NFL Network’s Fran Charles had the chance Monday to sit down with Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King for some insight on prominent players who will be on the free-agent/trade market after the lockout, as well as what lies ahead for Colts QB Peyton Manning and Steelers LB James Harrison.

Plaxico Burress will return to the NFL in 2011 after a two-year absence. But can he make an immediate impact for fantasy owners?

As we mourn the passing of Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey, it got NFL.com seniuor writer Steve Wyche to thinking about how Mackey revolutionized his position back in the ‘60s. Could there be such a revolutionary in today’s NFL?

Does Plaxico Burress have anything left in the tank? The former Steelers and Giants wide receiver turns 34 in August, and many are wondering if he is too old to make a successful return after being out of the game since 2008.

Plaxico Burress sat down with Fran Charles on “NFL Total Access” Thursday to talk about his time in prison and the long road back to the NFL.

When the NFL lockout ends, Super Bowl XLII hero Plaxico Burress can begin his search for a new team in earnest. In the meantime, he’ll make an appearance Thursday at the NFL Network and NFL.com offices to talk about his new ventures with the National Urban League and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

There’s a whole lot of NFC East chatter on this week’s “Cover Two podcast” with myself and Bucky Brooks, in large part because of our guests: Redskins TE Chris Cooley and Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware.

Thursday is podcast day at the Culver City, Calif., offices of NFL.com and NFL Network. Both Rich Eisen and Dave Dameshek will tape their latest podcasts today –- but there is even more significance this week.

Twinkle-toes himself, reigning “Dancing With the Stars” champ Hines Ward, will be visiting the NFL.com and NFL Network offices Wednesday afternoon. Be on the lookout for the Steelers receiver to be featured here on NFL.com as well as on “NFL Total Access” on NFL Network tonight. In fact, Ward will join us for a live chat this afternoon at 5 p.m. ET.

On the heels of Wiener-gate, Dave calls for an end to putting “-gate” at the end of every scandal and offers up some fresh, new titles for any future scandals.

NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche and NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks kept it hot in the second edition of the “Cover Two Podcast” this week.

Big day here at NFL.com. If you happen to run a fantasy league through this site, you likely got an email last night telling you we are officially open for business.

Looking for a breakout fantasy running back in 2011? According to Jets OC Brian Schottenheimer, you should look no further than Shonn Greene.

Congratulations to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward – your newest “Dancing With the Stars” champion. Unbelievably, that makes not one but two players who can boast a DWTS trophy and a Super Bowl MVP trophy on their mantel.

If Lions QB Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, he’s going to be a major breakout candidate in fantasy leagues.