adrian peterson

Monday marks the first day teams are allowed to place the franchise tag on one of their own unrestricted free agents, meaning that the Ravens are officially on the clock in their effort to sign Ray Rice to a contract extension.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn't concerned about the run defense after Peyton Hillis gained 100 yards against it.

We are into the nitty-gritty of the fantasy playoffs, so let's get down to business with injury updates, some waiver-wire pickups if you're desperate, and more. If your squad needs help, shoot me a note. And feel free to leave your horror story in the comments section if you have already been dismissed.

Ray Rice, already one of the best backs to play for the Ravens, would like to remain with the team

The timing is a little peculiar, but the Denver Broncos said adieu to former starting quarterback Kyle Orton on Tuesday. He had a good fantasy run under Josh McDaniels, but turnovers did him in with new coach John Fox. Is he worth a waiver claim? You have to read on to find out.

We have had to wait an extra day for our Ravens fix, but knowing that they would be playing on "Monday Night Football" made Monday a little more tolerable.

In last week's installment of Fantasy Fodder, I cautioned you to not panic and trade away one of five notable early-season disappointments if your team was stuck in the cellar. I hope this past week was better for you. This week, we're going to turn the tables. If you're in first place in your league and closing in on a playoff spot, don't stand pat. Now is the time to feed on the desperation of owners who feel their season slipping away.

Torrey Smith torched the Rams in Week 3, catching five passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Now he is burning up the waiver wire, and you can be sure that someone will claim him in your fantasy league.

Ravens: Rambunctious young Ray Rice used game of chess to calm his mind

Five Things We Learned: Tony Romo can't deliver in pressure situations

Sun reporters make their projections for 2011 NFL season

A year after taking over the prestigious job of left tackle, Oher's not concerned about scooting over to make room for Bryant McKinnie

Scouts Inc. has completed its grading of every player in the NFL, and they released the list of the top 200 players in the NFL on Tuesday. I know we have actually football games to discuss now -- trust me, I really am happy about that -- but I figured some of you would be interested to see where the folks at ESPN have ranked the top Ravens players on their list.

Chances are a running back will be the first player to come off the board in your fantasy league unless one of your fellow owners has a serious crush on Michael Vick or is the father/mother/sibling/spouse of a current NFL player. Running backs no longer the first dozen players off the board in fantasy football -- and honestly, that makes things much more interesting -- but an elite back is still the way to go if you're picking first overall.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis made two appearances on the finale of NFL Network's list of the top 100 players for 2011. The first, of course, was when he was revealed as the fourth best player in the league -- and the highest defender on the list -- according to his peers.