Matt in KC

They have better uniforms?

Actually, Owens' catch across the middle on 3rd and 4 near end of the half was a slant where he was wide open because of a pick.

Thanks for the comments. It sound like your head is in almost exactly the same place as mine. I think I've decided not to start Smith if Stafford is out (and especially if Troy is also back). But, in that case I'm leaning toward starting Britt in the flex role. I'll have to research how IND has done against 2nd receivers and the long ball. Or maybe I'll go back to Washington because of his big-play ability, and my league gives pionts for return TDs and bonus points for long TDs (40+ yard). ...Or maybe I'll decide not to go with these second tier guys and just play Smith despite my gut....

For a second I thought this was another halftime protest idea....

Thanks for the input. If he's starting, I'm definitely playing Harrison. I'm pretty concerned about Kevin Smith though. I think especially with Stafford likely out, the Steelers are going to stuff Smith. And he's hurt, so I don't see he being productive against the pounding.

Thanks. So if I use Smith as my RB, who do I use as my flex player from the rest of the list? (I need one more. Sad, I know....)

I have the following players from which to choose one RB and one RB/WR: Jerome Harrison vs. Bills (27th ranked run D) - I think Jamal Lewis will still be out, my leading contender for starting RB play Kevin Smith vs. Pittsburgh (3rd ranked run D) - injured shoulder Correll Buckhalter vs. New England - very likely injured/out (rumored high ankle sprain) Leon Washington vs. Miami (2nd ranked run D) - Miami vulnerable to passes out of backfield and return TD points count Antonio Bryant vs. Philidelphia (2nd ranked pass D) - coming off injury Kenny Britt vs. Indianapolis (8th ranked pass D) - young reciever starting to arrive Already planning to start: DeSean Jackson vs TB Brandon Marshall vs. NE Thanks for the advice!

I have the feeling this does not have a happy ending.... Thanks for all the info, Scott. I am moving in less than a month and have been really torn up about what I'm going to do. My DTV bill is too high. We're going to have to find some ways to save for the next year or two... but I really do like the DTV customer service and DVR, and of course watching the Bills live. I could live with the NFL Rewind option you posted, but I clearly remember saying to myself (only 8 short years ago) I'd never go back to cable.

This link shows only #12 retired for the Bills http://www.nfl.com/history/retirednumbers

Oh craap, I think the Madden-playing newbie has a better grasp of our offense than our offensive coaches have had!

I'm suprised by Chambers. Also, Jenkins makes the team again, joining a large WR group: Owens, Evans, Reed, Johnson, Parrish, Hardy, Jenkins (7). I did think that Syupar would make it, and MacIntyre would be released until I heard the news about Rhodes.

Thanks for the info, Scott. I'm almost certainly going to purchase this package. I too almost always watch time-shifted. Also, we're moving soon and I was just looking for ways to save money. I love DirecTV, except when we get heavy rain (blocks signal), and the fact that the Weather Channel doesn't show local weather. Really, the NFL is what has kept me anchored with them. I think I may try AT&T's bundle: internet, phone and TV (U-Verse). At very least, I can play hardball with DTV and make them prove how much they want me to stay .

Okay, okay, so what does it spell? I haven't had my coffee.... No brail? no... huh?

Why are you so hung up, The Dean? No kidding it's not a scientific sampling. It's about as significant as any poll we take here. As an early indicator, I find it interesting that around 50% of those who voted hate it. I suspect it would be about the same on any team/fan board. This is likely to be a huge distraction to the Eagles and I'm interested to see how it plays out. How many protesters will try to get on camera each week?

Well, it sure sounds like you're looking for someone to say Ray Guy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Guy

Wow. That's a pretty compelling argument.

Steve's ribs likely are still quite sore. I think this is one of our first read outs on his heart. It's great to hear he's back!

If Jackson does great in Lynch's absence, I agree they stick with the "hot hand". Instead of alternating series: Lynch, Lynch, Jackson, Lynch, Jackson, Lynch, they might well go Lynch, Jackson, Jackson, Lynch, Jackson, Lynch. It would be tragic to see something like that happen to a warrior like Lynch, but I think he's man enough to do what's best for the team.

Speaking of which, has anyone heard how John DiGiorgio's recovery's going? (Yes, I know he's a MLB.)

I'll start by apologizing. I'm not normally someone to piss all over a thread (on purpose). That said, you can easily use the search feature and read to your heart's content what we were writing a year ago. I was more hopeul for Hardy and Omon than what they showed, and wasn't expecting as much out of McKelvin as he showed us. Also, I was thought McCargo might emerge as a disruptor on the D-Line.

I personally think the above stats would be a very successful rookie season. I'm expecting something like: 2.5-3 sacks, ~5-10 "hurries" and 15-20 tackles.

I completely agree. The competition seems to be whether Whitner/Scott (more likely) or Byrd/Whitner (less likely) will be the better combination for the Bills (with Whitner/Simpson a longshot). But that means that only one of Byrd or Scott will start, which obviously isn't possible since they play different positions. (Yes, I'm being sarcastic.) I can't believe how many people can't wrap their heads around this. I'd say there's about a .05% chance of Donte getting cut this year, and that's only if he gets arrested, tests positive for drugs and/or has a disasterous injury (*knocking on wood*).

I'm not sure I understand the WGR article. I've read that Byrd may beat out Donte. I've also heard Scott might beat out Donte. How can Donte be listed as a starter in all three scenarios? I don't think that's logically possible....

Wow. Rest in Peace.

So Whitner for a third rounder... hmm. I think Whitner has about a 90% chance of being a solid starter this year, 85% next, and maybe a 75% chance the following year (who knows with injuries etc.) I'd say a third rounder in next year's draft has around a zero percent chance of being a solid starter this year, about a 10-20% chance next year, and a 25-45% the following year. Heart Throb is certainly a a troll, so Bill, or anyone who actually does want to present an argument, you might disagree on the percentages a bit, but how would this trade make any sense? No one feeis like a better safety could certainly be drafted in the third round of next year's draft... do they?