So, let’s make it short and sweet.

CIN at HOU: Houston sputtered down the stretch. I expect Gary Kubiak to get back to basics and run, run, run Arian Foster and Ben Tate time and again. Wade Phillips will have the defense dialed up to make things difficult for Andy Dalton. I’ll take the home team.

DET at NO: I picked New Orleans to crash the party in Indianapolis before the season. I see no reason to abandon that selection now. Brees and company are clicking on all cylinders, with Darren Sproles playing the role of “Firestarter.” Go ahead and make the video mix to his highlights – just give me a little nod for planting the idea. My gut says that Gregg Williams’ secondary gets active today to frustrate Stafford. New Orleans advances.

ATL at NYG: I hear all of the chatter about the 2007 playoff run for the Giants and a possible repeat scenario. Two things have to happen in this game to get that road started. First, the Giants can’t leave balls on the carpet as they did for much of the season (drops played a huge role). Second, the Giants will need to get pressure on Matt Ryan from the front four. If they need to bring extra bodies to try and disrupt the passing game, the depleted secondary will be abused as it was for much of the season. I fear the sight of Julio Jones sprinting free and clear in the secondary, but expect the salsa-dancing Victor Cruz (burn some calories during the game and win the ladies’ hearts by practicing) will match him. Giants advance.

PIT at DEN: Most people I’ve talked to this week have given the Broncos little to no chance of defending their home turf as heavy underdogs. The absences of Maurkice Pouncey, Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Clark shouldn’t be dismissed altogether, and lest we forget, Ben Roethlisberger is still hobbled. My thoughts go out to Pittsburgh running back coach Kirby Wilson, who was injured in fire in his home.

For the Broncos to win this game, it is incumbent upon Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil to get pressure on Roethlisberger and try to force the action. The myriad speed options available to Roethlisberger will be too much for the Denver secondary.

Offensively, I do believe that the Broncos will need to push downfield more, as John Elway suggested earlier in the week. Unless the Broncos mix it up early (maybe some play-action), it could be a long day. The master, Dick LeBeau, will crush the Broncos if they follow the predictable formula.

If you’re a Steelers fan traveling to Denver this week, you best have a mole with a local zip code or be prepared to don Broncos colors to secure seats to Invesco Field. Media outlets are encouraging fans to use their seats or go through every possible measure to make sure they don’t fall into enemy hands. Coach John Fox echoed those sentiments.

“We have unique fans here. I would encourage all of them to keep their seats, so to speak, and not sell them to Pittsburgh fans,” Fox said.

What’s the password?

Roethlisberger Looking to Become a $1 Billion Movie Star, Too

Add another set of zeroes and derision from fans around the AFC. The Steelers are going Hollywood.

If you’ve followed Harrison’s career at all, you know that he’s a man who doesn’t mince words. The full interview will be available when the magazine hits newsstands Friday, but the few snippets that have appeared on line will make you do a spit-take. Seriously, put the beverages aside while you’re reading these.

James Harrison Unloads

Harrison takes on Goodell, his teammates, the 2004 Patriots and leaves a trail of scorched ground hot enough to rival the Arizona desert where he’s training.

I have no doubt that his wallet will be a bit lighter once the lockout ends. The bigger question is whether Harrison’s comments on Ben Roethlisberger will have an impact in the locker room.

** I recognize that these quotes have been taken out of a larger piece in the tease by Men’s Journal. I will revisit the piece after seeing it in its entirety on Friday.

* Again, we’re looking in-between the white lines for fantasy heroism here. We’ll leave the off-field issues for discussion in other forums.

Roethlisberger threw an early interception to Joe Haden and squandered a scoring opportunity on his third pass attempt. He would later find his rhythm to complete touchdown strikes to Mike Wallace, Hines Ward and Heath Miller. Roethlisberger finished the game with 257 yards, three scores and an interception.

He next faces the Dolphins.

Let’s run through five stories on the wire right now, starting with Friday’s announcement concerning Ben Roethlisberger.

1. Ben Roethlisberger Suspension Reduced

As expected, Roger Goodell met with Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and reduced his suspension from six games to four. As a result, Roethlisberger will return after the Steelers’ Week 5 Bye to face the Browns. I’d already built this information into my most recent quarterback rankings. Given his high level of production in two of the past three seasons, Roethlisberger definitely rates among the top QB2s for his nine-game run toward the fantasy playoffs. Fantasy owners who drafted Roethlisberger late with wishes and hopes of a reduction in the suspension time are smiling, as are owners of Hines Ward and Mike Wallace.

2. Montario Hardesty Lost for the Year

Cleveland fans and fantasy owners feared the worst when ninja running back candidate Montario Hardesty left Thursday’s exhibition finale against Chicago. On Friday, those fears were confirmed when it was revealed that he’d torn his left ACL and was placed on injured reserve. Jerome Harrison’s stock takes an immediate leap, and 2009 ninja James Davis pops back onto the radar.

3. Patrick Crayton Dealt to San Diego

Crayton escaped NFL hell (ie – the daily self-reflection of “what’s my role?”) when he was dealt from the Cowboys to the Chargers for a seventh-round pick. He immediately warrants consideration as a fourth wide receiver, as he’ll crack the rotation alongside Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee. Crayton has a chance to slide into the No. 2 role once he acclimates to the offense.

4. Byron Leftwich Injured

Leftwich left the Steelers’ preseason finale with a sprained knee, thereby opening the debate of whether veteran Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon would get the starting nod for the first four games. We’ll await further word. For now, I’m looking for both to see time, and I’m not changing the ranking of the WRs.

5. LenDale White Achilles’

Alas, a rough season ended for LenDale White before it even began. He was dealt to Seattle on draft weekend, getting us (me, more appropriately) excited about his reunion with Pete Carroll. That short appearance ended with his release and the announcement of a four-game suspension. White signed with Denver and appeared to have a chance of posting some touches as part of a three-man attack. Alas, he ruptured his Achilles’ tendon and will miss the season.

I’d be on the horn with Derrick Ward and bring him in to kick the tires.

Who can make it happen?

St. Louis is a no-go. The Rams are trying to fire up the fan base, and while his arrival would bring fanfare and attention, I don’t know that you want to build from there. Roethlisberger has an injury history and has absorbed a ton of hits in his six NFL seasons. Take Sam Bradford and look to the future.

Cleveland: It doesn’t seem like a Mike Holmgren kind of fit and it’s unlikely that the Steelers would trade him in-division. That, and the fact that Cleveland has a lot of other needs to address in addition to the quarterback position that was flipped this offseason.

Seattle: Pete Carroll is building things from scratch. However, he’s showing that he likes reclamation projects by signing receivers Mike Williams and Reggie Williams. Roethlisberger is only 28, while starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck turns 35 in September. Seattle certainly has ample early-round picks to consider a deal (6th, 14th and 40th overall selections).

Buffalo: They need something to get the train moving in the right direction. Bringing in a proven quarterback would be a nice start.

Jacksonville: Likewise, Jacksonville needs something to spark the squad. David Garrard has been a solid option, but hasn’t lived up to the big payday he received. Even with the thoughts of squashing character concerns in Jacksonville, wouldn’t a two-time Super Bowl champion be enticing and re-engage the fan base?

Oakland: Can Al Davis put aside the amount of money he’s spent on JaMarcus Russell and look to the future of his squad? A change of coasts might be a positive for Roethlisberger, although I know bad comics are already crafting their “of course he goes to Oakland!” takes.

Fantasy Take

Roethlisberger was ranked toward the back-end of the starters for 2010 prior to the suspension. Obviously, a minimum four-game suspension drops him toward the list a few spots. But, how far does he fall when you consider the 12 games (assuming you make the playoffs and a run into the fantasy title game) for which he’ll be eligible?

He slides behind the likes of Carson Palmer, Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan, but I can’t slip him past the aforementioned Garrard or second-year starter Matthew Stafford just yet.

As for the Pittsburgh squad, you’re looking at Dennis Dixon for the start of the season unless something shifts and he melts down to let Batch or Leftwich snag the job. That means more opportunities for Heath Miller (when healthy) and short routes for Hines Ward (PPR leagues rejoice). However, Roethlisberger’s absence hurts the prospects of Mike Wallace stepping into a dominant role. He’ll produce, but I’m less bullish right now

Finally, you’re looking at a HUGE workload for Rashard Mendenhall in his third year. Willie Parker is gone, and you can expect to see the Steelers return to the traditional smash-mouth formation.

Training Camp
The long road to training camp has begun. This weekend, I’ll be blogging, yelling and spewing off stats and analysis about the NFL Draft, the NFL schedule & one million other topics.

Each year, I hit the road and catch a number of practices, a stretch that always includes a trip to Pittsburgh. Last year’s visit occurred just after the Lake Tahoe news broke. I’m curious to see the vibe among the 10,000-12,000 fans come August.

The Steelers made a move ahead of the decision, bringing back veteran quarterback Byron Leftwich to compete for a role with Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch. Did the Steelers anticipate such a lengthy suspension? Perhaps not, there was a pretty good idea that Roethlisberger wasn’t getting a slap on the wrist when Goodell talked of the quarterback’s violation of the league’s policy during a radio appearance with Dan Patrick on Tuesday.

There’s a chance that Roethlisberger’s suspension can be reduced to four games if he reaches certain conditions and his counselor’s sign off. Interestingly, the Steelers have a Bye in Week 5 following a date with the division-rival Ravens. Conspiracy theorists are running wild.

The NFL fan base and society at large are divided on the issue, most certainly. On one hand, there’s the sentiment that since Roethlisberger was not convicted of a crime, that no suspension is warranted. Then, there are those who cite the preponderance of evidence that paints a very dismal, sad and horrifying picture of what happened in Georgia as cause to suspend Roethlisberger indefinitely.

I understand the outrage of those who look at the details of the allegations and point to a pattern of abhorrent behavior. I don’t understand the “no charges, no punishment” faction. Some separation between the barbarism and aggression on the field and the larger society must be maintained, right?

In the end, there’s a responsibility to the league, its fans and its partners that must be considered. There’s a lot at stake for everyone involved, from the owners to broadcast partners, fans who shell out hard-earned cash for tickets and merchandiser and the myriad producers of said merchandise. Roger Goodell is protecting the integrity of his brand while keeping this seemingly unstoppable force on course for continued growth.

Wouldn’t you expect your boss to do the same? Wouldn’t you fight to protect your business?

Click on the podcast tab to hear us yell.

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The 2009 season offered more twists and turns than any psychological thriller concocted in Hollywood. Fantasy owners and fans navigated through a myriad of injuries and varied circumstances, including, but not limited to, coaching changes, suspensions, trades, releases and frequent trips on the quarterback carousel.

Along the way, a number of surprising stat lines were achieved. I’m not talking about those single-week appearances on the fantasy radar accomplished by a number of receivers. I’m referring to those overall numbers or extended runs that helped propel fantasy owners to great heights or allowed them to overcome injuries or one of those issues listed above.

Let’s start in Baltimore, where a sophomore quarterback excelled despite a dearth of options.

Joe Flacco, QB, BAL

Flacco posted a strong rookie season, and we certainly anticipated an increase in his production in 2009 as we drifted into the offseason. However, we also believed the Ravens would make one or more additions to the receiving corps in support of him. When that didn’t happen, his stock in early-season fantasy drafts began to drop. With only Derrick Mason as a reliable wide receiver and frequent dump-off to Ray Rice out of the backfield, Flacco crushed his freshman totals and led the Ravens to another postseason appearance. He improved his passing yardage total by 18 percent (3,613 yards) and his touchdown total by 50 percent (from 14 to 21). Will they add another receiver in 2010? Will the late surge from Todd Heap continue into the new year?

Brett Favre, QB, MIN

I had great expectations for Favre upon his arrival in Minnesota, but I couldn’t have imagined he’d operate at such an efficient level. He finished second in the NFL with 33 touchdowns (his most since 1997) and 4,202 passing yards (his most since 1998). He also threw only seven interceptions in 531 attempts, six fewer than any of his previous full seasons in the NFL. That was the statistic that leaped off the page as you take the season in as a whole. The big collapse never happened, and he also posted the best passer rating of his career.

Alex Smith, QB, SF

Smith gave the San Francisco brass a lot to think about heading into the offseason. He started the season on the bench, but performed quite well down the stretch after assuming the reins from Shaun Hill. Smith averaged 213.6 yards per game in 11 appearances and tossed 18 touchdowns (six multi-touchdown games and only one shutout). He demonstrated a tremendous rapport with both Vernon Davis and rookie Michael Crabtree, perhaps something the 49ers will build on in 2010.

Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE

Harrison closed out the season with a bang and probably helped guide many fantasy owners to titles. He was a true workhorse in the final three games, racking up a total of 561 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 106 carries. He posted four 100-yard games in relief of outgoing tailback Jamal Lewis and made a strong case to be the featured back in 2010 for Mike Holmgren and whomever sits in the head coach’s office.

Cedric Benson, RB, CIN

I always surmised that the talent was there, but Benson certainly hadn’t shown us much in the dedication column prior to the final quarter of the 2008 season. That late-season surge didn’t lead fantasy owners to the bandwagon, and he was routinely drafted in the fifth round or later in 2009. He responded by accruing 1,251 yards in 13 games played this season (six games of at least 110 yards) and scored six touchdowns.

Fred Jackson, RB, BUF

Jackson was on the radar to open the season with Marshawn Lynch on the suspended list, and he did enough during those three games to remain part of a workload split before ultimately seizing the top slot down the stretch. He carried the ball 13 or more times in each of the Bills’ final six games and closed with a phenomenal 212-yard effort. He was one of only 15 running backs to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in 2009 and amassed 1,433 total yards.

Miles Austin, WR, DAL

For the first quarter of the season, Austin was a non-factor for the Cowboys. He amassed just five receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown prior to a monster performance against the Chiefs in Week 5. He averaged 6.3 receptions and 103.3 yards over the final 12 games to help lead Dallas to the No. 3 seed in the NFC. He also scored 10 touchdowns during this period. More importantly, he scored in eight of those 12 games and finished with 90 or more yards in two of the remaining four.

Pierre Garcon/Austin Collie, WR, IND

Colts fans and fantasy owners let out a collective gasp when Anthony Gonzalez was injured during the preseason. He was to assume the No. 2 role opposite Reggie Wayne following the departure of Marvin Harrison, and there was no obvious heir apparent. As such, fantasy owners had to pull back on some of their projections for Peyton Manning. But Manning more than compensated for Gonzalez’s absence and effectively integrated the tandem of Garcon and Collie into the offense. The pair combined for 107 receptions, 1,441 yards and 11 touchdowns. Collie warranted mention in the Rookie of the Year debates, and Garcon shone as a downfield weapon.

Mike Wallace, WR, PIT

I remember watching Wallace struggle during the early days of training camp, but he became a tremendous downfield option for Ben Roethlisberger as the season progressed. Wallace recorded multiple receptions in 14 of 16 games this season while averaging 19.4 yards per reception (nine of at least 25 yards). We got excited about Steve Breaston as the third member of the Arizona offense and drafted him accordingly. Wallace will be in that 10th or 11th-round range during 2010 drafts based on his big-play ability.

Robert Meachem, WR, NO

We wrote all preseason about the expected efficiency of the New Orleans offense and Drew Brees’ ability to spread the ball around. We couldn’t have anticipated which of the many receivers beyond Marques Colston would emerge as the second target. Lance Moore, the Saints’ breakout star of 2008, experienced a knee injury and was unable to answer the bell, thereby thrusting the second-year receiver from Tennessee into a prominent role. Meachem tied Colston for the team lead with nine touchdowns, including a string of five consecutive games with at least one score. He finished the season with 45 receptions for 722 yards.

Fred Davis, TE, WAS

Fantasy owners were despondent when top-tier tight end Chris Cooley went down for the season in Week 7. Little did those owners realize that a new tight end would emerge as a solid fantasy contributor from the same stagnant Washington offense. Davis caught eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in that first game against Philadelphia. He averaged 4.1 receptions and 46.4 yards per game over the final 10 games of the year. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s integrated into Mike Shanahan’s offense with Cooley returning in 2010.

Vernon Davis, TE, SF

Davis was left on the wire in most leagues this season, as owners didn’t quite know how to evaluate his place in the offense or his relationship with Mike Singletary. He earned the tag of captain, then lived up to the top-five fantasy expectations of years past. Sculpted of granite, he started the season quietly, but caught fire starting in Week 3, scoring in six of his final seven games to carry fantasy owners to the many titles. He finished the season with 13 touchdowns to lead all tight ends, four more than he’d produced in his first three seasons in San Francisco. He narrowly missed reaching the 1,000-yard mark (965) and caught 78 passes. To put things in perspective, he’d caught only 103 passes for 1,132 yards in three years.