Historically, players who are featured on the cover of the “Madden NFL” franchise experience significant drops in their offensive production. NFL.com is tracking the performance of Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions over the course of the 2012 season because we believe Johnson will debunk the Madden curse. In case you missed it, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman appointed himself “Optimus Prime” in advance of the team’s road trip to Detroit. Megatron is unfazed. Wonder whose side this guy is on? Enough talk. Let’s get to the game. ————————————————————————————————————————————– FIRST QUARTER ————————————————————————————————————————————– The Lions win the toss and their first drive results in a punt. The Seahawks respond with a field goal. Nothing exciting there. On Detroit’s 2nd possession, Matthew Stafford leads the squad […]

» Despite having a big lead early (and since blowing it), the Giants offense has been pretty non-existent today. Ahmad Bradshaw has been held to just 31 rushing yards while Eli Manning is 8-0f-20 for 106 yards. » Week 8 has been another ride on the Tony Romo coaster. Sure, he has a rushing touchdown and is closing in on 300 passing yards, but those three first-half interceptions have been an anchor on his fantasy production today. » It looked like this week was all set up for Jamaal Charles to do big things. But with just four rushing yards on five carries, that hasn’t been the case at all. Then again, the entire Chiefs offense has been pretty miserable. » If you’re looking […]

As we do every week, let’s take a swing around the NFL, looking at a bunch of random things… So, what’s been up? 1. It would be difficult to argue that anyone is better at remaining calm and engineering comebacks than the Giants and Eli Manning. It was the case again last week against the Redskins, it was the case against the Bucs and… oh yeah, the Super Bowl last year. No one handles adversity better, which was a topic this week as the Cowboys prepared for them. Dallas CB Brandon Carr wasn’t lying when he said, “It’s going to be another 60 minute battle.” But what the G-Men want is to be able to perform before it gets all […]

We’re just a day away from the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game at Cowboys Stadium, as Dallas hopes to earn its first win over the G-Men at their new home stadium. Oh, and all that other stuff that’s at stake in the NFC East. “I don’t have any magical secrets,” Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck said about his team’s streak in Cowboys Stadium. “But I hope it continues.“ Lots of questions abound about this one. Want a quick, day-before-game run-through? Let’s get to some stuff we didn’t hit on during the week… Q: How do the Giants view Cowboys WRs, especially Dez Bryant? Answer from CB Corey Webster: “I mean, I’m not sure who’s going to show up. But, we don’t […]

Who needs a win more this week — your fantasy team or your real one? We work out the fantasy owner’s angst in the Social (Fantasy) Network.

It’s no secret that I’ve been high on the Bucs all season. I wrote about their sudden transformation in the summer, then picked Greg Schiano as my coach of the year candidate. But too often, they’ve earned hard-fought, tough losses instead of wins. It made them a quick team to forget about when it comes to the playoff picture. But did last night change things? Did their 36-17 beatdown of the home Vikings alter their course? Forget about being a rare road team to win on Thursday… though they are. They took down a 5-2 team in a game that wasn’t close with the nation watching in the best way. They ruined everything the Vikings were trying to do, forced Adrian […]

In today’s Three and Out: Aaron Hernandez isn’t in London, Danny Amendola could possibly play and Pierre Garcon mulls surgery option.

Israel Idonije says he believes the 2012 Bears defense might be better than the 2006 version.

Lorenzo Alexander says he’s ready if London Fletcher can’t play Sunday.

After being shredded for 377 yards and 4 TDs through the air, the Bucs’ defense is eager to rebound against Adrian Peterson and a run heavy Vikings offense.

Green Bay Packers wideout Greg Jennings is headed for surgery, but should you drop him?

Should Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon be dropped from your fantasy rosters?

By now, you know that the Cowboys lost LB Sean Lee for the season. It was a crucial loss, one that hits the stellar Dallas defense right in the middle. Not only was he the team’s leading tackler (by 26 tackles!), he was also its leader. I discussed the various issues on NFL Network’s Around the League, hitting on a few things. But let’s explore here. First, the basics. SAM linebacker Bruce Carter will take over the play-calling duties previously assigned to Lee. He’s done it before, it’s not that taxing (just repeat the call in your helmet), but there is extra responsibility because of the pre-snap adjustments. “I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Carter said. It helps that Lee was […]

Christian Ponder’s improvement in his second season has been huge, but it’s all about Adrian Peterson leading to the Vikings 5-2 start.

Former 49er Eric Davis has unique insight into how an NFL franchise in London could work.