Thoughts From The Couch
Need further proof the fantasy football season never ends? Check out these four expansive Revelations from Wild Card Weekend:

Philadelphia 26, Minnesota 14
What I Liked: Leave it to Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (300 yards, 1 TD vs. Minnesota) to eliminate all doubts about who's the Philly starter next season.
What I Loathed: Leave it to Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (181 total yards, 0 TDs) to eradicate all doubts on whether Minnesota should pursue Matt Cassel in free agency ... Brett Favre, via trade ... or draft Tim Tebow or Sam Bradford for next season.
What I'm Going To Remember on Fantasy Draft Day: Someone call my SI.com friend and colleague Jeff Ritter away from his next midweek oasis -- it's time to revamp his Top 10 overall list for the '09 draft. Brian Westbrook (131 total yards, 1 TD vs. Minnesota) seems like the redoubtable choice for No. 1 over Adrian Peterson (83 rushing yards, 2 TDs) -- regardless of the fantasy league format. Simply put, he's the bigger lock for more total yards/TDs next season.

Arizona 30, Atlanta 24
What I Loved: I cannot pinpoint exactly when he made the official transformation in '08 ... but Atlanta WR Roddy White (11 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD vs. Arizona) is a lead-pipe cinch for WR1 status in all fantasy leagues next season. In fact, I would not hesitate to snag White immediately after Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Marshall, Steve Smith, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and BEFORE Terrell Owens, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe, Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Chaz Schillens (sic).
What I Loathed: Outside of Michael Turner's pedestrian outing (49 total yards, 1 TD), I have zero complaints. Practically all of the marquee names posted substantial fantasy contributions.
What Made Me Laugh: While watching one of the numerous pregame shows leading up to Atlanta-Arizona, I chuckled when a talking head asked Falcons QB Matt Ryan about his 62-yard TD pass to Michael Jenkins wayyyyyy back in Week 1 ... and if it was really the greatest first pass by a rookie in NFL history? Whether intentional or not, the guy proffered the exact same point I raised from the Georgia Dome press box back on Sept. 7.
What I'm Going To Remember on Draft Day: Assuming Kurt Warner remains with the Cardinals, I would seriously consider taking the Pro Bowler ahead of Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb, Ben Roethlisberger and maybe even Tony Romo -- given his explosive weapons (Fitzgerald, Boldin, Steve Breaston, Tim Hightower, Jerheme Urban, etc.) and the fact Arizona will have no more than two cold-weather games (@ CHI, @ NYG) in '09 -- the kind of amazing fantasy luck in which Drew Brees experienced this year.

San Diego 23, Indianapolis 17 (OT)
What I Liked: If you're looking for a dissenting opinion on Darren Sproles' chances as a RB1 in fantasyland next year -- after signing with another club -- then you'll have to go elsewhere. Yes, Sproles (150 total yards, 2 TDs vs. Indy) does not have the "classic" size of a bruising back like Larry Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson or even Michael Turner (the Chargers' No. 2 back last year) ... but he might have a greater impact than Reggie Bush in '09 -- especially in PPR leagues.
What I Loathed: Sure, I could pick apart the mediocre outings of Peyton Manning (310 passing yards, 1 TD) and Philip Rivers -- just like I'll do for the QBs in the Baltimore-Miami snoozefest -- but do you think Rivers (230 total yards, 0 TDs) will actually post another lukewarm showing next week against the Steelers? No way! In fact, IF the Chargers are going to pull the moderate upset, they'll be attacking by air -- and not by land.
What Makes Me Sad: It's too early to tell if Marvin Harrison (3 catches, 20 yards vs. San Diego) will become a salary-cap casualty this offseason. But this much is true: His days of high-end viability in fantasyland are gone forever ... even if he lands with Kurt Warner and the Cards in '09 (pure speculation).
What I'm Going To Remember on Draft Day: Truth be told, I should make a concerted effort to grab one of the three premium tight ends -- Antonio Gates (8 catches, 87 yards vs. Indy), Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten -- early in the proceedings ... because I sincerely doubt Seattle's John Carlson will fall into my draft lap next season. Besides, there's no reason Gates cannot tally 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in '09.

Baltimore 27, Miami 9
What I Liked: Once a big-time skeptic of his fantasy staying power, I now believe Le'Ron McClain (75 rushing yards, 1 TD vs. Miami) could possibly equal or surpass this year's numbers (902 yards, 10 TDs) in 2009.
What I Loathed: From a fantasyland perspective, Chad Pennington (252 passing yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs) and Joe Flacco (9 completions, 135 yards, 0 TDs) had the stuff of subpar Canadian Football League QBs -- let alone NFL-playoff-worthy arms. But then again, it's not like anyone started these guys under any scenario or quirky fantasy format.
What Makes Me Laugh: No one drafts, develops and stocks No. 3 wide receivers like the Dolphins, who boast three superb slot-like pass-catchers in Ted Ginn (5 catches, 38 yards vs. Baltimore), Davone Bess (2 catches, 54 yards) and the injured Greg Camarillo. Too bad none of these guys could ever be the WR1 or WR2 necessary to become a championship contender.
What I'm Going To Remember on Draft Day: I'm happy to see that Ronnie Brown (6 catches, 62 total yards, 1 TD) proved to be a solid and highly underrated choice in survivor Points Per Reception leagues ... but there is no way I can justify taking him in the first three (or maybe four) rounds of standard-scoring or PPR leagues next August. Yes, his surgically repaired knee should be stronger in 2009, but I'd still rather have DeAngelo Williams, Ryan Grant, Larry Johnson or even Detroit's Kevin Smith over Run Ronnie Run.

I conceived my fair share of predictions for Wild Card weekend -- some that came through with flying colors ... and some that justified the Clicks haters' belief that I should be washing cars instead of penning long fantasy columns three times a week. Here's the rundown:

QB Rankings -- Wild Card
1. Kurt Warner (271 yards, 2 TDs -- solid pick here)
2. Donovan McNabb (300 yards, 1 TD -- another winning selection)
3. Peyton Manning (310 yards, 1 TD -- should have been No. 1)
4. Philip Rivers (230 total yards, 0 TDs -- rated one slot too high)
5. Matt Ryan (205 total yards, 2 TDs -- should be amazing next season)
6. Tarvaris Jackson (181 yards, 0 TDs -- just not good enough to be an everyday NFL starter)
7. Chad Pennington (252 yards, 4 INTs -- I was soooooo right here, it's scary)
8. Joe Flacco (143 total yards, 1 TD -- like he cares that he's fantasy roadkill in my world)

RB Rankings -- Wild Card
1. Adrian Peterson (83 yards, 2 TDs -- stellar pick here)
2. Michael Turner (49 total yards, 1 TD -- I keep forgetting the Cards' run D at home is OK)
3. Joseph Addai (72 total yards, 1 TD -- solid pick for a shaky talent)
4. LaDainian Tomlinson (25 yards, 1 TD -- this ranking preceded the 'detatched groin' talk)
5. Brian Westbrook (121 yards, 1 TD -- I hate myself for ranking him so low)
6. Darren Sproles (150 total yards, 2 TDs -- I commend myself for ranking him so high)
7. Ronnie Brown (62 total yards, 1 TD -- decent stats but should've scored 2 TDs)
8. Le'Ron McClain (75 yards, 1 TD -- I've finally learned NOT to doubt him)
9. Tim Hightower (23 rushing yards, 1 TD -- he'll be kryptonite in '09 PPR drafts)
10. Dominic Rhodes (12 total yards -- I correctly figured he'd be a dud)

WR Rankings -- Wild Card
1. Larry Fitzgerald (6 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD -- always an easy-as-pie choice)
2. Anquan Boldin (72 yards, 1 TD -- would've easily trumped 100 yards if no hammy injury)
3. Roddy White (11 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD -- the very definition of playoff "clutch")
4. Reggie Wayne (4 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD -- busted-coverage TDs always look great in fantasyland)
5. Vincent Jackson (zero catches -- a performance worthy of the back of milk cartons)
6. Bernard Berrian (2 catches, 36 yards -- the quintessential dud for the perfect team flameout)
7. Hank Baskett (1 catch, 7 yards -- not sure he even dressed for this game)
8. Steve Breaston (2 catches, 39 yards -- I'm surprised he met my low expectations)
9. Derrick Mason (4 catches, 71 yards -- he'll be ranked higher next week)
10. Davone Bess (2 catches, 54 yards -- how fitting ... I'm yawning while writing this line)

PK Rankings -- Wild Card
1. Ryan Longwell (0 field goals)
2. Nate Kaeding (1 field goal)
3. Dan Carpenter (1 field goal)
4. Matt Stover (2 field goals)
5. Jason Elam (1 field goal)
6. Neil Rackers (0 field goals)
7. Adam Vinatieri (1 field goal)
8. David Akers (4 field goals)

Five Guys Who'll Disappoint -- Wild Card
1. Joe Flacco (143 total yards, 1 TD, one victory -- judgment call)
2. Visanthe Shiancoe (1 catch, 7 yards -- the easiest call in the history of predictions)
3. Tim Hightower/Edgerrin James (105 combined yards, 1 TD -- let's call it a 'push')
4. Kevin Curtis (4 catches, 49 yards -- another spot-on prediction)
5. Chester Taylor (84 total yards -- kudos for outperforming my meager estimates)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have practically seen and done it all in the franchise's 33 years of existence (and I'm not just talking about the 26 straight losses in 1976-77) -- except play at Buffalo. But come next fall, the Bucs will make their first-ever trip to the Bills' Orchard Park home ... unless the NFL, and all its twisted irreverence, opts to move the Tampa Bay-Buffalo game to Toronto, the Bills' Canadian home away from home. At the very least, let's hope the league schedules the long-awaited matchup (at least for dorks like me) in December and not the late summer.

In a perfect world, you could have maximized this Magnificent Seven's potential in weekly "one-and-done" fantasy-playoff leagues:

1. Roddy White (11 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD)
2. Adrian Peterson (83 yards, 2 TDs)
3. Peyton Manning (310 yards, 1 TD)
4. Ronnie Brown (62 total yards, 1 TD)
5. Reggie Wayne (4 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD)
6. Anthony Gonzalez (6 catches, 97 yards)
7. Chester Taylor (84 total yards)

And in a lost world ... you foolishly placed your "Survivor" fate in the hands of seven studs (White, Peterson, Manning, Wayne, Ronnie Brown, Gonzalez and Taylor) who are no longer viable in playoff leagues where the nine starters are chosen -- in perpetuity throughout the competition -- before the NFL playoffs begin.

There's nothing like a second chance in life, and the same thinking applies to fantasy football, as well. SI.com presents the ultimate fantasy game for owners whose dreams of a fantasy title went unfulfilled in the regular season, or the greedy owners who simply covet two championships in the same year: Facebook's Postseason Fantasy Football.

This test of fantasy survival is like no other game you've ever played, but it'll call on your keen abilities to predict the future -- one NFL week at a time. Are you game? Are you savvy enough to bring your fantasy expertise to a whole new level? This is a golden opportunity to win a slew of fantastic prizes, along with getting one last shot at redemption after taking Tom Brady in Round 1 of your fantasy-league draft.

Switching gears to the land of hardwoods and soft perimeter defenses ... here are three substantial rotisserie lists for fans of NBA fantasy cross-pollination -- dating back to Dec. 5:

15.5 points per game, 5.1 assists
Chris Paul, Hornets
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Baron Davis, Clippers
Allen Iverson, Pistons
Brandon Roy, Blazers
Devin Harris, Nets
Joe Johnson, Hawks
Tony Parker, Spurs
Deron Williams, Jazz
Chauncey Billups, Nuggets
Derrick Rose, Bulls
Mike Bibby, Hawks
Stephen Jackson, Warriors
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Rodney Stuckey, Pistons

5.6 Rebounds/1.2 steals per game
Marcus Camby, Clippers
David Lee, Knicks
Paul Millsap, Jazz
Andris Biedrins, Warriors
Zach Randolph, Clippers
Nene Hilario, Nuggets
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Jason Kidd, Mavericks
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Andre Iguodala, 76ers
Kevin Durant, Thunder
LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers
Gerald Wallace, Bobcats
Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets
Al Harrington, Knicks
Chris Paul, Hornets
Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz

1.8 3-pointers made/84% Free Throws
Rashard Lewis, Magic
Jason Terry, Mavericks
Kevin Martin, Kings
Ray Allen, Celtics
Danny Granger, Pacers
Eddie House, Celtics
Vince Carter, Nets
Chauncey Billups, Nuggets
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Michael Finley, Spurs
Kevin Durant, Thunder
Andres Nocioni, Bulls
Nate Robinson, Knicks
Ben Gordon, Bulls
Rasheed Wallace, Pistons
Troy Murphy, Pacers
Marco Belinelli, Warriors

I would highly recommend grabbing these versatile specialists in deeper fantasy leagues:
1. Tyrus Thomas, Bulls (did you notice his eight blocks on Jan. 3?)
2. Ronnie Brewer, Jazz (perhaps the NBA's most underrated 2-guard in points, steals and FG%)
3. Daequan Cook, Heat (averaging 3.66 3-pointers in last 9 games)
4. Louis Williams, 76ers (scored double figures in 12 of last 13 games)
5. Jeff Foster, Pacers (seven 10-plus rebound games since Dec. 10)

I'm really steamed with an owner from one of my fantasy hoops leagues (he's currently in 7th place; I'm 3rd overall) -- and it's not necessarily because the insulting 3-for-3 offer was incredibly lopsided in his favor. (OK, maybe it has something to do with him wanting Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter and Andrew Bynum, while only yielding Brandon Roy, Raymond Felton and Zydrunas Ilgauskas in return.) No, Owner B's major breach of etiquette occurred when he offered Roy as the primary piece in the deal, knowing full well the Portland wunderkind will miss at least two weeks -- and possibly more -- due to a hamstring injury.

As a refresher course, here are the three unimpeachable rules for including (or excluding) injured players in trade talks:
1. An injured player (anyone out for at least 7-10 days) should never be the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal.
2. The injured player should only be the blockbuster centerpiece when the other owner initiates the discussions, saying something like, "I know Carlos Boozer is about to have arthroscopic surgery soon, but what would it take to get him from you?"
3. An injured star (like Golden State's Monta Ellis) can be the blockbuster centerpiece if he's already been out for a substantial amount of time ... but primed for an imminent return.

Yes, it's certainly possible (although highly unlikely) the other owner had no knowledge of Roy's injury or that he simply doesn't understand how to negotiate and execute a trade that benefits both parties. Either way ... Owner B has lost my respect and now belongs on my "Do Not Trade With" list of sworn fantasy enemies -- not unlike former President Richard M. Nixon's infamous list of antagonists.

I would highly recommend booting (or at least trading) these erratic duds in all fantasy leagues:
1. Carlos Boozer, Jazz (forget the 20.5 points and 11.7 boards, I would unload this injured diva for a Tier II PG right now)
2. Keith Bogans, Magic (wayyyyy too much talent to be borderline fantasy roadkill)
3. Jared Jeffries, Knicks (gawd-awful production for 30-plus minutes every night)
4. Chris Andersen, Nuggets (too many maddening periods of inefficiency in between double-doubles)
5. Charlie Villanueva, Bucks (when the scoring dips, his whole game tanks, as well)

OK, so this has nothing to do with fantasy sports, but were you aware that Mr. T, aka B.A. Baracus, aka Clubber Lang, aka Samson in D.C. Cab ... is currently starring in a "Wave of Flavor" late-night infomercial? Look, I know this isn't 1984 anymore, a time when Mr. T could pick and choose any role from an A-list movie that involved beating people up ... but still, there's nothing more disheartening than hearing an icon from my childhood utter the following phrase with a straight face: "I can't wait 20 minutes for flavorful chicken. I want my teriyaki right now!"