, of course.

Tampa Bay (-3) over CAROLINA
Steve Smith is fresh off of game that saw him draw more pass interfearence calls than receptions which typically means big things. However, thinking here is that three points isn't enough to compensate for David Carr getting the starting nod this week. Are there three better linebackers on any team than Barrett Ruud, Cato June and Derrick Brooks at this point?

INDIANAPOLIS (-9.5) over Denver
At home against a team that has barely won games against Oakland and Buffalo? No Javon Walker? I'd take a double-digit spread, so 9.5 seems just about right.

Kansas City (+11.5) over SAN DIEGO
Are the Chargers a better team on paper? Of course. Is Shawne Merriman frothing at the mouth? Most likely. Do I trust Norv Turner to win by more than two scores after dropping the last two games? Not a chance.

New England (-7) over CINCINNATI
Second home-dog, but this one seems too good to be true. i hate to use the term "lock," but come on. The Bengals have dropped two in a row - one to Cleveland. Rudi Johnson is hurt, and Randy Moss is not. Carson Palmer may throw the ball 45 times on Monday night but there's no chance they win this game let alone finish within a touchdown. If you can, parlay this bet with the "over" on how many stupid things Tony Kornheiser spouts out. Money.

All My Bags Are Packed...

A year after passing on Matt Leinart due to the presence of Andrew Walter, the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Walter will in fact be released once rookie JaMarcus Russell's roster exemption expires.

Many people thought that it would be Daunte Culpepper that would get moved after the exemption passed, but with the lack of snaps that Daunte has received, a trade is very unlikely at this point.

Walter will likely end up somewhere, but the weight is now firmly placed on the shoulders of Russell. The Raiders were set back a full season after passing on a quarterback last year in favor of a defensive back (Michael Huff).

There's no telling when Russell will acutally get a chance to start a game, but with the team 0-2 and playing Cleveland this week, it may come a lot sooner than later given the fact that Josh "Five Turnovers" McCown isn't exactly getting the job done.


Black QB or white, scrutiny... [San Francisco Chronicle]

Bring In The Big Guns

Gene Upshaw versus the world...or so it may seem.

NBC Sports is reporting that the NFLPA has asked Congress to step in and aid them in what they are calling insufficient benefits.

For all of the pounding that players have taken over the years, the retired ones are claiming that the disability claims are not being met. While Roger Goodell and Gene Upshaw are claiming that this scenario is "improving," it's obviously not enough of the pie - a $1.1 billion dollar pie.

"I would give my life to never see another family end up like mine."

Those were the words shared by Mike Webster, a Hall of Fame center who has suffered from mental illness after receiving too many blows to the head. Other big names have testified including Gayle Sayers and Daryl Johnston, whose career was also ended prematurely by injuries.

While some may say that the United States Congress has other things to worry about aside from the injuries of millionaires, this is obviously an issue with one of our nation's pasttimes. While techonolgy is imprioving to allow for fewer injuries in present day, the past players have obviously not been provided for and it is a huge problem.

Yes, these players all have enough money - but ask any family member of a permanently injured player and I'm positive they would rather give it all back as well.

Show Me You Love Me

As we near opening night, most NFL teams are in the process of finalizing their rosters based on preseason play. Yes, the main players have their spots regardless of if they even put on pads over the past month (cough, Tomlinson), but when rounding out the 50-plus men, preseason actually means something.

Not so easy for the New York Giants, who are still awaiting word from their All-Pro defensive end Michael Strahan.

Strahan discussed his role with the team, needs and "do they really want him, etc. etc." in talks with Giants general manager Jerry Reese on Tuesday, [Agent Tony] Agnone added in another e-mail.

Reese has described the talks with Strahan on Monday night and Tuesday morning as "constructive and positive." Strahan said then that he expected to reach a decision on his future within two days, Reese said.

Meanwhile, the veteran is being kicked in the checkbook, to the tune of $14,288 a day. In fact, he's already totaled fines of over $485,000 - something that would have to be considered if he does return. Ask Ashley Lelie, who actually may have played for free last season after holding out.

Justin Tuck, meanwhile, has recorded four tackles, a sack and a pressure in the 20-12 loss to the Jets on Saturday. Keep racking up those "pressures," Justin.