Simeon Rice coming back to NFL?
Simeon Rice, DL IND
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that former NFL defensive end and Chicago native Simeon Rice is going to try and come back into the league in 2009. The 35-year-old defensive end could even be considered by the Bears, who hired his former coach, Rod Marinelli, to run their defensive line. Rice hasn't played since suffering shoulder injuries in 2007. He has 122 career sacks including 67.5 in five years with Marinelli in Tampa.
Analysis: Rice appears to be too old to be considered a serious candidate for Fantasy play. He'd only be useful in leagues where sacks count big and tackles don't count at all. Keep him out of your head for now.
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Eagles add three to roster
Amon Gordon, DL TEN
News: The Eagles claimed DT Amon Gordon off waivers from the Titans, and also signed LB Charleston Hughes and S Byron Parker.
Analysis: None of these players are any better than longshots to make the final roster. Don't expect to draft them in 2009.
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Warner unsure of his future
Kurt Warner, QB ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, QB Kurt Warner completed 31-of-43 passes for 377 yards with three touchdowns, an interception that was returned for a touchdown and a fumble that ended the game. With this performance, Warner now holds the top three marks for yards passing in a Super Bowl, previously throwing for 414 yards in 2000 against Tennessee and 365 yards against New England in 2002. But after the game, Warner was noncommittal on his future as he is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. "I don't know if I'm going to play next year," he said. "I haven't thought about that. I'm going to enjoy what we just accomplished as a football team. I'm going to enjoy this year. I'm going to enjoy this great game that we just played in. And I'm going to take some time away from the game and then I'll make that decision."
Analysis: We think Warner is a lock to play next year because of the pay day that will come with it. He is reportedly going to ask for $9 million a year for the next two seasons, and the Cardinals would be nuts to pass on it after what he has done for them. Warner completed 401-of-598 passes in the regular season (67.1 comp. pct.) for 4,583 yards (7.66 yards per attempt), 30 touchdowns, seven fumbles lost and 14 interceptions. He added another 1,147 yards passing and 11 touchdowns in four postseason games. Obviously, the 38-year-old-to-be still can play at a high level and has a trio of tremendous targets to throw to in Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston. Assuming he signs with the Cardinals this offseason, Warner will be a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick between Rounds 4 and 5 in drafts this summer. Naturally, if he retires, you can keep him on the waiver wire. We'll keep you posted on his future.
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Contract coming for Eli Manning?
Eli Manning, QB NYG
News: A number of media outlets in New York reported recently that the Giants and QB Eli Manning are close to a new contract worth well over $100 million. However, the Newark Star-Ledger was the latest to report that a deal between both sides is not imminent. Manning is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2009 season.
Analysis: Manning experienced his second-worst season statistically in 2008, throwing just 21 touchdowns and accumulating 3,238 yards, both career-lows since becoming the Giants' starter in 2005 (his rookie season saw far lower totals). Here's where he improved: He threw just 10 interceptions, completed 60.4 percent of his passes and nailed 6.78 yards per pass attempt, all career-highs. Manning will fall in as a No. 2 Fantasy QB in 2009 because of the glut of talent ahead of him next year.
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Jets want Favre decision soon
Brett Favre, QB NYJ
News: Newsday reports that Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum was on WFAN-AM radio in New York and told the station that he'd like to know Brett Favre's intentions to play in 2009 before the end of the month, and especially before the NFL Combine, which starts on Feb. 18. "I want to get a feel for the situation by Indianapolis, just from a standpoint of strategic planning at that position," Tannenbaum said. Favre is under contract for next year at a $13M salary -- a high price to pay for a quarterback who is refusing surgery on a sore shoulder and for a passer who won't attend offseason workouts.
Analysis: Favre finished his first year with the Jets with 22 touchdown passes, but also led the league with 22 interceptions. Our hunch is that the Jets won't want Favre back in 2009 as new coach Rex Ryan might not like the idea of coaching Favre knowing that he won't last much longer or be as effective as he was in his younger days. We don't trust Favre as anything more than a very low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB next season. We'll keep you posted on his status throughout the offseason ... for the third offseason in a row.
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 Holmes named Super Bowl XLIII MVP
Santonio Holmes, WR PIT
News: In the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, WR Santonio Holmes caught four passes for 73 yards on the team's last drive, including the game-winning touchdown on a diving grab along the right side of the end zone. He finished the game with nine catches for 131 yards and a score, earning the game's MVP award.
Analysis: Holmes had a decent postseason run, scoring twice and finishing with 13 catches for 226 yards (most of it obviously coming in Super Bowl XLIII). But before we get excited about Holmes, here's the truth about his numbers: He didn't have a single 100-yard game in 2008 and has had back-to-back games with a touchdown twice in his three-year career (once this year). While he seems to own the Ravens in particular, he is very much a boom-or-bust receiver with potential to give you 70-80 yards with an occasional touchdown or three catches for 21 yards and nothing else. While he finished the regular season with 55 catches for 821 yards (14.9 avg.) and five touchdowns, he's really nothing more than a middle- to low-end No. 2 receiver next year. Don't let his MVP award go changing things -- consider him in drafts between Rounds 5 and 7.
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Boldin hauls in eight passes
Anquan Boldin, WR ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, WR Anquan Boldin caught eight passes for 84 yards and showing hardly any effects of a hamstring strain that hobbled him in the club's past two playoff games.
Analysis: Boldin had a long year and is about to embark on a very intriguing offseason. He made a run at NFL MVP for much of the season and even was considered the best receiver in Fantasy Football when he caught 73 passes for 879 yards and 11 touchdowns in nine games (this includes missing two weeks with a broken sinus as the result of a vicious hit against the Jets), but then he lost some steam around Thanksgiving and hurt his shoulder, compounding his problems. His regular season saw him total 89 catches for 1,038 yards (11.7 avg.) and 11 touchdowns, and he added 14 catches for 190 yards (13.6 avg.) and a touchdown in the postseason. For the second offseason in a row, Boldin is expected to ask for a contract extension (deservedly so), and if he doesn't get it, protest. He might be trade bait for another club this offseason and is one player to watch in the coming months. Of course, if he remains part of the offensive nucleus in Arizona, he'll be a desirable No. 1 Fantasy WR worth a pick no later than Round 3.
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Fitzgerald scores twice in XLIII
Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, WR Larry Fitzgerald was kept under wraps in the first three quarters before exploding in the fourth and setting a postseason record along the way. In the game, Fitzgerald caught seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns, one on a jump ball on a short pattern and the other on a long catch-and-run. His seven postseason touchdowns is an NFL record, and he has caught for over 100 yards in six straight games (Week 15 through the Super Bowl).
Analysis: Fitzgerald's amazing postseason propelled him into being the clear-cut No. 1 Fantasy WR heading into 2009 drafts. His incredible blend of talent, size and ability put him a smidge ahead of Andre Johnson and Calvin Johnson for head of the class this summer. He finished the regular season with 96 catches, 1,431 yards (14.9 avg.) and 12 touchdowns with seven 100-yard games and only three games without 100 yards and/or a touchdown. His postseason was just as sweet: 30 catches for 546 yards (18.2 avg.) and the seven scores. Just for fun, let's put the 20 games together: 126 catches for 1,978 yards (15.6 avg.) and 19 scores. So long as Kurt Warner remains with the Cardinals, the only thing you'll have to worry about with 'Larry Fabulous' is a Super Bowl hangover. Ultimately, he's a top-end No. 1 Fantasy WR worth a pick between 10th and 15th overall in all drafts this summer.
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 Parker quiet in championship game
Willie Parker, RB PIT
News: In the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, RB Willie Parker was held in check, getting just 53 yards on 19 carries. He added a catch, but it went for minus-2 yards.
Analysis: The Cardinals' run defense improved through the postseason, and Parker's play is proof of that. Parker had a very up-and-down season; after catching fire with three touchdowns in Week 1 and 243 rush yards in his first two games, he sprained his left knee and missed a month of work. He returned in Week 9 only to tear the labrum in his shoulder and miss another game. Down the stretch of the season, Parker played well in easy matchups but struggled in every other game until he thrashed the Chargers in the Divisional Playoffs. In 11 regular-season games, Parker had 210 carries for 791 yards (3.8 avg.) with five touchdowns, adding 13 yards on three catches (a career-low). Parker will not only be stuck with the injury-prone label after two years of coming up with tough injuries, but he'll also have to fend off Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall for carries in 2009. Additionally, he'll be in a contract year, so he'll be looking to play big for a pay day following the season. Parker is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick between late Round 3 and early Round 5 in drafts this summer.
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Big Ben throws title-clinching TD
Ben Roethlisberger, QB PIT
News: In the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, QB Ben Roethlisberger did just enough to push his club to its sixth championship, completing 21-of-30 passes for 256 yards with an interception, 2 rush yards and a 6-yard touchdown toss on the far right of the end zone to a diving Santonio Holmes. Roethlisberger also had a rushing score in the first quarter ruled short on a review, canceling the first touchdown of the game (the Steelers settled for a field goal).
Analysis: Roethlisberger capped a playoff run that saw him celebrated not just for his arm but for his ability to escape the pass rush in the pocket. And though his numbers were down from 2007, he still has a decent enough season when you consider the injuries he played with. His regular season finished with 3,301 yards on 281-of-469 passing (59.9 comp. pct.; 7.04 yards per attempt). He had just 17 touchdowns, way down from the 32 he threw last year, and the fourth time in five years he's thrown 17 or 18 touchdowns in a season. He added 101 rush yards and two rushing touchdowns. Big Ben also had 15 interceptions and a career-worst seven fumbles lost (he had eight in his previous four seasons combined). About the best thing that could happen to Roethlisberger is if the Steelers improve his offensive line this offseason. Ultimately, he's not enough of a gunslinger or stat monger to be used as anything more than a top-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. Look for him to be snagged with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer.
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Cards defense comes up just short
Cardinals, DST ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, the DST totaled an interception off a tipped Ben Roethlisberger pass and two sacks. The unit played better as the game wore on but couldn't close in fast enough on a 6-yard Roethlisberger pass for Santonio Holmes on the right edge of the end zone that became the Steelers' game-winning score.
Analysis: The Cardinals DST had some bright spots in 2008, finishing just outside the top 12 at the position in standard-scoring leagues. In total, they had 31 sacks and 13 interceptions, modest totals, but had a whopping six total touchdowns and an NFL-best 17 fumble recoveries. They could use some help on defense, notably against the pass as they were scored on through the air more than anyone in the NFL. Consider them a No. 2 Fantasy DST that likely will go undrafted this summer but well worth using off the waiver wire as a one-week replacement.
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Breaston goes for 71 yards
Steve Breaston, WR ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, WR Steve Breaston caught six passes for 71 yards.
Analysis: Breaston's breakout season with the Cardinals saw him catch 7 passes for 1,006 yards (13.1 avg.) with a trio of 100-yard games. He also scored three times. Breaston filled in admirably for Anquan Boldin during the year and might elevate into a No. 2 receiver for the Cards if the club deals Boldin this offseason. He'll be a third-year WR in '09 and should be nearly as effective as he was this season, and then he'll be a restricted free agent after next season. Suffice to say, there's a lot to like about Breaston judging by his status -- consider him a sleeper in 2009 worth a middle- to late-round pick in drafts.
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Edge silenced in Super Bowl
Edgerrin James, RB ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, RB Edgerrin James was bottled up to 33 yards on nine carries and 28 yards on four catches.
Analysis: It wasn't a surprise to see James out of the game plan considering the Steelers' run defense. But it was a surprise to see James play well late in the 2008 season after being benched in the midseason. His regular season began and ended with exactly 100-yard games, and he wound up with 514 yards on 133 carries (3.9 avg.), though the more accurate description might be 122 carries for 480 yards (still a 3.9 avg.) and three touchdowns in eight games where he had more than five carries. He also caught 12 passes for 85 yards on the year. James isn't a free agent this offseason but might be released as the club might go in another direction at the position. After all, Edge will be 31 next season and has certainly taken on his fair share of work over the course of his 10-year career. Wherever he plays in 2009, he won't be a full-time back and might get close to 175 carries over the course of a 16-game season. Consider him a reserve Fantasy RB option in 2009 and grab him with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer.
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Ward makes two grabs
Hines Ward, WR PIT
News: In the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, WR Hines Ward played a supporting role, catching two passes for 43 yards. Ward played the game with a sprained right MCL.
Analysis: Ward's quiet finish didn't stop him from having a solid season, catching 81 passes for 1,043 yards (12.9 avg.) and seven touchdowns. The 11-year veteran has caught at least seven touchdowns in three of his last four seasons, and notched a 1,000-yard season for the first time since 2004. This is pretty much the expectation for Ward, who turns 33 next season and will be playing in a contract year. Expect Ward to be signed to a contract extension this offseason and finish his career with the Steelers. If he's not signed, then he might be motivated to play well for a bigger pay day after next year. He remains a serviceable low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR, worth a pick between Rounds 5 and 7 in drafts this summer.
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Arrington plays in Super Bowl
J.J. Arrington, RB ARI
News: In the Cardinals' 27-23 loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, RB J.J. Arrington was active (knee) and caught two passes for 35 yards. He also returned four kicks.
Analysis: Arrington is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason and could land on a team as a capable third-down back. As such, he's not expected to be a stud Fantasy option anytime soon. He'll be worth a late-round flier in 2009 drafts.
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Steelers DST holds up in win
Steelers, DST PIT
News: In the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, the DST totaled an interception, a fumble and a touchdown courtesy of James Harrison's 100-yard interception-return to end the first half. The unit also collected two sacks, both by LaMarr Woodley.
Analysis: The Steelers DST ended the year strong, and they had a solid 2008 season. Racking up 51 sacks, 20 interceptions, a safety, three touchdowns and nine fumble recoveries while allowing just 3,796 offensive yards, the unit was top-ranked in standard-scoring leagues. With the unit expected to be back in full force, and still fairly young across the board, there's no reason to believe that they can't be effective again in 2009. Consider them the No. 1 DST available, worth a pick starting in Round 8 in drafts this summer.
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