One fantasy owner nearly broke his own thumb after reading that Lions WR Calvin Johnson was spotted wearing a cast.

There are several teams that I can’t get my mind around in 2009. Fans are obviously optimistic about their team, but that’s not good enough for me. So here’s a list of teams I want to feel good about but something in my mind keeps getting in the way.

Good to be back at work after a week of vacation. Now it’s time to touch on a few topics that have been in the news while I was gone, and some of these I likely will be following up on this week on NFL Total Access.

Host Fran Charles, analyst Warren Sapp and reporter Steve Wyche will discuss the latest on Brett Favre, debate the recent comments by Jerry Rice and reflect on the memorial service held for Steve McNair on Thursday’s NFL Network Total Access.

It’s not often that we go into our private closet to discuss issues and conversations one might have with our closest friends. But the tragic death of Steve McNair has harkened such a conversation I had with my 20-year-plus friend, Deion Sanders. We are both married, and one day, we were discussing the incredibly high divorce rate among celebrities and athletes.

We have to keep some perspective about NFL players getting in trouble off the field. The expectation among the populous that NFL players are supposed to be perfect because they were given the right to play football is ludicrous to me.

A few of the topics you’ll see on Thursday’s NFL Total Access on NFL Network include Rod Woodson’s top five safeties, the top available veteran free agents, which coaches could be on the hot seat this season and the Chicago Bears at No. 14 in the “32 Teams in 32 Days” series.

I’m glad you enjoy the players-only sessions we have on NFL Network. I enjoy being a part of it. Warren, Deion, Marshall and “Mooch” offer great insight, and I’m just there (LOL). This week’s installment asked this question: “If you had to start a franchise, who would you choose?” Deion chose Mike Tomlin, Warren chose Mario Williams, Marshall chose Shawne Merriman and I chose Michael Vick.

It seems that fans in Chicago are concerned about Jay Cutler’s nightlife. But as long as he is willing to put in the necessary work during the day, he’s still a step ahead of some other young quarterbacks out there.

Brandon Marshall is still under contract to the Broncos, so I have to temper my disdain for the complete dismantling of an NFL franchise. A lot of people place the blame on the owner of the Denver Broncos, Pat Bowlen, and the reality is the ire is misguided. Bowlen is a businessman who did not become a billionaire because he knew some unique secret that revolutionized the NFL.

Donte Stallworth is doing what the knucklehead former Giant diva WR should have done: Admit his culpability, except his penance and move on with his life. By doing so, Donte has evaded the inferno of prison but I believe he should receive hell’s fire from Roger Goodell.

Few can argue that Phil Jackson might be the best coach in the history of professional sports. Ten NBA world championships in the modern era speak for themselves. But upon closer examination, I find similarities between Jackson and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank released QB Michael Vick last week in a simple act of mercy. Blank is true to his word when he says that he wants Vick back into the league.

Mark Sanchez and his agents got a deal done early with the New York Jets, putting him on the fast track to be the starting QB in Week 1. Jamie Dukes says it was a good move for both.

Brett Favre would still be a member of the Green Bay Packers if the front office didn’t push him out the door. If Favre is guilty of anything, it’s having pride.