We are just two weeks away from the start of a regular season fans are feening for, meaning rosters will have to be cut down to the season-mandated 53 players rather quickly.

Don’t dismiss the fact there may be players on the final roster who aren’t on the current roster. Other teams may have surpluses at certain positions where some talented players will be made available. Miami could also trade among their surplus on the defensive line to help in other areas. A couple positions to watch is in the backfield and in the secondary.

I could easily see another speed back join the roster as well as a veteran at safety or corner considering Will Allen still may not be ready to make an impact in games.

Teams will have to cut down to 80 players by August 30 and 53 players by September 3. Let’s take a look at who appears to be keepers as of August 22.

OFFENSE (25)

QB – Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Kevin O’Connell

RB- Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, Lex Hilliard

FB- Lousaka Polite, Charles Clay (util)

WR- Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, Clyde Gates

WR- Brian Hartline, Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore

TE- Anthony Fasano, Mickey Shuler

LT- Jake Long

G- Richie Incognito, Ray Feinga

C- Mike Pouncey, Joe Berger

G- Vernon Carey, Nate Garner (util)

RT- Marc Colombo, Lydon Murtha

DEFENSE (25)

DE- Randy Starks, Jared Odrick, Phillip Merling

DT- Paul Soliai, Ryan Baker

DE- Kendall Langford, Tony McDaniel

OLB- Cameron Wake, Jason Trusnik

ILB- Karlos Dansby, A.J Edds

ILB- Kevin Burnett, Marvin Mitchell

OLB- Koa Misi, Jason Taylor, Ikaika Alama-Francis

CB- Vontae Davis, Benny Sapp

CB- Sean Smith, Jimmy Wilson, Will Allen

FS- Chris Clemons, Reshad Jones

SS- Yeremiah Bell, Tyrone Culver

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)

K- Dan Carpenter

P- Brandon Fields

LS- John Denney

By Josh Baumgard

1. Houston Texans

The Houston defense – and more specifically the secondary – was frightening last year. The unit gave up 24 points or more an absurd 14 times. They finished dead last in the league in pass defense. It was no shock upgrading the secondary was the primary concern this offseason.

They hit free agency hard, signing corner Johnathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning while drafting former Cane standout Brandon Harris in the second round. New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has a challenge transforming a defense ranked 29th in points allowed, but at least they now have some pieces to work with.

Offensively, they’re as talented as any team in football with studs at all skill positions. Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, and Andre Johnson are all in the primes of their careers. Can the defense rise to their level?

WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF… The injection of Manning and Joseph into the secondary is enough to lift the defense up to a respectable level and Schaub proves he’s capable of making big plays in the game’s biggest moments.

2011 PREDICTION: 12-4 (AFC South Champs)

2. Detroit Lions

After what’s seemed like a decade of top 10 picks, this team is bound to be good eventually, and maybe even by accident at some point. Well this is the year they finally appear ready to take the leap into the land of football relevance. Detroit, you are no longer a laughing stock. Could 500 football be on the horizon?

The strengths of the Lions this year should be their defensive line and the deep passing game. With Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch joined by rookie defensive tackle Chris Fairley, this unit has a chance to be special. The better they are up the front, the easier  it is on the rest of the defense. With Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, they boast arguably the league’s top deep-threat tandem.

WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF: Fairley is dominant from the start, launching the line into elite conversation and Stafford is able to do something he’s never done, stay healthy.

2011 PREDICTON: 9-7 (2nd NFC North)

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Although many would disqualify Tampa from contending for sleeper status in 2011 after coming off a 10-6 season, I beg to differ. Coming out of nowhere with a young team against a weak schedule is one thing but to replicate that success and build on it, in a dangerous division, would certainly be “sleeper friendly”.

With all of the NFC South talk focused on the Saints and Falcons, the Bucs are out of the national spotlight. It astonishes me their young quarterback in Josh Freeman is still not mentioned among the NFL’s elite after passing for 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions last season. The kid can play, and at 23, is far from done developing.

This is a young, hungry team with some exciting pieces at it’s core. Freeman is the type of talent who makes everyone around him – players on defense as well as offense – better. He’s got that “it factor” not many quarterbacks have.

WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF… one or both of the highly touted rookie defensive ends in Adrian Clayborn (1st round pick) and Da’Quan Bowers (2nd round pick) make an immediate impact on a weak line from a year ago.

2011 PREDICTION: 11-5 (Wildcard birth, 2nd NFC South)

By J. Gold “The Fantasy Guru”

Year in and year out we always have fantasy sleepers. If you were able to stalk the waiver wire like the degenerate that can’t take his eyes off the fantasy screen from noon Sunday through Monday Night Football, it probably paid off.

Whether you’re in a random public league or a serious keeper league with your best friends, the waiver wire is essential for a championship run.

Last year’s Sleepers

Note* all Average Draft Picks (ADP) are based on a ten-team snake draft format.

Arian “The Barbarian” Foster – RB, HOU

ADP- Rounds 4-6

Foster wasn’t even the opening day starter for most fantasy drafts. With a monster training camp he overtook Steve Slaton’s starting spot and landed as the top fantasy running back by a landslide.

2010 stats:  Rushing (1616 YDS, 16 TD), Receiving – (66 REC, 604 Rush YDS, 2 TD (Note: LT Esque)

Peyton “I ain’t no Manning” Hillis – RB, CLE

ADP- Undrafted to late

2010 Stats:  Rushing – (1177 YDS,  11 TD), Receiving – (61 REC, 477 YDS 2 TD)

Darren “Run DMC” McFadden – RB, OAK

ADP- 12th round (120^th pick)

2010 Stats:  Rushing – (1157 YDS,  7 TD), Receiving – (47 REC, 507 YDS 3 TD)

Austin Collie – WR, IND

ADP – 14^th round (145^th pick)

Barring any setbacks from his awful injurie(s) last year he may still be a great mid-round (rounds 7-10) sleeper this year.

2010 Stats: ONLY 9 games- 58 REC, 649 YDS 8 TD

Brandon Lloyd – WR, DEN

ADP – Undrafted

2010 Stats:  77 REC, 1448 YDS, 11 TD

Rated as the number one overall 2010 fantasy receiver. Big question this year is will it be Tebow or Orton throwing him the deep ball.

LeGarrette Blount – RB, TAM

ADP – Undrafted.

In limited time and really only 11 games as the starting RB he had some very impressive numbers and may be a serious sleeper in this years draft

2010 stats:  Rushing (1007 YDS, 6 TD)

Be like Mike [Mike Williams, Mike Wallace, Mike Vick]

All three basically came out of nowhere;

Wallace ’10 stats: 60 REC 1257 YDS, 10 TD (remind you of anyone in their prime…Randy Moss)

Williams ’10 stats: 65 REC, 964 TDS, 11 TD and oh yea he was a ROOKIE

Vick ’10 Stats:…3,018 YDS, 21 TD, 6 INTso good bum bum so good bum bum…I need you (THIS YEAR, draft him)

Stevie Johnson – WR, BUF

2010 Stats: 82 REC 1073 YDS, 10 TD (and don’t forget the wide open touchdown he dropped and blamed on God against Pitt)

Notable mentions: Danny Woodhead – (RB/WR Pats), Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis – (RB, Pats, The Lawfirm), Mike Tolbert – (RB, SD), Fred Jackson – (RB, BUF),  Josh Freeman – (QB, TAM)

2011 Sleepers (Note: some guys above may be on the 2011 list)

Julio Jones – WR, ATL (R)

Yes he is a rookie and yes he will be opposite one of the top receivers in the league, but this kid is a man child. Expect to find him between the rounds 8-10.

Deangelo Williams – RB, CAR

I hate Carolina and Cam Newton, but with the injuries he sustained last year, he may slide to the 4^th or 5^th round. If and when he does, keep your poker face because the list gets sweeter and sweeter. He’s Carolina’s featured back (w/Jonathan Stewart) and he’s a workhorse.

Reggie Bush – RB, MIA

Opportunity to be featured in Miami? Check. Relations with Kim Kardashian? Check. He may be at the top of my sleeper list. With Henne appearing under center and Coach Tony Sparano loving the run-first offense, Reggie is going to have the year we have all been waiting for. Note rookie Daniel Thomas will see some touches, but it’s not yet known how much we can trust this rookie from Kansas State. Draft target should be in the rounds 6-8.

Danny Woodhead – RB/WR, NE

May possibly be the only white guy on this list, but with Billy B calling plays and Danny  proving his NFL worthiness, you can rest assured this kid is going to get a lot of touches. Unfortunately his eligibility last year RB/WR made him much more valuable. Draft in rounds 7-8.

I don’t care for tight ends but Dustin Keller (TE, NYJ) and Aaron Hernandez (TE, NE) are going to have MONSTER seasons. You can draft them LATE, real late.

Percy Harvin – WR, MIN

if Percy and his 4.25 speed can get the migranes under control and D. Mcnabb can sling it 50+ yards down the field this could be a deadly combo on play action situations, which Mcbabb loves. Eye him around the 6-7 rounds.

C.J. Spiller – RB, BUF

I’m not giving up on him. Yes he plays for Buffalo. Yes, Fred Jackson had solid number last year. But C.J. “The Thriller” Spiller is a physical specimen. Eye him between rounds 9-10 (late enough that you can take a chance).

Josh Freeman – QB, TAM

On the sleeper list of 2010 and should be on the sleeper list again in 2011. He is the real deal and will only outperform his 2010 numbers by at least 25 percent. If you miss out on one of the top five QBs don’t sweat. Freeman will do you just fine as your number 1. Draft him in the rounds 9-10.

Chad OchoCinco – WR, NE

If he slides to the sixth round or later I would jump on him fast. Ocho will have the best year of his career. Remember Moss never went across the middle and still set every single-season receiving record known to man. Ocho has no issues with the middle of the field.

Other notable mentions: Johnny Knox (WR, CHI),  Stevie Johnson (WR, BUF), Jacoby Ford (WR, OAK)  Sam Bradford (QB, STL) Danny Amendola (WR, STL), James Starks (RB, GB) Steve Smith (WR, CAR)

By J. Gold

For those of us who wake up every Sunday morning with beer already on ice and the NFL Red Zone channel blasting so loud our neighbors from across the street could hear, there is some good news. The millionaires and billionaires have finished playing patty cake!

Lucky for us the coaches didn’t waste any time assigning the players bunkmates and drawing up the X’s and O’s for the game we love. If you’re like me, you’ve got that itch. Whether it’s analyzing your favorite team’s schedule or already circling the calendar with the big boy match ups like Steelers/Ravens, Patriots/Jets, Bears/Packers, Eagles and anyone else…wooo weeee E A G L E S.

Maybe I’m bias, but weren’t all those Heat fans last August? Enough running my mouth about the Eagles. I will wait until they win their first 4 games before I start planning for Indy in February.

Get the fan gear ready, the cheese heads and the face paint. Send the wife to the spa because you aren’t showing her any attention when that first pigskin is booted off by your favorite Racker or your favorite C(r)osby. With only five weeks to go how do we stay focused on our everyday lives without total football consummation? The answer is we don’t. We continue to talk about football and fantasy football, and supplement that with some more football talk in between.

There were tons of free agent acquisitions from many big named teams as well as some middle tier teams. The biggest surprise in my eyes is Jerry Jones and Dallas doing nothing to keep the ‘boys as America’s team. They seem poised for a 9-7 season and another disappointment. With Dez and Miles as all Dallas can rely on, don’t except much from them.

It’s clear who made the biggest splash this offseason. Philly and New England easily top the list. The Pats again were happy to capitalize on unhappy and underperforming players while paying them pennies on the dollar. Haynesworth signed with the Patriots for a bag of dog dookie and a handful of pennies, while Chad Ochocinco restructured his three-year deal for an undisclosed amount. Billy B knows what he’s doing, so expect another 14-2 season from Brady and the boys.

The Eagles paid top dollar for two defensive stars in Nnamdi Asomugha (five-year deal for $60 million) and Cullen Jenkins (five-years deal for $25 million).  They also capitalized on an unproven young backup quarterback in Kevin Kolb by not only getting a pro bowl cornerback in return, but also a 2012 second-round pick as well. Signing Vince Young as Kolb’s replacement and Michael Vick’s backup will prove to be the difference maker. He appears to be happy learning from MV7 and Andy “cheeseburger” Reid.

The Winner of the draft has to be the young Detroit Lions. Drafting big boy Nick Farley mid-first round makes that Lions defensive line a very scary force.

The NFC north and NFC East appear to be the the top divisions in the game, with the NFC East and AFC East rounding out the second tier.

Bold Predictions

• Thomas Brady reclaims his MVP award
• Ndamukong Suh for defensive MVP

Next week: Fantasy preview to come, team power rankings, player power rankings, owner and player fail blog, and as always Bold predictions

Since there isn’t much doing in the NFL these days with the lockout still terrorizing the dreams of fantasy football players worldwide, let’s rank the top 30 quarterbacks.

These rankings are based on who I’d want leading my team into the 2011-12 season. They are based more off the present than future. Rookies aren’t being considered because they are a crap shoots.

*Note: This isn’t a fantasy football ranking, but an actual quarterbacks ranking.

Tier 1: The Elite

1) Tom Brady, NE- Just may be the smartest quarterback this league has ever seen. With Giselle as the cherry on top, is there anyone you’d rather trade shoes with?

2) Aaron Rodgers, GB- He will be the best quarterback of this decade (2010-20). There isn’t a player I enjoy watching more than this guy. A lightning release with a dancer’s feet.

3) Peyton Manning, IND- Still a stud, but at this point in his career could really use the support of a stable rushing attack.

4) Ben Roethlisberger, PIT- One of the best big-game quarterbacks in league history. In the final minutes you want this fella with the rock

5) Drew Brees, NOR- Down year in 2010 with 22 INTs. I’d bet my car that doesn’t happen again.

6) Philip Rivers, SD- I’d be very surprised if Rivers never at least made it to a Super Bowl.

7) Michael Vick, PHI- The most electric player in football. Can he stay healthy?

Tier 2: Notch Below Elite

8. Matt Ryan, ATL- Has the mental makeup to be a special one.

9) Joe Flacco, BAL- Hasn’t proved he has the “it” factor in big playoff games.

10) Josh Freeman, TB- Tremendous young talent wither a monster year last season (25 TD, 6 INT).

11) Tony Romo, DAL- His health will define the Cowboys’ season.

12) Matt Schaub, HOU- Quietly has become a near-elite passer.

13) Matt Cassell, KC- Smart and capable but not spectacular.

Tier 3: Solid

14) Eli Manning, NYG – After winning the 2008 Super Bowl against one of the most talented teams in NFL history, we thought he’d be a no-brainer franchise quarterback. What happened?

15) Jay Cutler, DEN- Blessed with possibly the best arm in the game, but his head limits his potential.

16) Vince Young, ?- Diverse array of skills and a proven winner. Will his baggage follow him?

17) Kyle Orton, DEN- Underrated and on a terrible team, he still posted 3600 yards and 20 touchdowns in 13 games. Could be on the move. Miami. Washington?

18) Sam Bradford, STL- An accurate, smart passer on the rise.

19) David Garrard, JAC- Very solid who just can’t get any respect.

Tier 4

20) Carson Palmer, CIN- Will he really retire at the age of 31?

21) Jon Kitna, DAL- Amazed he’s still alive, let alone throws a football around.

22)  Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF- Big fan. He’s got cajonas.

23) Mark Sanchez, NYJ- Had a great playoffs, but needs to be more consistent year-round.

Tier Five

24) Donovan McNabb, WAS- Over the hill. Needs big talent around him.

25) Matthew Stafford, DET- Injury waiting to happen.

26) Chad Henne,  MIA- Painful to watch.

27) Colt McCoy, CLE- Showed some upside last season, but still with much to prove.

28) Jason Campbell, OAK- Plays the game scared.

29) Alex Smith, SF- Eh.

30) Tim Tebow, DEN- Still not convinced he will ever be a great quarterback. Do I have a Gator-bias? Absolutely.

There was a gorilla loose from a zoo in the area and he made his way towards an NFL pre-draft workout.

Players were informed of the news and were on their toes as the day dragged on. The results are not pretty.

1. Steelers (5-1)

2. Jets (5-1)

3. Giants (5-2)

4. Patriots (5-1)

5. Colts (4-2)

6. Ravens (5-2)

7. Falcons (4-2)

8. Titans (4-2)

9. Texans (4-2)

10. Chiefs (4-2)

11. Saints (4-3)

12. Dolphins (3-3)

13. Seahawks (4-2)

14. Packers (4-3)

15. Eagles (4-3)

16. Bucs (4-2)

17. Redskins (4-3)

18. Bears (4-3)

19. Oakland (3-4)

20. Arizona (3-3)

21. St. Louis (3-4)

22. Jacksonville (3-4)

23. Minnesota (2-4)

24. Cincinnati (2-4)

25. San Diego (2-5)

26. Cleveland (2-5)

27. Denver (2-5)

28. Detroit (1-5)

29. Carolina (1-5)

30. Dallas (1-5)

31. San Francisco (1-6)

32. Buffalo (0-6)

On The Year: 4-3-1 (Last week: 1-3-1)

1. Pittsburgh -3 @ Tampa

2. San Francisco -3 @ Kansas City

3. Green Bay -3 @ Chicago

4. San Diego @ Seattle +6

5. Tennessee @ New York Giants -3

The life of a Cleveland sports fan has to be brutal

1. Saints (No. 1 last week; 2-0) - The defense looks sharper this year.

2. Packers (No. 3; 2-0) – At Chicago next week will be the team’s first true test.

3. Steelers (No. 12; 2-0) – The defense forced 7 turnovers. They held Chris Johnson to 34 yards rushing. The last time he was held under 100 was week five of last year.

4. Texans (No. 6; 2-0) – A nice comeback win in overtime behind Schaub’s 497 passing yards.

5. Dolphins (No. 10; 2-0) – Their defense looks ridiculously good thus far, but their offense and Chad Henne look lackluster. Will they open it up against the Jets at home on Sunday night?

6. Ravens (No. 2; 1-1) – Flacco’s main responsibility is ball control and those 4 picks aren’t helping the cause.

7. Colts (No. 7; 1-1) – Think that week one loss got under their skin?

8. Jets (No. 14; 1-1) – Sanchez had the best game of his career (21/30 220, 3 TD). Let’s see how he does against an aggressive Dolphins D.

9. Patriots (No. 4; 1-1) – They are going to have to run the ball effectively to beat certain teams, which was their downfall against the Jets.

10. Bears (No. 22; 2-0) – A phenomenal win at Dallas. Win next week against Green Bay and I’m a believer.

11. Bengals (No. 13; 1-1) – The defense was absolutely dominant.

12. Chiefs (No. 15; 2-0) – They better beat San Francisco at home because road games at Indianapolis and Houston are on deck.

13. Titans (No. 9; 1-1) – A bad loss against a Steelers team without a serviceable quarterback. They looked really outmatched from a physical standpoint.

14. Giants (No. 11; 1-1) – That defense laid a huge duck in the Manning Bowl. Peyton was nearly perfect (145.5 QB Rating).

15. Chargers (No. 17; 1-1) – The offense (38 points) really got it together at home for the rebound win.

16. Redskins (No. 15; 1-1) – The Skins were in complete control against Houston, but were inept in the second half.

17. Bucs (No. 27; 2-0) – How good are the Bucs? We will find out this week against Pittsburgh.

18. Falcons (No. 18; 1-1) – A good defense, an efficient passing game, and a potentially dominant running game could take this team deep into the playoffs.

19. Eagles (No. 21; 1-1) – It’s the Vick Show now.

20. Vikings (No. 5; 0-2) – Brett’s team is in shambles after the first loss at home since December 2008.

21. Broncos (No. 26; 1-1) – Kyle Orton is becoming one of the league’s better quarterbacks. He should keep Tebow at bay for a while.

22. 49ers (No. 20; 0-2) – They really blew a winnable game last night against the champs. It’s time to look elsewhere at quarterback.

23. Cowboys (No. 8; 0-2) – One of the richest, most talented teams in the league is in quicksand.

24. Seahawks (No. 19; 1-1) - And the Seahawks were brought back down to earth after taking a beating in Denver.

25. Jaguars (No. 24; 1-1) – Cool uniform. Average football team.

26. Cardinals (No. 23; 1-1) – Where are ya Kurt?

27. Raiders (No. 31; 1-1) - The Jason Campbell experiment sure didn’t last long. Fumblitis has that effect.

28. Lions (No. 25; 0-2) – I was shocked they put up 32 with Shaun Hill taking the snaps. They’re not that far off.

29. Panthers (No. 29; 0-2) – Clausen is officially the starter. Throwing rookie QB’s into the fire on bad teams usually doesn’t have a happy ending, besides a high draft pick.

30. Browns (No. 30; 0-2) – Who came up with the nickname? Talk about lacking creativity.

31. Rams (No. 32; 0-2) - Bradford is a player. He puts the ball on the money.

32. Bills (No. 28; 0-2) - How long before they get shipped out of Buffalo?

The Dolphins defense put on a dominate performance

It was ugly, but a win is a win in the National Football League. The Dolphins have to be pleased to come away with the narrow 14-10 road victory over the Vikings on Sunday. Next up is the loudmouth New York Jets in the home opener next Sunday night.

Congratulations to the Dolphins defense, who have looked superb thus far. The offense has some work to do.

Quick Hitters

• The defense came away with four takeaways against one of the league’s better offenses.
• The only positive thing from the Vikings offense came behind Adrian Peterson‘s 145 rushing yards.
• Cameron Wake is an impact player. He had 1.5 sacks (2.5 on the season) and forced a fumble in the Vikings endzone for a touchdown.
• Vontae Davis is becoming a star. He had an unbelievable interception, broke up many balls, and delivered some monster hits.
• The Dolphins offense tried to lose, coughing up the ball twice on the ground in costly situations. Ricky Williams fumbled on his own goal line.
• Miami passed just 15 times compared to 29 rushing attempts.
• Fun fact: Miami got in the red-zone just once. Minnesota was there five times, scoring just once.
• When is the offense going to open up and and give Chad Henne (10/16, 114 yards, touchdown) a chance to make plays?
  • If they don’t have the confidence in him, then it’s time to go to Chad Pennington. The offense has been very conservative.
• The fact the Dolphins are 2-0 with both games taking place on the road is a special feat.
• A win is a win.
• Game Balls: Cameron Wake (1.5 Sacks, FF), Jason Allen (2 INT) Vontae Davis (1 INT). I couldn’t choose one.