Year after year, when a team loses a big game the fans, and sometimes players, anoint a scapegoat, or more simply a goat, to carry the blame. Let’s take a look at the 2011 goats, and who might steal their crown in 2012.

With Mario Manningham expected to hit free agency, the Giants could consider a number of options for what has become a rather productive No. 3 receiver position.

Hakeem Nicks was back to work for the Giants, but Plaxico Burress sat out another practice for the Jets.

Star receiver Calvin Johnson’s status is in doubt for the Lions’ home opener against the Chiefs.

Maurice Jones-Drew, an avid fantasy football owner, is ready to prove the “gurus” that he should be listed higher in draft rankings.

Aaron Rodgers, Gerald McCoy and Chris Ivory are among the players on the Week 14 injury list.

Week 7 has been huge for quarterbacks and wide receivers, both on the field and in fantasy football.

For those Ravens who complained about those long, extended practices — don’t bother showing up to Larry Fitzgerald‘s workouts at the University of Minnesota.

Bills go ahead, 3-0, on the first drive of the game.

Take a look at the stories making their way Around the Web today, including Steelers veteran Hines Ward approaching 10,000 career receiving yards, Giants punter Jeff Feagles preparing for the Cowboys’ giant videoboard and a tired Chiefs defense looking for a breather.

While this game might not register on the must-see list, I am curious to see if Buffalo has the fortitude to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to New England. I’m also eager to see if it makes some tweaks to the offense that should challenge the offensive line, quarterback Trent Edwards, and the team’s wide receivers.

The two Monday night games saw some interesting events that fantasy owners need to know about heading into Week 2.

Terrell Owens is expected to be the straw that stirs the drink in Buffalo, but QB Trent Edwards will have to be a quiet leader in the presence of a strong personality for the Bills. T.O.’s presence could help Edwards crown himself as the best QB taken in the 2007 draft.

One of the top prospective free agents from the class of 2009 is off the market.