Believe it or not the Hall of Fame game is only a couple weeks away on Sunday August 9th, which kicks off the NFL pre-season and season for that matter. The Class of 2009 includes Bob Hayes, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas, Ralph Wilson, Jr., and Rod Woodson.

I know everybody is stoked so here’s a look at some upcoming events leading to the start of the regular season and some news and notes about what will be different this year…

1. Hall of Fame game Sunday Aug. 9th, Bills vs. Titans about 3 weeks.

2. Bears at Broncos Sunday Aug 30th. Bronco fans won’t have to wait long to boo their former quarterback. This is the prime time game during the most important and last tune up for the regular season…should be a good one.

3. Your Fantasy Draft- you may have multiple drafts to look forward to but they should all occur on or after the 3rd preseason game. To have a fair draft the preseason preparations should be completely done so that nobody’s fantasy season will not be ruined by drafting a key player who gets seriously injured in preseason (i.e. Michael Vick 03′, Clinton Portis 06′).

4. Season opener, Tennessee at Pittsburgh Thursday Sept. 10…nuff said.

5. Monday night double-header season opener- Brady’s return Monday Sept. 14th Bills at Pats. Jon Gruden will be joining Tirico and “Jaws” this year, taking over for Tony Kornheiser.

Of course there will be no more John Madden this year either, although his ever-famous Madden 2010 video game will be released August 14th.  I’m just hoping that Frank Caliendo keeps doing imitations of him…the first time I heard it I was listening to him on a local sports radio station and had to pull over to the side of the road I was laughing so hard. He probably only retired because he finally thought Brett Favre was done, but he continues to make comebacks like nobody’s business.

Which leads me to my Super Bowl predictions for 2009. I’m gonna go with Brett and the Vikings vs. the Patroits, with the Pats coming out on top. Good luck in all your fantasy leagues!

• BAL 11-5
• TEN 13-3

• BAL 5-3 Road Record
• TEN 7-1 Home Record

• BAL 4th Rush Offense, 11th Offense overall
• TEN 7th Rush Offense, 14th Offense overall

• BAL 3rd best Defense overall (points allowed)
• TEN 2nd best Defense overall (points allowed)

• Neither team throws passes, BAL 27th and TEN 28th in league

Key Players: TEN- Albert Hanynesworth, Kyle Vanden Bosch both return. Need to play big.

Key Players: BAL - Joe Flacco, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs will be difference makers.

This season: Week 5, Titans pulled off a 13-10 win on a TD pass with under 2:00 left

Question Marks:

- Will the bye week provide a well-rested Titans team, or will they lack the intensity from being away from the game an extra week?

- Will Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch  be close to full strength and make a huge impact?

Predictions: This game will be very tight. Chris Johnson/LenDale White vs. LeRon McClain/Willis McGahee are an even wash. The defenses are a wash as well. The difference will be the QB play and which ever team makes the extra turnover. Kerry Collins will be shut down. Joe Flacco provides enough offense, and the Baltimore Defense steps it up.

Baltimore wins a close one 16-13.

The Cardinals come in as the NFC West Champs after winning their first division title since 1975 while the Falcons, the No. 5 seed, reversed fortunes quickly and went from a four-win team in ‘07 to an 11-win team in ‘08.

An amazing turnaround considering this franchise was only a year removed from the Michael Vick dog fighting fiasco and the failed Bobby Petrino experiment as head coach.

So as this four seed vs. five seed NFC game kicks off Wild Card Weekend, let’s see how it will play out.

When the Falcons have the ball, they’ll need to keep the running game as the focal point of the attack. RB Michael Turner is the catalyst for this offense and Arizona realizes that it’s only way to stop this offense is by taking Turner out of the game. Easier said than done.

A lot of teams have tried to crowd the box in attempt to slow the running game, but QB Matt Ryan’s rapid development and maturity have been able to negate this defensive plan and make teams pay.

But it’s still going to be Arizona’s best way to stop Atlanta. So look for S Adrian Wilson to play a little closer to the box and try and keep Turner and Norwood under wraps. And the reason they’ll do this is because Ryan, who’s had the best season of any rookie quarterback since Dan Marino, has begun to unravel of late by tossing five picks in his last four games.

But when they pass it, look for WR Roddy White to be the main target. The first-round pick from ‘05 has blossomed into a major weapon at receiver and has greatly aided Ryan’s improvement week-in week-out. He’ll also have Michael Jenkins to throw the ball to when he spreads the ball around.

When the Cardinals have the ball, their offensive game plan will be to use the pass to set up the run. The offense is built around Warner and his awesome outside passing game, which consists of Boldin, Fitzgerald and Breaston.

The top two are among the elite in the NFL while the latter is a nightmare for nickel corners to cover. Look for Warner to use a quick passing game to neutralize the Falcons’ strong pass rush—DE John Abraham in particular, and to keep the chains moving.

If they can get into a rhythm, the Cards should have a few opportunities to go down the field.

The wild card in this game will be RB Edgerrin James. After complaining of carries about midway through the season, he was benched in favor of fifth-round running back Tim Hightower. Well that experiment failed.

Hightower’s a nice back, and better when used for goal line situations, but Arizona found itself too one dimensional and as a result were dismantled by the playoff teams—Giants, Eagles, Vikings and Patriots—it faced in the past month.

If they can get James going, as they did last week when he reached the century mark vs. a porous Seattle team, it’ll keep the safety’s a bit more honest; and this is when the Cards will be able to do their most damage.

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Enter Kerry Collins. The former Penn State stud steps in at 36 years of age and performs at a very high level. Playing within himself and not taking too many chances, Collins propelled the Titans enough to gain the confidence of Jeff Fisher and secure a starting spot even once Vince Young returned from injury. In 9 starts this season, Kerry Collins has amassed only 8 passing touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 59% completion rate, and a quarterback rating of 82.0. This may seem lackluster, but they are 10-0.

The key contributor to their 10-0 record is the rough and tough, impenetrable defense. Headlined by Albert Haynesworth and the run stopping power, the Titans have allowed just 951 yards on the ground. Jevon Kearse is a classic case of “another mans trash is another mans treasure”. Now a key piece of what this defense is accruing, it’s hard to believe the once injury plagued defensive end, was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Titan defense also has picked the opposing offense off an AFC high, 15 times.

On the offensive side of the football, the Titans have kept things simple. The passing game often breaking down and proving to be un-reliable at times, has them undefeated with just a 9:6 touchdown to interception ratio. The real offensive push has really come from the emergence of rookie running back, Chris Johnson. The former Eastern Carolina star has 787 yards rushing, 5 touchdowns, and is averaging almost 80 yards a game.

Lendale White is also used by Coach Fisher in a dual back set. This is why the Titans have been able to wear teams down. They are able to use a more speed driven back such as Chris Johnson to get by defensive lineman and at the same time insert Lendale White, who is a much bigger running back and is able to hit holes on shorter downs. Lendale White is currently tied with just two other running backs for most rushing touchdowns this season at 11.

So what lies ahead on the Titans quest toward perfection? Looking at the Forecast ahead…

The Titans host a rejuvenated Jets team this Sunday which looks to be a headlining game coming into this weekend’s contests. As the battle of the graybeards gets ready to take the field, its worth noting that the New York Jets are on a 4 game winning streak, getting the better of the Patriots in OT last week. If the Titans want to continue their rampage through the league schedule, they’ll have to contain Brett Favre and his offensive onslaught.

Looking even further ahead, two very notable games that could stand in the way of the Titans running the table is a December 21st matchup where they will host the stingy Pittsburgh Steelers. The very next week the Titans will make an interesting trip to Indianapolis for the season finale, which looks like a game that could be a must win for the Colts playoff hopes.

It may look like an unlikely feat for Jeff Fisher and Co., but as Herm Edwards once said “You play to win the game” and that’s just what they’ve done, played to win the game.

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Must Starts

1. Brian Westbrook vs. Cincinnati. Unless the Bengals commit nine guys into the box, leaving the secondary shorthanded, look for Westbrook to have a field day this Sunday.

We think the Eagles are going to have a strong game this week after their disappointing loss vs. the Giants, and look for No. 36 to be a direct beneficiary of a lot of hand-offs and passes out of the backfield. 100+ yards and two TDs.

2. Michael Turner vs. Denver. Coming into the season, I felt Turner (Burner) wouldn’t have much success because opposing teams would be allowed to key on him without the true threat of a passing game. This is usually the case with rookie QBs.

Not so in Atlanta. Ryan continues to play like a seasoned vet, so look for Turner to have lots of holes to run through against Denver and for Turner to eclipse the 100-yard mark with two TDs.

3. Ronnie Brown vs. Oakland. The Raiders have officially checked out for the ‘08 season. It’s why April (NFL Draft) is the favorite time of year for Oakland’s franchise…they’re always picking towards the top.

Even last week, in a game QB Jake Delhomme tried to give to them (four picks), the Raiders still manged to lose 17-6 and, in the process, give up a 70-yard TD run to DeAngelo Williams. Look for lots of running room in this one, as the Raiders head out to Miami.

Look for Brown to go for 100 yards and put one in the end zone, perhaps on a wildcat play.

4. DeAngelo Williams vs. Detroit. I could almost stop this write-up by saying Maurice Jones-Drew ran for three TDs vs. the Lions in the second quarter alone last week. In other words, Detroit’s not real good on the ground. Conversely, Williams has come on real strong of late and has broken the century mark in three of his last four games. After Sunday, it’ll be four of five. 100 yards and one TD.

Sleepers

1. Frank Gore vs. St. Louis. If there was a No. 5 for our must starts, Gore’d be it. The Rams were down 40-0 at the half last week, and RB Thomas Jones had already amassed 100 yards and two scores by that point.

In this one, we see SF being able to run the ball down the Rams’ throats and for Gore to break the 100 yard mark and score at least one TD. He’ll provide additional fantasy points with receiving yardage out of the backfield, too.

2. Joseph Addai vs. Houston. The Colts have yet to establish a consistent running game in ‘08 but that all might change this Sunday vs. the Texans. For the first time this season, the offensive line not only appears to be fully intact, they’re actually playing well as a unit. After Baltimore came into Houston last Sunday and ran the ball at will, we like Addai to enjoy a lot of success: 90 yards and one TD.

Others with favorable matchups

1. Willie Parker vs. San Diego. As of Tuesday, we’re still not sure whether Parker will play, but if he does, make sure you start him. The Chargers feature a very soft defense and opposing RBs have had a great deal of success at finding holes in this unit. Also, with Roethlisberger’s injured arm, the Steelers will look to pound it on the ground.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs Cleveland. If the rumors are correct, and players did quit on the Browns in their loss Thursday to the Broncos, this bodes very well for Buffalo and Lynch. Just two weeks ago, RB Ray Rice busted out against the Browns to the tune of 160+ yards; look for a strong effort from Lynch and a chance to hit the century mark for the first time this season.

3. Clinton Portis vs. Dallas. As of Tuesday, it’s 50/50 that he’ll play this Sunday night. If he can go, make sure he’s in your lineup. Portis has been one of the top two or three performers in the league over the first half of the season and the Cowboys can be run on. Look for that trend to continue if Portis is in the lineup.

Deuce McAllister, Running Back, New Orleans Saints

McAllister is available in about 55 percent of leagues polled.
In Week 4, he rushed 20 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. He also had one reception for another 10 yards.

After seeing spot duty during the first three weeks, McAllister was a big factor in Week 4 and showed some signs of the McAllister of old. While his knees may never be the same, he was utilized 21 times, including seven plays within the red zone.

Le’Ron McClain, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens

McClain is available in about 56 percent of leagues polled.

Entering Monday night, McClain, a fullback, is seeing an average of 18 rushing attempts per game so far this year. He is averaging 76 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 1.5 receptions and 14 receiving yards per game through two games.

McClain’s 260-pound frame is a load to bring down, and he figures to be a weekly element within their conservative offense. The run-first mentality used to protect rookie quarterback Joe Flacco works in his favor for weekly touches.

Michael Bush, Running Back, Oakland Raiders

Bush is available in 55 percent of leagues polled. However, keep in mind the Raiders have Week 5 off.
In three games, Bush is averaging 14.7 rushing attempts, 64.3 rushing yards, 0.33 rushing touchdowns, 2.67 receptions and 28.3 receiving yards per game.

This one is a bit volatile, as running back Justin Fargas (groin) missed the last two games with a groin injury and could be back after the team’s Week 5 bye. Rookie Darren McFadden (toe) has also been limited the past two weeks due to a toe injury.

The Raiders are a run-first team, though, so Bush could still be involved enough for someone who needs backfield depth.

Tim Hightower, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals

Hightower actually gave way to starter Edgerrin James for two touchdowns inside the 5 last week but still plunged into the end zone from one yard out. He has found paydirt in three of his four games this season.

The rookie is still averaging 1.25 plays per game inside the 5 – a more consistent pace than James’ average of 0.50.

The goal line threat would be a capable bye week substitute. He’s available in only 29 percent of polled leagues.

Rudi Johnson, Running Back, Detroit Lions

In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers he rushed for 83 yards and caught three passes for 48 yards, with a score, as the Lions rode the hot hand.

The Lions were not afraid to use Rudi exclusively when he was performing well, even with apt rookie Kevin Smith in tow. Johnson looks to be back in playing shape and picking up the Lions’ playbook.
Even if he splits time with Smith, the Lions are aiming to go back to a run-first philosophy to try to be competitive early in games, meaning Johnson could see a legitimate number of touches.

Johnson is coming off a bye, so be sure to look for his name on the waiver wire. The vet is available in 24 percent of leagues polled.

The favorite team is denoted by a minus sign (e.g. -3.5). Conversely the underdog is denoted by a plus sign (e.g. +3.5).

In order to win when you bet on the favorite team, that team has to win and it has to do so by more points than the point spread. Should you decide to bet on the underdog, the way you win is if the underdog wins, ties or loses by less points than the point spread.

Even if you don’t bet, knowing how to read NFL odds and spreads is useful during and leading up to the season, especially when picking your players for fantasy football.

Fun Fact: When the Jets acquired Bret Favre, their super bowl odds went from 80/1 to 40/1!

After 16 seasons in the NFL and capped by losing to the New York Giants in the 2007 Conference Championship, we believed Favre’s football career was over. He held a retirement press conference stating that he was indeed retiring and knew that he could play a couple more seasons, but just doesn’t want to. The Packers named Aaron Rodgers the starting quarterback when Favre retired.

Well, when summer came and NFL camps began, rumors abounded saying Favre wanted to come back and play, and that his family wanted him to play another season, too. Favre denied the rumors, saying he was retired and finished playing.

Later in the summer, Favre wanted to play, he was getting the urge to play again, but the Packers didn’t want him back. That Packers already named Rodgers as the starting quarterback, and if Favre was to ever go back to the Packers, he would be a backup for Rodgers. A long-suspenseful conflict between the Packers and Favre began.

Many Green Bay fans wanted Favre back more than ever; they didn’t think Rodgers was ready to start yet, and they wanted to see the man that was on their television screens for 16 years back on those screens for another year or two. Other than Packers fans, NFL fans everywhere had to be thinking about this situation. Nobody knew what exactly was going on, and there were questions that needed answers.

Nobody knew exactly if Favre was going to be on the Packers, another team, or remain retired. Everyday you’d hear something about Favre and his situation, either on the radio, ESPN, NFL Total Access, NFL.com, or anything about sports. Favre was eventually back on the Packers, but the Packers still wanted to trade him.

Finally, the day came, Favre was traded to the New York Jets on Aug. 6 for a conditional draft pick—depending on how many snaps Brett Favre takes this season, and if the Jets go to the Super Bowl, that will determine whether the Packers get a first-, second-, third- or fourth-round draft pick.

After Favre’s first practice with the Jets, he was named starter in the upcoming preseason game, hosting the Washington Redskins. Favre did run a penalty lap for fumbling a snap at practice, and he’s saying that his arm is getting tired, but only time will tell if he can get the job done in his 17th NFL season.