matt forte

When Ravens running back Ray Rice doesn't show up to voluntary minicamp next week, there will undoubtedly be plenty of attention paid to his absence by fans and the media.

Ravens running back Ray Rice is scheduled to become a free agent, but the team will place the franchise tag on him by March 5 in the hopes of working out a long-term deal with the Pro Bowl back. That's a bummer for teams looking for an elite back as Rice would have been the best available runner.

Running back and team will have until July 16 to negotiate a new, long-term deal

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.

We will all scrutinize about our fantasy lineups more than ever in the fantasy playoffs, and that has less to do with us wanting to win our league and more to do with us not wanting to end up losing because we benched the wrong player. The best advice: Always, always, always start your best players.

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.

Grumpy Ravens coach John Harbaugh on Monday had to answer a few questions about the use of Ray Rice in Sunday's 22-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Based on the line of questioning from reporters, I'm guessing at least one of those guys has Rice, who had 27 rushing yards on a season-low five carries, on their fantasy team.

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.

Looking back, the 2008 NFL draft produced a strong crop of running backs. Darren McFadden, Matt Forte, Rashard Mendenhall and Jamaal Charles are all starters now. Jonathan Stewart, Tim Hightower, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Steve Slaton have each had their moments.