Every year many of us gather around the TV to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a lovely Christmas tale where George Bailey is given a second chance on life after a visit from a guardian angel. And many of you are likely a little morose after your team has failed to reach the playoffs in 2012. Well, consider me your Clarence as I show you why there is reason for hope with your favorite team. And without further ado …

During the Baltimore Ravens’ 23-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns on “Thursday Night Football,” several key moments of the game left a lasting impression on the “Playbook” team.

Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden and his struggling offensive line might be in for a world of hurt against the Baltimore Ravens on “Thursday Night Football.” Even with the losses of edge rusher Jarrett Johnson to San Diego in the offseason and Terrell Suggs due to an Achilles injury, the Ravens are still finding ways to rush the passer because of their scheme. Their ability to confuse protections by providing different looks and disguising their blitzes makes up for their lack of premier pass rushers. They are proficient with twists and stunts while bringing pressure off the edge, which leaves offensive lines in disarray and often leaves a lineman on air while a free rusher clobbers the QB. The Browns’ […]

Jacoby Jones says the Browns will be ready to battle on TNF.

Donovan McNabb says the Eagles’ game plan did Michael Vick no favors in Week 1.

The Baltimore Ravens have added an extensive no-huddle look to their offense and that could have a big impact on Joe Flacco’s fantasy football value in 2012.

Brandon Weeden looks forward to improving as the preseason rolls on.

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson is slated to have his second knee surgery since February. Expect his fantasy football draft value to fall accordingly.

The impending sale of the Cleveland Browns has put the entire organization in flux, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche said “NFL AM” on Friday.

“The mounting speculation around the league is there will be changes in the front office,” Wyche said, citing an unnamed NFL general manager. “That means Mike Holmgren, the team president, likely will be out and anybody he hired is very vulnerable, that includes (general manager) Tom Heckert and a lot of people in the front office.”

To follow up on what we’re hearing, a league source reinforced that the Minnesota Vikings are leaning toward drafting LSU CB Morris Claiborne. Minnesota has Claiborne rated highest on their draft board and the team reportedly likes him more than USC OT Matt Kalil.

Also, Cleveland appears to be leaning toward taking Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden with the No. 22 pick, league sources said.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora sees Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden being in play for the Browns either during Thursday’s first round or Friday’s second round.

Over the last 10 seasons, Bill Belichick‘s New England Patriots have drafted 15 players who have been named to the Associated Press All-Pro team, the very best in the NFL according to a breakdown by The Plain Dealer. Last place with only two All-Pros, the team that fired Belichick in 1995, the Cleveland Browns.

NFL.com’s Marc Sessler pondered what, exactly, a decision by the Browns to draft Brandon Weeden would mean for incumbent starter Colt McCoy.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert said Thursday the team is unanimous on the player they’ll select with the No. 4 overall pick in next week’s NFL draft, according to the Associated Press.

Happy Thursday, everybody. It’s getaway day here for a certain someone who is going to take a long weekend before the draft. But I won’t be mailing it in until later today, so let’s look at some fantasy news.